Exclusive Insights from Anna Todd, Author of the After Series

We are all familiar with the After series! Whether you're a fan of the books or the films, everybody knows about Hardin and Tessa's story! I had the absolute pleasure of asking Anna Todd, the author of the After series, some questions about her career as an author, her favourite characters and books that she's written! See the interview below.

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You started off uploading your books and stories onto Wattpad. Were you a Wattpad reader, and what was your go-to fan-fiction to read?

I read so, so many fanfics on Wattpad. I also read non-fanfics but most of my favourite fan-fictions were 1D related, like Dark, (if you know, you know) and I loved reading Vampire Diaries ones too.

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself since the success of your career as an author? Would you do anything differently if you could do it all over again?

I’ve honestly learned so much about myself since posting my first chapter, long before the books were even successful. It gave me so much confidence to share my thoughts and imagination with the world. I felt like I had finally found what I was meant to be doing. The only thing I would do differently is stay off Twitter!

What do you think it is about Hardin and Tessa’s relationship throughout the After series that your readers feel so connected to?

I think it’s the push and pull. The age-old, will they, won’t they? The enemies to lovers, to soulmates. The rollercoaster is half of the fun. The rawness of their emotions and their inability to not be impulsive makes for an addicting read.

Do you remember the first time you met Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Josephine Langford? Did you know straight away that they were the perfect people to cast as Hardin and Tessa?

I knew immediately. Jo was through a screen for an audition for another role and I immediately knew she was the one. Hero was in person and he just had something about him that felt like Hardin for me.

What’s personal favourite Hardin and Tessa moment from the books that may not have necessarily made it into any of the films?

The small moments of communication where we truly see their love for one another outside of just physical intimacy. In general, a lot of romance films have a hard time balancing the small, emotionally intimate moments that make the viewers really root for and understand why the two characters are in love.

What was the most challenging thing about seeing your books come to life through the screen?

I learned a lot through this entire process. Good and bad, but the thing that was the hardest was trying to uphold fan expectations and being the only one for fans to vent their frustration to when behind the scenes, I did everything I could do.

Which book that you’ve written do you think has affected/changed you as a person the most, and why?

The one I’m working on now. It’s not announced yet, but it’s the first book in a long time that I’ve just written in a fanfiction type way, not worried about the outcome or sales, or anything except loving the story. It’s reminded me why I should trust my instincts and not get so lost in the trends of the book world.

What element of being an author do you enjoy the most, and which element do you find the hardest?

It’s honestly a freaking dream job! I love being fortunate enough to do what I love as a career, and I love connecting with my readers in an emotional, intimate way. I would say the downside is, imposter syndrome and never knowing what’s next.

Quick fire "Who's Most Likely To" featuring the Anna's book characters:

• Who is most likely to used fake I.D. to buy alcohol? Every single one of them except Tessa, Landon, and Kael.
  

• Who is most likely to write a best-selling novel? *spoiler* Hardin ;)
  

• Who is most likely to get a tattoo on a night out? Hardin
  

• Who is most likely to pull a sickie due to a hangover? Tessa and Karina
  

• Who is most likely to blab a secret? Elodie and Molly

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Anna is so sweet, and it's clear that she absolutely loves what she does and puts her all into her books! Thank you to Anna for very kindly answering my questions. If you haven't already heard of the After series... WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Grab yourself the books now an enjoy Hardin and Tessa's stories!

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