Penelope Douglas Q&A

[rory]

Can you tell us how do you plan your books? What is the secret to a good romance book for you? What does your writing routine look like? Are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you use the three act structure? Love you and your books❤️

[Penelope]

Apple wrote: "I have some questions about covers!

What is your favorite type of cover? You seem to have a mix (models and object-centric) so I was wondering which do you prefer more?

Do you already have a vis..."

Hey, you!

I can go either way, I guess, but I tend to gravitate toward concept covers more. When I started out, I was advised to not make it hard to tell what genre the book was, because no one knew me or what I wrote, so I put people and some sexiness on Bully and Until You. When the publisher took over the series, they kept people on there. It's more marketable.

Being marketable wasn't a priority for me, so after a while, I did what I wanted--hence Corrupt, Punk 57, Credence. I'm not against people on the covers, but if I do that now, it's usually women.

Yes, someone is working on the Hellbent covers now. You have to wait to find out!

And yes, I would like to. It's just a matter of finding the time. Fingers crossed <3

[Penelope]

Apple wrote: "Would you ever write a historical romance? AP's storyline from Nightfall intrigued me and got me thinking! Even if it isn't about AP, (since I know you're done with Devil's Night right now), I feel..."

Sure! It's how I started reading romance. Love them!

[Penelope]

✨farwa✨ wrote: "heyy penelope!Hope you’re having a nice day!
So I was curious about if you had to choose any 3 of your books that you feel the closest with,which 3 would you choose out of all your books and why?"

Thanks for the question!

Punk 57 is the best impression of me I'd like to leave the world with. It has the message that's most important to me.

Corrupt is the best example of my storytelling, I believe. I'm awfully proud of that one.

And Credence has the ambience and the boundaries I like to push. It took a lot for me to publish that and face the music with readers, but it was an important story to tell, and I'm thrilled with the response it's gotten.

<3

[Penelope]

Clarissa reads it all wrote: "Since you were a teacher for years, what advice would you give someone else who is trying to make a career shift toward writing?"

Hi!

Be sure you want to give up that cheap healthcare! Lol ;) There are some perks to being a teacher.

No, in all seriousness, there trials I faced were more emotional than procedural. It was VERY hard to acclimate to going from a career where I'm rarely critiqued to a career where I'm critiqued constantly. It's what we sign up for, so I keep rolling with it, but that doesn't mean it's not hard and it would be hard for anyone. Limit your social media time, dive into things you love, and celebrate the good. That's my advice.

[Penelope]

Aakanksha(call me asha) wrote: "Hi, I love reading your books they take me to a different world .I'm curious if there is going to be any more books in the fall away series"

Yes, ma'am! Six more titled the Hellbent series. It's up on Goodreads!

[Penelope]

Aakanksha(call me asha) wrote: "Hi, I love reading your books they take me to a different world .I'm curious if there is going to be any more books in the fall away series"

Yes, ma'am! Six more titled the Hellbent series. It's up on Goodreads!

[Penelope]

Rose May wrote: "Hi Penelope i hope your well, my question is if you are not a dark /contemporary/NA romance writer what genre do you think you will write or you always want to try to write?"

Hey!

I would probably write mystery and/or YA dystopian maybe. I like a little horror, too, but I think I'd always want to have a romance playing in the background, at least. <3

[Penelope]

rory wrote: "Can you tell us how do you plan your books? What is the secret to a good romance book for you? What does your writing routine look like? Are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you use the three act str..."

Hi, Rory!

I'm a plotter. A huge planner. I make outlines and mood boards and playlists to set the tone.

I think the trick to a good romance is building the tension. Conversations, confrontations, dreaming up situations to put your characters in that the reader wants to be in. Write what YOU love and take your time to make it right. If you love what you wrote, readers can tell. If it doesn't feel right, stop and think about it. Change it until it excites you. Let your imagination wander.

[Beatrice]

Hello Ms. Penelope!

My question is, are there chances Fall Away and Devil's Night series will have a crossover?

[Penelope]

Beatrice wrote: "Hello Ms. Penelope!

