A Dorset-based debut author has officially launched her first novel at the Bournemouth Writing Festival – sharing a deeply personal story of love, loss, and starting again.
Sacha Hughes unveiled her book, Love, Grief & More Sex Than Pinot, at a special launch event at Patch in Bournemouth at the Bournemouth Writing Festival on Sunday 26 April, as part of the festival’s vibrant programme celebrating writers and storytelling by the sea.
The novel follows protagonist Soho Summers and is inspired by Sacha’s own real-life experiences, charting an emotional journey through love, loss, heartbreak, self-discovery, and rediscovering joy.
Alongside her launch, Sacha also appeared on an author panel at the festival, joining fellow writers to discuss the realities of writing, publishing, and turning personal experiences into fiction.
Sacha said, “Last year, I arrived at the Bournemouth Writing Festival with a messy manuscript and no clear idea of how to move forward, but then everything began to shift thanks to the people I met there. I felt deeply honoured to be part of it this year, being on a workshop panel discussing ‘getting your words out in the world’ and launching my book to such a huge turnout was absolutely fantastic. As for the organiser of the Festival, Dominic Wong, what a legend!”
A story rooted in real life
Sacha’s debut is more than just a novel; it’s a reflection of a pivotal time in her life. After her marriage began to break down, she turned to personal development and self-reflection, a journey that ultimately led her to write this book.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the novel, Sacha says: “This book came from one of the most challenging periods of my life – the loss of my mother, when I was 24 years old, to cancer. Writing it helped me process my pain, find my worth, self-love, and rediscover who I am.”
A full-circle moment with bestselling author
The launch event also marked a meaningful full-circle moment for Sacha. Among the guests was Sue Stone, international bestselling author of Love Life Live Life; the very first self-help book Sacha read back in 2017 when her life began to shift. The two recently connected over coffee through a very loose link, and having only met Sacha once, Sue kindly attended her launch in full support.
Sacha shares: “Sue’s book played such a pivotal role in the early stages of my journey back to self. To have her at my launch—and to hear she had goosebumps during my speech, given how intuitive and deeply connected she is—meant everything and is a sure sign I am following my soul’s path.”
From personal journey to published author
Based in Dorset since 2017, mum of two Sacha, originally from Leigh-on-Sea in Essex, represents a growing wave of authors turning real-life experiences into compelling fiction that resonates with modern readers. Her story—both on and off the page—explores themes of resilience, reinvention, relationships, and finding yourself again after life takes more than one unexpected turn.
Local author life
From Essex to London and now almost a decade in Dorset, Sacha is proud to be raising her children in Poole. “After years of living in London, moving to Dorset felt like a breath of fresh air; less noise, less traffic, less rush, fewer people, and so much more space to simply be,” says Sacha, who enjoys walking to Old Harry Rocks and exploring the Purbecks. “I love writing by the beach. I take my blow-up chair and laptop, and I just sit and write. I also often head up to Evening Hill and sit on a bench there to work. Looking out over Poole Harbour is incredibly inspiring.”
Inspiration for her books often comes when she’s out on beach walks, making notes on her phone. “If it’s a rainy day, I take myself to a local coffee shop in Westbourne or Ashley Cross to write. Though nothing beats sitting at my kitchen table in my top-floor apartment in Penn Hill, looking out of the window and watching the world go by, with my two cats curled up next to me while I write.”
Available for interview
Sacha Hughes is available for an interview and can speak on:
- Turning personal heartbreak into fiction
- The emotional journey of writing a debut novel
- Reinvention, resilience, and starting over
- Her experience launching at the Bournemouth Writing Festival
- The realities of becoming a first-time author
