Knowing Ive sold 165 million books doesnt make it easier.
Erika Mitchell, the author better known asE.L.
“I find it depressing that I can’t shift the self-doubt so I’m in therapy now.
Erika Mitchell a.k.a. E.L. James.Anthony Harvey/Getty
I’ve been called courageous but I’m actually quite a coward.
I’m a lot braver in my fiction than in real life.”
After publishingFifty Shades of Greyas an e-book in 2011, the erotic novel became a viral sensation.
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson in ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’.Chuck Zlotnick/Focus Features/Courtesy Everett
Years later, all these accolades remain difficult to accept.
“The success ofFifty Shadesstill confounds me,” she said.
“I was like a rabbit in the headlights.
I didn’t expect such a furore and didn’t deal with it well.
I couldn’t sleep and was anxious, especially around the time of the movies.”
There were also a trio of feature film adaptations starringDakota JohnsonandJamie Dornan.
“An erotic and fun romance.
At the heart of my books are the characters and their relationship, which I really care about.
End to end bonking would be pretty boring.”
She continued by explaining that even now, she struggles to focus on the positives of her success.
I’d also like to make a movie that I really love."
Much like the novels, the movies found their audience.
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