Mia
asked
Alwyn Hamilton:
I have read your book twice this year and I'm in love with your writing;I love all the characters and I really can't wait for the sequel! And any other book you decide to write. My question is what inspired you to write Rebel of the sands? And any tips for a young writer? Thanks.
Alwyn Hamilton
Thank you so much Mia! I'm so glad you enjoyed REBEL enough to read it twice. I'm really excited for Traitor to be out in the world soon!
Rebel of the Sands was inspired by wanting to write about a young female sharpshooter. As YA fantasy started to get big, I’d seen a few people online saying that female characters shouldn’t be playing the role of the weapon wielding fighter in fantasy novels because they were physically weaker then men and it was "unrealistic". Cue a million eye rolls from me, and an “I’ll show you” idea to create a female fighter whose weapon relied on skill over strength: A Sharpshooter.
That character very clearly belonged in a Western. Only I didn’t want to write a historical western. I kept trying to think what twist I could add to turn it into a Fantasy. I was working in Islamic Art at the time, and the idea hit me to combine the mythical world of the 1001 Nights with the Wild West and after that everything started to come together and Amani, and Jin and the world of Rebel were born!
Rebel of the Sands was inspired by wanting to write about a young female sharpshooter. As YA fantasy started to get big, I’d seen a few people online saying that female characters shouldn’t be playing the role of the weapon wielding fighter in fantasy novels because they were physically weaker then men and it was "unrealistic". Cue a million eye rolls from me, and an “I’ll show you” idea to create a female fighter whose weapon relied on skill over strength: A Sharpshooter.
That character very clearly belonged in a Western. Only I didn’t want to write a historical western. I kept trying to think what twist I could add to turn it into a Fantasy. I was working in Islamic Art at the time, and the idea hit me to combine the mythical world of the 1001 Nights with the Wild West and after that everything started to come together and Amani, and Jin and the world of Rebel were born!
More Answered Questions
A.
asked
Alwyn Hamilton:
Hi Alwyn! I adored your books so much, as well as they way you weave your storytelling! This isn’t a question about the book, but more of a writer-to-writer? Research only goes a long way, but when a writer needs to research more delicate topics like spousal abuse, or living with partial paralysis (waist down), how can a writer ensure that she has enough research?
Bri Howard
asked
Alwyn Hamilton:
Hi Alwyn! I wanted to ask...I only have a copy of the first book and it’s the original cover design (the blue and gold one). I wanted to purchase the others, but can’t seem to find ones that match that original design...only the new designs. Call me crazy, but I love it when my series all match in covers...and the original cover is gorgeous. Is there any way to purchase the other two books in their original covers??
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