Interview with Alexandra Bullen, author of Wishful Thinking!

Alexandra Bullen is the author of two YA books- Wish and the newly released companion (with all new characters!) Wishful Thinking. And today, Alexandra is here to answer a few of my questions...

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Wishful Thinking tells the story of Hazel Snow so would you mind telling us a little bit about her? Also, if you could offer her any advice what would you say?

Hazel was a really fun character to write. She’s had a difficult upbringing – she spends most of her time alone and doesn’t have much family or any friends – and at times this makes her hard and closed off. But despite her tough exterior, there’s an endlessly curious, talented and fun-loving girl. My advice, and what I hope she learns over the course of her adventure, would be for her to let that girl out.

Wishful Thinking follows the same basic formula of your first book Wish, which leave me to wonder what made you choose to return to talking about those three stunning dresses and the wish that comes with each?

I really liked the idea of giving three wishes to a girl who truly needed a major change in her life. Both Olivia (in Wish) and Hazel make their first wishes before they even know they have any wishing power. This is a bit of a test. I think of it as Posey’s way of making sure that each girl is deserving of her gift.

In Wishful Thinking, Hazel is an adopted child, which leaves me to wonder why you choose to give her that characteristic. Was it inspired by something in your own life?

As soon as I started thinking about writing another Wish book, I was interested in exploring another character fully deserving of Posey’s magic. The idea of a character searching for her biological mother (especially when she’d grown up without a mother of any kind) came to me fairly quickly. It’s really a book about second chances, and I can’t think of a second chance more meaningful than the one that shows you who you are and where you came from.


Now Out!


I absolutely love the cover of Wishful Thinking, which leaves me to wonder what you thought when when you saw it for the very first time? Also, were you involved in the cover-making process at all?

I’m so glad you love it! I love it, too. I had absolutely nothing to do with it. But I love the model – especially her hair! My brother and cousins are all redheads so I’m happy to see them get some love!

Since Wishful Thinking's release date is fast approaching, do you have any planes of how you'll spend that special day?

I’m hoping to celebrate all month long! We’re having a little party in New York City and I imagine there will be a new sparkly dress or two…

In what ways was writing Wishful Thinking different than writing your first book Wish?

Wishful Thinking came easier in that I already knew the overarching premise, and also because Hazel was starting from a more active place. Even before the wishes, she was already on a mission to find her mother. She knew what she wanted, she just needed a little help getting there.

Name three things that your readers would be surprised to find out about you.

I used to play the piano and wanted to be a jazz singer, once. I love Brussels sprouts. I don’t hate doing dishes.

What's up next for you book wise? Also, is there anything else you would like to add?

I’m working on a new series! It’s a new direction for me – more mystery and suspense and less magic – but it features a really stubborn and strong-minded girl protagonist. I can’t wait to get to know her!

Thanks so much for having me, Lauren!

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You're very welcome! I can't wait to read your new book! :)

Wishful Thinking is now available at Barnes and Noble/Amazon and Wish can also be bought at Barnes and Noble/Amazon. To find out more about Alexandra and her books, be sure to visit her website, as well as the official one for Wish.