4. Champion Interview with SJ Watson: Bestselling Author of Before I Go to Sleep

Time To Show Up

Today we’re speaking with Steve Watson, better known as the author S.J. Watson. While working as an audiologist for the NHS we wrote his best-selling psychological thriller Before I Go to Sleep, which achieved international acclaim and was adapted into a film starring Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth.

Watson's work is celebrated for its gripping exploration of memory, identity, and suspenseful storytelling, establishing him as a notable figure in the psychological thriller genre.

In this conversation, S J Watson discusses his writing journey, self-discovery, and the impact of formative experiences. He reflects on the unexpected success of his first book and his definition of success. Watson also talks about transitioning from an audiologist to pursue writing.

Delving into his motivation and his success achieved as an author, he reflects on the decision to go part-time to make room for writing. The conversation explores psychological aspects of his journey, including the impact of his father's criticism and the connection between his calling and feeling useless. It concludes with a discussion on ongoing fulfilment and finding joy in work.

S J Watson shares insights on work fulfilment, seeking inspiration, the importance of curiosity, parental influence, and his Let's Get Lit podcast. Emphasising the joy of a job you love, he reflects on absorbing experiences, previews upcoming projects, and introduces the podcast's humorous conversations about writing and reading.

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Key themes

1. Self-discovery is a continuous process, and it's okay to struggle with articulating one's identity.
2. Formative experiences, even negative ones, can shape a person's drive for success.
3. Success is subjective and should be defined based on personal values and goals.
4. Transitioning from one career to another requires taking risks and pursuing one's passion. Success can be defined by personal goals and achievements, not just external recognition.
5. Making space and committing to a creative pursuit can lead to personal fulfilment.
6. The wounds and criticisms from the past can drive motivation and the desire to prove oneself.
7. The intersection of calling and wound can shape one's creative journey.
8. Finding joy in the work itself is essential for long-term fulfilment. Find a job that brings you joy and fulfillment, and continue doing it for as long as possible.
9. Absorb experiences from the world through books, galleries, TV, films, and remain curious.
10. Parents can have a profound influence on a person's love for books and reading.
11. Upcoming projects include writing a new book and participating in the Iceland Noir Literary Festival.

Websites

• https://www.sjwatson-books.com/

Books

• Before I Go To Sleep - S J Watson - https://bit.ly/3NZ8Ug2
• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman https://bit.ly/4aRnosl
• The Path – Professor Michael Puett & Christine Gross-Loh - https://bit.ly/48AUoDo

Podcast & Video

• Let’s Get Lit Podcast - https://bit.ly/41SVQi1
• Write Now with Scrivener, Ep 27 with S J Watson - https://bit.ly/3UfL9V9
• Nathalie Nahai in conversation with Jo Confino - https://bit.ly/3U4NS3p
• Before I Go To Sleep (2014) - https://bit.ly/3tTjdvj