Q&A with Penelope Douglas *CLOSED*

[Penelope]

Maria wrote: "Hello Penelope! Thank you for doing this amazing giveaway and Q & A!
What drove you to write about the Four Horsemen the way you did?
What can we expect from Kai's story?
Will we see Damon at all..."

Hey, Maria!

The story of the guys really just developed as I wrote it. I didn't intend to leave hints about the other guys' stories, because there wasn't going to be stories for them. But I really just started being drawn to them as I wrote Corrupt, so it just unfolded really. I was more drawn to the dynamic of one girl hanging with four guys. Could she keep up? Find her power?

And with Kai, I think you can expect that he's hiding a lot. Michael and Rika think something happened to him in prison. They think he was victimized or suffered in some way. The truth is, nothing happened to Kai. He happened to others.

And that's the only hint you get. For now ;)

And yes, my Damon will be back. He's actually quite important in Hideaway.

Thanks for the question!

[Penelope]

Charlotte wrote: "Dear Penelope ! I wondered how you got the inspiration for theses beautiful covers ? thank you"

Hey, Charlotte!

Thanks! I'm glad you like the covers!

Honestly, I was very adamant about never having people on my covers when I first started. I didn't want to ruin readers' mental images of the characters, but a friend advised me that, since no one knew me or my work, it shouldn't be a mystery what types of books I write. They should know by looking at the cover. So when I did Bully's, I just looked for a cover where the faces were obscured or cut off. Same with Until You.

When I got to Rival, Falling Away, Aflame, and Misconduct, the publisher designed those and put the color schemes together. They did a great job.

By the time I got to Corrupt, I was finally able to go for no people. I'm not sure if I'll continue that for every book I do, but I do love that one a lot. I like bold colors and dark-ish covers, so I'm sure that will be a staple.

Thanks!

[Penelope]

Nicole wrote: "Hi Penelope! I've loved all of your books! The characters in the Fall Away series dealt with some difficult issues. Where did you draw your inspiration from for each of them?"

Hey, Nicole!

Well, of course, a lot came from my imagination, but a lot also came from my own upbringing and remembering the feelings a lot of teenagers have. The need to belong but the need to follow your own way, the need to find your power, and the need to be seen as an adult and be respected.

Tate was my spirit animal. She's who I WISH I was in high school. K.C. was me. Fallon was a tomboy, like my sister. The guys are just combinations of different people in my life and heroes I've read. I wish they were based on real men, but alas, I'm not that lucky ;)

Thanks for the question!

[Mercedes]

Penelope wrote: "The truth is, nothing happened to Kai. He happened to others.
And that's the only hint you get. For now ;)
And yes, my Damon will be back. He's actually quite important in Hideaway."

Aaah I totally want more hints now!! Lol. I'll gladly take the morsels you offer though :D

[Nicole]

Do you listen to music when you write? If you do, do you make a playlist for your books?

[Beth]

Penelope wrote: "Maria wrote: "Hello Penelope! Thank you for doing this amazing giveaway and Q & A!
What drove you to write about the Four Horsemen the way you did?
What can we expect from Kai's story?
Will we se..."

OMG! OMG! Kai!

[Cindy]

Hey Penelope,

First of all I just want to say how much I love your work, your books are some of my all time favorite reads! Thank you for the wonderful characters lives you allow me to inhabit.

My question is: What is your all time favorite book and why.

Thank You,
Cindy

[Tanja]

Where did you come up with the idea or concept for your books? If you could write in another genre, what would it be? Why?

[Audrey]

Hi Penelope!! What's the best thing being an author? :)

[Cassandra]

Hello Penelope! How are you?! I was just wondering, what are some habits you've picked up while writing? :)

[Tiffany]

Hi Penelope!! I was wonder where did you come up with the Plot to Corrupt? Thanks :)

[saraha]

Hi Penelope, which of your books was the most emotionally challenging for you to write?

[Shelby]

Where did your ideas come from for this series

[Stephanie]

Who is your favorite female and male character to write?

[Angelina]

Hi Penelope!! I really love your Fall away series <3

How did you come up with writing it? Who is your inspiration in writing the characters :)

[BookWorm 221]

Hi Penelope!

Just wanted to say that I've read and loved all of your books!! Corrupt became my favorite the moment I read it. I know you've already said that you are writing books for the rest of the guys but who's book are we getting first? and is it going to be as dark and erotic as Corrupt?

Thank you so much!

