New Adult Book Club discussion
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Author Q+A's
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Q&A with Penelope Douglas *CLOSED*
Hi, Penelope LOVE your books! :) What is the best thing about being an author?
Hiiii!! Which is your favourite couple from the fall away series?? Thank youuuu!
Hi :) Who is your favorite character? Like... who you liked to write the most?
Lee wrote: "I, for one, love YA/NA books - and yet have long since past that time frame in my own life. What do you think is the appeal of this genre that is able to span generations of readers?"Hey, Lee!
I have to say, I used to read a lot as a teen (historical romance) but I stopped reading in my twenties. What made me pick up books again was the emergence of New Adult.
I, like a lot of people, loved the ages of the characters. End of high school, beginning of college...it's when we're experiencing a lot of "firsts" in our lives. First kisses, first fights, first break-ups, first apartments, first time in our lives when we don't always have parents, teachers, and mentors looking over our shoulders. It's an exciting and impulsive time in our lives, especially for those of us who've been married a while, kind of lost our mystery, and miss those firsts.
Don't get me wrong. I adore my husband, but I remember our first kiss, sitting there on his couch, wondering when or if he was going to lean in. :D This genre lets you relive those things.
Or experience them for the first time along with the characters!
Thanks for the question!
Betul wrote: "What does writing mean to you?"Hi!
Good question. Writing, to me, means giving experiences.
Words are powerful, and with them a writer can reach inside a reader and wreak all sorts of havoc.We can give you butterflies, make you cry, make you laugh, make you reflect...
Life can get monotonous, boring, and sometimes unbearable. But in a book, you get a HEA. You get to fly away on a dragon's back, or save the girl's life, or give an amazing speech when, in real life, you're scared of talking in public. You can love a thousand live, as they say, and that's a powerful drug.
The two best compliments I've ever gotten are when people tell me they re-read my books and when they tell me they "felt everything". That's all I want. I want to give you a world you never want to leave, because you're the hero or heroine while you're there.
xoxo
Donna wrote: "LOVED Bully and the rest of the FA series - how do you come up with your protagonists? And was it hard coming up with the twists in the series?"Hi, Donna!
The inspiration for the protagonists can come from a variety of places. All of them are me in a way, characters I've read in books or seen in movies, and from people in my life. And yes, I suppose the twists are difficult in the sense that it takes time. This is why it's impossible for me to turn out books every two months. My ideas don't blossom that fast ;) I need lots of think time and to just sit and let the big idea occur to me after a succession of smaller ideas.
Thanks for the question!
JABBERWOCKY wrote: "Hi, Penelope! *waves* I've never actually read any of your books before *hangs head in shame* But so many are on my TBR—I promise! :D
Although, since Hero's (or Anti-Hero's; I love 'em both) ar..."
Hey!
For me, and this is just me, I need a confident hero. I like an alpha personality, but not cocky and vain.
Usually, the most loved heroes are confident, quiet, and a bit formidable. But you do need a glimpse of a weakness or a soft spot to give them mystery and make them alluring. Jerky heroes piss off readers, but if you can give your hero some kind of vulnerability--even if it's small--then that's perfect book boyfriend material in my opinion.
Really, there's no formula for an ideal BB, because everyone digests books and characters differently and likes different things, but in summery, he should be "all that" but not care.
xoxo
Deeps wrote: "Hello Penelope! :)This is totally random, but, if you had to choose between living in NoLa and a beach somewhere in the Caribbean, what would you choose? :)"
NOLA!!!! I don't like the ocean, to be honest. I'll look at it and enjoy the sound of the waves, but I'm not a beach girl. I like my black clothes, scarves, and jeans. Plus, I'd get bored. NOLA is a perfect city to see on foot, so much to experience, and so many awesome people to meet.
Thanks for the question!
