Interview with Jad Phillip, Author of The Jade Necklace (The Chosen and the Cursed Book 1)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Jade Necklace (The Chosen and the Cursed Book 1)?

I’ve always loved fantasy. I grew up watching Star Wars, which is fantasy and not sci-fi ! I’ve always been drawn to stories about heroes, about hope, about something bigger than ourselves. But I started noticing that those stories almost always centered around characters from the US or the UK. And I thought, why? Supernatural stories can unfold anywhere. Magic doesn’t belong to just one place, and neither does love. I wanted to create a world where someone from a different background — someone who maybe hasn’t always seen themselves in books — could still be the hero, fall in love, and be part of something epic. The Jade Necklace was born from that need for representation, and from the belief that everyone deserves a place in the fantasy genre.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Jade Necklace (The Chosen and the Cursed Book 1), what would they be?

For Robin, it has to be “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. It’s haunting, romantic, and full of longing — just like him. After a thousand years of loneliness and indifference, he’s finally falling for someone… and it terrifies him more than any curse ever did.

For Clara, I’d choose “Titanium” by David Guetta and Sia. She’s been through fire — literally and emotionally — and this song reflects her strength. She may not fully understand her powers yet, but her spirit? Unbreakable.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Definitely fantasy — especially big, epic stories with high stakes, magic, and characters who grow into heroes. I don’t necessarily seek out romance as a genre, but I can’t stand a story that doesn’t have at least some romance in it. That emotional tension, the push and pull — it adds so much depth. That said, I’m also not a fan of stories that are only about romance. I need the worldbuilding, the danger, the purpose beyond just falling in love. I guess I like my stories like I like my coffee: a little too sweet, with just enough strength underneath to keep me hooked.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Definitely the moment Robin first meets Clara — when the whole world just stops. She’s in serious danger, and his revenge is right there for the taking… but then he sees her. I won’t spoil how it goes down, but let’s just say: my heart almost stopped the moment he laid eyes on her. Writing that scene felt electric — everything changed for both of them in an instant, and I think readers will feel it too.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I definitely do a lot of walk-writing, gym-writing, jog-writing… mentally, at least. I’m constantly building scenes in my head while moving — it helps me stay in the zone and figure out tricky plot moments. And when I actually sit down to write, I’ve made it a habit to reward myself with little treats after finishing a chapter. Chocolate, coffee… or something a little naughty. Whatever keeps the inspiration (and motivation) flowing.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Everybody deserves a second chance. Whether it’s in life, love, or even after making a terrible mistake — I believe in redemption. People are complicated, messy, and sometimes deeply flawed… but that doesn’t mean they’re beyond hope. That idea finds its way into everything I write

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That no one is ever just one thing. People can be broken and still worthy of love. They can make mistakes and still deserve forgiveness. Power doesn’t come from being perfect — it comes from surviving, choosing to try again, and learning to love the parts of yourself you once feared.

Jad Phillip is the author of the new book The Jade Necklace (The Chosen and the Cursed Book 1)

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