A bestselling author has told how she ripped up the first 50,000 words of her latest novel – and it shot to the top of the book charts.
Sophie Gravia penned her first self-published book, A Glasgow Kiss, in 2020 during the pandemic and it has sold more than half a million copies.
The novel, which follows Glasgow nurse Zara through a series of dating disasters, is set to be turned into a BBC TV series after its success, which also prompted two follow-up books.
Sophie’s latest tale, Hot Girl Summer, shot to number one in the Amazon book charts after hitting the shelves last week.
However, the 32-year-old mum of two said she deleted the first 50,000 words.
The renal failure nurse, from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, said: “I hated writing Hot Girl Summer. I wrote 50,000 words then thought, ‘This is s***e,’ and I deleted it and started again.
“I had writer’s block. I was writing until four or five in the morning because I was miles off the deadline. I’m so glad I scrapped it and started again. I love it now but it’s hard when you have to focus to do stuff and you just don’t want to do it.”
Hot Girl Summer is the story of three women who decide to spice up their stagnant lives in London.
Sophie, whose real surname is Grant, used the names of her children Olivia and Grace to create pen name Gravia.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!
If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
She began writing raunchy blogs between shifts, which she later self-published as a novel before securing a four-book deal with major publisher Orion Books.
Sophie says she still returns to the ward two days a week. She said: “I still love nursing and I think it’s important to give something back. It’s a reality check going back there.”
Sophie added: “People keep asking if Hot Girl Summer is a series but I don’t want to write about it next.
“I’m writing another book just now and I love it. I think it will be the best one yet.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.