My question is, are there chances Fall Away and Devil's Night series will have a crossover?"

Hey, Beatrice!

I actually wrote a Fall Away bonus scene where someone from DN appears, and I may continue it with another bonus scene down the road. It was just for fun, since readers wanted to see the worlds meet, but I won't crossover any love stories. There are no plans for more novels in the Devil's Night world, and the FA kids are all outlined <3

[Natchanan]

Hey Penelope,
I hope writing is going well, I can't believe the Devil's Night series is finished, I find myself re-reading the books because I don't want to forget them. Fire Night was a wonderful surprise and I'm super grateful you extended Corrupt from a standalone to a series. What a gift!

My question is would you ever do a Science Fiction Romance/Erotica?

Where do you find inspiration from to help you craft your characters? Movie characters or music perhaps?

Such a fan! Can't wait for what you have in store next. Happy writing!

[Ash]

Penelope wrote: "Aakanksha(call me asha) wrote: "Hi, I love reading your books they take me to a different world .I'm curious if there is going to be any more books in the fall away series"

Yes, ma'am! Six more ti..."

wohhooo!!! can't wait t read them

[Beatrice]

Hi again, Ms. Penelope!

Thank you for answering my question. :) Looking forward for more crossover bonus scenes. I have another question but I don't know if it's a spoiler:

Does writing Devil's Night series push you out of your comfort zone? I love how all the characters are complex and have unconventional relationships. I hope you write more dark romances like this. They're amazing. :D

Also, do you have any dream collaborations with other authors? If yes, who is it and what type of stories will you two write?

[Ana]

Which of your secret standalones are you most excited to write? Like if you didn’t have a schedule or commitments, which book would you want to write first?
Personally, I’m so intrigued by your Untitled Standalone #2 whose Pinterest Board you let us sneak a peek at.

Also can you describe your two anthology short stories in a few words?
You gave us some insight into one of them (and it really just took a couple sentences from you to have me intrigued!) but is there anything you can reveal about the other?

[Penelope]

Natchanan wrote: "Hey Penelope,
I hope writing is going well, I can't believe the Devil's Night series is finished, I find myself re-reading the books because I don't want to forget them. Fire Night was a wonderful ..."

Hey! I haven't really brainstormed any, but I'm not against it. If an idea grabs hold, sure!

I get most of my ideas from dreaming really. Pinterest and music help flesh out the tone and aesthetic I want, and sometimes I'll get a brainchild from a movie or show.

Thanks for reading!!

[Penelope]

Beatrice wrote: "Hi again, Ms. Penelope!

Thank you for answering my question. :) Looking forward for more crossover bonus scenes. I have another question but I don't know if it's a spoiler:

Does writing Devil's N..."

Hi! Actually, in all honestly, nothing I really write pushes me out of my comfort zone. New things and topics challenge me--trying to write them in a way I hope readers will connect with, but none of my books make me uncomfortable. I write what I love and hope like hell you all want to read it lol.

And yes, I hope to co-write a book with another writer at some point. I can't tell you yet, though, since it's still a long way off.

[Penelope]

Apple wrote: "Which of your secret standalones are you most excited to write? Like if you didn’t have a schedule or commitments, which book would you want to write first?
Personally, I’m so intrigued by your Un..."

I'm definitely excited for that standalone.

The other anthology I can't talk about any more yet. It's still a long way off, and I haven't gotten my story together, so nothing to tell quite yet. I hope to have something soon to share <3

[Natchanan]

Would you ever consider turning Devil's Night or any Fall Away into Movies if a deal were to arise?

Is there a genre or a trope you don't see yourself ever writing?

[Sunu]

do you watched horror movies?

[Penelope]

Natchanan wrote: "Would you ever consider turning Devil's Night or any Fall Away into Movies if a deal were to arise?

Is there a genre or a trope you don't see yourself ever writing?"

Absolutely! I think I'd be afraid of reader reaction to the casting, because it's always different than what we imagine when we're reading, but I know most readers would want a production done, so I'd go with it if I felt their proposal/vision was right.

