Gilly MacMillan

Gilly Macmillan is a bestselling author. Her first novel, What She Knew, was a Target pick, a LibraryReads pick, an Indie Next pick, an Edgar award nominee, and an International Thriller Writers award finalist. The Nanny was a Spring 2020 Richard & Judy WHSmith Book Club pick and To Tell You the Truth was named one of the best thrillers of 2020 by the New York Times.

Her books have been translated into over 20 languages. Gilly's latest novel, The Long Weekend, is published on 3rd February and is also available on our catalogue.

Who were your heroes as you were growing up and when did you first start writing?

My biggest hero was David Attenborough. He still is. But otherwise most of my heroes were writers. My mum was an English teacher, and our house was stuffed full of books. She took us to the library regularly. I read all the classics but also everything else I could get my hands on. I still read very widely. I didn’t think of trying to be a writer until I was in my early forties. It never occurred to me before then. I attempted to write fiction for the first time when my youngest child had just started school and I had a little bit of time to myself for the first time in years. A little bit of time is all you need to get started. That, and to read as much as you can.

Your first book, What She Knew, appeared in 2015. Now you are an established bestseller does the process of creating a new book become slightly easier or are you always pushing yourself to do something different?

I really wish it got easier every time! I suppose with each book you try to avoid making mistakes you’ve made before, but even if you do that, the challenge of creating new characters and a new world remains, as well as coming up with and wrangling a fresh and exciting plot. I try to push myself with each book, to do better, or to attempt something different. It’s challenging but it keeps me on my toes. While I’d love an easier life, I would be worried if I suddenly found writing undemanding because I want to do my best for my readers and for myself.

What does a typical writing day look like?

I spend at least half the day, usually morning, writing new material, or editing, depending on where in the publication cycle I am. This is the most creatively demanding work and there’s a limit to how much mental energy I have each day for it. I always prioritise it. I usually write in my home office with my dog at my feet and a cup of coffee to hand. After that, I attend to the less creatively demanding aspects of being a writer. I might do some research, or post on social media where I love connecting with readers and other authors, or I work on publicity requests or make sure my website is up to date. There’s always something to keep me busy.

Your latest novel is The Long Weekend. Can you tell us a little about it?

The Long Weekend is the story of three women who arrive for a weekend away at a remote house in Northumbria, only to discover a letter telling them that by the time they read it, one of their husbands will be dead. They can’t leave. There’s no phone reception or internet. Things spin out of control.

Where does the dark psychological stuff you write about come from? Do you read many books to research and inspire you or does it spring from an idea?

I get ideas from many places. My debut What She Knew was inspired by my own worst nightmare: for one of my children to go missing. I’ve also got inspiration from stories told me by friends or in the news, from true crime podcasts and documentaries. The Long Weekend is unusual in that its premise was inspired by a film, the 1949 romantic drama A Letter to Three Wives. It’s a great watch.

Bristol has been in the news a lot recently. What is it about your home city that makes it so interesting and creative and also a location for your books on more than one occasion?

Bristol is a brilliant city, bursting with life, culture and independent spirit as anyone reading the news about it will know. It’s a wonderful location for a novel for these reasons and also because it offers a variety of fantastic locations, ranging from the genteel Georgian architecture of smart Clifton Village to Stokes Croft, home of a famous Banksy and amazing street life, to the beautiful dockside and lots more. It’s always inspiring.

Pre-pandemic I used to go to a lot of in person literary events. What do a group of crime and thriller writers talk about when they disappear behind the curtain for lunch?

Haha! Great question. Of course, I’m tempted to say I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you but in actual fact it’s not that exciting. We’d likely discuss the progress of the books we’re currently working on, the challenges of a writing life, publishing industry news and gossip, our recent releases and how they have fared. We all live relatively isolated lives when we’re working so it’s always a thrill to get together with other writers and share experiences. What I can tell you is that there is never a dull moment!

Is there anything you can share with us about your latest project?

Not quite yet… I’m working hard on it and am excited to spread the word once it’s finished.

One book, piece of music or work of art that everyone should experience?

Just one! That’s so hard. Based on what I’ve been doing recently, please listen to Lacrimosa Dies Illa from Mozart’s Requiem, K.626. It’s sad but exquisite, and if you can, listen while you’re watching Come and See, a stunning, riveting and very necessary film which features the piece to incredible effect in its soundtrack.

Can you tell us one thing about yourself that your readers may not know?

My son Max has a role in BBC drama Call the Midwife playing Timothy Turner, the doctor’s son.