Breathless is a high-concept thriller with a terrifying mountaintop setting from a uniquely experienced author. Amy McCulloch is an expert mountaineer, and is particularly pioneering as a female climber: she is the youngest Canadian woman ever to summit Mt Manaslu. In this Q&A with her, she chats about setting a thriller novel on a mountain, writing from experience and where she draws her inspiration from.
Where did the idea for Breathless first come from?
When I started mountaineering, I knew one day I’d have to write a book about it. There was a story there; I just didn’t know what it was. A few weeks into my expedition to Manaslu, I realised that the mountain was a perfect setting for a thriller – the isolation, the curious cast of characters, the danger lurking around every corner. The closer I got to the death zone, the more I walked that line between life and death. If one thing went wrong – a ladder slipped, my safety line came undone, the weather turned – I could lose my life. It was very scary but also perfect fodder for the story. Once I realised that, the novel really seemed to write itself.
How important were your own experiences of climbing in shaping the character of Cecily, and her outlook on the expedition?
Hugely important. I’d only been mountaineering for a couple of years when I climbed Manaslu, so I tapped into those feelings of imposter syndrome and worry to write Cecily’s character. But I also wanted to make sure that I captured the sense of wonderment and awe; the reason I love climbing in the mountains so much. Cecily’s journalist instincts and keen eye were the perfect vehicle for that.
How have you found writing during the pandemic? Has it changed your approach or routine?
Oh boy, it’s been a long two years of the pandemic! When it first started, I found that it didn’t change my routine too much – I was still able to work from home, although I was cut off from my beloved coffee shops! I felt lucky to have Breathless to work and focus on. Once I’d finished that, however, I did find it difficult to write the next book – especially as I worried how the pandemic would affect the launch and book sales in general. Also, I often get inspiration from my travels, so it has really affected me not to be able to go out and explore like I normally would.
“I wanted to make sure that I captured the sense of wonderment and awe; the reason I love climbing in the mountains so much.”
You’ve previously written a series of successful YA novels. Was there anything you found surprising about the writing process for your debut adult thriller, in comparison to your process for your other books?
I think I was surprised by how nervous I was to have my agent and trusted author friends read my first adult novel! I love YA and feel very comfortable in that world, so it felt like quite a scary leap to try a new genre and age group. But I also feel so connected to this book – like this has been the novel I’ve been waiting to write. So in many ways, it flowed much easier because of it.
How would you describe Breathless, in three words?
Death Zone Murder.
Lastly, can you give us any clues about what to expect from your next book?
I want to continue to write adrenaline-fuelled thrillers set in extreme nature – for my next book, we’re headed to Antarctica during the austral summer and endless daylight. How can you run from an enemy that never sleeps?
Watch this video of Amy McCulloch speaking about her book, Breathless:
Breathless is out now. Read an extract >>
