To celebrate the paperback release of the Sunday Times Bestseller The Dilemma, we invited B A Paris onto the blog to answer our burning questions. Stay tuned until the end to see an exciting competition we’re running for the book!
Can you tell us a bit about The Dilemma (out in paperback 17th September)
The Dilemma tells the story of one day in the lives of Adam and Livia. It’s Livia’s 40th birthday, and she’s been looking forward to her special day for years. The only person who can’t be there is their daughter, Marnie, who is studying abroad. Although Livia loves her daughter, she is secretly glad she can’t make it to the party as she has discovered something about Marnie which will break Adam’s heart. Adam, meanwhile, has secretly arranged for Marnie to fly home as a surprise for Livia. But during the day, he hears some terrible news. Should he tell Livia – or wait until her party is over?
What was your inspiration for the book?
A couple of things happened which made me wonder about how I would go about breaking bad news to someone I love, and if there would ever be a good enough reason for me to hold back that news, knowing that what I was going to tell them would change their life forever. This theme – how far someone might go to give the person they love a last few hours of happiness – became something I really wanted to explore.
Where do you write? What does a typical writing day look like for you?
I can write anywhere – currently, I write in an upstairs room with a view over fields, but soon I’ll have a lovely writing room in the garden. On a writing day where there are no distractions, I start writing as soon as I’m up and I don’t stop until hunger or thirst drives me to the kitchen, which can be hours past lunchtime. Then I’ll write again until I’m cross-eyed with fatigue. Those are my favourite kind of writing days, where I can write as much as I want without interruption.
Where is your perfect holiday destination and why?
I used to choose somewhere exotic whenever I was asked this question but now I think it would be somewhere in Italy or France. I love both these countries and they have everything I would need – cuisine, culture, climate and beautiful scenery.
Who would be your dream dinner party guests?
I think I give a different answer each time I’m asked this but if I’m allowed to choose someone who’s dead, Oscar Wilde is always on my list. I’d also choose Michelle Obama, Margaret Atwood – both such wonderfully inspirational women – and Stephen King, for writing tips. And George Clooney to sit opposite me.
To celebrate publication day, we have an exciting competition! One lucky winner will win a weekend break for two at an Everbright Hotel and a copy of The Dilemma by B A Paris. All you need to do is fill out the form below, answering one very easy question!
WIN a weekend break for two at an Everbright Hotel and a copy of The Dilemma by B A Paris
The Dilemma is available to buy from Amazon, Waterstones, Hive or you local bookshop.
