julianna ➹

julianna ➹ asked Alwyn Hamilton:

What do you think about fairytales? What inspired you to include lots of folklore/mythology in your book? Was it originally the basis of the story (Was it centric around the mythology, or did you just decide to tie it in?)?

Alwyn Hamilton I love love love Fairytales! And I love fairytale retellings too, incidentally.

In terms of why I decided to include it in REBEL, it's a huge part of Amani's life and her culture, so that felt like something the reader needed to share with her. Also a lot of Amani's narrative is about shaping your own story so it ties in with that theme. And pragmatically, because when I'm world building and creating a magic system, I always start with a creation myth so that I know the origins and rules to my magic system. And that felt like it was important to pass on to the readers as well!

More Answered Questions

Cash'Lion Elud'Ox

Cash'Lion Elud'Ox asked Alwyn Hamilton:

Do you illustrate? I would like to see the characters as you see 'em. You mention in your interview that its a blend of Wild West meets Middle East in mythology/fantasy. You describe them and I just started reading this book, and already even with your descriptions I see them with mixture of Cowboy like Clint Eastwood's characters and Arabian stories like Aladdin or Prince of Persia. Only with a woman lead character.

Mikayla

Mikayla asked Alwyn Hamilton:

How long did it take you to write Rebel of the Sands?

Petra

Petra asked Alwyn Hamilton:

Hello, first of all, great book, I really liked it. I was curious about the names and places and the themes in general, did you get your inspiration from Arabic or Persian languages and cultures?

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