In This Together Q&A | Christian White

Festival month has arrived! But before the Festival officially kicks off, we want to introduce you to some of the participants who have travelled from near and far to discuss their books, writing and ideas with us. Throughout this Q&A series, get to know favourite and unfamiliar writers and consider the 2025 theme, In This Together.

Meet master of the unexpected Christian White, whose latest crime fiction novel The Ledge weaves a web of secrets.

What do you love about genre writing?

Genre gives you a roadmap, but readers know that map too, which makes it even more fun to subvert their expectations and take them somewhere unexpected. I enjoy messing with people’s heads. 

While you’re writing, are you ever surprised at where a story arrives? 

Always. I usually start with what feels like an airtight plot, but once I'm on the page, the characters take over and lead me to much more interesting places. I’ve learned to trust them, even when it’s frustrating.

What’s on your TBR pile now?

I’ve just started All the Colours of The Dark by Chris Whitaker. I was hooked from page one and I’m lucky enough to be doing a panel with him at the Festival.

What is the first book you remember reading?

Shadow the Sheepdog by Enid Blyton.

What book do you wish you could read for the first time again?

The Beach by Alex Garland. I reread it every summer, but I still remember the feeling of discovering it for the first time.

What do you hope readers take away from your work?

I'd love for readers to feel surprised and moved, but honestly, my main goal is simple: I want to entertain and offer an escape.