Kingdom of the Sun is a novella about the modern-day kingdom of Sooryan that faces issues that are very reflective of today’s society. Built upon the foundation and belief that education is the key to a triumphant and powerful country, Sooryan indeed becomes a successful kingdom. However, these ideals change throughout time as the kingdom’s leaders care more for status and competition. The story thus begins with Sooryan in political, academic, and economic turmoil, and it follows Helena, the one person who stands up for change, hope, honor, and happiness.

Who is Helena?
The protagonist of the story who views the situation of the kingdom and her societal position as unfavorable. She represents someone who sees themselves as having more value than how they are treated.  Helena also represents the person who harbors the desire and thirst for change.

What genre is this book?
I like to classify Kingdom of Sun as more than just fiction. I see it as an inspirational and literary novella as well.

Inspirational?
My book is for those seeking some hope, honor, and happiness, and I’m sure everyone is seeking some form of these!

Kingdom of the Sun is for anyone who has been subject to the constraints, stereotypes, blindness, and contradictions of society. I also state that it is for the teachers and educators who love what they do and live to do it.

Tell us about some of the other characters in the book.
Sadine: She is the close friend of Helena who represents a good-natured, hard-worker who wants nothing more than to please her superiors and remain in good standing with them. This desire leads to her inability to see Helena’s frustrations and the kingdom’s real issues.

Aria: The nine-year-old son of Sadine. Aria’s level of understanding and maturity makes him a very close friend and ally of Helena whom he adores.

Queen Delilah Nightfall: Successor of Queen Daisy who desires power and respect but cannot seem to gain or earn it. Queen Delilah represents the person who sees themselves as above others and yet lives off of praise and acceptance. She also stands for the person who received their societal position by means other than hard work.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in St. Thomas of the United States Virgin Islands, and I now live in upstate New York with my wonderful husband. Writing has been a passion of mine at a very young age, and I want to use that to change the world and make it a better place. My goal and dream has been and will remain to be to inspire others in many aspects of life: hope, honor, happiness, and faith.

Do you have a website where we can keep up with your work?
Yes! You can read more about me and my work on hopehonorandhappiness.com.

You may follow and “like” me at Facebook.com/AuthorAriffaBevin.

How easily do new storylines come to you? If we give you four random words – Man, Woman, Airport, Darkness – can you give us a brief storyline?
That’s a great question! For me, I have to be inspired by something or someone to write. I believe anyone can create a stroyline from a few words, but storytelling is an art. And I feel that it has the most impact when it is created from inspiration and impulse, not force.

What’s next?
More writing, of course! I have ideas that are brewing around in my head that have yet to take form on paper. I’d love to do some freelance writing as well. In the future, I also want to use my work as the basis for guest speaking at schools and conferences.