Author Rufi Thorpe on Embracing Enthusiasm and Taking Risks

When Rufi Thorpe’s novel, MARGO’S GOT MONEY TROUBLES, started gaining attention and getting adapted for an Apple TV+ show, it was a bit of a surprise. Rufi wasn’t intentionally trying to write a more commercial book – her creative process just led her in that direction. The idea for the book came to her without much thought about marketability.

The inspiration behind MARGO’S GOT MONEY TROUBLES came from a desire to communicate certain themes in a fun and engaging way. To make sure readers understood the tone of the book, Rufi wanted the cover to convey that some dark elements would be present, but overall, the story would be enjoyable. She wanted to steer clear of the typical narrative where sex work is seen as a way to punish women. Instead, she envisioned Margo as a kind of superhero character on a quirky adventure.

Reflecting on how the success of MARGO’S GOT MONEY TROUBLES impacted her writing process, Rufi shared that while she now understands the importance of having a strong log line to attract readers, she doesn’t let that dictate her projects. The core of her work remains true to her creative vision, but she has become more conscious of how to effectively communicate the essence of her books to potential readers.

After an experience with one of her previous novels, THE GIRLS FROM CORONA DEL MAR, where the cover design may have misrepresented the book’s content, Rufi learned the importance of aligning the marketing and presentation of her work with its actual themes and style. This realization has helped her trust her instincts and take more control over how her novels are positioned and marketed.

In the end, Rufi’s journey as a novelist teaches us the importance of staying true to your creative vision while also being mindful of how your work is perceived and presented to the world. Balancing artistic integrity with effective communication is key to reaching the right audience and creating meaningful connections through storytelling.