Beth wrote: "Hi Penelope! I enjoyed the racing scenes in the Fall Away series so much. They were so vivid, and I felt like I was in that car. Have you ever done any street racing? Are you an adrenaline junkie l..."Hey, Beth!!
Honestly, I love speeding. I have the tickets to prove it. But I've never done any racing. My husband is a mechanic and helped a lot with the technical working.
But I am an adrenaline junkie. I love roller coasters and things like that.
Thanks!
H wrote: "If you could collaborate with one author, who would it be and why? Thanks!"Hi!!
I would collaborate with Tijan. I'm not sure I would ever work with anyone. I'm kind of a control freak when it comes to my story, and I would hate to be on someone else's timeline, but I love her work and the character's she writes. I'm sure we could do something fun.
Thanks for the question!
Cassie wrote: "What is your must-have when writing?"Music and snacks! Preferably pretzels and jalapeno cream cheese :)
Thanks!
Nicole wrote: "Do you listen to music when you write? If you do, do you make a playlist for your books?"Hey, Nicole!
Absolutely. My playlists are a huge part of my process. You can find my playlists here---> http://www.penelopedouglasauthor.com/...
Thanks for the question!
Cindy wrote: "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.
M..."
Hi, Cindy :)
My favorite book is Frankenstein, because there were so many great quotes, and I loved the dynamics of the relationship between Victor and the monster.
Thanks for the question!
Dear Penelope,First off, let me tell you that I absolutely adored the Fall Away series. They broke me and mended me in ways one could never imagine so thank you very much for these wonderful stories.
I have two questions:
1) What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
2) Will Aflame come out in paperback? I really need to complete my collection haha!
Keep up the good work!
Love from France.
Well, I'd love to know if Aflame is ever going out in paperback?
Who is your all time favourite hero from any book? :)
Hi, Penelope, thank you for hanging out with us :)Scr*ew, marry, kill game with your characters.
My choice would be to screw Jared, because come on, who wouldn't, marry Madoc, he is my favorite guy from the Fall Away series, and I would kill Patricia for how she treated Fallon.
I would like to know whou would you choose?
Congratuations on your success, and wish you many more books to come :)
If you had to choose among your male lead characters, who would you want mowing your lawn?
Tanja wrote: "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?"Hi, Tanja!!
I just dig deep. I share things that are important to me and that turn me on. The more a writer uses of themselves to write a book, the more authentic it will feel, because we know what we're talking about and the reader can tell we care about what we're writing.
If I could write another genre, I might write horror ( I like playing with fear) or paranormal. I'd love to invent my own world and create characters that can do interesting things.
Thanks for the question!
Audrey wrote: "Hi Penelope!! What's the best thing being an author? :)"Hi!
There are so many things I love about being an author: the flexible schedule, getting to live in your own world day after day, the opportunity to be creative and constantly grow and challenge yourself...
But what I love most is the validation I get from sharing my world with other people. Knowing that what's in head is worth reading, and that it's okay to like what I like, because others like it, too. When we're given opportunities to express ourselves, we find that, not only are we valuable, but we're irreplaceable. No one can do what we do the way we do it, whether you're a storyteller, a nurse, a teacher, a musician, or a soldier. When we own who we are and share it, we give everyone else permission to do the same. <3
Cassandra wrote: "Hello Penelope! How are you?! I was just wondering, what are some habits you've picked up while writing? :)"Hi, Cassandra!
Professional habits incluse story boarding, which I began during Rival and have continued for every book, and being a serious plotter. some writers bash away and just write, write, write and fix their issues later. I can't do that. I will stare at my screen until I KNOW what needs to happen next.
As far as vices, I snack a lot, but that's always been an issue ;) Other habits include staying up a little later and working until deadline. I never finish early. :(
Thanks for the question!!
Tiffany wrote: "Hi Penelope!! I was wonder where did you come up with the Plot to Corrupt? Thanks :)"Hi!