[Read With Chey]

Hi Penelope! I'm currently reading Corrupt right now and I'm actually pretty in love with it! You did such a great job on this novel, I'm just curious as to where your inspiration for this particular story came from?

[Penelope]

Angeline wrote: "Hi Penelope, Thank you for the opportunity to ask you Questions. I am new to your book and I am curious, the genre of the book is contemporary but there is an sociology aspect to it and the first b..."

Hi, Angeline!

Actually, I never really thought about it that way, but yeah, you're right. I guess I figure there's no point in writing a book if you don't have something important to say. Once I start to feel like I'm turning out assembly-line work, I'd probably just stop writing.

I guess what inspires me is a need to make the characters relate-able and dive into the feelings that we all go through, especially when we're young adults. I certainly knew people who were bullied, including myself, and there is definitely a piece of me in every character I write.

Hope that answers your question!

[Penelope]

Claudia wrote: "Ciao Penelope!
If you could spend a whole day with only one character fromon of your books, who would you choose and why?
Greetings from Italy :)"

Hey, Claudia!

I would probably spend the day with Will, Damon, or Kai from Corrupt. I still don't know them really well, so it would be new territory and an adventure. Madoc would be fun, too.

Thanks!

[Penelope]

Samantha wrote: "Good morning, Penelope! I was wondering if you're one of those authors that makes a specific playlist to listen to while writing a book. If you do, what are some of your go to songs?"

Oh, yes.

Yes, yes, yes.

Music is a huge part of all of my books, and they all come with playlists. Here's the link to all of my stories' playlists---> http://www.penelopedouglasauthor.com/...

As for my go-to songs, they change with every book, but those are it.

Thanks for the question!

[Penelope]

Alicia wrote: "I asked you in your Facebook group if Quinn and Lucas were to get a book after I read Misconduct and saw the age difference in that book. You answered me with a yes and also shared a teaser later o..."

Hi!

After the epilogue in Aflame, yes I knew they would eventually get a book. I love taboo, and I like age differences. The more forbidden the better as long as the author handles it well. I look forward to tackling their story, but right now I'm just hoping my publisher approves the outline ;) Lol

Thanks for the question!

[Penelope]

Tracy wrote: "Hi Penelope!
Wondering how your writing process works. Do you come up with a basic idea and just go bang it out? (ha! no pun intended) Or do you skim out the skeleton, then go flesh it out? And in ..."

Hi, Tracy!

I sketch out the skeleton first. I have to have a good foundation, because if I don't like what I'm writing or I feel lost at any time, I will stop wanting to write it. It's not fun anymore.

So yeah, I have to get an outline together, start pinning to the Pinterest board, get a playlist started. Once I have the basic idea, a collection of scenes I'd like to see play out, and the end outcome, I'm ready to sit down and write. And yes, I usually know how the books will end before I start. I had the Epilogue for Corrupt before I had most of the rest of the book.

Thanks for the question!

[Penelope]

Silver wrote: "What do you consider to be your best accomplishment ?"

Oh, that's a hard one. I guess the fact that I have learned to do things on my own terms. To know that my ideas and my contributions to my family, my friends, and the book community are worthy, whether or not others agree.

That I have a voice, and it's valid.

The books will eventually be forgotten, as well as me, but to learn to live your life how YOU want, I think, is the greatest thing any of us can accomplish.

<3 <3 <3

[Penelope]

Brenna wrote: "Do you have a favorite book, or one that has stuck with you?"

My favorite book is Frankenstein. Half my paperback from college is highlighted with wonderful, powerful lines.

Thanks!

[Penelope]

Katie wrote: "If you could write in a time period other than the present, which would it be?"

Hi, Katie!

I love history, so writing something with pirates would be great, but I also love futuristic stories like Star Trek. It would be a lot of fun to tell an inter-galactic romance ;)

Thanks for the question!

[Penelope]

Amanda wrote: "What do you like the most about love-hate relationship theme that seems to be the center of your plot, Miss Pen? The banters between the characters? Or meanie Heroes? ❤"

Both!! Love-hate romances are so much fun, because the angst and drama is full of passion. I'm not really a lover of sweet and soft, so love-hate is captivating because it's hot, angry, and dangerous. Mean heroes are confident, and that's really attractive. In fiction. LOL

Thanks!

[Penelope]

Joanna wrote: "Which character of your books do you prefer? Why?"

Hi, Joanna!

I really can't answer that. I'm sorry :(

I love them all in their own way, and they are all a piece of me. My favorites are the ones I relate to the most (K.C., Rika, Tate, Michael) but I love all of them and the stories wouldn't be complete without them.