As far as genres I might not write, stories that hit very home to reality kind of scare me. Books like Requiem for a Dream still haunt me, which means they are great and made an impact, but it was so full of delusion and despair for the characters, I think it would hurt too much to go to those *truly* dark places as a writer. However, if I had a story inside me that I felt was important to tell, I'd tell it. I can definitely see myself writing anything else--YA, Sci-Fi, mystery, fantasy, horror...

[Penelope]

Sunu wrote: "do you watched horror movies?"

Ohhhh, yes. Lol. I love horror, because when I'm watching it, I don't think about anything else. It's a true escape for a couple of hours and de-stresses me. I usually have a Halloween or Conjuring marathon during release week! ;)

[Natchanan]

Penelope wrote: "Natchanan wrote: "Would you ever consider turning Devil's Night or any Fall Away into Movies if a deal were to arise?

Is there a genre or a trope you don't see yourself ever writing?"

Absolutely!..."

Thanks for answering my questions Penelope :) I couldn't imagine the mental state of mind and social responsibility it would take, to attempt a story in the same genre of Requiem for a Dream, to give justice to the prevalent mental and social issues our society faces.

[Mia]

Hi Penelope,

I am a huge fan of Punk 57 and Bully but I have to say that my all time favorite book of yours is Birthday Girl. I have read it 4 times (about to be 5) this year and I can honestly say that I am the number one fan of that book. Absolutely addicted.

When it comes to all of your books is there one in particular that you would want to be made into a movie or Netflix series? if so which one and who would be in your dream cast?

Also, I have to ask, If Birthday Girl is not your choice, who would be in your dream cast if it was made into a movie/Netflix series?

[uhloves]

1- what are the kids in devil’s night ages? because i am just so confused especially with mads and octavia since i’m pretty sure he’s way older than her.
2- are mads and octavia supposed to have a dynamic like damon and banks had or are you trying to go for a romantic dynamic between them (hope not, since they’re cousins)?

[uhloves]

I hope to not sound rude, really just curious as to why you keep writing in the devil’s night world and especially creating dynamics and storylines for the kids (that are clearly giving the idea of a continuation) if you say that you won’t write a spin off or more books in that world? it feels like you’re confusing the readers in a way and misleading everyone.
very excited for your new future projects by the way.

[Penelope]

Mia wrote: "Hi Penelope,

I am a huge fan of Punk 57 and Bully but I have to say that my all time favorite book of yours is Birthday Girl. I have read it 4 times (about to be 5) this year and I can honestly sa..."

Hey, Mia! I would love to see Corrupt come to life. It has an interesting plot and suspense!

And I'm so sorry, I never can do dream casts. I don't really picture anyone in particular when I write. I love to leave that up to readers!

[Penelope]

uhloves wrote: "1- what are the kids in devil’s night ages? because i am just so confused especially with mads and octavia since i’m pretty sure he’s way older than her.
2- are mads and octavia supposed to have a ..."

Hey! It says in Fire Night. Mads is eleven and Octavia is about 5. Ivarsen would be about a year younger than Mads, and his brothers all about a year younger than the last successively. Jett is about 8, and Will's kids, if I remember correctly, are about nine and younger.

The dynamics between the kids are whatever you would like to imagine they are. I didn't have their futures in mind when I wrote it, so the readers can finish it.

And no, I don't think I *keep* writing in the DN world. I wrote one novella. I'm not planning anymore, so no fear! ;) I'm always looking forward and thought some readers might love more insight into how the world goes on--nothing really ends, etc. Not all readers appreciate this, which is why I was very careful to warn readers, both before the Nightfall epilogue AND before Fire Night that the flame keeps burning. Unfortunately, not everyone reads the warnings!! ;) Lol.

As a reader, I love staying in the world after a book is finished. Letting my imagination continue, you know? That's the kind of books I want to write. I could've cut Mads' point-of-view, which was what my editor considered a good idea, but would readers have been happy if they'd found out I'd kept that from them? I don't think so. I think anyone who has loved a series for five years wants as much as the writer can give them <3

Thanks for the questions <3 I hope I don't disappoint on whatever the future holds.

