Meet Ariffa Bevin

Ariffa Bevin (Albany, NY)

From the age of 12, writing has always been a part of Ariffa Bevin’s life. At that age and through her teenage years, she became well known and frequently recognized for her poetic works. Since moving on from poetry, Ariffa continues to strive to change the world and inspire others with her words through her blog and story telling. She spends her free time with her husband, and they enjoy cooking, eating, playing golf, and watching sports. Kingdom of the Sun is her first book.

About Kingdom of the Sun

Truth. Hope. Honor. Happiness…In the modern-day Kingdom of Sooryan the meaning of these four words fade as light leaves the sky during sunset…But as reassuring and as promising that the sun will rise again each day, Helena will fight for something that most want, but are not brave enough to make: Change.

Kingdom of the Sun reflects the desire that most of us have to make a change, whether it be in the world or in our own lives, and how we may lack the strength or the courage to do it. The novella highlights the significance of what it truly means to be educated as well as the power that one can posses when they are. It questions what we may value as important and necessary, and challenges several societal conventions. In a kingdom facing political, economic, and educational turmoil, Kingdom of the Sun is reflective of today’s issues, giving its readers not only something to enjoy and relate to, but something they will never forget.

Purchase Link
http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Sun-Ariffa-Bevin-ebook/dp/B00FOLCWTM/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1389264279

Name 3 things about yourself readers may not know
1) When I was first introduced to poetry and story writing, I absolutely hated it. I was in elementary school at the time and I found it too hard to be creative, so I found myself crying a lot out of frustration.

2) I tried and failed at self-editing Kingdom of the Sun.

3) I wrote a memoir at the same time as I was writing Kingdom of the Sun. I would alternate back and forth between each manuscript every day. 

What is your biggest inspiration?
God is my biggest inspiration. I would not have my gift of writing or the experiences and challenges that have helped me to write without His guidance and many blessings.

What led up to you becoming an author?
My desire to help people and change the world through my words has definitely led me to becoming an author. I have always had this goal, and I once believed that healthcare was the right path for me. It took some time to realize that my passion for helping others would be best served in writing.

How would you describe your writing style?
I do not have a specific form per se, however, I was influenced by the French author Marguerite Duras’ writing style in her book, The Lover (which is my favorite movie, by the way). She uses simple sentence structure that is very powerful and emotional. A lot of her sentences are short, yet so descriptive. And I tried to do a lot of that in Kingdom of the Sun: I wanted to say a lot in very few sentences and also be strong and descriptive in very few words.

What would you say is the most important thing an author should do before publishing his/her book?
I believe that there are many things an author should do, but one thing that comes to mind is the significance of having an editor. Many self-published authors believe they can self-edit their book or that they do not have the money to afford a professional editor. I cannot stress enough the significance of taking the time and energy to find a professional editor for your book. It is just as important as the creation of the manuscript itself.

If you could go back and change one thing about your book, what would it be?
This is such a fitting question considering the recent JK Rowling reveal! So far, there is not one thing that I would change about Kingdom of the Sun.

When you’re not writing, what are you doing?
When I am not writing, I am working at my full-time job, spending time with my wonderful husband, cooking, playing sports, and watching anime.

How can readers and others in the literary community reach you?
Website/Blog: http://hopehonorandhappiness.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAriffaBevin 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18679971-kingdom-of-the-sun

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