A Scots healthcare worker, who wrote her first novel based on hilarious dating disasters, has soared straight to the top the erotic fiction chart.
When Sophie Gravia started anonymously blogging about encounters with male suitors in 2018, she never thought it would lead to her becoming a published author.
The 29-year-old from Bellshill, North Lanarkshire has followers in hysterics through riotous anecdotes she posts on her page, Sex In The Glasgow City.
Urged by fans to write a novel based on her love life, Sophie bit the bullet and started writing her debut novel when Scotland went into lockdown in March.
A Glasgow Kiss, which follows the life of singleton, Zara, and her journey into the weird and wonderful world of online dating, was published on December 14.
The debut novel has stormed the Amazon charts, sitting at number one for erotic adult fiction, racing ahead of famed series, Fifty Shades of Grey.
(Image: Daily Record)
And nobody is more surprised than Sophie, who lives with her beloved British Bulldog, Wrinkles.
She told the Record: “I didn’t think the story was that erotic, but I’ll take number one.
“I can’t believe how well it’s been received in just a few days.
“The messages I’ve had from customers and followers have been so lovely.
“It’s been a stressful experience but definitely worthwhile.
“I’m really proud considering this is my first ever novel.”
Sophie was egged on to share dating experiences online while on holiday with friends 18 months ago.
She added: “We were all sitting by the pool and I told them about one dodgy date.
“They were in stitches suggested I start a blog.
“I broke my hand on that holiday, which gave me six weeks off work, that’s how Sex In The Glasgow City was born.”
Her blog exposes bizarre, questionable and downright unforgettable dating experiences, both from Sophie and followers.
“Everyone has been on bad dates, so I think the blog and the book are relatable,” she said.
“I’ve heard everything.
“I’ll never forget a friend telling me a guy who tried to sniff her underwear when they met up!”
After some encouragement from loved ones, Sophie secretly started penning A Glasgow Kiss in March.
As her healthcare job got ‘more intense’ amid the coronavirus pandemic, the budding author wrote in between gruelling shifts.
Finding her own editor and illustrator, Sophie self-published on Amazon and the rest is history.
“Zara’s story is based on a lot of what I’ve gone through and the stories of others,” she added.
“I use Scottish humour throughout the book and I think Glasgwegians in particular will relate to it.
“Dating can be a bit of a taboo so it helps to vent online and know you’re not alone.
“Being single is tough enough with the pressures of social media and dating apps, even more so during a pandemic.
“So hopefully this gives readers a laugh.”
Pick up your copy of A Glasgow Kiss on Amazon.
