Name: Penelope Douglas
Age: Forever Young
Where are you from: Dubuque, Iowa, USA
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
I grew up in the Midwest, the oldest of five children. I have two younger sisters, Lisa and Kiley, as well as two younger brothers, Doug and Scot. My childhood was pretty tumultuous, but I think it gave me a very good idea of what I didn’t want for myself or my own child.
At 21, I finally decided to go to college. I studied Public Administration (Political Science, basically) at the University of Northern Iowa and then realized I wanted to teach. I attended Loyola University after that and earned my Master’s degree in Education. I got a teaching job in Las Vegas, dragged my fiancé with me, and nearly nine years later we’re still here, only now married with a daughter.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
Well, my latest WIP is done. Misconduct will release December 1st. I am now working on a dark romance, Corrupt.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I was bored, basically. Teaching was rewarding, and I loved the kids, but I wasn’t getting ahead. I felt like I was stuck and had stopped moving forward. I had started reading to escape the day to day monotony and discovered New Adult. I loved it! I like young love stories, and after reading tons of books, I started dreaming up my own stories. I didn’t set out to write Bully. The idea just came to me, and after months of dreaming about Jared and Tate, I finally sat down to write it.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When Bully took off. Getting the validation from readers and bloggers made me feel like I had something good to offer in the book world.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I don’t know. I think that’s more of a question for readers. I like to write first person, past tense. I also work very hard on character development and voice. I don’t stand on the outside and describe what the character’s feeling or doing. I’m in their head, telling you what I AM feeling and doing in that moment.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
I thought it would catch readers’ attention. I almost called Bully, Fall Away Lane, but with the amount of books out there, I needed a cover and title that would get people to stop and click on it.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Oh, yes. In every book. The basic message of the entire Fall Away series is that we all have a story, even your worst enemies, and that life goes on despite mistakes and setbacks.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
I channeled real experiences or feelings and dreamed up situations to go with that. Did any specific scene actually happen to me in real life? No. But it may have happened to a lesser extent or in a different way. The emotions and thoughts were real.
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?
Johanna Lindsey was my first experience into romance, but other than that, I look up to Colleen Hoover, Tijan, and Abbi Glines. Each of them has nurtured a love of romance.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Toxic by Kim Karr
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Stylo Fantome. She takes chances and blows my mind. Love her stuff!
Fiona: What are your current projects?
Editing Misconduct and writing Corrupt.
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My agent, Jane Dystel. She makes me feel important, even though she represents authors much bigger than me.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Yes. The story ideas keep coming!
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
I would change something in every book. I don’t think anything I write is perfect, and I can’t imagine any author does. We’re our biggest critics.
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I always liked words, writing poems and such when I was young. And I’m not a good public speaker, so writing is easier.
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
It’s still being edited, so I’d rather not just yet.
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Doubt. I’m constantly wondering if I this or that should be different. Did I make the right choices? What are people going to say?
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I don’t have a favorite. My interests change a lot.
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I don’t have to, but I do for signings. It’s fun to meet readers and see new places.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Kari and Cover to Cover Designs designed the original Bully and Until You with the red and blue letterings. Now, my publisher does it.
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Writing it. LOL…Dreaming is fun. Going on Pinterest to visualize is addicting. But sitting down to write, knowing you have to dig deep and channel those feelings, it’s not easy. It’s far from easy.
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned a lot. Most of all, your editor is your best friend. They are a good judge of how the public will see your work, so trust them and, for the most part, do what they say.
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Everyone digests books differently. What one person hated, a hundred others will love. You will NEVER make everyone happy. Don’t take it too much to heart.
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you for reading and supporting me. Without you, I’d be sunk.
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
No, but the first chapter book I read was a Sweet Valley High book, I think.
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
Ricky Gervais and George Carlin make me laugh. The movie Rudy makes me cry. Every damn time.
Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?
No, I’m shy.
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why?
Since I’d prefer to be cremated, I guess not much, but I would love for someone to say “Because of her, my life is better.” at my funeral.
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
I love hiking. Walking with my iPod is the great escape.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I love sports movies, like Rudy, Hoosiers, and Miracle. I also watch The Vikings, The 100, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Orange is the New Black.
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Food is pizza, color is tangerine, music is rock. All day, every day!
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
I would still be teaching, or I’d like to be in politics.
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
Yes, www.penelopedouglasauthor.com
Amazon Page http://www.amazon.com/Penelope-Douglas/e/B00DH04U8I/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Barnes and Noble Page http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/penelope-douglas
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