Harborough author moved at response to latest novel exploring themes of addiction, abuse and hope
An author from Market Harborough says she has been moved at the response to her latest novel which explores themes including addiction, abuse and hope.
Emma Ollin has released Drowning in Reckless Lies as an eBook on Amazon, with a paperback version due to follow shortly.
Emma describes the book as “an emotionally charged psychological drama that explores domestic abuse, alcoholism, trauma, mental health and recovery.”
The book has been eight years in the writing, as Emma balanced completing it with family and work commitments.
However, she said she was given renewed purpose to complete it when her mum died earlier this year.
“Although the book has only just been released, I've been overwhelmed by the support surrounding it,” Emma said.
“I think the themes of mental health, grief, addiction and hope are conversations many people are ready to have, and that's exactly why I wanted to write it.
“People have been incredibly kind and encouraging, and I've had so many messages from people saying they're looking forward to reading it because of the subjects it explores.
“Mental health affects so many people, and if this story helps even one person feel less alone or encourages a conversation, then it's done what I hoped it would.”
Emma added that after losing her mum she questioned whether she could continue writing saying: “Finishing this novel became something I needed to do.
“Writing gives me somewhere to put my emotions when I can't always find the words in everyday life.
“It quietens my thoughts and grief when they become overwhelming.
“I know my mum would have been incredibly proud to see the book out in the world.
“It makes me incredibly sad that I can't tell her it's finally been published.”
Drowning in Reckless Lies follows the character of Matt Jones, who appears strong to everyone around him while secretly battling addiction, shame and an abusive marriage.
Emma says she hopes the novel will encourage conversations around addiction, domestic abuse and men’s mental health, while reminding readers that recovery is possible.
When the Harborough Mail spoke to Emma in 2021 she was juggling looking after four children, working two jobs and writing, however she told us that life is now a little less hectic.
“Life is still busy, but it's a different kind of busy now,” Emma said.
“It's a little less chaotic than it was in 2021 because the children are older and I now only have one job, with weekends and school holidays off.”
Emma is showing no signs of slowing down on the writing front, as she is currently preparing a reworked edition of teenage novel The Skater Boy and is planning a self-help book for mums.