In a touching tribute to her late friend Sophie Kinsella, bestselling author Jojo Moyes revealed the pivotal moment that saved her groundbreaking novel 'Me Before You' from being abandoned forever.

During a candid interview on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, Moyes shared an intimate story of professional despair and unexpected inspiration that would ultimately lead to one of the most celebrated romance novels of the past decade. At a time when she felt her writing career was crumbling and financial struggles weighed heavily, Moyes confided in her friend Sophie Kinsella about a half-finished manuscript sitting at 20,000 words.

Kinsella, who was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer and passed away at 55, responded with unwavering conviction. 'You have to write this book,' she told Moyes during a lunch meeting, a moment that would prove transformative. Not only did Kinsella offer her personal encouragement, but her husband Henry also called Moyes to reinforce the message, believing deeply in the potential of her story.

The novel that emerged, 'Me Before You', became an international bestseller that touched millions of hearts. Based on a real news story about a quadriplegic rugby player seeking assisted dying, the book follows Louisa Clark, a working-class woman who becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy man paralyzed after a motorcycle accident. The story was adapted into a successful film in 2016, starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin.

Moyes reflected on the book's unexpected impact, admitting that while she believed in the story, she never anticipated its massive global resonance. 'I knew I loved this book and knew it was the best version of itself,' she told host Lauren Laverne, 'but I had no idea it would connect with so many readers.'

The narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact supportive friendships can have on creative journeys, and how a single moment of encouragement can transform a potential abandoned project into a literary phenomenon.