‘I never imagined would be so successful’

YOU

to do that thing, but after the movie, you’re like, ‘Wait a minute, what?’ I love creating that kind of moment.

What can readers expect from

For You

And Only You?

I wrote it during the pandemic in 2020, because I kept thinking, ‘What would Joe be doing? What would that deprivation of normalcy do to him?’ I came to the conclusion he’d have written a book. He’d also have kidnapped someone…

What do you think is the secret to creating such a successful series of books?

With anything I read or write, I like getting that trippy feeling in which I’ve entered a space where time has passed and I don’t know where it went. It feels like opening up another world – so I chase that feeling. I also know that if I’m into it, it’s likely that someone else will be, too.

How did the Netflix adaptation of come to fruition?

The screenwriter, Greg Berlanti, got an early copy of the first book and loved it. He had such a strong vision for the first series, which led to it being picked up and aired on [US network] Lifetime. I thought it was a beautiful season, but unfortunately the network didn’t order another, so Netflix picked it up. That was really exciting – I’ll never forget that feeling, knowing that so many people could now watch it.

Does it feel different writing the series now that it’s been adapted for TV?

Sometimes it feels like driving an old car, but it’s also strange. When I first started thinking about the character, I’d go to the grocery store, see the guy behind the counter and think, ‘Oh my God, you’re Joe.’ Now, it’s very bizarre to have actors [such as Penn Badgley] who have become attached to your imagination. It’s certainly been fun with my early readers, who’ve loved Joe since 2014. Now their friends are coming to them, saying: ‘Did you watch that show?’ and they’re like, ‘I was screaming about this years ago!’

What’s your writing routine when you’re at home?

I grew up with the idea of writers being up in the middle of the night, chainsmoking, unable to sleep, with these big ideas and characters in their head, so when I was younger

I was a night owl. But lately I’ve become a morning person. Mostly I’m just grateful that I get to write – I never thought that You would be a 10-year-dance that’s still going.

You

For You And Only You (Simon & Schuster UK) by Caroline Kepnes is out 13th April