Books
Sophie Kinsella: “Every book starts with a tiny idea”
With your “Shopaholic”stories to the purchasing addict Rebecca bloom wood, the British best-selling author reached an audience of millions. In the DW-Interview Sophie Kinsella talks about her recipe for success.
She started as a financial journalist, Writing came to be. Today, she has sold millions of books that have been translated into several languages, and regularly in the international bestseller lists popping up. Last year, her novel “Finding Audrey,” about a shy teenage girl. In Berlin, she read from her latest Rebecca bloom wood Band “Shopaholic And Family”. The DW they met for the interview.
Mrs Kinsella, how did you come to Write?
Sophie Kinsella: I used a lot of commuting and have read countless novels, from morning to evening. I loved to read books, but at one point I looked at my life and thought abruptly: “I would like that also, I would like to write for myself.” It was like an Epiphany for me, and then I started.
With her “Shopaholic”book series, they have become world-famous, sold millions of books and put it on the bestseller lists managed. What is it that fascinates and captivates your audience in the life of buy addict protagonist Rebecca bloom wood?
From your “Shopaholic”series, Kinsella has already published nine volumes
The Interesting thing is that it is not just about Shopping. Many readers come to me and say: “It’s funny, I don’t like shopping, but I love Becky.” This is because Becky is loyal, funny and awesome. In addition, she takes care of all the problems of their fellow human beings. All in all, it is simply a great Person who has a small flaw – that she loves shopping.
In addition to the “Shopaholic”series, you have written numerous other novels; most recently, her book, “Finding Audrey,” about a shy teenage girl appeared. What inspired you to her stories and characters you write about?
Now, every book starts with a tiny idea. This idea I develop further and start to plan everything. To Write I like going to cafes, this is a great source of inspiration for me. I sit there forever and think about. And then, if I know the story and all its characters, and problems going really well, then I’ll start to write properly
Since the year 2000, you write under the Pseudonym of “Sophie Kinsella”, before you publish your books under her real name Madeleine Wickham. What is the difference between the two authors?
Sophie Kinsella is a combination of my middle name and the maiden name of my mother. I’m a little schizophrenic in terms of these two authors name. But, you know, if you want to write a book, it is always important to interpret a voice and a character and a certain vision.
The perfect place to Write: The Café
I think that the Madeleine Wickham books have a slightly more serious and dramatic character. Maybe you also have some funny traits, but that is not what these books really are. Sophie Kinsella-books are fast, funny books. Comedy through and through. You are very silly contemporary, maybe a little. Sometimes, the events also cause a little indignation. Both authors have their own place, and if I from one name to the other switch, then I step in their place and see the world through their eyes.
What makes for you personally, a good book?
A book should leave the reader everything around you forget to. I would like to be carried by the story. I would like to be surprised and be entertained, to laugh or cry. I love to cry over a book. At the end I want to feel me, as I would have been in a different place and only slowly back to real life must return.
The interview was conducted by Meggin Leigh Doody