CUMNOCK-BORN writer Emma Christie is known for producing gripping crime thrillers that simply don't let up. The author, who is currently tackling her third novel, has decided to change her writing routine considerably - by taking it out on the road!
"I've wanted to be a novelist for a long time. I worked as a journalist for The Press & Journal for five years before quitting my job in 2009. The idea was to take a year off, travel around Latin America and try to write a novel - but I've basically never gone back to work in an office," Emma says. "I wrote my first novel and got a literary agent for it, but it didn't get published. Then I wrote another book, but it still didn't get published!"
By 2016, Emma was living and working in Spain as a tour guide, but never gave up on her writing ambitions.
"I would do around eight to 10 tour guide trips a year which would pay for about seven to eight months of writing. When my third book went out to publishers, I basically distracted myself by working constantly, then after six months, I got an email from my agent saying you're never going to believe it - you've got an offer!"
The Silent Daughter was published by Welbeck in 2020 and went on to be shortlisted for a string of awards including The Mcllvanney Prize for the best Scottish Crime Book of the Year. The novel was followed up by the missing person thriller Find Her First last year.
Despite settling in Spain, Emma's passion for adventure has never quite been sated.
"I did my first campervan trip around the North Coast 500 with my girlfriend Mari and we both just loved it. When we got back to Barcelona, we bought a really terrible old van, then we bought another and another! I suppose with every new purchase, we've got a better vehicle, which has allowed us to stay away for longer.
Bu hikaye The Scots Magazine dergisinin September 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Scots Magazine dergisinin September 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
A Scot Going Places
Ayrshire lad Hugh Allan built a transport and finance empire in his adopted home of Montreal, and survived a political scandal
Into The Woods
Maverick Gary Munday is scaling new heights in conservation
Beavers By Moonlight
Once away from the shadow of the hill, Jim's infinite patience is rewarded with the memorable moment he has been waiting for
The World At Her Feet
With no women’s game at home, Rose Reilly helped Italy win the World Cup
FOCUS ON Aberdeenshire
Discover rugged beauty, hidden history, a load of lighthouses then enjoy an outdoor swim and make your own chocolate
Roots Of A Rock Star
Best-selling Scots band Texas may share a name with the US state but for lead singer Sharleen Spiteri, all roads lead to Glasgow
An Open Book
As it marks its 20th year, the warm and welcoming Borders Book Festival continues to showcase a dazzling roster of literary talent
It's Time To Give Back
The ambitious campaign aiming to restore our much-loved pathways
A Sense Of Closure
A trip to heavenly Tiree sees a return to the wild with true emotional purpose - and a vulnerable squirrel kit in tow
Blended By Bees
Perthshire flora adds delicate nuances to this honey liqueur-while offering a beleaguered species a helping hand