Did Sophie Kinsella Inspire Jojo Moyes to Complete Her Bestseller?

The late author Sophie Kinsella played a pivotal role in inspiring fellow writer Jojo Moyes to complete her bestselling novel, Me Before You. During a recent appearance on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, Moyes revealed that Kinsella encouraged her to continue writing after she felt disheartened by years of limited success. The resulting book became a global phenomenon, leading to a successful film adaptation in 2016, starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Jojo Moyes recently reflected on her relationship with Sophie Kinsella during an interview, noting how crucial Kinsella's support was in her writing journey. The revelation comes shortly after Kinsella's passing, which has prompted tributes from the literary community for her impact on both readers and fellow authors. This moment highlights the importance of mentorship and encouragement in creative pursuits, particularly in the often isolating world of writing.

Key takeaways

Sophie Kinsella encouraged Jojo Moyes to finish Me Before You, which became a bestseller.
The book follows Louisa Clark and Will Traynor, exploring themes of love and disability.
Kinsella, diagnosed with brain cancer, died at age 55, leaving a significant legacy.

Timeline: how we got here

In 2022, Sophie Kinsella was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Her passing earlier this month marked the end of a prolific career as a bestselling author. Jojo Moyes had started writing Me Before You but struggled to continue until her meeting with Kinsella, which reignited her passion for the project. The book was published in 2012 and adapted into a film in 2016, garnering international acclaim.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Moyes’ recent comments on Radio 4 bring renewed attention to Kinsella’s influence on her writing. This underscores the personal connections that shape literature and the importance of support in creative processes. The conversation also serves to celebrate Kinsella’s legacy as an author who inspired many, including Moyes.

What was already established

Prior to this revelation, Kinsella was known for her popular romantic comedies, while Moyes had established herself with works that often tackled serious themes intertwined with romance. Me Before You has been particularly noted for its exploration of disability and assisted dying, drawing from real-life stories that resonated with readers globally.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The emotional impact of Kinsella's passing is felt across the literary landscape, particularly among fans of her work. As readers reflect on her contributions, there may be a resurgence of interest in her novels, leading to increased sales and renewed discussions about the themes she explored.

Businesses and jobs

The publishing industry may see an uptick in interest for both Kinsella's and Moyes' works, potentially benefiting bookstores and literary events. As authors and readers come together to celebrate Kinsella's legacy, this could lead to opportunities for new writing projects inspired by her influence.

Policy and regulation

While Kinsella's death does not directly impact UK policy, it raises important discussions about health care, particularly concerning terminal illnesses and assisted dying—a theme prominently featured in Moyes' Me Before You. Such conversations may encourage advocacy for clearer regulations surrounding end-of-life care and patient autonomy.

Numbers that matter

55: Age at which Sophie Kinsella passed away.
20,000: Words Moyes had written before her meeting with Kinsella, showcasing the daunting task she faced.
2012: Year Me Before You was published, marking a significant point in Moyes' career.
2016: Year the book was adapted into a film, broadening its audience.

Definitions and jargon buster

Assisted dying: A practice where individuals are helped to end their life, often due to terminal illness.
Bestseller: A book that sells a large number of copies, often defined by specific sales thresholds.
Mentorship: Guidance provided by a more experienced individual to a less experienced person in a professional or creative context.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the literary community mourns Kinsella’s passing, events celebrating her works may emerge. Readers and writers alike should explore her novels, reflecting on her influence.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the months following her death, discussions surrounding Kinsella’s legacy and contributions to literature are likely to grow. This could lead to renewed interest in her works and possibly new publications or posthumous releases.

Signals to watch

Upcoming literary festivals that may feature tributes to Kinsella.
Sales trends for Kinsella’s works following her passing.
Public discourse on themes explored in her books, particularly around health and relationships.

Practical guidance

Do

Read Kinsella’s and Moyes’ works to appreciate their contributions to literature.
Engage in discussions about the themes raised in their novels, particularly regarding disability and assisted dying.
Support local bookstores that carry their titles.

Don’t

Dismiss the impact of mentorship in writing; seek out supportive relationships.
Overlook the importance of discussing difficult topics presented in literature.
Neglect to celebrate authors who have made significant contributions to the literary landscape.

Checklist

Have you read Me Before You? Reflect on its themes.
Have you explored Sophie Kinsella’s other works?
Are you engaged with the literary community through discussions or events?
Have you supported local authors or bookstores?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Kinsella's influence on Moyes has been publicly acknowledged, there may be differing perspectives on the impact of mentorship in writing. The emotional resonance of Me Before You is subjective, and readers' interpretations can vary widely. Furthermore, the ongoing discussions surrounding assisted dying may lead to debates that evolve over time, influenced by societal attitudes and legislative changes.

Bottom line

Sophie Kinsella's legacy as a mentor and author will likely endure, particularly through Jojo Moyes' continued success. As the literary community reflects on her contributions, readers are encouraged to revisit her works, which continue to inspire and provoke thoughtful discussions on important social issues.

FAQs

Who was Sophie Kinsella?

Sophie Kinsella, born Madeleine Sophie Wickham, was a bestselling British author known for her romantic comedies, including the Shopaholic series.

What is Me Before You about?

Me Before You follows Louisa Clark, who becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, exploring themes of love and assisted dying after a tragic accident.

How did Kinsella influence Jojo Moyes?

Sophie Kinsella encouraged Jojo Moyes to continue writing Me Before You when Moyes felt disheartened, significantly impacting the book's completion and success.