Posts in the Competitions category

Today is a big day for all Sophie Kinsella fans with the publication in hardback of her new novel Wedding Night and the paperback of the bestselling hardback I’ve Got Your Number.

Sophie kindly answered 10 of your questions and the lucky winners have a signed copy of Wedding Night and a paperback copy of I’ve Got Your Number heading their way right now! For now, enjoy what Sophie had to say!

1. It’s not easy to write comic fiction – but your books always manage to make me giggle. What’s the secret to laugh-out-loud scenes in a novel?

Thank you! I think you have to trust your instincts and write what you yourself would find funny, rather than trying to second-guess your readers. I think timing is crucial. And I work on scenes over and over, till they feel exactly right.

2. My favourite ever books of yours are the Shopaholic series. Nothing makes me laugh as much (often out loud!) Love Becky Bloomwood, and was wondering how you came up with the character – are there bits of you in there – or a friend? I’m sure there is a small bit of me!

Thank you, I appreciate it! Becky started off as a combination of me and my sister and various friends – but she soon turned into her own character, and now I almost feel as though she is a real person. A lot of people say they are Becky, even men!

3. Do you ever considering writing any darker books or books of a different genre? Not that I would want you to as I love all of your books!

I once thought I’d like to write a thriller. I came up with a plot involving lots of grisly deaths, wrote a few chapters and showed it to my agent. She said, ‘the plot is fine, but the people are all far too nice and jolly, they need to be dark and gritty.’ I decided that dark and gritty wasn’t really me and I’ve never tried a thriller since!

4. Do you base your characters on people that you know or are they complete works of fiction? Which character/s are you most fond of?

I don’t deliberately take people from real life, but of course I’m influenced by them. I would say I’m fond of all my characters – they all have different great characteristics. If I had to choose one at gun-point it would be Becky, simply because I have spent the most time with her.

5. Who is your favourite character/heroine from your standalone books? I adore Emma from Can You Keep A Secret, as i can really identify with her (as a lot of readers probably can lol)

Oh, I really can’t pick one! The others would feel hurt!

6. What would your ideal occupation be if you weren’t a successful author, and is there anything in life that you would like to accomplish.

I would have loved to be an internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter (if I had a voice transplant.) Or maybe a kindergarten teacher. There are so many things in life I’d like to accomplish I don’t know where to start! For example, a big one: I would like to travel more. And a small one: I don’t know how to do a French plait. I have recently had a daughter, so I’d better learn!

7. A bit random, but what is your favourite cheese?

Ooh, good question. Depends on my mood but I think I’ll say goat’s cheese.

8. What did you want to do when you were still at school?

My one ambition was to be in the musical Annie. Sadly it never came true! Then I wanted to be a ballerina. Also did not come true.

9. What was your favourite book as a child?

The one which really captured my imagination was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I read it in one sitting, on Christmas morning.

10. Which novel was the most challenging to write?

Twenties Girl, for sure. I had never written a ghost book before and it’s trickier than you think! But it was also a very rewarding book to write.

Get your hands on Sophie Kinsella books online and in store now!