Writer Spotlight Series creates a positive image for young girls to refer to by having conversations with different writers and illustrators. This month we have been doing Q&As with many writers, to get to know more about them and their work. Here, we are showcasing all the questions we have asked B.B. Alston, the author of Amari and the Night Brothers series. 

You can find more book reviews in our current issue, available to buy here

 

"Amari is magical!" - Angie Thomas

Amari and the Great Game is the sequel to Amari and the Night Brothers. The main protagonist, Amari Peters, has become the nation's favourite. What do you hope young readers will discover in the sequel?

Amari has learned to believe in herself and learned to navigate. She becomes famous in the second book. She learns how the world perceives her and how to handle that. That’s the huge part of the book. I hope readers will find some humour within the story.

 

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

My wife and I enjoy going on long drives; We enjoy finding alternative routes. In South Carolina there are various landmarks to see. Recently we discovered a 100-year-old church. 

 

If you could ask one successful author three questions about their writing process, or books, what would they be? Who would you ask?

A good question. You know, growing up, my favourite author was Roald Dahl. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was my favourite book growing up. I felt like Charlie was like me, a child from modest means, never stopped him from having these big dreams. Also, being in a magical and real world sounds like a grand adventure. The kid in me really hopes there is a magical world out there. I would love to ask, “How did you come up with the characters?” What was his writing process? Does he write every day? Does he write when he is in a mood for it? What was the first thing he ever wrote? I am always interested in why someone started writing.

 

What is your favourite genre?

I love fantasy. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was the first time I had an interest in reading. All I read is fantasy and science fiction. I enjoy reading stories where you have to use your imagination. Think about places that are not your own world and see how things are different, which sparks my sense of wonder. Brings back my childhood memories.  

 

 

About the writer

B. B. Alston lives in Lexington, South Carolina. His debut novel, Amari and the Night Brothers, is a #1 Kids’ Indie Next pick and the winner of Barnes & Noble’s inaugural Children’s and YA Book Award, as well as a New York Times and indie bestseller. When not writing, he can be found eating too many sweets and exploring country roads to see where they lead.