Sophie Kinsella

Madeleine Sophie Wickham (née Townley; born 12 December 1969), also known under the pen name Sophie Kinsella, is an English author of chick lit. The first two novels in her best-selling Shopaholic series, The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic and Shopaholic Abroad, were adapted into the film Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009). Her books have been translated into over 30 languages. 2Early life Wickham was born Madeleine Sophie Townley on 12 December 1969, the eldest daughter of David R. and Patricia B. (née Kinsella) Townley. The eldest sister of fellow writers Gemma and Abigail Townley, Sophie Kinsella was educated at Putney High School, Sherborne School for Girls, and New College, Oxford, where she initially studied Music, but after a year switched to Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE). Wickham worked as a financial journalist (including for Pensions World) before turning to fiction. 2Life and career While working as a financial journalist, at the age of 24, Wickham wrote her first novel. The Tennis Party was immediately hailed as a success by critics and the public alike and became a top ten best-seller. She went on to publish six more novels as Madeleine Wickham: A Desirable Residence, Swimming Pool Sunday, The Gatecrasher, The Wedding Girl, Cocktails for Three and Sleeping Arrangements. Wickham's first novel under the pseudonym Sophie Kinsella (taken from her middle name and her mother's maiden name) was submitted to her existing publishers anonymously and was enthusiastically receive