For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Philip Miller to discuss his new novel 'The Hollow Tree', which will be published by Polygon Books on the 4th April.
It's the second in the Shona Sandison series of novels, following on from the critically acclaimed 'The Goldenacre', and Phil talks about the challenges of writing a sequel, the balance between writing something recognisable but new, the importance of first lines and grabbing readers' attention, the influences on the series, writing multiple characters, and what comes next.
They also discuss genre writing, the uncanny, small town dynamics, writing about home, Phil's other fiction, and much more, including the current situation in terms of the arts in Scotland, and its coverage in the media.
The Goldenacre was one of SWH!'s favourite books of 2022, and 'The Hollow Tree' among the most anticipated for 2024, and it was such a pleasure to be able to talk to the author himself.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com