Thanks for the question!

[Phoenix]

If you could be any character, real or fiction, from any book you have written or read, who would you be and why?

[Pink]

Hi Penelope,
I would really like to know, what tips would you like to give for upcoming writers in this genre?

[Elena]

what was your reaction to your first signing? love your books!

[Penelope]

Shannon wrote: "I can't wait for your next series with all the kids!!! :)...my question to you is how do you feel about the age difference between Quinn and Lucas? will it make their book harder to write?"

Hey, Shannon :)

I really like age differences. It adds an air of forbidden-ness which is always hot in romance stories, and I have absolutely no hang-ups about pairing the two up.

It's my belief that a good enough writer can pull off anything. Now whether or not I'm that good, we'll see ;)

And yes, it will definitely be harder to write their book. The problem with age differences it that a writer wants to put the hero and heroine on as much even ground as possible. If Lucas has "lived too much" or Quinn "hasn't lived enough" or demonstrated enough maturity for her age, readers won't buy into their love story. I've already had requests to "make sure Quinn is in her twenties, not her teens," and for her to finish college first. But the truth is, I'm going to do my thing, because if I don't, I'll hate it.

I promise, though, I'll do my best!! :D

xoxo

[Penelope]

Victoria wrote: "Hi Penelope!
I adore your books and was just wondering what your favourite books are that have a similar vibe?

Also, as a writer how do you stay motivated?"

Hi, Victoria!

I really don't read as much as I would like anymore, but I'd say Tijan, B.B. Reid, and Stylo Fantome. They write books I like, some with mean heroes, and lots of naughtiness.

And I stay motivated, I guess, because this in my only job, so if I don't write, we can't eat! LOL...Honestly? I love telling stories. I love handing them over to readers. The writing is hard, but I really love what I do and love living in my dream world, so even though it's a tough process, I'm happy to put things out there for people to enjoy.

Thanks for the question!

[Stella]

If you would change one thing in the Fall Away series, what would it be?

[Penelope]

Micky wrote: "Hi Penelope

Do you have a preference for writing books in a series or stand alones? You do both well!
Micky"

Hi, Micky! Thanks!

I prefer series. I wish I could write stand alones more, but it's so nice to not have to give up characters you've grown attached to and spend more time with them, even if they're side characters in future books. Plus, you get to see them grow more.

Thanks for the question!

[Mercedes]

Penelope wrote: "I really don't read as much as I would like anymore, but I'd say Tijan, B.B. Reid, and Stylo Fantome."

OMG *swoon* Jameson, Logan, and Keiran, some of my top BBF's! Great choices :D

[Penelope]

Katie wrote: "Hi, I love how in your books you have music lists. Do most of those songs influence your writing of that specific scene, or are they just songs that you love and think your characters would love?"

Hey, Katie!

A bit of both, actually. I use a lot of songs, and the way they make me feel, to inspire the mood of the scene. But others might just be the type of music my character would listen to, but it's important, because it makes the character more real and you can feel their personality more.

Thanks for the question!

[Penelope]

Erika wrote: "Hi Ms. Douglas, I love your books and I like to know, which one was the most difficult to write?"

Hi!

I think someone already asked this, but I'll answer again just to be sure. Until You was the most frustrating. Jared was very difficult and moody, so it wasn't a lot of fun to be in his head for five months ;)

The most difficult to plot was Corrupt, because it was a huge story with lots of twists and details, so it took a lot of planning.

Thanks for the question <3

[Penelope]

Jennifer wrote: "Hi Penelope !
Jennifer here, your Swedish biggest fan :)

I loved the audiobook of Misconduct and am downloading Falling series as we speak:)
Can't wait for Corrupt to be able as audio too.
But hav..."

Corrupt is my favorite. All of them have a very important place in my heart, but that is the one I'm most proud of, because it was such a huge story to organize all the details, and there was a lot of emotions, action scenes, and I loved writing suspense. It had a solid plot outside of the romance, and I loved that.

Thanks!

[Penelope]

Sharon wrote: "Jared was kind of a mess where did his character inspiration come from?"

Hi, Sharon!

Jared came from a combination of heroes I'd read and my own imagination. I tried to capture what a volatile teenage male would be like, so yes, he was definitely erratic, angry, and impulsive.

Thanks for the question!

[Penelope]

Alison wrote: "Hey Penelope,
How many unpublished or partly written books do you have? Love your books ❤️❤️"

Hi, Alison <3

I don't have ANY books just lying around :( I wish. Writing a novel takes me at least five months, and I can't spend that kind of time writing a book I'm not going to publish.

