Author Q&A: Hannah Howe

Today we’re interviewing mystery writer Hannah Howe.

Howe is the author of the bestselling Sam Smith mystery series, the Ann’s War mystery series, and Saving Grace.

Her books are published by Goylake Publishing and distributed through Gardners Books to over three hundred outlets worldwide.

Her books are available in print, as ebooks, and as audiobooks, and are being translated into numerous languages.

Howe’s interests include reading, music, genealogy, chess, and classic black-and-white movies.

SADYE: How did you come to see yourself as a writer, and what inspired you to seek publication?

HANNAH: Aged nine, my teacher asked me to write the school play, and I’ve been writing ever since.

I sought publication after reading Robert B. Parker’s Promised Land.

While reading that book, it occurred to me that I write in a similar, minimalist style and that my books cover similar subjects; therefore readers might find them interesting.

SADYE: Tell us something about your writing process that’s unusual or that you haven’t revealed before.

HANNAH: My writing process dates back to when I was nine and my teacher asked me to write the school play.

I can picture myself now, sitting on the living room carpet, in front of the fireplace, with a sketchpad open and an array of colored pens scattered over the floor.

Each pen represented a character, and I still use that method today.

SADYE: Which of your characters would you most and least like to trade places with?

HANNAH: I would love to see the world through Dr. Alan Storey’s eyes because his mind is perfectly balanced and he exudes a sense of calm.

Dexter Trask, a character in my Sam Smith mystery Boston, represents the evil that some people possess. I wouldn’t want to be like him.

SADYE: What have been the most surprising, rewarding, and challenging parts of your writing career?

HANNAH: The most surprising part of my career was when Sam’s Song reached #1 on the Amazon private detective chart. I never dreamed that was possible.

The most rewarding falls into three parts: kind words from readers, my Victorian novel Saving Grace becoming a bestseller in Australia during the summer of 2018, and two weeks ago Sam’s Song reaching #1 for the seventh time.

Ironically, reaching #1 for the seventh time presents a challenge.

I feel as though I’ve reached the top of that particular mountain so where do I go from there?

I’m in the process of reflecting on that question.

SADYE: What message or theme would you like readers to take away from your work?

HANNAH: Good people doing good things is of more value to the world than bad people doing bad things.

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Learn more about Hannah Howe on her website, where her books can also be purchased, and like her on Facebook.

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