Alexandra Bullen Interview & Giveaway

Today we present you with an interview with Alexandra Bullen. Her first novel Wish debuted on January 12, 2010. Wish is about a girl named Olivia who receives three dresses and is granted a wish with each dress. Check out this interview and enter the contest for a chance to win the book by commenting below!

What are some techniques you would use to get rid of writer's block?

I try not to believe in writer’s block. If I’m writing on a deadline, I really don’t have a choice. I have to write every day. It’s not always great—usually, it’s nowhere near great on the first try. But it’s a start, a place to go from the next time I sit down. If I’m really feeling stuck, I’ll do something else for a little bit, something outside, or with other people. Staring at the computer rarely helps.

What was the constant thing that kept you going while writing your book? What was your motivation?

To finish it! And to get Olivia to where she needed to be.

Was there a point where you felt like giving up and just stop writing the book completely?

I was always really attached to Olivia and her story and I don’t think I would’ve been able to leave her without knowing she was okay.

Have you already started having ideas for another book?

Always. I’m working on the sequel to Wish right now, which feels new because it’s all new characters, but also familiar because of the premises—three dresses, three wishes, and the girl who needs them most.

What sort of complications did you have during the writing and getting it published process, if any? How did you overcome them if you did have any?

The hardest part about the publication process for me is being patient and realizing that there are many, many other people involved. When you finish a book, you want it to come out right away! But there’s so much more to be done. The waiting is sometimes difficult, but it’s all worth it in the end.

How has your life changed after publishing Wish?

I get a couple more emails, and I get to write Wish 2. That’s pretty much it!

What are some of your interests other than writing?

I live near the beach and try to walk on it as much as I can. I do yoga, I cook a lot (not always well, but I try!) and I read every day. I also get really obsessed with TV shows long after they’ve aired, so I spend a lot of time catching up online.

If you could have any supernatural power or any special and uncommon ability like photogenic memory, what would it be?

I’ve always wanted to be able to teleport. I hate airplanes.

What type of place would you consider your sanctuary?

The island I live on is pretty close to perfect, but any place near the ocean with lots of woods to walk in would do.

What snacks did you have the most while writing this book?

I’m not much of a snacker, but I have to start every day with coffee and a bowl of oatmeal. I mix up the toppings—brown sugar, cranberries, maple syrup, bananas—just to keep things wild and crazy.