The basic idea of a girl who sends a few guys to jail came from a news story. When I read the article, the foundation for Corrupt was born, and I built an entire story around it. Everything else (Devil's Night, the masks, them coming after her, etc.) was purely from imagination...and Pinterest ;)
Thanks!
saraha wrote: "Hi Penelope, which of your books was the most emotionally challenging for you to write?"Hi, Saraha!
The most emotionally challenging was probably Falling Away. Those two made me cry a lot, and their story touches home. KC is the character I relate to the most, so it was a very personal story.
Thanks for the question!
Shelby wrote: "Where did your ideas come from for this series"Hey!
The Fall Away series? I guess it all came from my own upbringing. It's a coming of age series and relates a lot of life lessons, so I tapped into my own childhood and teenage years and tried to reflect on struggles teens have, the feelings of insecurity and wanting things that are bad for us. It's a very hard time in our lives where we're learning to make decisions without the adults always present in our lives. I identified with the characters a great deal.
Thanks for the question!
Stephanie wrote: "Who is your favorite female and male character to write?"Hi!
My favorite male character to write was either Jared or Michael. They were frustrating, but it was rewarding to see them finally admit what they wanted.
Favorite female character was KC/Juliet. I identified with her the most.
Thanks!
BookWorm wrote: "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 ..."
Hey!
Yes, you should have Kai's book first, though there's no telling when yet. And yes, all the books will follow an erotic suspense theme.
Thanks for asking!
Princess Cheyenne wrote: "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 particul..."Great! Thanks!
I actually answered this above if you'd like more detail, but the bare bones inspiration came from a news story, but the rest just came from a year of plotting and planning. Of exploring playlists and Pinterest boards for ideas.
So glad you're enjoying it!!
Sarah wrote: "If you could be any character, real or fiction, from any book you have written or read, who would you be and why?"Well, I guess I would say Rika, but probably just to take advantage of that steam room scene. A girl can dream, right?
But really, I think Tate. The allure of growing up next to hot guy and all the sexual tension of being near him and being drawn to him even when I should hate him. They had years of foreplay and foreplay is where the meat of the story is for a reason. ;)
Thanks for the question!
Avantika wrote: "Hi Penelope,I would really like to know, what tips would you like to give for upcoming writers in this genre?"
Hi, Avantika!!
There are literally hundreds of little tips I could offer, but the basic--and most important ones are: hire a content editor, be selfish, and covet your privacy.
Readers are the ones who sell your books. It doesn't matter if you're besties with this author or that or you got a popular blogger to read your book. Those people help exposure, but the hype will die down real fast if you don't genuinely have a good book. And an editor does that. They'll let you know everything that's wrong, so you can fix it or gauge whether or not you want to. And believe me, there are always things wrong that you don't see. Don't publish without an editor.
Be selfish. Everyone will have an opinion about what you do, and what one person hated, ten other people loved. You won't please everyone, so why not make sure you're happy first? Your work is always stronger when you do what YOU want to do.
And finally, enjoy your privacy when you need it. Social media has made it possible for us to all be in each other's lives and communicate so much better, but you don't get the good without getting some of the bad, as well. You can't write a book with other people in your head or the feelings of self-doubt that come with running into something online you probably weren't meant to see. It's a lot to expect of anyone to get critiqued several times a day every day, so simply log off. Take a break and enjoy just being in your head with your characters and no one else.
Good luck and thanks for the question!
Elena wrote: "what was your reaction to your first signing? love your books!"Hi!!
I was very nervous. My hand would barely work, because it was shaking so hard ;)
And then looking across the room and seeing Colleen didn't help, because I was watching her while others wanted to talk to me. I was probably a bubblehead that day. LOL
Thanks for the question!
Stella wrote: "If you would change one thing in the Fall Away series, what would it be?"Hey, Stella!
I think I would rework the last half of Rival. Although I loved the ending with Jax, I feel a lot more competent in my story telling skills, so I wish I could've drummed up more drama and given Madoc a bit more depth.
