Q&A with Penny Reid

[Penny]

MiDouradoP wrote: "What gives you inspiration to write? a person, a song, a movie, a scenery?
what is the most challenging thing about writing for you?"

I am inspired by the voices in my head who insist on being heard... I never get a moment of peace. The most challenging thing about writing for me is trying to tie everything up at the end of the book. With the last book I wrote (Beard in Mind) I wasn't sure I would be able to finish it ever... Seriously. o.O

[Penny]

Nicole wrote: "What's your last 5 star read?"

The Queen and the Cure by Amy Harmon!

[Penny]

Michelle wrote: "This doesn't have anything to do with your books..or writing. Lol!

I'm just curious why you have such a fascination with cross stitch? 😂😂😂. I've been to several takeovers you've been in and you al..."
LOL! Well, I am a crafty lady. I cross-stitch and once the Winston Brothers covers came to life I decided to have people post inappropriate cross-stitches as a game at my takeovers. For some reason they don't get old to me 😂

[Penny]

Vanessa wrote: "As a new reader to your books, please let me know which book or series would be a great start? I like the humorous spin shown in the Winston Brothers. Would these books be a good start?"

I would start with Truth or Beard! You could also start with Beauty and the Mustache which introduces the Winston brothers, but you don't have to in order to read Truth or Beard :-)

[Zeljka]

I just need to know where the inspiration came from for that hilarious costume of sexy Gandalf. I laughed so hard. I've been reading Truth or Beard for the Reid-Along on Facebook (ok, I cheated and read it all to the end today because five chapters a day of this fabulous book was not cutting it) and it's been bugging me, the sexy Gandalf costume that I need to make myself one day. And I loved, loved, loved the book!

[Penny]

J. wrote: "If you could be any book character for a day, who would you choose and why?"

I would be Hermione so I could cast spells and eat all the chocolate frogs I desire <3

[Penny]

Tanja wrote: "What's been your favorite book and character/couple to write and why?"

This is like asking me to choose my favorite child!
If I had to pick a couple *right now* I would choose Greg and Fiona from Happily Ever Ninja. Greg says the most ridiculous, inappropriate things, and I love him for it.

[Penny]

Kari wrote: "What's your writing schedule like? Do you set aside specific time on specific days, or just write whenever you have time?"

With a tiny dictator and two other children at home I write whenever I have the time. Sleep is for the weak o.O

[Penny]

Kento wrote: "What was your hardest scene to write?"

Definitely one from Beard in Mind...Which isn't out yet so I cannot go into too much detail :-(

[Penny]

Ann wrote: "NBR question: If you could have any super power what would it be?"

I would chose the ability to transport where ever I’d like whenever I’d like, because I really despise commercial airline travel.

[Penny]

Brittany wrote: "Does music play a role in your writing process? Do you create playlists for each book you write?"

Yes! I have a playlist for each book I write, you can find them on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/1215761...

[Penny]

Patricia wrote: "how long does it take you for writing a book? you make a lot of research for each one it's impressive!"

It depends on the book. I wrote 'Beard Science' in 13 days, however 'Beard In Mind' took me 2 months... I typically plot out the books before and research topics before I sit down to write. I'M GLAD SOMEONE IS IMPRESSED!

[Penny]

Cassie wrote: "What is your "must have" when you get into writing mode?"

Coffee!! Seconded by no one disturbing me ;-)

[Penny]

Simmone wrote: "Whose story is your favourite, or which story are you most excited to write?"

I'm excited to write Billy and Claire's story because I <3 angst.

[Penny]

Irene wrote: "Do you prefer vegetables or fruits?

How do you prevent yourself from being too inspired by other people when you're writing? :)"

I love fruits, in particular raspberries. I don't know that I really have to prevent being too inspired by others since I rarely leave my house because I'm a hermit :-/ BUT a hermit who likes fruits!

[Penny]

Sophie wrote: "If you could visit one of the places in your books which place would you like to visit & why?"

I would visit Green Valley so I could attend the jam session and stuff my face with banana cake. I would also join in on the jam! I play the spoons. Okay, I don't play the spoons but I would if I could.

[Penny]

Brenna wrote: "Do you ever create characters based on people you know in your day to day life?"

Absolutely! No one is safe, muahahaha

[Penny]

AlyBergBooks wrote: "Your books are known for having smart characters, which book or which character did you have to research the most for?"

I would say 'Dating-ish' or 'Happily Ever Ninja'. In particular, Fiona since she was an Ex-CIA agent.

[Penny]

Nicole wrote: "What are you working on next?"

Next I am expanding my newsletter exclusive story 'Nobody Looks Good in Leather Pants' but first I'm drinking ALL the wine because I finished 'Beard in Mind' :-D

[Nicole]

Penny wrote: "Nicole wrote: "What are you working on next?"

Next I am expanding my newsletter exclusive story 'Nobody Looks Good in Leather Pants' but first I'm drinking ALL the wine because I finished 'Beard i..."

Congrats!

[Ankita]

Have you read any/Do you like Inter-racial romance books? If yes, then which one you really liked? You think you'll ever give it a thought..of writing one?

[Jessica]

What's your fav boy bad?

[Lo Bookfrantic]

How do you come up with book cover? Your books all seem unique and I like that.

Thanks for your time. 😊

[Penny]

Zeljka wrote: "I just need to know where the inspiration came from for that hilarious costume of sexy Gandalf. I laughed so hard. I've been reading Truth or Beard for the Reid-Along on Facebook (ok, I cheated and..."

My assistant and I were talking about unnecessary sexy Halloween costumes (I.E. sexy bumblebee, sexy banana) and she mentioned a friend who went to a Halloween party as sexy Gandalf and I had to use it. I've had readers show up at signings dressed as sexy Gandalf LOL!

[Ann]

Penny, not sure if you're still answering questions, but I just finished Dating-ish and I have one more (2 parts).
Have you ever read the Alex + Ada comics or watched the show Humans?