Jojo Moyes, the British author known for ‘Me Before You,’ has just released her latest book, ‘The One Plus One,’ a novel that delves into themes of death and divorce but also embraces love and forgiveness, combining drama with humor, which has become a signature style for the writer.
Moyes recently visited Portugal, specifically at the Lisbon Book Fair, to present her new work, published in the country by Porto Editora.
During an email interview with Notícias ao Minuto, the author discussed not only ‘The One Plus One’ but also the personal and professional challenges she has faced, such as burnout, divorce, mourning, and therapy.
She also took the opportunity to express her affection for Portugal, one of her favorite countries, which she visits at least three times a year.
Looking back a bit, Pauline Sara Jo Moyes turned into Jojo Moyes in 2002 when she transitioned from a decade-long journalism career to writing.
In two decades, she has sold over 50 million books worldwide, translated into 44 languages, including Portuguese.
‘Me Before You’ stands as one of her most renowned and best-selling works. Its success led to a film adaptation in 2016.
This time, Moyes presents a book she has described as a “comedy.” ‘Me Before You’ explores the increasingly common dynamic of a “dysfunctional and confused” family coping with various traumas, interspersed with humor and the profound impact of love.
My books are not based on true stories, but I draw inspiration from what happens around me
You have just launched ‘The One Plus One,’ a book about an imperfect family and the power of love. What inspired you to write this story?
My books are not based on true stories, but I draw inspiration from what happens around me. I had long wanted to write a story about a dysfunctional family and explore the idea of how we pass down – or fail to pass down – issues from one generation to the next.
The book combines love, divorce, death, traumas, forgiveness…all with humor. How do you manage that?
I think for the British, tragedy is often linked with comedy. We find humor in the darkest, most significant moments of life. Perhaps it’s because we don’t know how to handle our emotions? Perhaps. Also, I’m a naturally humorous person. I always try to find something funny in everything that happens. It’s the best way to handle life.
Since 2002, you’ve been publishing books almost annually with great success. Where do you find so much inspiration?
It comes from being an astute observer. I worked as a journalist for 10 years, which gave me the ability to see stories where others do not. People are infinitely interesting in how they mess up and sabotage their own happiness. That inspires me.
You worked for several years as a journalist but then decided to dedicate yourself entirely to being a writer. Is that your great passion? Do you miss journalism?
I very much missed journalism when I left the profession. I identified so much with my work that I didn’t know who I was after leaving it. In fact, I even needed therapy to separate my identity from my career. However, writing fiction has always been my true passion, and now, I don’t think I could be a journalist anymore. I feel lucky to be doing what I love.
What is it like to be a bestseller author? Do you feel any pressure?
Well… I wasn’t a bestselling author in the first 10 years of my writing career, so I can say it’s much better to be a bestseller! [laughs]. But no, I don’t feel sales pressure. I care about not disappointing my readers. I work hard to write a book that is good enough for them to feel satisfied when they finish it.
Have you ever experienced writer’s block? You recently spoke about burnout in an interview…
I don’t think I’ve ever truly had writer’s block. I’ve never been unable to write anything. But in 2020, I struggled to write. My marriage had just fallen apart, my mother was dying, and we were living through a pandemic. These things understandably affected my imagination. It was my character, Lou Clark from ‘Me Before You,’ who helped me get through that time. I wrote a short story about how she handled lockdown, and that brought me back to myself.
You’ve also spoken in several interviews about the importance of therapy, not just personally but for your books. How does therapy help you create?
I strongly believe in the importance of therapy. When someone is a writer, they are usually interested in human nature and what people do. Therapy has helped me not only understand my own emotions and behavior but also create characters in a more realistic and effective way. I think therapy has made me a happier and kinder person.
What changes have you made in your life since your near-burnout experience?
I don’t work as much! I didn’t realize I was overwhelmed because I love my job. But working 12-hour days was normal for me, and I was often on tour. Now, I have a quieter life and do things that are good for me. I exercise, spend time with friends, ride horses, and walk my dogs. Ironically, I discovered that I wrote my last book much more quickly than previous ones. I wonder if they’re related.
You recently visited Lisbon to present ‘The One Plus One.’ Have you been to Portugal before? How was your experience at the capital’s book fair?
Portugal is one of my favorite countries. I visit three times a year to ride horses at a center in the Alentejo, and I always try to spend at least one night in Lisbon because I love the city. However, it’s been 10 years since I participated in a literary event in your country, and it was wonderful to be at the Lisbon Book Fair and meet my Portuguese readers again. It was a marvelous experience. I intend to spend more time in Portugal and am already learning Portuguese to communicate better when I’m there. Thank you!
