Q&A with S.C. Stephens

1. Tell us about your writing process. Do you start with an idea or a character?

I usually start with an idea, and the characters spring to life from there. Do you know what’s going to happen from the beginning or do you figure it out as you write? I typically have a general idea of where I want the story to end up, but things come to me as I’m writing, so the story often changes.

2. What was hardest about writing the story from Kellan’s perspective?

I think the hardest part was making sure everything lined up with the first book. I went through Thoughtless page by page to make sure it was consistent. What was the most fun? Any scene where all of the guys were together. I love the camaraderie between the band members.

3. Were Kellan and the D-Bags inspired by a specific band?

Not one in particular. I was listening to a lot of OneRepublic, The Fray, and Linkin’ Park at the time, so they are sort of a mixture of all three bands. How did you come up with the name? It came about while I was writing it. I was doing the scene where Griffin is talking about the T-shirts, and once he said Douchebags, I knew that was it.

4. What’s your favorite quote or scene from THOUGHTFUL?

Whether it’s from his point of view or hers, the rain scene is still my favorite.

5. If you had to pick one of the four D-Bags to date, who would you choose and why?

Oh, man. Honestly, I don’t think I could date a rock star! But if I absolutely had to, it would have to be Kellan. Definitely.