Stand Up Guy brings together several things that I love in life: the wonderful city of Edinburgh, stand-up comedy, writing (I especially enjoy creating the banterous dialogue between my characters) and, of course, love itself. There are few things in this world that are as natural and beautiful as two people falling head over heels for each other, and this book continues a theme I’ve threaded through my other published novels, which is that everyone deserves to have love in their lives (even Sal, though I think she needs to work on herself a bit first).
When I started writing Stand Up Guy, I was really excited by the concept of a ‘meet cute’ between an Edinburgh citizen and a visiting comedian – that was, until I realised I’d have to write some stand-up comedy. The idea that someone might read it and say ‘Pah! That’s not funny at all!’ was quite daunting. But then someone close to me pointed out that, of course there would be people who didn’t find it funny, just like not everyone likes the same books or movies or even stand-up comedians. That made me feel a whole lot better.
As well as having comedy at its heart – quite literally in this case – and like all of my published novels so far, Stand Up Guy includes some more poignant themes that are reflective of real life. This time: loneliness and bullying. I won’t labour the point here, but I do want to mention that these are areas that I have personal experience with, and I expect that there are many others out there who can relate. What I wanted to do was cover these topics in a way that might help my readers get a glimpse of what it feels like to be in a situation such as Lea’s – perhaps even get a sense that they’re not alone if they’re experiencing something similar – while keeping the tone light enough to create a humorous and uplifting read.
My home city of Edinburgh really is such a beautiful canvas for my books. I feel quite lucky to have it at my fingertips, and I especially enjoyed building this story around the events of the Fringe. Edinburgh’s festivals bring such a vibrant atmosphere to the city, it was always a no-brainer that that setting would eventually feature in one of my novels. However, what you can never plan for as an author, is changing circumstances, especially in the turbulent times we live in. What I discovered once this book was already written, was that the iconic end of festival fireworks that – prior to the COVID-19 pandemic – were always the big finale, have sadly been discontinued after forty years. Having already written them into my book as part of one of the story’s own climatic moments, I now see this content as a bit of a tribute to them.
Anyway, enough of my ramblings. I’ll get to the point, which is the long list of people I owe grateful thanks to.
At the top of that list, as always, is my husband, James. I can’t thank you enough for… well, being you (just as Shep says to Lea). You don’t just support me with my writing, you truly are my everything, as well as the most selfless and caring person I’ve ever met. I would honestly be lost without you.
Another family member I’d like to give a great big thank you to is my sister-in-law, Angela, who helped me make the character of Shep more authentic. I also apologise, once again, for bombarding you with multiple lists of words and phrases and expecting you to play the role of Northern Irish thesaurus. Thank you also to my mum and dad and the rest of my wonderful family, who are still enthusiastically supporting me in my writing journey. You lot are the best!
To the wonderful publishing professionals without whom my books wouldn’t make it into the big wide world – my agent, Kate Nash, and my editor, Emily Bedford. A huge thank you to you both for continuing to support me and help me grow as a writer, and for flying the flag for my writing. Also, to Thanhmai Bui-Van, Kate Shepherd and the rest of the team at Canelo. Publishing really is a team effort and everything you do is so appreciated.
Next up are my brilliant author buddies: Andie Newton, Fiona Leitch and Sandy Barker. I really do wonder sometimes if I’d get through this whole writing and publishing business without you. You’re there for the highest highs and the lowest lows. You’ve bolstered my confidence, helped me during multiple moments of indecision, answered my daft questions and picked me up off the metaphorical floor more times than I can count. For all of that and so much more, thank you.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you goes to all my fabulous friends, colleagues and readers who continue to support me. Writing is something of a lonely business so it helps immensely to have you cheering me on.