Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Sophy Smythe is my pen name. I am a Dutch medical doctor, living in Antwerp. Just like my protagonist.
During my medical career, I have written numerous non-fiction articles and co-written two non-fiction books. The book (in Dutch) are about how to stay healthy.
After closing my medical practice, I decided to pursue my dream and write fact-based fiction about the world I know best: the pharma and medical world. THE MEDICAL CODE is the first book in this genre and the first in the Charlie Martens, MD-series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
THE MEDICAL CODE is inspired by the facts that two pharmaceutical organisations pleaded guilty for the illegal promotion of their medicines with disastrous consequences. Not long after that The Implant Files were published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which brought to light the fraud and corruption in the implant industry.
What if…… and then my fantasy started spinning.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Every morning I start with my daily yoga. That keeps me sane. Then I take long hikes with my dog Pepper, and take her on my standing up peddling board. That’s where I get my inspiration.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The da Vinci Code by Dan Brown was an eye-opener for me. It was the first fact-based mystery-thriller I read and got me dreaming that I wanted to write a book where facts and fiction blur.
What are you working on now?
Now I’m working on the sequel of the Charlie Martens, MD series. Again based on real facts.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That wasn’t easy. Because I use a pen name, I had to start from scratch. Now I have an author’s platform of my website, newsletter, Instagram, Pinterest and Goodreads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take control over your own destiny and go Indie.
What are you reading now?
Congo by Gregor Vincent. The true hideous history about king Leopold 2 of Belgium and Congo. Beware, there are no good guys in this book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m spinning the sequel of THE MEDICAL CODE, in which my protagonist Charlie Martens, MD, takes the lead in a suspenseful mystery.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
– Legacy of War, the upcoming book of Wilbur Smith. One of my favourite authors.
– Identity Reboot by Arwen Smit, about the problems about privacy and dis-information. (Think Cambridge Analytica)
– Obama – a promised land
Author Websites and Profiles
Sophy Smythe Website
Sophy Smythe Amazon Profile
Sophy Smythe’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account
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