It’s always sad to say goodbye to a beloved series, but with endings come new beginnings. Check out what Jenny Han had to say about saying goodbye to the Song girls and writing this unexpected final chapter.

We had a chance to talk to Jenny Han all about Always and Forever, Lara Jean and what it was like deciding to come back for one final story. We learned all the important details including whether or not she is considering writing in this world again, what scenes were her favorites to write, and of course, most importantly, what her favorite kind of chocolate chip cookie is.

Read on for all the fun details, and make sure to check out our review of Always and Forever, Lara Jean after you’ve had a chance to read!

Warning! MINOR Spoilers for ‘Always and Forever, Lara Jean’ follow! Proceed with caution!

About ‘Always and Forever, Lara Jean’

We know this is officially the end of Lara Jean’s story, especially since this third book was an unexpected gift for fans of the first two. Have you thought at all about writing books for any of the other characters in the series, like, oh, I don’t know, Kitty, perhaps?

Ha! No, I feel like the story has ended exactly where I wanted it to, and this time it’s not bittersweet or sad at all, because this third book was like a dessert I just had to order. I’m excited to start something new.

Do you wish you had planned these books as a trilogy from the beginning or are you happy that the third book came about sort of organically?

I’m happy it happened the way it did, because I had a long time to think about the characters and where I wanted to take them. If it had been planned as a trilogy, I wouldn’t have had that gestational period.

What is the one thing about Lara Jean that you hope young readers take away from your stories? The one quality or personality quirk or special trait that makes her stand out from other YA heroines?

I think it’s her sense of hopefulness. Like her older sister Margot is always saying, Lara Jean has a great bounce-back. Nothing keeps her down for long.

What was your favorite scene to write in ‘Always and Forever Lara Jean?’

My favorite scene to write was the wedding scene, because I could picture it all so clearly in my mind. I was listening to Stevie Wonder and crying as I wrote it. This series is so much about family, and the way families change and shrink and expand over time, and I loved to see their tight little unit get just a little bit bigger.

What was the hardest scene to write, or the one that took the most time to get right?

The beginning. I rewrote the beginning so many times. I think it was hard because so much time has passed since P.S. I Still Love You ended, and I wanted to open the book at the exact right moment for Peter and Lara Jean.

Were there any storylines or scenes that had to be cut that you wish would have made it into ‘Always and Forever Lara Jean?’

No, I’m not a cutter, I’m an adder. I write very leanly, and then I fatten it up.

Now the hardest hitting question of them all: What type of chocolate chip cookie is your favorite?

Flat, crispy around the edges, chewy in the center. Like Lara Jean, I’ve worked long and hard on perfecting my chocolate chip cookies. I’m very proud of my recipe.

Some general questions

Any advice for high school seniors and juniors that are making hard decisions about their futures?

Say yes to opportunities that come your way. I always regret not having done things but I almost never regret having tried.

What are you working on now that this series is complete?

I’m not even thinking about it until I am back from tour and I have a moment to breathe again! I’ve been working nonstop on this book for over a year, right up until February, and I want to take my time starting something new.

And a few just for fun:

Are there any genres you’d like to write in someday that you haven’t yet?

Historical

What is your favorite genre to read?

I don’t have a favorite — I like pretty much everything! Fantasy, historical, you name it.

Since Lara Jean and the Song girls are HP fans, Which was your favorite magical creature in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ movie?

Bowtruckle

Since you’ll be doing some traveling for your tour and summer convention season is coming up, what are your travel must haves? Any unique routines that you just have to partake in while traveling?

Hotel slippers, a sleep machine, eyemask, travel pillow.

Are you the ‘catch a quick flight’ type or would you rather plan a road trip with all the trappings?

I hate to drive so I pick quick flight!

What is your go-to travel snack?

Banana

Have you read anything lately that you would recommend?

Windfall by Jennifer E. Smith

Always and Forever, Lara Jean is available now. Get your copy today from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or find an indie bookstore near you. Oh, and don’t forget to add it to Goodreads!