Emme Gordon

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I live in Madras with my French wife and our two young boys. During the day, I clock time in a cubicle, pretending to code software. In the gloam of twilight, while the world readies to sleep, I transform into a dreamer who indulges joyously in a universe of make believe.

When and why did you start writing books?

I began my first novel 'Double Crosser' in late 2010 - which makes it ten years ago! It had been a childhood dream to write a novel. And finally, I decided to get it done.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I've always enjoyed reading and writing. So when my early attempts at writing met with some positive feedback from friends and followers, I was encouraged to do more.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Well, until now 'Double Crosser' is my only book - so I guess it'll have to be my 'favourite' for the moment. And though I love all my creations alike - Krish, and Frank, and Benjy and Sara, and Walter - my favourite would be the irrepressible Michael.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

'Double Crosser' - and that's because I'm a kind of perfectionist who isn't happy until each 'i' is dotted and every 't' is crossed. So I took a year over the first draft, then revised it twice over the next few years - and finally did a complete overhaul and rewrite of the story earlier this year.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Laura Hillenbrand's 'UNBROKEN' ranks among my all-time favourites - though I have at least four dozen others.

What book are you reading right now?

I'm re-reading Isaac Asimov's "A Choice of Catastrophes" along with Shari Lapena's 'Not a Happy Family'

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

It's a combination of intriguing current events (I wonder, how would it be if there was a scene like this in my book?) and interesting sequences or lines of thought set off from reading other stories or magazine articles.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I read a lot. Go on long walks with my wife and boys. Travel to interesting places - though the pandemic has put a halt to that globetrotting.

Do you have any new books in the works?

I'm outlining notes for a sequel to 'Double Crosser' which continues the adventures of some of the characters in 'Whistle Blower'. It's early days, but I have a skeleton of the story done and a few chapters written. So hopefully it won't be ten more years before it's ready to launch!