Name . Emma Hornby

 

Age. 33

 

Where are you from . Bolton, England

 

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc  

I live with my fiancé, our three children and a demanding cat named Jerry.

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I signed a three-book deal last year with Transworld, Penguin Random House. My debut novel, A Shilling for a Wife, is out in paperback 4th May. Manchester Moll, my second saga, is also out the same day in eBook and hardback.

 

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I’v e always enjoyed writing. I began with poetry in my teens and eventually moved into fiction.

 


Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I first saw my work in print. It was a short story for a magazine – I was over the moon.

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

Researching my family history. I unearthed some fascinating people.

 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

My writing is gritty; I enjoy tackling dark and difficult subjects.

 

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

My agent. She thought it fitting and I agree wholeheartedly.

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

However hopeless life seems, there’s always something better waiting around the corner if you’ve the courage to go and find it.

 

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

The main hardships faced by my protagonist, Sally, is purely fictional, thankfully! Although I have used a few details from my family search with other characters (names, experiences, etc).

 

Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

Sagas set me on the road to where I am today. They bred in me the love of this fascinating genre.

 

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest and who  is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Sadly, I’m so busy writing, I don’t have as much time for reading as I used to. A favourite author of mine, however, has to be Catherine Cookson. Her books keep you gripped from the very first page. She was a born storyteller.

 

 Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Friends of writers’ groups helped me enormously. I learned so much and their encouragement meant the world.

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Oh definitely. I couldn’t image doing anything else, now.

 

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

They say a novel is never really finished, you just have to decide when to leave it alone! I’m happy with it.

 

Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I can recall making up stories in my mind from a very early age. In my younger days, I wrote poetry as a means of relieving stress. I suppose my love of the written word blossomed from there.

 

Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

I’m currently writing my third book, which tells the story of three orphans struggling to survive in the mean slums of Victorian Manchester. This book will be out February next year.

 

Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Historicals can be hard work. Sometimes, days and days of research is required for the tiniest detail, but it’s all worth it in the end.

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

I do much of my research from home. I have books on most subjects, and the internet is a treasure trove of information.

 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

My publisher. I just love them.

 

Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

The editing! I much prefer creating the piece but hey, the polishing moulds it into the finished product – it has to be done.

 

Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Mainly what a difficult lot and what so little rights women had in days gone by. Some of my research shocked me; I hadn’t realised just how tough life was for them. I’m glad we’ve moved on today!

 

Fiona: If any of your books was made into a film who would you like to play the lead

All authors like to dream we’ll someday see our work turned into film and when writing A Shilling for a Wife, I would picture Sally as British actress Anna Friel. She’d be perfect and is a fabulous performer.

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Do your research. I know all too well that burning need to hold your book in your hands, but don’t allow your impatience to sell yourself short. Read up on your genre. Hone your craft. Study the publishing world. And try and try again. Don’t lose faith. You can do this!

 

Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you. Truly. Without you, it’s just words on a page.

 

Fiona: What book are you reading now?

My own! I’m currently combing through my work in progress checking for inconsistences.

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Likely something by Enid Blyton.

 

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

Soppy black and white films.

 

Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?

I’d quite like to meet the Queen. I think she’d be rather lovely.

 

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?

I don’t mind so long as there are no grammatical mistakes in the inscription!

 

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?

I love genealogy. It’s surprising how close you become to people you’ve never known.

 

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I like a bit of everything really. Depends on my mood. I have a particular soft spot for old comedies (Carry On films, stuff like that).

 

Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music

Curry, Purple, Motown.

 

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

I wouldn’t mind running my own florist’s.

 

Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?

My website is currently under construction. However, I am on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmahornbyauthor/

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmmaHornbyBooks

 

A Shilling for a Wife, Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Shilling-Wife-Emma-Hornby/0552173231/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1492297743&sr=1-1

 

A Shilling for a Wife, Amazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/Shilling-Wife-Emma-Hornby/dp/0552173231/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1492297813&sr=8-1

Manchester Moll, Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manchester-Moll-Emma-Hornby-ebook/dp/B01JNZ6F38/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 

Manchester Moll, Amazon US:  https://www.amazon.com/Manchester-Moll-Emma-Hornby-ebook/dp/B01JNZ6F38/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 

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