Q&A: Alexis Bass, Author of ‘An Education In Ruin’

Alexis Bass is the acclaimed author of Happily and Madly and her fourth novel, An Education in Ruin, is set for release on July 7th 2020. It is marketed for lovers of the CW’s Gossip Girl and readers of E. Lockhart and Karen McManus as it is a sophisticated YA contemporary thriller. Currently based in North California, Alexis is a huge lover of long beach vacations and boisterous canines. This makes her and I kindred spirits because that just sounds like heaven! I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Alexis to discuss An Education in Ruin and to find out a bit more about her writing process and inspiration.

Hi Alexis! Thanks for taking the time to sit down today. First up can you tell us a bit about An Education in Ruin?

Yay! I’m so happy to chat with you about my latest novel. An Education in Ruin tells the story of Collins Pruitt as she attempts to infiltrate a certain crowd at a prestigious boarding school in order to gain information and leverage to stop a scandal happening within her own family only to discover that she doesn’t have the whole scoop.

What was the inspiration behind this book?

Most of my inspiration for this novel stemmed from the isolated setting of the boarding school and the general pressures that came with attending. I gave each character an identity crisis that was amplified by the setting and these pressures.

This is your fourth published novel and to date all have been stand-alone. Would you ever consider turning any of your published novels into a series?

Definitely, I would consider it, if the timing was right—though I have to admit, I’m not sure I have ideas for extending any of my current books. I’m purposeful about what I wrap-up and what I leave open-ended because often the rest of the story belongs to the reader and what they think happens based on what they took from the story.

Could you tell us a bit about your writing style? Do you plan everything out and know the ending before you start or is more a journey?

It all depends on the story. Sometimes I have a very vague idea of where the characters need to be by the end of the book and a few of the conflicts they’ll face along the way, but usually when I write it’s all discovery. I pick up ideas as I draft and get to know the characters and that informs the majority of the story. This usually means that my revisions are heavy in order to focus the plot, but drafting and finding out what it is I’m writing, what I want to say and how I want to say it, is my favorite part of the process.

Your books are always very “quotable”. Do you have a favourite scene or quote from An Education in Ruin?

Thank you! One of my favorite scenes in An Education in Ruin is when the main character, Collins, is talking with her Aunt Rosie about how to make someone fall in love with you because it sets up so much of the story as a whole.

Considering all your novels, do you have a favourite character to write?

I can’t possibly choose! But I did have a lot of fun writing Collins because of everything that goes wrong for her. She has this idea about herself being smooth and manipulative and she puts so much faith in this sort of half-baked plan, and then as the story goes on she’s constantly stressed about getting kicked out of Rutherford, distracted by other boys when she’s meant to be focused on one, and the secrets she does manage to dig up aren’t what she thought they would be. Her innocence and even her clumsiness were the true assets that helped her along the way and that was fun to write.

Your books are firmly based in the YA contemporary genre. Is this your favourite genre to read or is there another?

This is my favorite genre, though I like to venture into other genres frequently, like magical realism, fantasy, and science fiction. I’ve also been reading a lot of poetry lately.

What is the best part about being an author?

Truly, getting emails and notes from readers is the absolute best. It’s true that books help readers feel less alone and they have the same effect on the author! I’ve enjoyed connecting with other writers too. Sharing all things craft and industry related can be so rewarding and inspiring.

Are you working on anything currently? Can you tell us a bit about it? 

I’m working on a few different things. I work well juggling projects and I always like to be drafting something new. What I can divulge is that both works in progress are in the YA contemporary genre with thriller and suspense elements.

Are there any books, besides your own of course, that you would recommend to readers? 

Absolutely! I had the privilege of reading an early copy of Sarah Everett’s Some Other Now and was blown away. It will be available in 2021. I’m also very excited about Lori Goldstein’s Sources Say, which will be out in September.

Will you be picking up An Education In Ruin? Tell us in the comments below!