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BSU lecturer sees her book go from page to screen in new TV series

Friday, 1 November, 2024

Writers often dream of seeing their stories translated onto the screen. For author, BSU graduate and Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing, CJ Skuse, that dream has become a reality. 

The new TV series, Sweetpea, based on CJ’s book of the same name, was recently released on Sky Atlantic, and has since received rave reviews. The series stars Ella Purnell as Rhiannon – a quiet wallflower who doesn’t make much of an impression, is constantly overlooked, and whose life, it seems, is going nowhere. But when Rhiannon is pushed over the edge, she snaps. Suddenly the wallflower is gone, and in its place is a young woman capable of anything… 

Talking about what it’s like to see her work up on the screen, CJ Said: 

“This was a story that was just mine for a very long time, based on my thoughts, feelings, experiences and heartaches, so to see it adapted and interpreted by others is an awesome thing. I'm truly honoured it has happened, but it's strange to see aspects of my own life played out!” 

The book was published in 2017 and optioned in 2018 with See Saw Films, who previously made TV series like Top of the Lake and films including The Kings Speech and Lion, and, more recently Heartstopper and Slow Horses. Sky TV came on board soon after and were keen to make it for Sky Atlantic. Covid and various industry strikes meant that filming was delayed for a few years, but it eventually started filming in late 2023 and was released on Sky Atlantic on 10 October this year. 

CJ serves as a fine example of BSU success, having achieved first class honours in both the BA in Creative Studies in English and the MA Writing for Young People, and is now a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at BSU. She has published 11 novels, including the ‘Sweetpea’ series, and credits the Writing for Young People course with helping her get to where she is now. She said: 

“[I learned] to trust my own voice and instincts, to not dilute my creativity according to what I think the market wants at any given time (because the market is very fickle) and to keep the faith because sometimes good things are worth the wait.” 

CJ is also able to pay it forward with advice for her students, and any other budding writers hoping to one day see their own work be recognised: 

“Be prepared for it to take time, be open to criticism and hope – but not expect – anything to happen quickly, if at all. Above all, love your process and believe in the story you want to tell, and the rewards will come. It may take time but if you give up, it won't happen at all. If you keep going, anything can happen.” 

Sweetpea is available to stream on Sky Atlantic. Or if you’re curious about the source material, you can check out the entire ‘Sweetpea’ series of books.

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