Thanks for the question <3
Ashley wrote: "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..."Hi, Ashley!!
I would love to try new genres. I love romance, so I'm sure whatever I write would have romance in it, but I love PNR, so yes, I would like to try that some day.
Corrupt was romantic suspense, and it was the most fun I ever had writing a book. The fear factor was exciting for me.
Thanks for the question!
J. wrote: "If you could be any book character for a day, who would you choose and why? :)"Hi!
I think I answered this above. I would be Tate from Bully. The sexual tension was great, and her story would be a lot of fun.
Thanks!
Sheilaa93 wrote: "Hiiii!! Which is your favourite couple from the fall away series?? Thank youuuu!"Hi!
Jared and Tate have a special place in my heart as the firsts, but Jax and Juliet are my faves. They were hot together, and I related a lot to their story.
Thank you!!
Elodie wrote: "Dear Penelope,First off, let me tell you that I absolutely adored the Fall Away series. They broke me and mended me in ways one could never imagine so thank you very much for these wonderful stori..."
Hey, there!
1) I answered this for someone else above if you'd like to scroll up. Sorry. It was a lot to type ;)
2) The publisher and I are talking now about this. They're open to it, but New Adult doesn't sell well in paperback, so it's a big investment for something that may or may not sell well. We're discussing some options.
Thanks you!!
Violina The Romance Lover wrote: "Who is your all time favourite hero from any book? :)"Why Mr. Darcy, of course! The original jerk hero ;)
Vika wrote: "Hi Penelope, i wanted to ask you, which is the most recent romantic novel you really liked?"Hey!
That's hard to answer, because I don't read many any more. I'm in a serious rut.
But I guess the last ones that really worked their magic were Fear me and The Force of Gravity.
Thanks!
Andie wrote: "Hi, Penelope, thank you for hanging out with us :)Scr*ew, marry, kill game with your characters.
My choice would be to screw Jared, because come on, who wouldn't, marry Madoc, he is my favorite..."
Okay! *rubs hands together*
Screw Jax (because he has SO much energy), marry Kai (because he's loyal--and hot), and kill Thomas (Jared's dad). He probably deserves it more than anyone.
Thanks for asking <3
Cindy wrote: "If you had to choose among your male lead characters, who would you want mowing your lawn?"Hmmmm....
Jax, I guess. He's the only one I can imagine doing it. He's just a good boy like that ;)
Hey, everyone!! If I haven't answered your question that means someone before you asked the same thing. If you wouldn't mind scrolling back, that would save my poor fingers a lot ;) Thank you!!
I'm still taking questions for another week, so keep 'em coming!
What is the hardest thing for you to write when you're writing a book?
Hey Penelope!Me again: I came up with another question...!
I really liked it when you described the girls' styles in the Fall Away series because no one around me dresses like that so I was wondering: what actual shops do you think they would buy their clothes from?
PS: Thank you for answering my previous question!
What do you do to unwind and take a break when struggling with writing?
Jordan wrote: "What is the hardest thing for you to write when you're writing a book?"Hey, Jordan!
It's a toss up. The sex scenes, while fun to go back and read, are very tedious and boring to write. Lots of movement, adjectives, and trying to make every scene different and exciting so readers don't just skim through it.
But also the scenes with lots of action and high tension are stressful to write, too. I want to make sure as many readers as possible "feel" what's going on (the fighting, the race scenes, the confrontations), so I go over and over it to keep it in the moment and make it an experience for readers.
Thanks for the question!
Elodie wrote: "Hey Penelope!Me again: I came up with another question...!
I really liked it when you described the girls' styles in the Fall Away series because no one around me dresses like that so I was wonder..."
Hey!
That's a good question. I think Tate's style can be found at any store, really. She's more of a conservative dresser unless she's going out. Then maybe Bebe or Banana Republic.
