Elle Kennedy Talks The Charlie Method, Diversity in Publishing and the Off-Campus TV Show

If you have been an avid reader in the past five years, you probably know hockey romance is one of the most popular book genres. Despite their virality on TikTok, swoon-worthy hockey book boyfriends aren't anything new.

But really, you can't talk about hockey romance without mentioning Elle Kennedy. Her literary universe began with the first installment of the Off-Campus series, The Deal, in 2015. Almost a decade later, she has also completed a spin-off series, Briar U, and a next-gen franchise, Campus Diaries, which recently concluded with The Charlie Method, out now.

(Image courtesy of Elle Kennedy)

Between writing, Elle has been working with Amazon Prime and Temple Hill Entertainment (Twilight, The Fault in Our Stars) to develop Off-Campus. You might have heard from the viral open casting call, which has prompted hundreds of hopefuls to create social media campaigns for a chance at a callback.

While you await for the Off-Campus ensemble to hit your screens in the upcoming years, it is the perfect time to discover (or rediscover) Elle's bestselling catalog. Before you go, check out our exclusive interview about her writing process for The Charlie Method, the buzzy fancasts for Off-Campus and more.

Sweety High: The next female main character in Campus Diaries is Charlotte "Charlie" Kingston. How do you decide who to choose or create as your next protagonist?

Elle Kennedy: It really depends on the story. With The Charlie Method, I knew I was going to need a strong female lead who wouldn't shy away from Will and Beckett as a duo, but someone who also may not typically seek out an arrangement like that. I also wanted a heroine who'd challenge Will and Beckett on a personality level—not just someone they'd enjoy for a night but someone to keep them on their toes outside of the bedroom.

(Image courtesy of Elle Kennedy)

 

SH: Charlie is a Korean-American, which we love because there isn't a huge presence for women of color in the hockey romance niche, especially as the lead. Do you have plans to include more ethnically diverse ladies in your stories?

EK: I've never been shy about trying to include diverse characters in my books, and I'm so thankful for my sensitivity readers who review my manuscripts before they're published to ensure that my characters are as authentic as possible and that I address any cultural and identity issues (like Charlie's adoption, for example) with care and respect.

 

Also read about: Holly Brickley Faces the Music of Love on Her Debut Novel, Deep Cuts

 

SH: In the book, Charlie enters a polyamorous relationship with two hockey players. How did writing this relationship dynamic differ from building the usual monogamous relationship?

EK: This book was different because I had to keep track of three different viewpoints! Trying to give each character enough page time to develop and grow was definitely a challenge. When there are only two leads, it's easier because you only have to think about two people. Adding a third makes the writing process harder and adds a whole new dynamic to the relationship itself. Now we have to make sure three sets of needs are being met, which is difficult to do.

 

SH: After writing the sharing trope with The Charlie Method, you've almost covered every relationship trope in your catalog. Do you still have other types of relationships you'd like to cover in future books?

EK: I'm sure I must! What I will say is that how I approach a storyline really comes down to who the characters are and what I feel like they need. I usually start with a character (whether a new person or someone introduced in the background of another book) and analyze who they are, what makes them happy, what makes them tick and what they'd really need from another person. I like to let the characters drive their stories.

 

SH: This is the last book in Campus Diaries. What's next for you? Do you have any more sports romances in the cards for the Briar University universe?

EK: There will be more books in the Briar universe, but I can't share anything else about that right now. I will say some readers will be quite happy, while others might be surprised.

 

SH: This past February was the 10-year anniversary of The Deal. It's poetic that you get to adapt the book exactly one decade later. Was your goal always to have the series adapted into a television series? How did all of this come about?

EK: In the beginning, the goal was simply to write the fun story I had kicking around in my head and see what happened when I decided to self-publish it. If you had asked me 10 years ago if I thought a television series would come from it, I probably would've laughed and said no way.

I think most authors dream of seeing their work adapted to the screen, so I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to watch my characters come to life on your TV screen—10 years later! That's wild and humbling and really exciting.

 

Also read about: How Intergalactic Pandemonium Ensues in Kimberly Lemming's Cosmic Chaos Series

 

SH: Traditionally, the casting process has been hush-hush to protect the production, but there has been much discussion about actors being considered and people pitching themselves for the leads. Why do you think this has happened for Off-Campus? 

EK: The Off-Campus fans have been throwing out their own fancasts for years, so I'm not surprised that there was so much online buzz about potential actors or personalities. I love how passionate the fandom is!

 

SH: What scene from The Deal are you most excited to see come to life in filming?

EK: Honestly, any scene with Hannah and Garrett together is going to make me happy. I love their banter, their vulnerability, their friendship, their chemistry. As long as I get to see that, I'll be giggling and kicking my feet.

 

SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

EK: Just that I am so thankful to my amazing readers for all of their support over the years, for reading my books and encouraging me to continue writing in this universe. It truly is an incredible feeling to think that 10 years ago I started writing a book for fun and that it has resonated with so many people all over the world.

 

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