Good morning, it's Monday again, so I must have a couple fantastic interviews for you.
You're right!
First up is Hannah Willow. Hannah is a writer of romances and has been--well, why don't I let her tell you?
Star Trek or Star Wars?
I love them both, but if I were to only be able to choose one, it would be Star Trek. I like the variety of shows in the universe.
A book you’re looking forward to release (by someone else)?
There are a few authors who’s books I’m always excited for: Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews, Jim Butcher, and Kelley Armstrong. But, if you’re talking about indie authors, I’m looking forward to the next book by Huckleberry Rahr – Pack.
Coffee, tea, or cacao?
Coffee – I drink it every morning, black! Like the good insane person I am. I like the others as well, just not daily.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
I teach full time. I use writing as a way to relax at night.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I often equate writing with reading. I think of my stories as books I want to read, and I try to keep up with my typing as I ‘read’. It means I tend to get stories written pretty quickly.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
2019. I started writing when I was in my 40s.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I read, play games with friends and family, cook, or watch TV. I usued to bike, knit, and do couted cross stitch, but those activities were taken over by the stories in my head.
What does your family think of your writing?
My family is amused by my writing. My oldest will help me brainstorm and sometimes challenges me with plot twists.
Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?
My biggest suggestion is to write and ignore what other people tell you … sort of. A lot of writers ask other writers what makes writing good. The problem is, that isn’t always what readers enjoy. Ask readers, too. Writers will help your craft, but some of the advice is over the top and counter productive. It can make new writers feel insecure. They stop writing or stop sharing, which is exactly what they shouldn’t do. If someone makes you feel bad, they are in the wrong, not you.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I don’t, but I would like to!
Do you like to create books for adults?
Yes. What I write isn’t appropriate for kids, there are spicy scenes in them. I like writing stories with plots and good story lines, but I like the spice as well.
What do you think makes a good story?
I like stories that combine an interesting plot with twists, turns, and pieces I didn’t expect, and interesting characters. I also like a story that grips me and is easy to read. Some stories feel heavy, and take a long time to slog through. I often am told my books are quick reads, I like that.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Be an architect, then an engineer, finally, teach math.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
It completely energizes me. I started writing as a way to relax after a stressful day!
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
They focus on the art and not on the story. They try to make the pros something special, when readers just want to be transported to a new place for a few hours.
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
<cough> Er, yes…
Are you traditionally or self published? Or both? Do you feel there are advantages to one over the other?
Both, but the traditionally published books have gone nowhere. I prefer self.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I have 10 books written waiting for my editor. (Maybe 12?) Trying to remember everything under 3 names and over a few years… This is why my writers group rolls their eyes at me…
What is the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything?
Ha!
What’s the best way to market your books?
If you could tell me, I’d be thrilled!
What do you have coming next?
I write about a book a month, so that depends on when this goes out. I’m writing a 7 book series about a werewolf pack in Santa Cruz – Coastal Wolves. I believe, in April, Campus Prowl, book 3, will be going into Vella and Wolf Magic will be getting prepared for eBook. I’m finishing up book 4 right now.
My favorite series, Glass Witchling, I wrote a few years ago, I’m just waiting to get edited. I have six books written in that series. It is a fun and fantastic series. It may not make it to market until late 2023 or early 2024. I probably write 10-12 books a year, so my editor snarls every time I ask them about the time line.
