I write crime fiction that packs a punch. I have two series - a Manchester police procedural introducing DS Kevin Coupland. Kevin is the wrong side of forty, overweight and overworked, battling the powers that be as he tries to get on with his job despite the bureaucracy going on around him. Readers have described the series as a realistic portrayal of overworked police and conflicting priorities, based around characters they identify with and like.
Emma Salisbury
My Edinburgh gangland series follows Davy Johnson, a just out of jail anti-hero as he battles against the establishment to prove his innocence following an altercation with a rogue cop.
I discovered gardening last year and am completely hooked. I have totally redesigned my garden and sunny days will find me planting up a border when I should be editing!
Self-publishing on Amazon was the best career move I ever made. In June last year I received an Amazon ‘All Star’ award for being one of the most-read authors on Amazon in the UK.
I met with best-selling crime fiction author Ed James through a mutual friend. He gave me some top advice when I started on the self-publishing route, and made me realise it was possible to earn a living doing what I love.
I’m addicted to chocolate. I mean, I seriously addicted. Shoes and bags are great and what girl doesn’t like them but chocolate is a whole level above all that. I usually reward myself a little treat late afternoon if I’ve hit my word count, and always give myself a reward in the evening whether I’ve earned it or not! A glass of fizz doesn’t go amiss either…
Even though I’ve made Scotland my home I am a Manchester girl at heart and when I’m channelling Coupland I play Oasis and James to get me in the right mind-set, with a little Johnny Cash if I want to darken the mood a little.
When I’m not writing I love to cook, especially if it’s for someone special. I can’t do any of the fancy presentation stuff but if it tastes good I’m happy.
I love to eavesdrop. That’s often where I get some of my best ideas, hearing half a story and making up the other half. People have no idea how much information they give away talking into their mobile.
Being a crime fiction writer has its challenges. I love going for walks but instead of seeing beauty spots I often see potential burial grounds! Luckily friends have got used to my warped view of the world.
ABSENT, my fourth DS Coupland book, is to be published on 19 May, and is available to pre-order from Amazon now.
