Sophie Haydock is an award-winning author, journalist and curator with a passion for uncovering hidden treasures and shining a light on untold stories, particularly those of women in art.

Her debut novel, The Flames, brings to life the women who posed for the scandalous Viennese artist Egon Schiele – and the price they paid for their devotion. It won the Impress Prize for New Writers, was longlisted for the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Crown Award, and was named one of The Times’ Best Historical Fiction Books of 2022. Translated into seven languages, its Italian edition, Le Fiamme, won the prestigious Premio Letterario Edoardo Kihlgren in 2024.

Her second novel, Madame Matisse, shines a light on the women who shaped and defined the great French artist Henri Matisse, challenging the idea that history belongs only to men. At its heart is an explosive ultimatum – one that has never before been written about in fiction – that changed the lives of all involved, and the course of art history forever.

As curator of the Folkestone Book Festival, Sophie brings together bold and inspiring voices – from bestselling authors to emerging talent – to challenge, entertain, and celebrate the power of storytelling. She curates a thought-provoking programme that sparks conversation and fosters creativity, ensuring literature remains a vital force in the community.

As part of her role at Creative Folkestone, she also spearheads Folkestone is a Library, an ambitious campaign to keep books and reading at the heart of the town following the closure of its library. Through events, collaborations, and community initiatives, she works to ensure Folkestone remains a place where stories – and those who tell them – are valued and celebrated.

A seasoned journalist, Sophie has interviewed literary icons including Hilary Mantel, Bernardine Evaristo, Sally Rooney, Maggie O’Farrell and Amy Tan. Her writing has appeared in The Sunday Times, Financial Times, and The Guardian. She has worked behind the scenes of the Sunday Times Short Story Award and serves as Associate Director of the Word Factory, supporting emerging voices. She is also a judge for leading short story prizes, including the Bath Short Story Award and the Society of Authors' ALCS Tom-Gallon Trust Award. Her own short story, Mudlarks, was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2023.

Beyond writing, Sophie is an engaging speaker and interviewer. She has appeared at Hay, Cheltenham, and other major literary festivals, and has spoken at the National Gallery, Sotheby’s, and The Trouble Club. She frequently interviews authors at live events for Hatchards and Fane Productions.

Sophie is preparing for an Arctic Circle residency in May 2025, where she will research and write about survival, wreckage, and resilience in extreme conditions.

In her spare time, continuing her fascination with unearthing lost stories – both in fiction and in life – Sophie is a dedicated mudlark, scouring the River Thames for historical artefacts that reveal forgotten histories. She is also a marathon runner, taking on the world’s most iconic races, one at a time.

Her Instagram account, @egonschieleswomen, has gathered over 111,000 followers, where she shares her love of art, literature, and forgotten histories.

She loves connecting with readers – find her at sophie-haydock.com or chat with her directly on Skolay: skolay.com/writers/sophie-haydock