© @emma.urlgs

At just 19 years old, Emma Uerlings. is already making waves in the literary world, proving that age is nothing more than a number when it comes to achieving your dreams. Not only is she navigating the rigors of university life, where she’s studying history at the University of Liège, but she’s also a published author who has captured the attention of readers with her debut novel, Catastérisme.

When I first heard about Emma, I was intrigued by the idea of a young woman balancing academic life with the intense dedication required for writing. So, I reached out to her, eager to learn about her journey—from the challenges she faced as a young writer to how she manages the delicate balance between school and her creative passion.

The Beginnings of a Writer

Emma’s story starts like many others: with a love for stories and a deep-seated desire to create. "I think I’ve always been drawn to storytelling," she tells me, as we beggin our conversation. "Ever since I was a little girl, I’d make up stories, whether it was about characters I invented or stories I retold in my own words." She recalls how, at first, she felt more comfortable creating within existing worlds. "I began writing fanfiction," she adds with a shy smile. "It was a way to practice without the pressure of having to invent everything from scratch. It was like dipping my toes into a creative pool before jumping in."

But Emma didn’t just stop there. At 18, she wrote and released her first novel, Catastérisme, a gripping tale that revolves around a group of students at an elite English school. This isn’t just another coming-of-age story. The novel dives deep into themes of trust, vulnerability, and the power dynamics that emerge when a mysterious new student introduces a dangerous game that could either bind or tear apart friendships and relationships. As the plot unfolds, the question becomes: How far will each of them go to keep their secrets hidden—and what happens when trust is broken?

The Writing Journey: From Struggles to Success

Despite the novel’s intricate plot and complex characters, Emma speaks about it with an unexpected calmness. "I guess I’ve always been interested in how trust works, how fragile it can be, and how easily it can be manipulated," she explains. "The characters in the book are all struggling with their own forms of trust—trusting others, trusting themselves—and the game is just a metaphor for life, really. We’re all playing games every day, whether we’re aware of it or not."

It’s clear that Emma doesn’t just write to tell a story—she writes to explore complex themes that challenge both herself and her readers. But how did she balance writing this intense novel while still completing her high school studies? "It wasn’t easy," Emma admits, a small laugh escaping her lips. "I had a lot of sleepless nights. I’d spend the days in class and then come home to write, usually in the evenings and sometimes into the early hours of the morning." She shrugs as if it was all part of the process. "But I think that’s what made it possible. Writing became a kind of escape for me. I could dive into the world I was creating and forget about everything else for a while."

Her commitment to writing paid off when the manuscript was accepted by a French publishing house, after being submitted to over 200 publishers. "I think the first time I got a positive response, I nearly passed out," she recalls with a smile. "You have no idea how many rejections I got before that. It’s easy to get discouraged, but I kept going because I really believed in the story." Emma’s persistence paid off, and Catastérisme was published, marking the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful career.

Connecting With Readers and Looking Ahead

But as anyone who’s ever dipped their toes into the publishing world knows, the journey doesn’t end with publication. For Emma, the most rewarding part of writing has been connecting with readers. "When people tell me that they relate to the characters, or that the story helped them in some way, it’s like everything I worked for was worth it. I didn’t just write a book—I created something that has touched people’s lives. That’s the dream."

While her first book was a significant milestone, Emma is already hard at work on her second novel. "I’ve learned a lot since I wrote Catastérisme" she says. "There are things I’d do differently now, like pacing and character development. But I think that’s what makes writing so exciting. You never stop learning." Her second book is already taking shape, and she’s excited about the direction it’s heading in. "It’s a different genre" she teases. "But it’s still about relationships, trust, and the complexities of human behavior."

Balancing Writing and University Life

Even with her rising success, Emma remains grounded and focused on her education. "Sometimes it’s hard to juggle both, but I make it work," she says. "I try to keep my writing separate from school, but sometimes the lines blur. I find myself writing during class breaks or using what I learn in history to shape the worlds I create in my books. It’s all interconnected." She smiles, clearly proud of the balance she’s achieved. "I think the key is being organized. You have to plan, prioritize, and make time for both."

A Bright Future Ahead

When I ask Emma about her future, she’s quick to respond. "I have big dreams. I’d love to be a full-time author one day, but for now, I want to keep writing, learning, and growing. There’s so much more I want to explore in my writing. And I’m just getting started." She pauses, as if considering the magnitude of her words. "I think the most important thing for me is to keep challenging myself, to keep pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. It’s only when we try something daring that we discover what we’re truly capable of."

As our conversation comes to a close, I can’t help but feel inspired by Emma’s drive and passion. At only 19, she’s already accomplished more than most people twice her age. But more than that, she’s doing it with authenticity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. I have no doubt that this is just the beginning of a long and successful career for Emma U., and I can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.

Want to speak about something precisely?

Just tell me, I'll (or we ?) write about it...

You might want to read...