Bestselling author Jojo Moyes has shared a poignant story of how her late friend and fellow writer Sophie Kinsella provided the crucial encouragement needed to complete her global phenomenon, Me Before You.
A Crucial Intervention on Desert Island Discs
Moyes made the heartfelt revelation during a recent interview on BBC Radio 4's iconic programme, Desert Island Discs. She confessed to a common crisis of confidence that strikes after writing approximately 20,000 words of a new manuscript. It was at this precise juncture with Me Before You that she nearly abandoned the project entirely.
The Encouragement That Forged a Bestseller
Sophie Kinsella, the beloved author behind the Shopaholic series, stepped in. Her real name was Madeleine Sophie Wickham. Kinsella's unwavering belief in the story and her push for Moyes to continue proved to be the decisive factor. This encouragement ultimately led to the creation of a novel that has since sold over 14 million copies worldwide and was adapted into a major motion picture.
A Legacy of Friendship and Inspiration
The revelation carries added emotional weight following the tragic death of Sophie Kinsella in December 2024 after a diagnosis of aggressive brain cancer. Moyes's tribute underscores the profound impact of friendship and peer support within the literary world, transforming a moment of doubt into one of the decade's most successful publishing stories.
The legacy of Me Before You is therefore inextricably linked to this private act of kindness between two literary giants. Moyes's admission highlights the often-hidden struggles behind bestselling works and the vital role a trusted colleague can play in bringing a classic to the world.
