A Short Life by

Nicky Greenwall!

“A Short Life” by Nicky Greenwall is a gripping novel that explores the lives of six friends forever changed by two car accidents on the same night. One accident is fatal, and only two friends know the truth about what happened.

As secrets unravel, the story delves into themes of loyalty, guilt, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. The narrative is set against the backdrop of a twisting valley road, adding to the suspense and tension. Greenwall, a former TV presenter and entertainment journalist, brings her storytelling skills to this debut novel, creating a compelling and emotionally charged read. The book challenges readers to consider who they can truly trust when their lives are on the line.

We asked Nicky a few questions about the process of writing this novel, as well as any future work she has coming up.

Here they are:

 What was the process you underwent to get your book published?

I started writing novels in 2020. My first attempt was rejected by everyone I sent it to 😂 so I shelved it and in 2021 I enrolled in a series of online Curtis Brown Creative writing courses. (Alumni include Bonnie Garmus – Lessons in Chemistry, Jane Harper – The Dry, and Jessie Burton – The Miniaturist ) On the courses I developed A Short Life from start to finish. The book was picked up by Penguin Random House in 2022 after I sent in a submission. We began the editing process in 2023, and mid 2024 the book hit the shelves! It’s been a long journey, but I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m now so thankful the first book wasn’t published. In that sense, publishing is a bit like getting a tattoo; you want to make sure it’ll stand the test of time.

How did you come up with the idea to write this book?

I’ve experienced grief and loss (as have most people who get to my age) but I’d always been afraid to ‘go there’. On the online course I did with the writer David Nicholls he said that writers should always write about what preoccupies them. At the time I was preoccupied with the idea of lack of control. (It was mid COVID after all!) After I read Rumaan Alam’s brilliant third novel Leave The World Behind, I became more confident that I could write a thriller with a wider philosophical message.

Are there any potential relatable aspects to your book that readers may resonate with and if so, what are they?

I think it’s that none of us can control The Ending, right? None of us know how long our lives will be, or the lives of those we love the most. We have to live with that knowledge every day and find a place to put it. A Short Life’s central conundrum is; if you can love a parent, a partner, a friend and a child simultaneously – where will your loyalties lie when the people you love prove not to be on the same side?

Are there any avenues you wish to explore in your future writing that you may not have done yet or that you feel you have not done in-depth?

In my second novel I’m looking to revisit some of the experiences I’ve had working as an entertainment journalist. I’m hoping to find an entertaining way to show readers that the industry is all ‘smoke and mirrors’. It’s a murder mystery set at The Cannes Film Festival and it’s currently out on submission – so we’ll see!

What does the creative journey of writing a novel look like for you?

I think it was George Orwell who said, “Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout with some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.” I would say this accurately sums up my creative journey so far too! 😂 I will say that I have found peace with the issues that plagued me at the start of writing this book. My only hope is that the novel can offer the same comfort to readers.

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