Interview With Alexandra Bullen

Today, I have the lovely Alexandra Bullen, author of Wish which I've reviewed on the blog. She has very kindly agreed to answer some questions for me and all of you readers!

1. What inspired you to write Wish?

Wish grew out of a combination of ideas that I've been interested in for a while: Ever since I was about six years old I've dreamed of having a twin sister, and I knew I wanted to write about that relationship somehow. The wishes and dresses came as a way of helping Olivia to come out of her grief, after that special relationship is taken away from her abruptly.

2. Have you always aspired to write, and if not, what would you do otherwise?

I have wanted to write for as long as I have wanted to do anything. I've done or thought about doing all different kinds of writing -- for magazines and newspapers, screenplays, stage plays and television scripts. I've never been very good at anything else, so I feel very lucky it's working out so far!

3. How was your journey to publication?

Again, I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunities I've had. The road to publication was somewhat long, especially in the early stages of getting outlines and drafts together, but once the ball was rolling it was pretty much smooth sailing!

4. What was the easiest and hardest part of writing Wish?

The easiest part was developing the characters, getting to know their voices and allowing them to follow their journeys to the end. (Easiest because I find that part to be the most fun!)

The hardest part was incorporating the wishes, because I think there's always a trap whenever magic is involved. You don't want it to feel like characters are being given something they don't deserve.

5. Finally, what's next for you?

Right now I'm working on the sequel to Wish, which should be out sometime early 2011. It's the same premise -- Posey is back with three more fabulous wish-granting dresses -- but the characters are all new and the story has a really fun twist!

Thanks so much for having me, Sasha!