Stacy
asked
Caroline Kepnes:
I'm really looking forward to Hidden Bodies! What sort of techniques do you use to make an unreliable (and psychopathic) narrator like Joe relatable? I think it's really challenging to keep the reader so deeply engrossed when they aren't likable.
Caroline Kepnes
Ah, yes! I constantly ask myself this question in the back of my mind when I'm writing. Did he do it yet? Did he go too far? Am I still on his side? And the answer is not always yes, and that's what moves me along. There are moments where you just want to run away from him or grab him and be like noooooooo and of course, this the sweet spot for me, the sweet spot of challenge and trouble and balance. It's like, we all know how it is worse for someone to say "I'm disappointed in you" than "I'm angry at you". I guess you could say my technique involves aiming for disappointment!
Also rereading. Really, really rereading it because when you write in this POV you have to be so careful that you stay in character, that you don't get out of his head.
Also rereading. Really, really rereading it because when you write in this POV you have to be so careful that you stay in character, that you don't get out of his head.
More Answered Questions
Catherine
asked
Caroline Kepnes:
Hi Caroline! I absolutely loved "YOU". Joe is such a complicated character - I wanted to be appalled at his murderous actions but I couldn't help but think, man, "suchandsuchcharacter kind of deserved it". Is that terrible of me? Anyway, my question is whether the "YOU" books are a trilogy or just the two. I can't wait for "Hidden Bodies"!
Autumn King
asked
Caroline Kepnes:
I literally fell in-love with Joe, and I am such a HUGE fan of your writing and books. Read both of them within days. Are you coming out with another book, doesn't have to necessarily have to be about Joe but just a new one period? Something along the lines of you and hidden bodies
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more