{"id":105059,"date":"2019-07-29T15:27:52","date_gmt":"2019-07-29T04:27:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.booktopia.com.au\/blog\/?p=105059"},"modified":"2019-08-02T11:51:50","modified_gmt":"2019-08-02T00:51:50","slug":"read-a-qa-with-a-j-betts-author-of-rogue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.booktopia.com.au\/blog\/2019\/07\/29\/read-a-qa-with-a-j-betts-author-of-rogue\/","title":{"rendered":"Read a Q&A with A.J. Betts, author of Rogue!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Rogue<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A.J. Betts is a Fremantle-based author, speaker, teacher, and cyclist wh originally hails from Queensland. She graduated with a PhD in the topic of Wonder at ECU in 2019 and teaches English part-time at the Perth Children’s Hospital.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A.J. is the author of the young adult novels <\/em>Wavelength<\/a>, Shutterspeed, and <\/em>Zac & Mia<\/a>. Her latest work is a two-book speculative fiction series comprising of<\/em> Hive<\/a> (which was recently shortlisted for the INKYs) and<\/em> Rogue<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, she’s on the blog to answer some of our burning questions!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tell us a little bit about your new book, Rogue<\/em>!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
\"A.J.<\/a>

A.J. Betts<\/p><\/div>\n

AB:<\/strong> Rogue is the second and final book in the Hive\/Rogue<\/em> duology. Where Hive <\/em>is set in an enclosed underwater society (in which the people don\u2019t realise they\u2019re underwater as they believe it\u2019s the world), Rogue<\/em> continues the story in a future terrestrial Australia. The main character is Hayley, a fifteen-year-old beekeeper whose life changes after she discovers a drip of water coming from the ceiling and comes to question the rules and \u2018truths\u2019 she\u2019s grown up with.<\/p>\n\n\n

When we first meet Hayley in Hive<\/em>, she\u2019s scared and uncertain, but curious enough to overcome her fears and uncover the truth about her world. What can we expect to see from Hayley in Rogue<\/em>?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AB:<\/strong> Hayley is a dynamo! She learns so much about the terrestrial world, and uses her curiosity and problem-solving skills to survive the mysterious and sometimes dangerous situations she finds herself in. When she comes to realise how big the world really is, there\u2019s not much that can stop her. She\u2019s also kind and compassionate, and willing to sacrifice a lot for those she cares about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where did you get the first spark of inspiration for the world of Hive<\/em> and Rogue<\/em>?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AB:<\/strong> The idea first occurred to me on a rainy day back in 2005 as I was driving through an underground tunnel in Perth. I noticed a drip of water falling from the ceiling and it made me wonder how strange it would be if I didn\u2019t know where it came from. I had an image of a teenage girl holding up a hand and wondering \u2013 not realising there was anything else beyond the ceiling and walls. After a lot of brainstorming and research, I developed the structure of an underwater, hexagonal city that is completely self-sustainable. Once I knew how Hive<\/em> would end, I knew I couldn\u2019t end it there! I had to write the sequel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Were there any other authors or books that inspired this series?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AB:<\/strong> When I\u2019m writing, I try to avoid reading books that might be similar. However, I was conscious of a few influences that were unavoidable. First, the film The Truman Show<\/a><\/em>, which I love! Secondly, The Handmaid\u2019s Tale<\/a><\/em> by Margaret Atwood, which has similarly strict rules (but not so much gender-based). Lastly, the story Alice in Wonderland<\/a><\/em>, which affected the way I wrote Hayley\u2019s adventures in Rogue<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Rogue<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hive<\/em> was named a notable book by the CBCA<\/a> and was longlisted for the INKYs. How does it feel to see people (especially teenagers) responding so positively to this series?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AB:<\/strong> It\u2019s now been shortlisted for the INKYs! \u263a It\u2019s really special to have my work enjoyed and recognised by teenagers in this way. Hive<\/em> was shortlisted for the Indie Book Awards and the ABIAs, which are also special as these are voted for by the booksellers who do a wonderful job of sharing my stories with young readers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If Rogue<\/em> had a theme song, what would it be?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AB:<\/strong> Asta\u2019s song \u2018<\/a><\/a>I Need Answers\u2019<\/a>. Or her song \u2018Escape<\/a>\u2019. They\u2019re both pretty apt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you have any unusual writing and\/or reading habits?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A: I\u2019m good at making up stories in my head but unfortunately not very good at sitting still, so I have to \u2018bribe\u2019 myself by going to cafes. If I buy a coffee and muffin, I must sit down for two hours. If I\u2019m at home, it\u2019s too easy to jump up and do something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which books do you have on your TBR pile right now?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

AB:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n