Today's Read Contributor Colleen Hoover, one of today’s most widely read contemporary authors, has carved an unconventional yet inspiring path through the literary world. From humble beginnings as a self-published writer to becoming a key creative voice in the entertainment industry, Hoover’s trajectory is a testament to the power of perseverance, digital platforms, and resonant storytelling. In a recent interview published on November 20, she sat down with Elle to reflect on her ongoing journey and the evolving relationship between literature and Hollywood.
Hoover rose to fame in the early 2010s after self-publishing her debut novel Slammed via Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing. At the time, she was working full-time and had written the book as a personal project, never imagining it would turn into a best-seller. But readers connected with her emotionally driven narratives and relatable characters, and word-of-mouth promotion—particularly through book blogs and social media—propelled the novel to commercial success. The response not only led to a traditional publishing deal but also marked the start of a literary phenomenon.
Over the past decade, Hoover has released a string of chart-topping novels, including It Ends with Us, Verity, and Ugly Love. Her books often tackle complex emotional themes such as trauma, healing, love, and redemption—narratives that deeply resonate with her predominantly young adult and adult female audience. Her unique ability to create intimacy and rawness on the page has earned her legions of devoted fans, often referred to as the “CoHort.”
In her Elle interview, Hoover revealed she is currently writing two new novels, One Good Reason and One Bad Reason. These upcoming titles suggest a continuation of the emotionally layered storytelling that has defined her work thus far. But beyond the page, Hoover is also delving further into the world of film and television. She confirmed that she is co-writing a screenplay adaptation for Woman Down, one of her yet-to-be-released projects, signaling her commitment to ensuring her stories translate authentically to screen.
This hands-on involvement in the adaptation process is becoming more common among modern authors. As the entertainment industry increasingly turns to literature for fresh material, writers like Hoover are stepping into expanded creative roles—moving beyond the title of author to become producers, consultants, and screenwriters. For Hoover, this is not just a career pivot, but a chance to preserve the emotional integrity of her stories as they evolve into different formats.
Despite the allure of Hollywood, Hoover emphasized that her primary focus remains on writing novels. “Writing books pays the bills… that’s always going to be my priority,” she told Elle. Her comment reflects a grounded perspective that many fans admire. Even with growing media attention and commercial opportunities, Hoover remains deeply connected to the work that first brought her acclaim—putting words on the page.
Her experience is emblematic of broader shifts in the publishing industry, where traditional gatekeeping has given way to more accessible platforms for writers to reach readers directly. Self-publishing, once viewed as a last resort, has become a legitimate launchpad for literary careers. Hoover’s story proves that with compelling storytelling and strategic use of digital platforms, independent authors can break into the mainstream—and even into Hollywood.
At a time when books are increasingly being mined for screen adaptation, Hoover’s success underscores the value of narratives that speak to universal emotions. Her willingness to adapt and evolve as both an artist and businesswoman reflects the kind of versatility that is becoming essential in today’s cross-platform storytelling environment.
For aspiring writers, Hoover’s rise offers a blueprint for how to build an authentic, engaged audience without traditional backing. For readers, it affirms the enduring power of stories to connect, comfort, and captivate—whether in print or on screen. And for the entertainment world, she represents a fresh and increasingly important creative voice capable of bridging the gap between the literary and cinematic worlds.
Colleen Hoover’s journey, once fueled by passion and perseverance alone, now stands as a defining example of what’s possible when storytelling meets opportunity in the modern media landscape.
Source: Elle
