Interview with Sophie Kinsella, author of The Burnout

What was the inspiration behind your book, The Burnout?

I kept reading articles and hearing about burnout – it’s a real issue at the moment. At the same time, I wanted to write a romance set on the beach, and so the two ideas came together. Where better to recover from burnout than on a Devon beach?!

Can you share with us whether any of the characters in The Burnout are based on people you know personally?

I think I put myself into all my heroines because I write from the first person. They have quite a lot in common, even if they’re different, they have different flaws, they have different issues, but I think there’s a commonality to them and I think a lot of that comes from me. My life does spill into the books and the books spill into my life, but I try not to write my friends and family into stories, if I can help it!

It's not uncommon for creative individuals to experience burnout. Have you ever encountered it, and how did you bounce back?

I have experienced burnout myself in the past and I see it around me everywhere, so I was keen to write about it. It’s a serious subject, it’s not something you can just bounce back from, and I hope I’ve done it justice, but – me being me – I have to see the funny and ridiculous side of any situation. So, The Burnout is very much a comedy – a romantic comedy.

As an author, maintaining mental well-being is crucial. Do you have any tips for our readers on balancing creativity and self-care?

As a writer, I have to treat creativity as a priority. I don’t wait for the muse to strike. I do need to get my own head space, so I often leave the house. I like going to coffee shops, for the note taking, which is such a big part of the process. I really am a planner, and I like to think the book through first, really feel like I know the characters, gauge when they’re ready to speak, they’re popping out, they want to tell their story. Then I have the energy to sit down and really go for it.

Describe what you do for a job in three words:

Write, sleep, repeat!

What’s the best thing about your job?

I’m lucky enough to have met a lot of readers over the years and their lovely enthusiasm always boosts me.

What's the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I did an event with another author, who was much older and wise and experienced. He said: “Whatever you say aloud your brain believes, even if you know it’s not true. Some part of your brain listens and digests it.” So, what I always say is: “I never get writer’s block, I never get stuck, this never happens.” I know it’s a self-fulfilling thing to say out loud. If there is a sort of pause, I go for a walk. I think walking just clears the brain. If it gets really bad, my husband and I go out and drink lots of cocktails and talk about it, until inspiration strikes. I find the cocktails very helpful.

Tell us a secret...

I get asked this a lot, especially since I wrote a book called Can You Keep a Secret? But of course, I can’t tell you, because then it wouldn’t be a secret, would it?

What’s your favourite colour (this week)?

My team have used a bright yellow on my posters for The Burnout and I love them, so at the moment that’s the colour that’s bringing me the most joy.

Where is your favourite corner in your house?

My bed – always. I’m a bit like Sasha (from the book) that way. Most things can be solved with a good night’s sleep. When you can’t go on a retreat to a Devonshire beach, at least...

Are you all about long lie-ins or up with the lark?

Long lie-ins, definitely (if I can), especially if I have a cup of tea and a good book to ease me into the day.

On my bedside table I have…

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – it’s a perennial favourite of mine. And an advance proof copy of Tackle! By Jilly Cooper.

Favourite artist?

Vermeer, because I find the skill and artistry of his still life’s not short of miraculous.

Tea or coffee first thing?

Tea, in a favourite mug that always makes me smile!

Do you have a bedtime ritual?

I like to exercise, play tennis, play the piano and dance. If I’ve done one of those activities during the day, I find it much easier to switch off at night.

Instagram or TikTok?

Instagram!

Who (four guests) would you invite to a dream midnight feast? Dead/alive/animal?

I would invite my favourite authors. Jane Austen, George Eliot, Georgette Heyer and my great friend Jojo Moyes.

Win a signed copy!

We've teamed up with Secret Linen Store to give you the chance to win a signed copy of The Burnout, a Secret Linen luxury bed linen bundle to the value of £250, a Spabreaks.com £250 voucher and a Sensory Retreats Hamper of goodies.