Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Kathryn Berla to talk about 12 Hours in Paradise (19 April 2016, Limitless Publishing LLC, 150 pages), a Young Adult Romance.
"this is a very sweet story that exemplifies how it is possible to fall in love--real and sincere love--in a short span of time. In this case, 12 hours. The protagonists Dorothy and Arash are as different as can be, but complement one another nicely. As you read 12 Hours in Paradise, you will find yourself falling in love with them as they fall in love with each other." - GoodReads Reader
"Heart, insight and enchanting descriptions are the hallmarks of this author's writing. I'm eager for more." - GoodReads Reader
Synopsis | Teaser | Author Q&A | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops
A very warm welcome to Kathryn Berla; thank you for joining us on BooksChatter, and thank you for sharing your music playlist for 12 Hours in Paradise with us!
What was the inspiration for 12 Hours in Paradise ?
Aww, what a tiny little cutie :-) Hello beautiful Babe! So pretty :-D
Thank you so much for sharing Babe with us, Kathryn. We hope you are having a great release week!
12 Hours in Paradise
"The inspiration for 12 HOURS IN PARADISE was the movie “Before Sunrise”. I binge-watched all three movies in that trilogy and it left me wondering whether a teen could have a similar experience. I loved those movies, especially the first one, because of the depth of understanding each person gains about the other. Instant attraction leads to getting to really know each other which ultimately leads to love."How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?
"A little of myself can be found in both Dorothy and Arash—some of their life experiences and some of their backgrounds. And I hope that my great love of the Hawaiian Islands is revealed in the narrative."The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for 12 Hours in Paradise - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.
"Limitless Publishing is known for their fantastic book covers. Mine is done by Redbird Designs. I filled out a questionnaire which captured more of my feelings about the book, rather than specific events. I think they did a wonderful job and when I look at it, I feel like I’m right there watching one last beautiful Hawaiian sunrise before reality intrudes."Why should we read 12 Hours in Paradise and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your book unique?
"12 HOURS IN PARADISE is unique in that it has no chapters. This was done in order to capture the essence of one very intense time period that flows, with little interruption, over twelve hours. I think the concept of the 36 Questions that Lead to Love is so intriguing that everyone might wonder if it could work for them."Can you tell us something quirky about 12 Hours in Paradise , its story and characters?
"I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of being given a name that’s so old-fashioned you’d always be the only person with that name. In 1900 when the “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” was first published, Dorothy was probably a popular name. If it wasn’t then, it would become popular with the success of the book. My mother’s name was Dorothy, but I doubt there are many Dorothy’s running around in U.S. high schools these days. One day, I assume the name Kathryn will be rare as well."Who would you recommend 12 Hours in Paradise to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?
"I would recommend this book to anyone old enough to read and appreciate the words (from 12-years-old to 100). There is brief mention of death and suicide but it’s handled sensitively, and the consequences of the acts are discussed in a serious manner, but not described."If you could / wished to turn 12 Hours in Paradise into a movie, who would be your dream team?
"I suppose since “Before Sunrise” inspired me, I’d have to beg Richard Linklater to direct it ;-)"What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?
"I like to write in every genre from children’s picture books, to MG to YA. I have yet to write adult literary fiction but I plan on doing that. Within the genres I mentioned, I’ve written fantasy, contemporary realism, romance and science fiction. I’ve even written horror. I love to read everything and that’s probably why I love to write everything."What is your writing process?
"I take a long walk to gather my thoughts for the day, then I come home and write about 1000-2000 words in a day. All in one sitting. When I finish, I go back and reread what I’ve written that day and I edit. The next day before I start again, I read what I wrote the day before. When the novel is complete, I read it first on my laptop, then in print, and then on my Kindle. After all that, I give it to my beta readers."What is in store next?
"I have a YA romance that’s been dancing around in my head and a middle-grade adventure. Probably the YA romance first. They’re both fully formed, though, so all I have to do is get them out on paper."And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?
"This is Babe and even though she doesn’t belong to me, she’s very important to me because she’s been in my life for almost ten years. Her name is Babe because…well as you can see, she’s a babe!"
Thank you so much for sharing Babe with us, Kathryn. We hope you are having a great release week!
12 Hours in Paradise
Available NOW!
Fun interview. Babe is adorable. Looking forward to reading those next two books
ReplyDeleteKathryn Berla's stories are fun, romantic and have purpose. She's good at bringing us along for the ride while she explores important questions, like love and loss. She writes thoughtfully and with a grace that suits the young people she writes about. It would not surprise me if Kathryn Berla's books started making the YA best-seller's lists. She's that good.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing :-)
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