Welcome to the Fiction of Emily Bump Girard
I write layered, emotionally honest novels set in the fictional Appalachian town of Radiant, Virginia—a place where recovery is possible, relationships are complicated, and memory has a long reach.
My characters are everyday people navigating extraordinary grief: a grandmother raising her grandson after her daughter’s death, a lawyer in recovery risking everything for a kid who reminds him of himself, a ghost watching the living try to heal.
My stories are for readers who love books that make them feel: hope, ache, tenderness, and transformation.
I’m currently seeking representation for my second novel, A Thousand Ways to Say I’m Sorry.
I love hearing from readers, writers, and fellow mountain dwellers.
You can email me directly at emily.girard.writer@gmail.com
Want to know more about me? Read my bio.
The Radiant Novels
Three standalone novels set in Radiant, Virginia—a fictional Appalachian town where recovery is hard-won, violence is never simple, and grace arrives in unexpected forms.
Coming Next From Radiant
When Molly Waters returns to Radiant after nearly a decade away, she hopes to disappear quietly into the refuge of Swanson Home.
But small towns remember everything.
POSTS from
A Piece of Radiant
In each of my novels, including my work in progress, the river in Radiant is much more than a piece of scenery. It’s a living thing, a character. Andy goes…
Keep reading
The Power of Returning
I used to think pushing through, finishing something even when it hurt, meant I was strong. Now, I think coming back to it—after tending to myself—means I am. In work,…
Keep reading
Suddenly Summer
When you work nights, it’s hard to appreciate the gradual onset of spring in the Valley. Driving home as the sun peeks over the mountains, the trees offer brief glimpses…
Keep reading
Summer’s Promise
It’s a cold morning. Colder than it should be. After two weeks of warm days, it feels like winter is trying to claw its way back in. I don’t like…
Keep reading
Dog Days: She’s Back!
It’s been a long couple of months for William. Mama’s been stuck in her recliner, knitting, watching Law & Order on repeat. Not much creativity these days. Not that it…
Keep reading
Through the Fog
It’s been a long time. Too long. I gave myself the month of January to decompress from writing. No pressure to draft even one sentence. Three novels in one year.…
Keep reading
Sandcastles at Sunset
On Building, Letting Go, and Why We Create Anyway Even with the flu, the beach over the holiday was magical. I sat in the sand, aching from head to toe,…
Keep reading
Three Novels, One Desk
Three Novels, One Desk Reflections on a Literary Journey I took all three of my novels to Staples this week and printed them. Now they’re a small mountain of paper…
Keep reading
The Shortest Day
The winter solstice occurred while we were at the beach. The shortest day, the longest night. The rebirth of the sun, taking back the day minute by minute until June…
Keep reading
Book Three is DONE!
Book Three is DONE! (So why don’t I feel anything?) Just last week, after suffering for two weeks with the flu (during my much-needed beach vacation over the holidays), I…
Keep reading
Birthday Girls and Cheerleaders
I officially have no minor children—my baby is eighteen. It feels impossible, the overnight transition to adulthood for this child who’s always been my shadow. But she’s a grownup now.…
Keep reading
Dog Days: Christmas Sweaters!
Today was a big day at the Girard house! Another snow day—day four and counting of no school for Marcy. (She’s still in bed.) But the weather didn’t prevent the…
Keep readingSomething went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Visit more of Radiant:
Want to stay connected? Get new reflections from Radiant straight to your inbox.
All photos © Emily Bump Girard, taken in the Shenandoah Valley