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Edinburgh woman’s debut novel attracts worldwide interest
The debut novel by an Edinburgh businesswoman is attracting interest from around the world.
What if..? celebrates modern womanhood and is the culmination of a project started by Claire Burns more than 20 years ago as she sailed around the Greek islands with her husband.
Both qualified skippers, they had sold their house, to live on a 35-foot sailing yacht.
Drawing from Claire’s own experiences during those six months at sea, the book centres on the character of Rachel Logan and her quest to find the strength to take control of her destiny.
After finishing the Mediterranean adventure, Claire and her husband moved to Edinburgh in September 2001, and becoming a mum to three boys saw her pause the book idea.
Last year, though, she returned to the project and her recently published novel is now attracting sales from as far afield as Japan and the US as well in the UK:
“I just love writing and was determined to finish what I had started all those years ago,” said Claire, a UX designer in the city: “I believe Rachel’s story is as relevant today as ever. She is a strong, empowered woman who seeks to take control of her life but grapples with vulnerability and confusion − a theme that resonates deeply with me.
“Women often face the challenge of questioning their direction while feeling unsupported or pigeonholed. I feel that the journey of staying true to oneself while overcoming self-doubt needs to be told. This isn’t a story about finding a prince or winning the lottery. It’s not about being saved; it’s about looking within and finding the emotional resilience and courage to choose your own path.
“It has been great getting this book published, and all being well, there will be at least one or two more to follow when I can find the time!”
Published by CFB Publishing, What if..? is available in hardcover (ISBN No: 978-1068711923) priced £14.99, paperback (ISBN No: 978-1068711909) priced £9.99 and Kindle format (priced £5.99) on Amazon.

Image: Claire Burns