How Sophie Kinsella Inspired Jojo Moyes to Finish Her Bestseller

Sometimes, the push you need to finish a project comes from an unexpected place. For Jojo Moyes, author of Me Before You, that push came from none other than Sophie Kinsella, the late bestselling author of the Shopaholic series.

Moyes recently opened up about this pivotal moment in an interview, revealing how Kinsella’s encouragement helped transform a manuscript in doubt into a global phenomenon. It’s a story about creativity, friendship, and the quiet power of believing in someone else’s work.

A Moment of Doubt

Before Me Before You became a worldwide bestseller and film adaptation, Moyes admitted she struggled to complete the book. After writing only about 20,000 words, she began to doubt the story and her own abilities.

It was during this uncertain period that Moyes met with Kinsella for lunch. Sharing her frustrations and fears, Moyes found support she hadn’t expected. Kinsella’s response was simple but profound: “You have to write this book, you do know that?”

That encouragement struck a chord, reigniting Moyes’ confidence. Even Kinsella’s husband, Henry Wickham, later called to emphasize his wife’s belief in the project. This dual boost of support became a turning point in Moyes’ creative journey.

From Doubt to Bestseller

Me Before You tells the story of Louisa “Lou” Clark, a young woman who becomes a caregiver for the wealthy and paralyzed Will Traynor. Exploring love, purpose, and personal autonomy, the book resonated with millions of readers worldwide.

The novel’s success is staggering: it sold millions of copies, was translated into numerous languages, and was adapted into a 2016 feature film starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin. The sequels After You (2015) and Still Me (2018) continued the story, cementing Moyes’ status as a global literary star.

The Legacy of Sophie Kinsella

Sophie Kinsella, born Madeleine Sophie Wickham, passed away recently at 55. Known for her humor, relatability, and commercial success, she was also a mentor and friend who inspired fellow authors.

Her encouragement of Moyes highlights the unseen ways in which creative communities support one another. Behind every bestseller are not only hours of writing but also moments of doubt, and sometimes, the simple act of a friend believing in you.

Why This Matters to Writers

For writers, the story is a reminder that:

No one creates in isolation: Support and feedback are essential.

Persistence is key: Completing a book requires dedication, even through doubt.

Friendship fuels creativity: Sometimes emotional support matters as much as skill or technical guidance.


Moyes’ openness about her struggles also normalizes the challenges of writing. Even world-famous authors face self-doubt, and it is often the encouragement of peers that makes the difference.

A Lesson in Encouragement

Moyes’ story adds a new layer to Me Before You. It’s not just a tale of love and life — it’s also a testament to the impact of encouragement and friendship. Sophie Kinsella’s belief in Moyes’ work helped bring one of the most emotionally resonant novels of the past decade to life.

For creative communities, it’s a powerful reminder: sometimes the best mentorship is simply showing someone that you believe in their potential.

Conclusion

Jojo Moyes’ acknowledgment of Sophie Kinsella’s influence goes beyond admiration. It’s a story about human connection, the importance of support, and the unseen forces that help shape art and culture.

Through Kinsella’s encouragement, a struggling manuscript became a literary and cinematic phenomenon, touching millions around the world. And that is a legacy that extends far beyond the pages of any book — a reminder that belief, friendship, and mentorship can change the course of a career.