#131: Sophie Flynn — Writing Thrillers, Should You Be A Kindle Bestseller or Go Down The Traditional Publishing Route? Plus the Mindset for a Long-Term Writing Career
Bestselling thriller author Sophie Flynn, also the Managing Director of Jericho Writers, shares her journey from police press officer to successful novelist. She candidly discusses the pros and cons of traditional versus indie publishing. Flynn delves into key strategies for building a long-term writing career and the mindset needed to overcome rejection. Expect insights on crafting suspenseful narratives and the importance of community support for writers. Her experiences highlight the resilience required to navigate the emotional landscape of being a writer.
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First Novel Journey
Sophie Flynn's first attempted novel, All My Lies, was published despite initial plot issues.
An editor's feedback during a one-to-one helped her reshape the book into a thriller.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Leap of Faith
Take leaps of faith, like reducing work hours, to prioritize writing.
This creates dedicated time and instills seriousness, essential for finishing a book.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Career Path
Sophie Flynn worked as a police press officer and copywriter before publishing.
She landed a book deal while working at Jericho Writers, after many submissions.
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In Sophie Flynn's "What Stays Unsaid," a seemingly idyllic hen weekend in a remote Dartmoor cottage takes a dark turn as secrets and tensions simmer between two best friends. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, revealing the complexities of their long-standing friendship and the events that led to their estrangement. As the weekend progresses, old wounds are reopened, and the idyllic setting becomes a claustrophobic space where the truth is slowly revealed. The novel explores themes of female friendship, betrayal, and the lasting impact of past events. With its suspenseful plot and well-developed characters, "What Stays Unsaid" is a captivating psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
All My Lies
All My Lies
Sophie Flynn
Keep Them Close
Keep Them Close
Sophie Flynn
1984
None
George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
Bestselling thriller author Sophie Flynn reveals the raw truth about publishing—traditional vs. indie, rejection, and what it really takes to succeed. As Managing Director of Jericho Writers, she’s seen what separates thriving authors from those who quit. We dive into storytelling psychology, career-defining decisions, and the mindset shifts every writer needs.
ABOUT SOPHIE FLYNN
Sophie Flynn is a psychological thriller author and the Managing Director of Jericho Writers.
London Writers' Salon 