Happy Monday Everyone!
Today I’m so pleased to welcome new author Alexandra Ott to the blog as part of Celebrating Debutantes 2017 blog event. You guys know already how much I love reading adventure, fantasy and stories with thieves as main characters, so I couldn’t be more excited about Alexandra’s debut novel, Rules for Thieves. The book comes out tomorrow, June 6th, 2017 and I am really excited for everyone to get the chance to read it.
If you’d like to catch up with Author Alexandra Ott online or just know more about her, her bio and social links follow the interview. If you want to know more about Rules for Thieves, and where to pre-order copies, check out the book’s description and links below.
And if you’d like the chance to win a copy of this amazing book, enter in the Rafflecopter at the end.
A huge thank you to Alexandra for taking the time to answer my questions, I hope you guys enjoy!
Interview with Alexandra Ott
Rules of Thieves is out tomorrow and I’m sure you are more than excited. How was the experience writing the novel and going to publication process so far?
The experience has been so surreal. I started writing this book the summer after my freshman year of college, and I didn’t think anything was going to come of it at first. It’s taken five years to reach publication day, and I still can’t believe it’s really happening.
Most of the thieves characters in fiction that I have read, end up to my favorite list. There’s something in them that drew me in. What draws you to the characters in your novel, Rules for Thieves?
The characters are probably my favorite part about this book. The cast is full of smart, resourceful kids that I can’t help but root for, even when they don’t always make the best decisions. I had a ton of fun writing the witty banter between them, too—most of my thieves are prone to snark. 🙂
Could you tell us a bit about Alli? What is her origin? Who is she based on?
Alli is smart, funny, more than a little hot-tempered, and prone to get into trouble. When I first envisioned her character, I was thinking about young orphans and what happens to those who are considered “bad” kids. Alli is a girl who misbehaves, who isn’t well-adjusted, who can’t get adopted because she’s seen—and sees herself—as a “bad” kid. That was what drew me to her story: what happens to an orphaned girl that no one believes in?
What scene in Rules for Thieves are you most proud of, and why?
Ooh, tough question! If I had to pick one scene that I’m truly proudest of, I think it’s the climactic moment at the end. I don’t want to spoil anything, but it involves a lot of action, some tough character decisions, and some unexpected twists. It’s the most important moment in the book and one that was tough to get just right, but I’m proud of how it turned out.
If one of your characters could turn the tables on you and write a story based on your teenage years, what would the title of that book be? What would be the first line?
Hmm… my teenage years were pretty boring, so I doubt they’d make a very interesting story. If Alli were telling it, she’d definitely tease me for being nerdy and studious. She’d probably title it Nerd Girl, and the first line would be something like, “Alex spent a truly ridiculous amount of time reading books.” 🙂
Which authors, fantasy or otherwise, have inspired you?
So many! I have to mention J.K. Rowling, of course; Harry Potter was a huge part of my childhood. As for Rules for Thieves specifically, the biggest influences came from Cornelia Funke (especially The Thief Lord) and Megan Whalen Turner. And Eoin Colfer, naturally; I blame Artemis Fowl for making me fall in love with criminal characters in the first place. 🙂
Rules of Thieves is the first installment of a series. Are you working on the next book already? How many books are planned for this series?
I just finished another draft of the second book and turned it in to my editor. I should be able to reveal its title and cover soon! Right now, I’m planning to end the series with Book 2. But I might be tempted to return to Alli and her world someday, so I wouldn’t rule out more books in the future.
Do you think you’ll stick to middle-grade fantasy or branch out into something else?
Hopefully a little of both! I love middle grade fantasy, and I definitely plan to continue writing it. I’m working on a new middle grade fantasy idea right now that I think might become my next project. But I also plan to explore some new things; I have a secret young adult novel in the works as well. So we’ll see what the future holds!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexandra Ott holds a B.A. in English from the University of Tulsa. She currently lives in Oklahoma with her tiny canine overlord. Rules for Thieves is her debut novel. Visit her online at alexandraott.com and on Twitter @Alexandra_Ott.
Find Alexandra
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr | Goodreads
ABOUT THE BOOK
Book Details:
Title: Rules for Thieves
Author: Alexandra Ott
Publisher: Alladin
Publication Date: June 06, 2017
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover, eBook
After twelve-year-old orphan Alli Rosco is cursed with a deadly spell, she must join the legendary Thieves Guild in order to try and save herself in this high-stakes debut.
Twelve-year-old Alli Rosco is smart, resourceful, and totally incapable of keeping her mouth shut. Some of these traits have served her well during her nine years in Azeland’s orphanage, and others have proved more troublesome…but now that she’s escaped to try her luck on the streets, she has bigger problems than extra chores to contend with. Surviving would be hard enough, but after a run-in with one of the city’s Protectors, she’s marked by a curse that’s slowly working its way to her heart. There is a cure, but the cost is astronomical—and seems well out of her reach.
Enter Beck, a boy with a gift for theft and a touch of magic, who seems almost too good to be true. He tells Alli that the legendary Thieves Guild, long thought to be a myth, is real. Even better, Beck is a member and thinks she could be, too. All she has to do is pass the trial that the King of Thieves will assign to her. Join the Guild, collect her yearly reward and a cure. Plus, Alli hopes the Guild will be the home—the family—that Alli has always wanted. But when their trial goes wrong, innocent lives are put in danger, and Alli has to decide how much she can sacrifice in order to survive.
Book Links
Amazon | B&N | BAM | IndieBound | Goodreads | Publisher
Giveaway:
What’s up for Grab?
- Signed hardcover copy of Rules for Thieves by Alexandra Ott
The Rules:
- Open to US residents only
- There will be one (1) winner
- Winner will be chosen and announced through rafflecopter
- Winner will be contacted thru email & should response within 48 hours
- Ends June 26th, 2017
- Prize will be sent by the author
To enter fill out the rafflecopter form
Good Luck!!!
Treat yourself to a complete #CelebratingDebutantes2017 experience. Click the image below for the full list of schedule and links to each feature post, or check out twitter and facebook using #CelebratingDebutantes2017.
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I love the ouroboros on the cover!
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never heard about his one before. The background at the cover reminds me of Alladin for some reason. And the fact that the MC is also a thief! Why not?! I think I will enjoy this one. Thanks for sharing about the book.
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