Meet Paul S. Edwards

Every Friday, we meet a member of the BFS and peer deep into their soul (or, at least, a form they filled out). Want to be featured? Email us: online@britishfantasysociety.org

Name: 
Paul S. Edwards (he/him)

Which region are you based in? 
Cheshire / Merseyside (North West)

If you write, which genre?
Sci-fi 

Are you drawn to any specific SFFH sub-genres?
I think I am largely drawn to what would be described as Space Opera, grand science fiction with a realistic bent to it. Sort of at the edge of what is described as Hard Sci Fi but not afraid to create technology or bend science if the story needs it.

Your influences

Tell us about the book/film/thing that got you into SFFH: What was it? How old were you? What impact did it have on you?

I don’t think it was one particular thing, though in terms of a ‘thing’ for someone of my age it was of course Star Wars. I was about 4 or 5. Every child had Star Wars figures and vehicles. Book-wise, while Dune was important, in terms of day to day reading and influence the Target novelisations of Doctor Who were so important because you could get them from the library, they were cheap to buy, and there were over 100 of them. There were few repeats back then and I maintain that I enjoyed Doctor Who more using my imagination to interpret the books than if I had seen the show with its dodgy effects and acting!

How does that early influence show up for you (in life/writing/agenting/publishing/editing/reading) now?

I think the scale of those universes ignited my imagination. It made me realise that I don’t need to be tied to any set of rules in order to create.

Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?

It can come from anywhere. The first idea of a character I had for the Triton Run (my forthcoming novel) was a story on the BBC years ago about a pilot who delivered small planes across the world, going beyond their safety limits and distances. I wondered how it might if that existed in the future.

More recently I find I am using parallels with the crazy stuff that is going on in our world.

Who do you look to as a genre hero? Why?

Alastair Reynolds. I had always wanted to be a writer, but real life got in the way. It was reading Revelation Space that kickstarted my determination. And because his books are so damn good.

Your Work

You’re stuck in an elevator for 60 seconds with that hero, and they want you to describe your work. Give us the pitch.

My work is definitely not literary, but accessible. It’s designed to be easy to read, with a great pace to it. The plot must be good; the journey is more important than the use of fancy words. I also like set pieces, or scenes that make the reader go ‘wow’. Characters are all flawed, like in the real world we all carry our fears and ghosts.

What are you working on right now?

The sequel to the Triton Run, which is due out in March 2026 from Northodox Books. Then it’ll be back to two other once-finished books for a rewrite.

Thinking about all the stories/work you’ve done, what sticks out most in your mind? Why?

In terms of stories, it’s when I come up with a cool idea, like using the space elevator in the Triton Run. However, in terms of writing what keeps coming back to me is how tough the industry is. And for that reason I am delighted that Northodox books took a chance on me. No matter how good you are, the odds on getting published are slim, but it’s great there are now so many more indie presses and being self-published is a realistic and potentially profitable option.

Where and when do you create/are you at your most creative?

Anywhere and anytime. With a busy job and family life, it’s important to grab any spare moment I can. I tend to get ideas all day long and constantly email myself to remind me to insert X or Y later. I can write on my phone anywhere, and it’s only really for the final edits that I need to be at the computer.

What’s the best advice you’ve received about creativity?

I tend to steer clear of self-help or advice books generally. They are often written by those who actually aren’t that successful. Exceptions to that would be Stephen King’s book On Writing. I think, however, overall it’s the idea that one needs to get something down because you can’t edit or improve a blank page!

And in terms of general advice – keep going.

What’s your writing soundtrack?

It can be anything, but there has to be noise. However, if I am ever stuck, writing in bed with headphones on, then it’s the soundtrack to Star Trek: The Motion Picture.

The Quickfire Round

Sci-fi, fantasy or horror?
Sci-Fi

Quiet or loud?
Loud

Dark or light?
Dark

Strict lines or genre blend?
Strict

Awards or bestseller?
Can I not say both? If pushed, bestseller. I want to write forever, so if it helps pay some bills I can do more of it!

Fiction or non-fiction?
Fiction

Poetry or prose?
Prose

Plotter or pantser?
Pantser (though I have an instinct as to where I am going)

Reading or listening?
Reading

Notebook or computer?
Neither, but I use my phone or iPad as a notebook, I guess.

Favourite SFFH book of all time?
The Riverworld Series by Philip Jose Farmer

Last book you read?
Hyperion 

Any SFFH author on auto-buy?
Gareth L Powell

Favourite podcast?
Writers Routine

(Image source here)

The Home Stretch

What’s the best thing about being part of the SFFH community?

It’s largely a safe space, save for a few pockets, and most people are just supportive. There feels like no real competition. When one of us wins, everybody wins.

Beyond that, it was discovering a writing group. They’ve been incredible at highlighting the good and bad in my work and how I can (and will) improve.

Time to plug your stuff! Where can we find you and your work? What have you got coming up? Consider this your advertising space.

Online, I am at paulsedwards.com and on Twitter at @LovelessAge. 

My debut novel, The Triton Run, is out from Northodox on 20 March 2025 in paperback and ebook; details are here. It’ll also be available on Amazon and Waterstones in due course.