Fallon doesn't subscribe to a style. She just takes average clothes and turns them into something that's hers, like the T-shirt ripping and tying.
Juliet? I'm not really sure. Her style changed, so a mix of Tate and Fallon, I think. She learned to be creative and wear what made her happy.
Hope that answered your question!
Louise wrote: "What do you do to unwind and take a break when struggling with writing?"Hi!
I take walks, clean rooms in my house (yes, I actually enjoy that), have a glass of wine, or I go shopping. A wise author told me "when you're stressed, drink wine. When you're really stressed, buy shit." And it's worked pretty well ;)
Most of all, get up and moving. Once your mind is occupied on a mundane task, you're imagination will start working again.
Thanks for the question!
Hey Pen! I have a couple of questions! When you write your novels do you write in an office or outside by yourself, etc? Or does it all depend on a certain scene and mood you are trying to create for a particular part in the chapter? Also, when you write do completely let yourself go and write whatever the character is feeling? Does that come to you naturally? If not, how do you avoid writer's block?
Now, to the really juicy part...Kai :) In the bonus scene he said that no one knew how bad he can be but she (Banks) will find out..Does he mean no one who is close to him knows how bad he is or everyone, including those who were in jail? Also, I know you and Kai like to covet your privacy..but can you tell us how steamy/dark the sex scenes are like in Hideaway on a 1-5 (1 being the lowest) (be honest)? Those are the questions I have...for now ;). But thanks so much! I love you!! Best author ever :)
Rhea wrote: "Hey Pen! I have a couple of questions! When you write your novels do you write in an office or outside by yourself, etc? Or does it all depend on a certain scene and mood you are trying to create ..."
Hi, Rhea!
When I'm writing I'm usually in my office. My family--if home--won't disturb me and can move about the house freely. If I'm alone, I might go downstairs on the couch to put my feet up.
But yes, I stay at home. I don't need outdoor distractions. I like my quiet solitude. (Plus I live in the desert, and it's not very beautiful in Vegas in my opinion to be outside much. And it's hot!)
As far as letting go when I write, no. I rarely ever just bash away, because time is precious, and I know if I don't pay attention and keep it under control, I'll end up deleting half of what I wrote. I write what the characters are feeling, of course, but I work it out in my head first. If I'm stuck, I take a break, take a walk, clean my house... ;)
Now on to Kai. I haven't specified who Banks is yet (that's just from my Pinterest board), so don't assume anything quite yet. The book is erotic suspense, so you can assume the sex will be...well, erotic. Lol.
Unfortunately it's hard to gauge, because everyone is different. For instance some people thought Corrupt was dark, others didn't think it was dark at all. Everyone digests differently, so I can't rate the sex scenes. They'll be great for some readers, not enough for others, and OTT for yet others. That's how it always is.
I'm sorry I can't tell you more. I know you're anxious. Just please be patient and enjoy the story unspoiled when it's released <3
xoxo
Hi Penelope im such a huge fan i was wondering if yo could have any of your books made into a movie witch one would it be and who would you cast for the characters :)
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New Adult Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
Corrupt (other topics)Misconduct (other topics)
I was wondering if you have any writing hard limits? (Maybe HEA only, or you steer clear of a certain genre or certain types of sce..."
Hi, Mercedes!
As far as writing, I don't really want to write rape. I'm not saying I won't at some point, but in the original outline for Corrupt, I toyed with the idea of Rika having been assaulted (more than just man-handled, anyway), and I quickly dismissed the idea. I can read rape, but there's a fine line between compelling stories and stories that are just plain hard to read. I don't want to write a book that is hard for people to read. For now, it feels wrong.
I also don't want to read or write books with heavy drug use. That's where Michael gets that part of his personality. ;) I hate drugs, and I don't want to go that dark.
As far as what I'm interested in writing, I'd love to write a F/M/F or M/F/M book (not just a scene) at some point in my life, and I'd like to dive into paranormal some day.
Thanks for the questions!