Step into the captivating world of bestselling author Colleen Hoover as she shares her insights, inspirations, and writing process in an exclusive interview. Discover the secrets behind her acclaimed novels and get a glimpse into the mind of a master storyteller. Dive deep into the creative process and learn how Colleen Hoover crafts compelling characters and emotionally gripping narratives.
Vilma: What made you think of All Your Perfects?
Colleen: I had just finished writing Without Merit, which is a book for young adults. The main character is only 17, so I wanted to write my next book about adults. Because I had never written about a married couple before, I chose to do so. When I was writing the book’s outline, I took a big idea from my sister’s marriage and used it in Graham and Quinn’s story. I don’t want to give anything away, so that’s all I’ll say.
Vilma: I remember telling you how different this book made me feel after I first read it, and how great it was, of course, because I loved it so much… But it felt more personal and real than any of your other books. It’s also the first time you see how complicated a couple that’s having trouble can be. Did it make you feel differently as you wrote it? Was it strange that it started after what would usually be the happy ending?
Colleen: I had just finished writing Without Merit, which is a book for young adults. The main character is only 17, so I wanted to write my next book about adults. Because I had never written about a married couple before, I chose to do so. When I was writing the book’s outline, I took a big idea from my sister’s marriage and used it in Graham and Quinn’s story. I don’t want to give anything away, so that’s all I’ll say.
Colleen: The book is told in two parts, THEN and NOW. Writing the NOW chapters felt very different. Most of my books end when the couple gets their HEA, so we don’t get to see how they deal with the everyday problems of being in a relationship. Because Graham and Quinn’s marriage was in bad shape, the book had a heavier, darker feel than the conversations between couples I usually write. I think, though, that the THEN chapters helped balance out that sadness so that readers could feel like they were falling in love.
Vilma: Quinn and Graham love each other very much, but their marriage is about to fall apart. This is one of the saddest parts of their story. In their case, there is a very clear reason why they aren’t getting along, but I think this is a very powerful and important point. Even if both people still love each other, a marriage can be tried and even end for big or small reasons. Did you set out to make this point, or what did you want to find out?
Colleen: When I start a book, I never have a goal in mind. Before I sat down to plan out their relationship, I didn’t even know what problems they would have. I like letting the story grow as I write it. Sometimes I feel like I’m watching a movie, like the actors are in charge and I have no say in what will happen or what they will do. I’m just the person who helps them tell their story. I know that sounds strange, since I make everything up, but sometimes it doesn’t feel like that. I felt like a bystander watching Quinn and Graham’s marriage fall apart. I was drawn to how much they loved each other, even though things outside of their relationship were making it hard for them to stay together.
Vilma: Tell us what you know about Quinn and Graham. Could you tell us about each person a little bit?
Colleen: I tried to make their personalities seem real when I was making them. Even though making Graham a wealthy bachelor would have been fun, I knew that doing something crazy would take us away from the problems between the two couples. Instead, I made him a normal accountant who had a good background. I wanted Quinn to be attracted to him because of who he was and how good he was. Not because he was wealthy or beautiful. Quinn and Graham are a couple like any other. I wanted people to feel like they knew them, so that the subject matter and the problems in their marriage would also feel more real.
Vilma: How did you go about writing All Your Perfects? Was it hard to write the story? Or was it easier to read than others?
Colleen: The first draft was one of the easiest things I’ve ever written. The hard part came when I had to make changes. At least five different ending chapters were written by me. I also changed the order of the chapters so much that I had to go back and rethink parts of the story. Usually, my rough drafts look a lot like the final product, but this time, the rough draft and the final product are very, very different. Obviously, I’m much happy with how things turned out in the end. The trip just took a long time.
Vilma: I know that you always have ideas for books, whether they are for your next job or for a time in the future. Have you thought of your next story? Do you have anything to say?
Colleen: I can only focus on one book at a time when I write. But for some reason, this year I have so many ideas, and they are all so different. I can’t decide which one I want to write next, so I keep switching back and forth between them. One of them is Heart Bones, a story for young adults. Most likely, I’ll be done with it first, and I hope to have it out in early 2019. Last week, I had another idea that I’m crazy about. Amazon always puts my books in the “psychological thrillers” section, even though I’ve never written one. This one, though, fits into that group. So maybe the wrong way Amazon put it in a category gave the idea a boost.
Vilma: Have you read any great books lately? Or books that will be out soon that you can’t wait to read?
Colleen: The Fragile Ordinary, the new book by Samantha Young, is something I’m really looking forward to. I love what she writes. Also, Emily Giffin’s new book is coming out soon, and I’ve already ordered it.
Vilma: Is there anything else you want to tell us?
Colleen: I really want to talk about this book, but I don’t want to give anything away. Readers can join the All YourPerfects chat group on Facebook to learn behind-the-scenes stories or even a big secret about the book. But only when you’re done reading the book!
Vilma: As always, thanks, Colleen. Everyone needs to read this book as soon as possible. It’s written so well and is raw and honest without holding back. The story of Quinn and Graham will hit everyone hard.
Source: USA Today
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About the Author
Mia Lopez is an eclectic reader who immerses herself in a wide range of genres, including contemporary fiction, thrillers, historical dramas, and young adult literature.
With a background in literature and education, Mia brings her expertise in storytelling and narrative structure to her reviews.