[Natchanan]

After I finished Nightfall, one thing I thought was missing was a one on one scene between Kai and Emory, seeing as he went to prison for punishing Emory’s brother for abusing her, then he later discovered that Emory had a hand in sending him and the boys to jail. So I was very happy to find a one on one conversation between him and Emory in Fire Night, even though it wasn’t in the topic of his resolution to her involvement. It was nice to see Kai fully welcome Emory into the family in Fire Night.

Was Fire Night always on the schedule after Nightfall, or was it a spontaneous release?

[Manii]

Is there anything u can tell us about the sibling dynamic between aj,kade and hunter

[Laís Bombo]

Hi Penelope, how are you doing?

My curiosity is about your playlists for your books, like, aestethics is "easier" beacuse of pinterest, but what about the songs? How do you visualize and choose he songs that matches to the scenes and caracthers? Because let me tell you, every song fits PERFECTLY in every situation in your books. Also I love your music taste. xx

[Mark]

Dear all ,hope all is well.
But reason for my self making noise so rare to not recognised lol.. But seriously i come to you today seeking , finding if possible an answer or solution to question I have that just might be the thing that gets me up and running...in particular I'm asking for the thoughts of all the females (only requirement) female.. That I could possibly get to hear my query.. Pli.. enquiry

[Penelope]

Natchanan wrote: "After I finished Nightfall, one thing I thought was missing was a one on one scene between Kai and Emory, seeing as he went to prison for punishing Emory’s brother for abusing her, then he later di..."

Thanks, ma'am! Glad you liked seeing that.

I had the idea for Fire Night last December, thought readers would get a kick out seeing the crew celebrate a different holiday, so it's been playing out in my head for a long time, but I wasn't sure I was going to write it or get it done in time, so I kept my big mouth shut. lol

[Penelope]

Manii wrote: "Is there anything u can tell us about the sibling dynamic between aj,kade and hunter"

Well, it's a little hard, since I haven't written those books yet. Things develop AS you write, so I'm unsure still at this point, but I think they all love each other. They're not overly protective of A.J. I don't have any interest in repeating cliche relationships. AJ can take care of herself. Hunter is probably closer to her. While Kade loves her to death, he's more caught up in his life right now, although he does act as her chauffeur more now that Hunter is living away from home lol

[Penelope]

Laís Bombo wrote: "Hi Penelope, how are you doing?

My curiosity is about your playlists for your books, like, aestethics is "easier" beacuse of pinterest, but what about the songs? How do you visualize and choose h..."

THANKS!! That's good to hear. I think the bonus features add more to the setting of the book. Glad you enjoy it.

Playlists usually devlop over time. If I hear a song that fits, I add it right away. I don't do any searching really. I just build it as I hear it. It's all about the feeling. If it suits, it suits.

Thanks for the question!

[Ana]

A couple Hellbent questions!

Last year you mentioned you were still looking for a series hook (a unifying theme) for the Hellbent series? I’m not sure if you’ve really dived deep into Falls Boys yet but I was just wondering if you’ve found that spark yet?

Have your outlines for the Hellbent series changed dramatically from when you first started planning it a few years ago?

How quickly do you think you’ll publish the Hellbent series? I know you said you’ll take a break with a couple standalones (which I’m super psyched for) but I was curious if you think you’ll write these books quicker since you’re familiar with the world already? Or not since they’re still new characters?

[Sanaa]

Can you tell us anything about Aro?

[Penelope]

Apple wrote: "A couple Hellbent questions!

Last year you mentioned you were still looking for a series hook (a unifying theme) for the Hellbent series? I’m not sure if you’ve really dived deep into Falls Boys y..."

Thanks for the questions! Yep, I think I did!

The outlines haven't changed too much, minor details, but the couples remain the same. I don't think I'll publish them quickly enough to please readers, but I hope it will be quicker than Devil's Night, since the books are less complicated. The world remains similar, but a couple of the books won't even take place in Shelburne Falls and the characters are all new, so it still pose challenges. And there's inspiration to consider. If I need more time to think, I'll recharge in a standalone. That's why I've warned readers to wait for the series to be finished before they begin if they have a hard time waiting for installments. I'm not a fast girl ;)

[Penelope]

Sanaa wrote: "Can you tell us anything about Aro?"

