Interview with Julie Shackman - author of ‘Journey to the Scottish Highlands’
Release date: January 29th, 2026
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INTERVIEW
Tell us about Journey to the Scottish Highlands and how your personal experiences may have shaped this book?
It's all about a struggling actor Daisy Madden, who has to deal with the fallout from a scathing review of the TV drama she has appeared in and how she basically has to bounce back. There's messages about resilience, hope and being determined throughout the book, which my Mum was always advocating to my brother and me.
This story is dedicated to ‘dreamers or anyone who was ever made to feel small, unloved or insignificant.’ Your novel clearly highlights bullying and the damage it can cause. What lessons can we learn from Daisy and the young actress she mentors?
I was badly bullied at school but I do believe that experiences like that, do make you a stronger and more determined person and harden your resolve. You see that in the book with Daisy; she just keeps pushing, even though her dreams are being challenged and she steps up to send that same message to a young actress who she tries to help.
Describe Daisy, her position, family and what kind of person she is.
Daisy is talented, thoughtful, artistic and passionate. She was raised by her grandparents and has such a deep love and affection for them. They encouraged her love of acting and she's very grateful for that! .
What part did the journalist play in Journey to the Scottish Highlands and was he a difficult character to write?
Evan Lord was a great character to write! No only is he a talented and driven journalist, but he's gorgeous and has one of two secrets of his own! There's a will-they-won't-they dynamic between him and Daisy which will hopefully keep readers on their toes and itching to find out more!
What was the most fun scene to write in Journey to the Scottish Highlands and why?
I loved writing the whole story, but I had real fun with the scenes where Daisy spots a lost little lamb by the side of the road and much to Evan's horror, puts the little thing on his lap, so she can find where it belongs to. It was great, being able to further show Daisy's caring side and the humorous dynamic between Evan and her.
How important is the setting in this story and in your previous novels and why?
Setting is crucial. I think it reflects the characters and the story arc and almost becomes a character in its own right. At least that is what a lot of my readers have told me! Scotland is a safe haven for both of my main characters and that comes through.
If you had a chance to write in another genre, what would it be and give your reason?
Possibly a thriller. I think they engage the reader like romance does, with its twists and turns.
What do you think is unique about your writing style and current series that make your stories popular with readers?
I think readers feel part of the story and can visualize them in their heads. It's almost cinematic, with an escapist, romantic feel that you can lose yourself in.
Share your top two favorite books this year and what was special about them?
Two of my favorite reads this year, are Close Knit by Jenny Colgan and Long Story Short by Victoria Walters. Both books have such wonderful, vivid characters and raise a smile!
What was your most exciting writing experience/victory in 2025?
I think securing a brand new, two book deal for Books 12 and 13 with One More Chapter. That was wonderful!
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever used as a bookmark?
A hairgrip!
Are you working on a new writing project and can you share a little about it?
Yes, I've just finished writing the first draft of my next book, ,which will be winging its way to my agent after Christmas! It features a New York girl with Scottish connections, who wants to break into publishing....
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Thanks Julie for being my guest author today! We wish you well on the release of your new novel. Readers drop by Julie’s website.
