Author Interview: Simone Elkeles

My second interview for the day is with Simone Elkeles, author of Perfect Chemistry, Rules of Attraction and Leaving Paradise, all of which are my favourite books! The sequel to Leaving Paradise, Return to Paradise is due to be published on November - do watch out for it!

1. We know how much you love bad boys, and we can't agree more. Who is your favourite bad boy character?

I can’t choose. I love all of my "bad boy" characters. In Perfect Chemistry, Alex has a heart of gold and is so dedicated to his family and the ones he loves. I love him. On the other hand is Carlos, who loves to live his life on the edge and loves adventures and challenges. And on the third hand, Caleb is so self-sacrificing that he changes his life just to protect his sister while at the same time helping Maggie discover her true strength. I’m sorry, I can’t pick. I’ll take them all.

2. Personally, what do you feel is the most fulfilling part of being a writer?

My fans! They are passionate and the emails I receive definitely inspires me to write more books. When I get an email saying a teen hated to read but because of my books now loves to read is amazing and surreal. When readers say that reading one of my books has inspired them to write their own book, it’s the coolest feeling! When someone says they look at people differently and don’t judge them because my books taught them you can’t judge someone by the color of their skin or their social status, I love that!

3. Say you're trapped in a deserted island. Which of your characters will you most likely pick as a companion?

I'm going to cheat a little bit and take two: Alex and Carlos. Now, I'm going to cheat a little more and take my vision for the movie version of Ales and Carlos: Alexander F. Rodriguez and Giancarlo Vidrio (the boys who played my heroes in my book trailer for Rules of Attraction) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhEx0kaUlrU 

(I have to agree, Simone. They're irresistible!)

4. Are any of your (wonderful, endearing and extremely lovable) characters based on anyone in your life?

Let's just say that I'm very observant of people around me and I have a great memory. Many of my characters have personality traits and quirks that belong to people I like (and those I didn't like) who have been in my life past and present. Also, there is definitely a part of me in every character I write. To be honest, I have a sarcastic attitude and connect more with the snarky and sarcastic side of my characters more than anything else. Amy from the How to Ruin books is more like me than any other character.

5. Your male characters have very 'creative' ways of proclaiming their love. Where do you get the inspiration to write such romantic scenes and lines?

I have a very romantic imagination and I love to daydream. I think most women feel that way. . . We know how we wish to be treated. I just try and capture those daydreams and put them into my novels.

6. If, for instance, Perfect Chemistry is going to be made into a film. And you get to choose the cast. Who would you choose to play Brittany and Alex? (Oh, and I looove Alexander Rodriguez as Alex - you have such a good choice there, Simone!)

You are absolutely right about Alexander F. Rodriguez! He is the ONLY person I can imagine playing Alex. I know you didn't ask, but I would really love for Giancarlo Vidrio to play to play Carlos. He was perfect in my book trailer! I don't know that I have my heart set on a Brittany. . .

7. And how about Caleb and Maggie?

I don't have my heart sent on anyone for these two either. . . I guess I'm not doing much to hide my crushes on Alexander and Giancarlo, am I!?

8. Now Rules of Attraction has been released, can you share your plans for the next book in the series?

The third novel in the Perfect Chemistry series will be about Luis Fuentes, the youngest Fuentes brother. He’s such a good guy who doesn’t live with the angst that his big brothers have always lived with. Luis is smart, funny, and has big dreams. When he falls for the wrong girl, Luis enters a dark world he’s never known to try and save her from herself. Just when he thinks he’s got life all figured out, Luis learns some disturbing news about his family that destroys his positive outlook on life. Will that Fuentes bad boy streak come out with a vengeance and lure Luis to live on the edge like his new girlfriend and his own father?

8. Finally... (I'm excited for this!) Can you tell us what's in store for us in Return to Paradise? 

I'm happy to say I have finished my first draft of Return to Paradise! Caleb thought he was leaving Paradise and Maggie behind for good, but he was wrong! After having some time to grow up and find their own strength, Maggie and Caleb's paths with cross again. I don't want to give away too much, but I will say that this will be the conclusion of Maggie and Caleb's story and I don't think my readers will disappointed with the "ending" I have in store for them!

(I'll try not to hyperventilate - but ohmygod this might just be the death of me! I'm so terribly excited!)

Thanks so much for interviewing me! It was a pleasure.

Thanks so much, Simone! You can find out more about Simone and her books on www.simoneelkeles.net. Why don't you pass by and show her some love, eh? :)

Just for reference, I gushed over Perfect Chemistry here and Rules of Attraction here.

Of course, this interview will not be complete without the epic win that is the Rules of Attraction book trailer! Oohlala Alexander and Giancarlo <3