Interview With Author Phillius Butcher
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a London-based children’s author with one book so far—Born to Be Great. I write short, joyful read-alouds that help kids practise confidence, self-belief, and resilience with simple words they can say out loud. A lot of my motivation comes from the encouragement I wish I’d heard more often as a child. My hope is that families and classrooms use my books to start quick, meaningful conversations about inner strength and potential.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Born to Be Great. I wanted to give children easy, repeatable sentences—“I am brave. I can do hard things.”—that they can speak before school, on the pitch, or at bedtime. The book grew from my own journey and the belief that the right words, said often, can change the way a child sees themselves. (The eBook is FREE on Amazon 17–21 Nov 2025.)
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write alone in a quiet room—door closed, windows open for a cool breeze—with relaxing music in the background. That calm helps me focus and keep the tone warm and steady.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Grace Byers (I Am Enough), Peter H. Reynolds (The Dot), Charlie Mackesy (The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse), Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You’ll Go!), and Carol Dweck’s Mindset. I love books that are simple to read, big in feeling, and easy to use with kids.
What are you working on now?
A small Classroom Confidence Pack to pair with Born to Be Great (poster, Daily Belief Challenge, and a one-page Educator Note). I’m also outlining new affirmation-led stories around trying again, positive thinking and being kind to yourself when things are hard.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Posts in parent/teacher Facebook groups, WhatsApp school chats, and quick Instagram Reels/TikToks showing page flips with one line kids can repeat. Author promo sites like AwesomeGang help a lot too because they’re simple for readers and teachers to share.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for one real child and make a single promise with your book. Read your pages out loud until they sing. Launch with a small free resource for teachers—it turns a book into something they can use this week.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write the book you needed at seven.” And: “Make it so simple a tired parent can use it at bedtime.”
What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading As a Man Thinketh by James Allen. It keeps me centred on mindset and personal responsibility.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m creating the audiobook for Born to Be Great—recording, polishing the performance, and lining up distribution.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
As a Man Thinketh — James Allen
The Magic of Thinking Big — David J. Schwartz
The Four Agreements — Don Miguel Ruiz
The Alchemist — Paulo Coelho (a story with the same “mindset” spir
Author Websites and Profiles
Phillius Butcher Amazon Profile
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