(and Now She’s Coming With Us to Ridgemill Estate)
People love to talk about overnight success.
What they don’t love to talk about? The decades of grit, grief, rejection, side hustles, and persistence that happen before the spotlight finds you.
Author Emma Grey is proof that real success—the kind that’s earned, not handed over—comes from showing up again and again, even when no one’s watching.
A Long Road to Her Moment
Most readers know Emma from The Last Love Note, the novel that rocketed her into the international spotlight and touched readers around the world. Featured in Oprah Daily, Book of the Month, The Washington Post, and available in Target stores across the U.S., it was a huge moment—not just for Emma, but for Australian authors everywhere.
But behind that “breakout” moment is nearly four decades of writing.
Emma’s first book was Wits’ End Before Breakfast! Confessions of a Working Mum, published in 2005. She’s written YA novels, co-authored a self-help book, worked as a columnist, and even saw one of her novels adapted into a musical. All while navigating grief, raising three children, and squeezing writing into the cracks of her life.
Her most recent novel, Pictures of You, dives deep into coercive control and gendered violence—drawing on both personal experience and the powerful work of her daughter Hannah, a criminology Ph.D. student.
Emma writes with a rare kind of emotional courage—one that connects with readers in deeply personal ways. And she doesn’t just publish and vanish. She shows up. She answers messages. She remembers names. She talks to readers like they matter—because they do.
From the Page… to the Vineyard
We couldn’t be more excited to share that Emma Grey is officially joining us for our very first Book World Club Retreat at Ridgemill Estate this August, in partnership with StoryFest.
From the moment we launched Book World Magazine and Book World Club, Emma has been one of our biggest champions. She reached out, supported us, cheered us on, and made us feel like we weren’t building this alone. It feels full circle (and a bit magical) to now be heading into the next chapter of our journey with her by our side.
At Ridgemill, Emma will be sharing stories, chatting with readers, and joining us for an unforgettable weekend of books, connection, wine, and creativity under the stars.
Ridgemill Estate Winery Chalets
Why Her Story Matters
Emma’s journey isn’t just inspiring—it’s grounding.
It’s a reminder that:
• Publishing takes time.
• Rejection isn’t failure—it’s a sign you’re trying.
• Grief and creativity can coexist.
• Your “big break” might not come quickly, but it can come.
• And sometimes, your darkest seasons become the soil where your brightest stories grow.
We featured Emma’s full story in Issue 4 of Book World Magazine, and trust us—you’re going to want to read every word. Her vulnerability, wisdom, and humour come through on every page.
Read the full Emma Grey spotlight in Issue 4 of Book World Magazine
And if you’re already picturing yourself sipping wine at Ridgemill Estate with Emma this August… you’re not the only one.
Want to join us (and Emma) at Ridgemill Estate this August? Click here to find out more about the retreat.
Join the mailing list or follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop.
And Emma—if you’re reading this: we’re still pinching ourselves.
