Emma was born in the medieval city of Norwich, England, a UNESCO City of Literature famous for being both the birthplace of the 14th century mystic and first woman to write a book in English, Julian of Norwich, and also the fictional home of Steve Coogan’s Alan Partridge, two factors which appear to have exerted an equal influence on her authorial voice. She studied English Literature at Oxford University where she specialized in Austen, and went on to work as an actress in theatre and television.
Her book You Are Elizabeth Bennet is being published by Faber in October 2025 to coincide with the international celebrations of the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth.
Emma currently lives in Los Angeles with her two daughters, Eliza and Amelia, and labradoodle, Wally.