Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella is the author of eight number one bestselling novels including the fabulously popular Shopaholic series as well as the number one bestsellers Can You Keep A Secret?, The Undomestic Goddess, Remember Me?, and Twenties Girl.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration from all around me. I love to sit in coffee shops and just take in the chatter.

Describe a typical writing day?

When I’m planning a book, I head to a coffee shop with a notebook, where I sketch out the plot, bits of dialogue and scenes. When I’m actually writing, I start first thing and aim to write a thousand words. I then take a break, but might return to edit what I’ve done in the evening.

Mini Shopaholic has finally arrived in shops. Was it nice to return to Becky Bloomwood?

It was an absolute joy! I love Becky so much, not to mention all her family and friends, so to return to her is like catching up with a world which has been continuing on all this while.

Do you plan much before starting a book?

I plan obsessively before I even start chapter one. Having said that, a novel always takes on a life of its own, and I very rarely stick to the plan exactly.

How do you approach editing?

I edit myself as I go. So by the time I reach the last chapter I have already edited the book lots of times. What I would never do is press on with a draft, knowing there was a problem or a change to be made and think ‘I’ll do that in the next draft’. I’m so impatient, I have to do it now! I make it as good as I possibly can. Then I hand it over to my editors who cleverly point out all the things I missed!

Best/Worst thing about being a writer?

The best thing is the buzz of new ideas and hearing from people who have enjoyed my books. The worst thing is you have to do it all on your own. It’s pretty solitary but luckily I have a great bunch of writer friends and we keep each other company online.

Which of your characters is most like you?

They’re all like me in different ways. I love shopping…. I’m useless at doing housework… I get quite obsessional about things… ring any bells?! The difference is, all my heroines find themselves in the most extraordinary situations, which are definitely from my imagination!

Is there a character from fiction you’d like to meet?

I’d love to be Hercule Poirot’s sidekick for one mystery.

Who are your ideal dinner party guests?

Anybody creative, with a sense of humour. I have old friends who I never have enough time to see, so I’d start with them.

Top five tips for writers?

Don’t talk about your work except to someone you absolutely trust. Certainly don’t announce to the world ‘I’m writing a novel’ as your family and friends will never stop asking you about it.

Write the book you would love to read yourself.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. You may not find your voice or style straight away.

Halfway through your project it will all seem impossible and you will be tempted to jack it in and begin another, far more exciting idea. Trust me, that idea will get difficult halfway through, too.

Finish!

For more information on Sophie Kinsella, check out her website; http://www.sophiekinsella.co.uk

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by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.