“An author of courage, patience, erudition, and a sympathetic imagination.” — Dervla Murphy

My name is Sophy Roberts. I’ve worked for years in magazines — as editor-at-large for Conde Nast Traveller and Departures, travel editor for Economist 1843, and a columnist for FT HTSI. But about 10 years ago, I had a little crisis. On paper, I seemed to have the dream job. But I felt as if I’d lost my integrity, and that I wasn’t writing about the things I cared about.

I wanted my passion for travel writing to be about more than infinity pools. So I changed things up. I wrote a book. A strange book, perhaps, which took me to Siberia for three years in search of a piano for a Mongolian friend. It was a risk, but in that strange alchemy that can sometimes happen, it managed to catch a wind with readers. The Lost Pianos of Siberia came out in 2020, and went on to be published in nine languages.

“I’ve never read anything like it... she finds a completely new sound in an over-travelled world.”— NDR Radio, Germany

In 2025, I published another book, this one about elephants and East and Central Africa, which became an instant Sunday Times bestseller. I’m now working on my third, mixing up research with stories for the FT Weekend, the WSJ and a few others. I also teach a little — on writing retreats, and MA courses in creative writing. And continue to collaborate with my long-time colleague and friend Michael Turek.

This Substack will combine all sorts of misfires while I work through new ideas. It will give a few insights on techniques, and occasional masterclasses. I’ll profile writers I love, new books, photographer collaborations, and conversations with other artists — including authors, poets and filmmakers. I’ll also be giving you some behind-the-scenes content from my podcast, Gone to Timbuktu.

I’m a passionate advocate of other people’s work — especially those who are pushing at the boundaries of travel writing to break the conventions. That’s what I’m interested in discovering from the Substack community: new voices, trying to do new things. It’s what I aspire to. I find it hard, very hard, but as my younger son says: don’t repeat yourself, mum.

Why subscribe?

You will get full access to the Gone to Timbuktu newsletter and publication archives. I’m not putting any of the content behind a paywall. All I hope for is that you might recommend my work to friends.

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