Can you share a little about your recent book?
Christmas on a Mission is my latest book and I’m a bit partial to it. It’s got all the Christmas feels for sure. Heartwarming!
I kept playing with this idea of a couple meeting through a care package. I knew my heroine was going to work in the school system, and I knew my hero was going to be a deployed soldier–and I knew they’d meet because of a care package he received from her, BUT the way the story unfolded was even better than I imagined.
When I finished this book, I was seriously sad! I miss these characters and can’t wait to meet up with them again in the future!
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
Loaded questions!
A theme…hmm. I’d say there seems to be a theme of redemption in my books…and freedom. Redemption and freedom. And that’s definitely why I write. I want my readers to experience redemption and freedom through the stories I write…whether it’s through the character’s journey or on a deeper personal level.
How long have you been writing?
Ha! Since the 1st grade! However, I didn’t begin writing novels until around 2008. It’s been a long, winding, wonderful journey.
And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Or are you published non-traditionally? How did that come about?
It took four years to get my first book contract–six years if you count the learning curve years.
I’d always wanted to write, but felt like either I had nothing to write about or I didn’t have the time. After years of being a military wife, and walking with my husband through his experiences with PTSD & TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), God showed me that those experiences could help others. So, my first book “The Wounded Warrior’s Wife” was born from those experiences.
I began writing that book, or what would become that book, in 2008. Finished it. Started reviewing books for authors, inviting them to do interviews on my blog, got some great advice from them–and began attending writing conferences.
In 2012 I met my publishers–Olivia Kimbrell Press. With SEVERAL rounds of edits they decided to pick up my first book and it was published in 2014! The rest is history.
Which of your books is your favorite?
Oh goodness, that’s a hard one. The first has this special place in my heart, but I’d say my favorite is “Christmas on a Mission.”
It’s so cozy, but deep, filled with goodness, a hope for love, and redemption–sigh. This book is rich and captures my heart. If I could open my heart and show readers what’s inside–it would be the content and message of this book.
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
You ask hard questions! So…I really love Audria and Quinton from Christmas on a Mission–for so many reasons! There’s this scene in Gatlinburg with twinkling Christmas lights, a snowy bridge, and a kiss! But this kiss is more than a kiss. It’s a choice Audria has to make between letting go of her past and embracing a future. I love how the scene transpires, her response, Quinton’s response…all of it! I seriously cried writing this scene!
How long does it take you to write a book?
That really depends. For me, it takes about six to nine months to write the book, and then edits. I have a family, and work part time so sometimes it can take me a bit longer to get a book done.
What’s your writing work schedule like?
Right now it’s pretty set, which is wonderful! I write on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Saturday mornings (before the kids get up). My weekly goal is 3600 words, which is typically one chapter.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
I don’t know if it’s interesting, but I listen to white noise “music” on YouTube while writing. It helps me focus and it’s like my brain says “Okay, it’s time to write.”
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
The readers! I love hearing from them. Some of them have actually become friends!
What has been your darkest moment(s)?
Several come to mind…but two stand out the most…
Walking with my husband through his experiences with PTSD and TBI were very dark–however, they shaped us. God provided friends to walk with us and we are better people, and have a stronger marriage because of those moments.
Recently, though, my darkest moment has been the loss of a sweet friend. Kenna was killed in a car crash…I miss her every day. Grief doesn’t go away. I’ve realized I won’t ever “get over it” but through it–one step at a time.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?
I’ve lost count! BUT, rejection is a great teacher. I’ve found, especially in the writing world, rejection often comes with constructive criticism which is valuable. That feedback has helped me become a better writer, and has encouraged me to continue.
Where do you get your ideas?
That’s hard too…and truthfully, I have no clue. It’s not one place. It’s all over, all the time. Maybe a dream. A story I heard. A conversation I overheard. Something my mind put together while I was driving.
I believe the ideas are a gift from God–stories he wants me to tell.
Who is your favorite author to read?
So many! I read across genres, so my taste is a bit eclectic. I adore Tosca Lee, Joanne Bischof, Elizabeth Byler Younts, Suzanne Collins, Rick Riordan…just to name a few.
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have heeded?
Hands down, the BEST advice I received and heeded was to attend writer conferences. It’s a great way to meet agents, editors, and experienced writers…pick their brains and get that constructive criticism.
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?
Probably not investing in learning the craft of writing, and cold querying agents without going to conferences.
Most agents and editors give priority to the writers they’ve met at conferences.
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
I know it may sound a little redundant, but go to a writers conference. Start there. And don’t give up! Keep writing. Keep going to conferences and learning the craft of writing.
Hannah R. Conway is a military wife, mother of two, former middle school teacher, women’s ministry director, best-selling author, and popular speaker. Her novels are a deployment experience of their own, threaded with faith, and filled with twists and turns. Hannah is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and My book Therapy. She and her family live in Tennessee.
website: https://hannahrconway.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahrconway_author/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorhannahconway/
Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/660379
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