In case you missed it, here is the Q&A with E.L. James #askeljames. A huge thank you to Erika for answering our questions!

Q: What does the James in E.L. James stand for?

A: James…It’s actually a family name. It’s in my grandfather’s, my father’s and my son’s name.

Q: Bollinger or Budvar?

A: Bollinger. My husband would take the Budvar…
Q: Did you take any props from the red room set?
A: I didn’t need to
Q: What is your favorite line of Christian Grey?
A: “Fuck the paperwork.”
Q: What was the a)funniest b)saddest c)hardest moment to write in Grey?
A: a)The emails. b) his nightmare c) final red room scene.
Q: What’s your favorite novel?
A: Today – To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (looking forward to the new one!)
Q: Charlie Tango or Glider?
A: Tricky… but I’d have to go with Charlie Tango…
Q: How long did it take you to write the 50 Shades Of Grey trilogy?
A: About 20 months in total…
Q: Which did you prefer writing, the final red room scene from Christian’s POV or from Ana’s?
A: It wasn’t fun in either POV.
Q: What is your favorite part of Grey?
A: I love his relationship with Elliot. That was unexpected when I started writing.
Q: what’s the best thing you have learned when you wrote the fifty shades?
A: To continue to write for myself.
Q: Why did you choose ‘Your Love is King’ for Ana’s ringtone?
A: I like the song – and it seemed appropriate.
Q: Darker is my favorite book of the series! What’s your favorite part of it?
A: Emails about going to NYC. CG finding Ana in the playroom. The boat… the new house. The list goes on!
Q: What is your favorite character that is not Grey or Ana?
A: Taylor. He’s so stoic…
Q: Favorite qualities about Ana?
A: She’s so much stronger than I am.
Q: You mentioned you listened to one song over and over writing Grey. What song did you keep on repeat?
A:Two: Sara by Fleetwood Mac and Hello Like Before by Bill Withers
Q: What was your favorite scene to write?
A: A few… Dinner with Mrs R. Georgia when she turns up at the bar… Tallis scene and the scenes with Elliot.
Q: Are you planning to write another romance novel in the future?
A: I’ve written a new book and am halfway through another. Both romances. Not sure when I will finish them.
Q: Do you write everyday or do you wait for some inspiration?
A: I’d like to write every day – but recently I’ve not had time. It’s good to get into a habit and write every day. 
Q: Have you ever wanted to change anything in Ana and Christian’s story?
A: Yes. I would have liked to split them up for longer at the end of FSoG.
Q: Is there a certain song that you think represents Christian the most?
A: Like a star by Corrinne Bailey Rae
Q: Where did the name Charlie Tango come from?
A: It comes from the phonetic alphabet. Charlie is C- for Christian and Tango is T for Trevelyan.
Q: Did you cry writing Grey? What part?
A: Yes I did. I felt sad when she wanted to give him the books back. And in some of his nightmares.
Q: Are you going to write Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed from Christian’s perspective?
A: We’ll see…
Q: What motivates you to write Fifty Shades despite people discouraging such lifestyle as Grey?
A: I just wanted to write a story about a broken man who’s redeemed by the love of a good, smart woman.
Q: What do you like most about Christian?
A: His humor and the fact that he’s so fragile underneath it all…
Q: What was the hardest thing to write?
A: The final red room scene.
Q: What was the most challenging part to write in Christian’s POV?
A: BJ. #NuffSaid
Q: Can you do a short story from Kate and Elliot’s POV?
A: Never say never.
Q: Why did you choose Seattle as the setting?
A: The books started as Twilight fan fiction-which is set in Washington State. So naturally-I chose Seattle.
Q: What is a feeling that prevails you to write this Christian version?
A: Loneliness
Q: What is your favorite song on the soundtrack of FSoG?
A: For the film-Skylar Grey- and for the book-I’m On Fire
Q: If you had to describe Ana and Christian’s love in one word, what would it be?
A: Epic
Q: What character can you relate to the most?
A: A little bit of Christian and a little bit Ana-but mainly Ana’s mother.