Zara Hoffman asked Penelope Douglas:

Did you like writing Rival or Bully more? I loved both equally, but was just curious if you had a preference.

Penelope Douglas Thank you for your question! My first! :)

Out of all of the books, BULLY was my favorite to write. It was easier before I knew how I would be critiqued, before I lost some of my freedom due to fear of what people would say. It was more a labor of love and a journey or discovery (sounds cheesy, I know), but with BULLY I had freedom and such a love for Jared and Tate as my firsts.

With Rival, Madoc was so much fun, and I probably had the most fun writing him more than anyone. He is a fantastic character, and I loved his humor. But I also constantly wondered whether I should take this chance or that, knowing how people were going to critique it. With BULLY, I was ignorant, and with RIVAL, I was aware, so I was nervous. It was a different experience.

Now, with Falling Away, I just said screw it. Even though BULLY was my favorite to write, because I was free of fear with that one, Falling Away is my favorite book. I will read every review, because no one can tell me anything that will make me feel bad about this story. I am who I am, I write how I write, and I'm proud of myself, no matter what anyone says ;)

Thank you for your question!

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