Soho Crime, Ungelbah Dávila-Shivers

Ramona Emerson, author of “Shutter”

There’s an old adage for writers: write what you know. For her debut novel, author Ramona Emerson drew on an earlier career as a forensic videographer and photographer.

In “Shutter,” the main character, Rita, has that same job with one significant difference: she sees the ghosts of crime victims.

Emerson lives in Albuquerque and is also Diné. Her culture, and that of her main character, also play a major role in the book.

Emerson spoke with The Show about how much Rita is based on her earlier career and more.

More stories from KJZZ

• Mexican mother on quest for vengeance against cartel in 'Fear is Just a Word'
• 'We're living cultures': U.S. poet laureate used platform to highlight more Indigenous writers