Hey, Sanaa!

Not much more than I've already divulged. I like to steer clear of answering too many questions about what's coming, since lots can always change during the editing process. I'm sorry!

[Sunu]

how you cope covid-19 situation with your family?

[Sydney]

I’m listening to Misconduct now and I love your descriptions of Easton’s teaching. I know that you were once a teacher. What subject(s) and grades did you teach and was your teaching style/teaching philosophies similar to Easton’s?

I also like your descriptions of sports and physical activity. Rika with fencing, Winter and ballet, Easton and tennis... did you or do you currently play sports?

[Ana]

How far in advance do you plan/outline your books? And how long does it take to write the book after you’ve outlined it?

How many books do you aim to release next year?

[Love Within Books]

How often do you foreshadow, primarily in your series books?

Do your readers ever influence a story? Do stories that your readers ask for ever influence you?
For instance, whether it’s them wanting books for certain characters or them making predictions/theories for current WIPs- does that affect you/your writing?

[Love Within Books]

How do you craft such complex characters? Do you envision them that way or do they speak to you as you write them?

For instance, Damon’s character arc through the entire DN’s series was so dynamic and fascinating to read. You pull readers in with just your characters alone- like Madden! He’s so mysterious but the glimpses we have of him already make him so complex and nuanced. I also love the representation- he could possibly be on the spectrum but he goes beyond that. And I remember you once said you don’t like labels (for your books and characters) which is so true because there isn’t just one way to describe people so thank you for that!

[Ash]

are you planning on writing more books in the Devil's Night series?

[Penelope]

Aakanksha(call me asha) wrote: "are you planning on writing more books in the Devil's Night series?"

It's always possible, but I don't have any ideas I think readers will like, so the series is done. This is answered in more detail above <3

[Penelope]

Sunu wrote: "how you cope covid-19 situation with your family?"

Hey! We're doing okay. Thankfully I can work from home, and my husband helps with the online schooling. We're all safe, and while my MIL did contract the virus, she's better now. Thanks for asking!

[Penelope]

Sydney wrote: "I’m listening to Misconduct now and I love your descriptions of Easton’s teaching. I know that you were once a teacher. What subject(s) and grades did you teach and was your teaching style/teaching..."

Hi, Sydney!

I taught younger students--2nd through 4th and yes, I taught all boys for most of my career, so engagement was a huge aspect of my instruction. Lots of moving around and teaching outside the textbook.

I never did play sports, but I admire those who do. You never meet an adult who was sorry they were an active teenager. You always meet adults who wish they'd been ;)

[Penelope]

Apple wrote: "How far in advance do you plan/outline your books? And how long does it take to write the book after you’ve outlined it?

How many books do you aim to release next year?"

I start planning my books as soon as I have the idea. When I finally get around to fitting the book into my schedule is anyone's guess lol. I started outlining Corrupt a year before I could get around to writing it. I've been outlining other books for much longer. Once I start writing, I typically finish in 6 months, but sometimes it's shorter and sometimes it's longer, depending on how my imagination cooperates.

I can usually release one to two novels a year, so I hope to do two next year, plus my anthology novella.

xx

[Penelope]

Allie wrote: "How often do you foreshadow, primarily in your series books?

Do your readers ever influence a story? Do stories that your readers ask for ever influence you?
For instance, whether it’s them want..."

Good question! I never really kept a count of how often I did that, I just wrote it as it felt right. I like to foreshadow, and I think I've gotten better at it as I moved from Fall Away to Devil's Night and my long term planning got more complex. Hopefully, I can carry that over to Hellbent.

And sure! Readers can influence a book. I don't really write a book unless the characters are speaking to me or change a plot point because of theories or anything, but readers' excitement for what's to come is a really good feeling and gives me a kick in the butt to keep going on what I'm working on. That's why cover reveals and teasers are so fun. Reliving the excitement through others keeps me excited for the world and the characters. There's nothing like the feeling of seeing people love something you wrote.

Thanks for the questions!!