Maybe I'll get quicker....no, probably not. ;)

Thanks for the question <3

[Ashley]

Hi! have you ever thought about writing pnr, or romantic suspense? Of course you'd have to keep some humor in there as well! I've always wondered if authors stick to certain genres for a reason, or if they just don't like the others?

[J.]

If you could be any book character for a day, who would you choose and why? :)

[Penelope]

Simona90 wrote: "Hi Penelope,
Wich character do you love more of the many you've created?"


I love all of my characters for different reasons, and some definitely more than others, but I don't have a favorite per se. Jared was the most rewarding to write. Tate and Fallon were the most inspiring. K.C., Rika, and Michael I identified with the most. Madoc, Easton, and Will are the most fun. Jax and Tyler were the hottest...

I love starting new books and getting to know my new characters. It's always an adventure to see who they'll turn out to be.

xoxo

[Penelope]

Margarita wrote: "Since you music is very prominent in your books, who is your favorite band/artist?"


Hi, Margarita!

Honestly, it changes. I'll be on an Adelita's Way kick, then a Pop Evil Kick, then FFDP, then Disturbed...but if someone asked me which album I would listen to for the rest of my life, if I had to pick, it would be Neon Ballroom by Silverchair. It's not metal--more alternative--but I love the tone of the entire album.

Thank you!

[Penelope]

Nicole wrote: "Hi! Thank u for taking the time to answer all these questions! I was just wondering what u do when u feel like you've hit a road block while writing a story? How do u get around it if you've even e..."

Hey, Nicole!

Good question. With most books, I would simply take a break. Go take a shower, go for a walk, exercise, clean, cook...get your mind in an unchallenging activity, and you'd be surprised how well it works when you're just allowed to float and not concentrate too hard. For me, the shower is the magic place most often. I don't have to think about what I'm doing, and my head just clears and thoughts all of a sudden start to blossom.

With Corrupt, I did those things, but that book took a lot more plotting than I was used to, so I also started story mapping. Writing notes, boxes, arrows pointing this was and that, and working out the questions I was facing and how to solve them. If you remember the old bubble clusters we did in school before we would write an essay, it's like that.

Hope that answers your question :)

xoxo

[Penelope]

Ophelia's Book Blog wrote: "Will you write a sequel for Misconduct or a novella for Tyler and Easton? I loved that book so much! Xoxo"

Thanks!! I lvoed their relationship, too. They were so good together.

I don't have any plans for more of Tyler and Easton. I would love to see how they are faring in the Senate race, and I'm sure I could dream up some great drama, but my plate is pretty full now. Unfortunately :(

Thanks for reading, and I'm so glad you liked it!

[Penelope]

Crystal wrote: "Hi,

I was wondering if this was your dream to be a writer or how it came about?

Thanks"

Hi, Crystal!

No, it was never really a dream at first. A few years ago, I was reading a lot, and I started dreaming a lot. I started living in my head more, and the idea for Bully popped in there. Getting back into reading, discovering New Adult (which I love), really got my imagination going, and all of a sudden I had a story to tell, too. And once I started I didn't stop. It became a passion.

Thanks for the question!
xoxo

[Penelope]

Felicia wrote: "How did you get started writing?"

Hi!

I kind of answered this for the reader above you, but I'll add that I just started nights and weekends when I was home from work, and I had a friend editing it for me as I wrote it. It was a slow process. Bully took about a year to write like that and a lot of editing.

Thanks!

[Penelope]

Kelly F wrote: "Any chance there will be future books with the kids from the Bully series?"

Hey :)

A very good chance, I think. I have plans, but I haven't talked to the publisher yet about whether or not they're interested or if I'm doing it on my own. I wouldn't expect any books, though, before 2017/2018. I would like to give everyone a chance to fall a little out of love with the original couples. I wouldn't want people to read simply for glimpses of Jared, Tate, etc. ;)

Thanks for the question!

[Penelope]

Michelle wrote: "Hi Penelope!

Let me first start by saying that I absolutely love your books. I read the Fall Away series last year and last month I read Corrupt.

How do you come up with the characters in your ..."

Hi, Michelle!

The characters are based on whatever inspires me, really. There's always a bit of myself in them, my likes and dislikes and my dreams and struggles at that age, but they can also be inspired by book characters I've read or characters I've seen on TV.

My Pinterest boards and playlists are also helpful in developing their personalities. :)

Thanks for the questions!