Interview with Author Sophie Sinclair
Author of Coffee Series and Lindsey Love Loves
Author Sophie Sinclair is such a fun person to interact with and her books are as stunning as she is. Her books needs no introduction in the bookstagram community and I am a big fan of her work. I am so glad and thankful to her for this wonderful opportunity to learn so many amazing things about her. I hope you will love it as much as I did. So lets dive into it.
Q. When did you realize you wanted to write and become an author?
A. It wasn’t something I’ve always wanted to do, actually. I loved creative writing in school, but I was always pushed to build on my art career for college. I was an artist first and then worked in veterinary medicine. It wasn’t until after I had my second daughter that the stories started to come.
Q. How is your experience as a self-published author?
A. It’s hard! There’s a lot more to it then just hitting the publish button on Amazon. I really wish I had done more research on the publishing world. I went into it blindly and have made so many mistakes. But I really love that I have met so many wonderful bloggers and other authors, especially indie authors. I’m not sure I would have had the same experience if I had gone the traditional route. Honestly, being an indie author has really taught me a lot about myself – my determination, my perseverance and the power of words. Even with all the mistakes I’ve made, I wouldn’t change one thing about my journey so far.
Q. Can you describe your writing process in detail?
A. My writing process is pretty non-traditional. I don’t normally outline a story beforehand. I have the basic idea in my head. I write each chapter as it comes and don’t skip ahead. Sometimes I know what’s going to happen further along in the book, sometimes I change direction half way through. If I get stuck, I think of tropes or I do research to push me along.
Q. What comes first for you — the plot or the characters? How do you develop each one of them?
A. The characters always come first for me. Sometimes I think of a character and a situation and build the story from there. I think about each character’s backstory – their childhood, their likes and dislikes…what makes them tick. I don’t always share their backstories, but it comes out in how they handle situations.
Q. As an author what motivates and drives you the most?
A. Oh gosh, that’s hard. What motivates me the most I think are my readers. I want to create a story that will make them laugh, make them swoon, and take them on escape for a little bit from the real world.
Q. What advice would you give to writers working on their first book?
A. My advice would be two-fold. Do your research and don’t give up. You’re going to struggle. You’re going to have people tell you you’ll fail. If you have goals, keep your head down and stick to them. Start out with small attainable goals, and then when you achieve that goal, set a new one. As far as research, I mean learn about the world of publishing, both Indie and traditional. Learn writing terms and research editors who will help your story.
Q. Was it challenging to leave The Coffee Series universe and to create and enter a new one?
A. It was sad for me to leave those characters behind, but I was also ready and wanting to try something new. I had written Lindsey Love Loves right after I finished The Makeup Artist, and wasn’t planning on writing the Social Hour, but my sister and my friend insisted I had to have Cam’s book, so I stopped writing LLL, and dove into TSH. I’ll never say never that I won’t return to that series, but I’ve got other projects right now on the brain. Those characters do keep talking to me though. 😊
Q. In the entire Coffee Book Series, which character grew and evolved the most in your opinion?
A. Oh gosh, unpopular opinion here, but I’m going to say it was Lex. I know critics thought he was wishy-washy and Sarah deserved a guy who knew he wanted her, but Lex’s history had left him jaded. He had to turn it all around himself, deal with a manipulative ex, fight the urge to use drugs again and find that he is a stand-up guy that can love. I think he got there. 😉
Q. What advice would you like to give to the four couples in the coffee series?
A. Lol, always remember to keep your sense of humor and stay true to themselves. Stay weird, TJ.
Q. Lindsey Love Loves was a surprise for most of us. I loved the suspense in the end. What inspired you to write this story?
A. Ha, I’m not sure. My husband watches a lot of Food network shows, so I thought it would be fun to do a story about a quirky food critic. I was sitting at the park one morning while my kids played watching this squirrel scamper back and forth and he was so cute. The whole Ted the squirrel scene just played out in my brain and that’s how I came up with Nick being a…well, I don’t want to give away his character. 😉 crazy how it all comes together.
Q. Is there any character or characters in all four books who are similar to you in some way?
A. Ha, I’d say I have a little bit of all the female lead characters. I’m always putting my foot in my mouth.
Q. What are a few of your favorite books at this moment?
A. I just finished the whole Harry Potter series for the second time, and I just adore it. I really need/want to read the Sarah J Maas books. Give me a rom-com any day of the week, and I love thrillers.
Q. During COVID-19, when we all are dealing with this new normal, what are you doing to relax?
A. Walking and running help me relax, listening to music and writing. I get in a zone and it’s hard to pull myself out. When I’m blocked or my kids are driving me bananas, I get very stressed that I can’t write.
Q. What advice will you give to your younger self?
A. Don’t let people tell you you can’t, because if you want it bad enough, you can. Don’t put Sun-in lightener in your hair, and if that guy gives you a red flag, run.
Thanks once again for your time. I wish you all the best for your upcoming projects and ventures. Keep writing amazing books. Good luck! ❤️😊
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