Author Feature: Kristen Bahls
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Q&A
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started writing?As the daughter of a librarian, I grew up around books. From Nancy Drew to The Hunger Games, I’ve read it all. I realized my love of storytelling in middle school journalism and that dream transformed into video journalism in high school. Even though the medium switched, my love of stories and the story-telling process remained. This propelled me to get a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Arkansas. I went on to become a teacher, showing other students the magic behind the lens. Later I transitioned to corporate, and found myself missing my creative outlet. Little did I know, I would find it in the form of writing.
I had grown up writing stories here and there, and always felt called to write a book, but thought I would do it later in life. The writer in me was always brewing, but Sarah Adams had this post on Instagram about telling your story and trusting yourself to start, which gave me the permission I didn’t know I needed to dive in.
Whether I’m working on my next book or interviewing authors for my podcast, Where I Left Off, I have the opportunity to spread my love of reading and literature.
2. What inspired your debut?I was a Video Production teacher, and I unfortunately got burned out and left education altogether. When I was in the classroom I felt like the general advice for teachers was to suck it up and do it for the kids or quit. I just wanted something to relate to that captured how hard the job was, but wasn’t too heavy. I felt really alone and would have loved to have a piece of media that captured my feelings.
When I decided to start writing, I wanted to create a book that teachers and non-teachers alike could appreciate, one that balances humor, mystery, and romance while also exploring the realities of service professions and how they can be both draining and rewarding at the same time. I knew I had to write this story, and I’m very thankful Elle and Cohen popped into my head.
3. Which character was your favorite to write—and why?Cohen was difficult to write at first, and since we went on a journey together, I would have to claim him as my favorite. I have several traits in common with Elle, so she came naturally. With Cohen, his laid back nature, and writing in the brain of a guy took a second to get used to. His inner dialogue was especially fun to create, and helped remind me what it’s like to be a first year teacher. I was enamoured by his resilience and the kindness he showed to Elle along the way. He has a really good balance of letting her shine and making her better, while growing himself. Writing the other characters’ reactions to his naivety and proclivity to be seen as the golden child by admin were equally as entertaining.
4. Do you have a favorite trope or theme you love writing?Friends to lovers is my absolute favorite trope to read, but forced proximity is a close second. I appreciate how the friends to lovers trope cuts out the awkward get to know you stage, and goes right for the tension and angst that comes from trying to figure out if you should confess your feelings. The way they appreciate the small things about each other and have a solid foundation from the jump is so rewarding to read.
With forced proximity, I can’t turn the pages fast enough to see how they’re next interaction will go, when they have to cross paths whether they like each other or not.
5. What do you hope readers feel when they finish your books?The world is exhausting right now. I want readers to be able to get a laugh, while trying to figure out WhoDunit and counting down the pages until Cohen and Elle kiss. Sometimes you just need an escape, and hopefully this book that feels very Abbott Elementary meets Only Murders in the Building is exactly what they need.6. What are you working on next? Any sneak peeks?I am currently working on book two! The entire series takes place during a calendar school year. The first book takes place during fall semester, this book will be during Christmas break, and book three will be spring semester. Cohen and Elle go on a trip to Santa Claus, Indiana with Cohen’s entire family. They are in the first book a little bit, but you’ll really get to know them over the course of this novel. It’s all candy canes and gingerbread until a guest at the inn is stabbed with a vintage Christmas tree topper. They have to race to solve the case before turning in their room keys, while simultaneously trying to make the most of the holiday season.
Connect With Kristen!
Website will be coming soon!
A Flair For Trouble
From teachers to amateur sleuths,
Just add it to their list of other duties as assigned…
High school teacher Elle Dannon is juggling lesson plans, trying to avoid burnout, all while training her new mentee, first year teacher Cohen Sinclair.
Cohen Sinclair is trying to survive his first year of teacherhood. On top of everything else, he convinces Elle to team up with him to solve the case when a parent is murdered at an after school event. The amateur sleuthing duo fumbles their way through the case,
Little do they know, they’re being watched. By a group of teenagers so set on “shipping” them they create a paparazzi style Instagram account to document their interactions. Nosy students aren’t the only ones keeping tabs. A certain killer is hot on their heels. It’s a race to solve the case before the killer strikes again.
