Monday, September 15, 2014

Our Guest, Hannah Conway, author of A Wounded Warrior's Wife

On September 2nd I posted a review of A Wounded Warrior's Wife, a thoroughly enjoyable book.  Today it is my pleasure to interview our guest, the author, Hannah Conway.  After reading the interview, please post a comment and you will be entered for a chance to win an eCopy of Hannah's debut novel, or amazon gift cards, or a free photo book from groovebook. A winner will be chosen at random on September 18th. Hannah will contact the winner soon after.  

http://www.amazon.com/Wounded-Warriors-Wife-Hannah-Conway-ebook/dp/B00NE9DZV0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410185299&sr=8-2&keywords=the+wounded+warrior%27s+wife

Hannah, thank you for taking the time to share with us about your journey as a writer and your debut novel.

Q: Please tell us about the inspiration behind your pursuit of a writing career.
A: With all my heart I believe God gave me the inspiration to pursue writing as a career. He’s behind it all! Since I can remember, writing has always been fun for me. Definitely a dream of mine to be a writer, but I guess life got in the way. Maybe I forgot that desire, put it on hold, or simply stopped dreaming, but for whatever reason, writing left my radar. Six years or so ago I felt God leading me to write again and to write with a specific purpose. So here I am.

Q: How does your writing work as a part of your ministry?
A: I've thought about this often. For many years I thought I needed some skill to be a missionary and work for God. I’m a small-town Kentucky girl. What could I do? Should I go to med school? Be a nurse? Should I teach? All of those things are wonderful ways to serve God, but I tuned out that little voice telling me to write. Words are powerful. God says His Word is living and active. God used words to form the universe and all of creation. Words tear down and build up. When God showed me that truth I no longer viewed writing as some hobby—though it’s a good one. He’s given me an assignment to write…to create stories that tell the truth of His love, forgiveness, healing, and redemption to anyone who picks up one of my books. That’s ministry. I’m not really an author, I’m a missionary.

Q: What posed the greatest challenge as you moved from idea to publication?
A: Ha! Learning to write. I had a desire and drive to write, so I wrote the first draft of The Wounded Warrior’s Wife and was so proud! I joined a critique group, got some feedback from seasoned authors and they told me, “You’re definitely a storyteller, but you need to learn to write.” What a blow, but at the same time it was encouraging. For two years I studied the writing craft, read so many books on writing my eyes almost crossed, and wrote two more drafts of The Wounded Warrior’s Wife before publication.

Q: Many authors focus on a particular genre while others write across several genres.  Where do you see yourself along that spectrum, and why?
A: Good question. I had to stop and think a bit! I write in Women’s Fiction which has strong elements of romance. However, I have all sorts of science fiction and historical fiction stories swirling in my head. I’m going to have to say I’d like to be able to eventually write across several genres. If there is a story in my head I have to write it no matter the genre and I think other authors would lean toward agreeing with me.
                                             
Battles Raging Within Are The Ones You Must Fight To Win
Army wife, Whitleigh Cromwell, struggles after an unexpected deployment during the height of the Iraqi war sends her husband, Collier Cromwell, away for another year. Their lives tumble down a path marked with strife, and fatalities, crippling their faith when Collier brings home a war of another kind leaving Whitleigh wondering if some wounds are beyond God’s ability to restore.
Q: Do you think we will meet Whitleigh, Collier, and Linc again in a future novel?  How attached are you to these characters?
A: You know, I think that is very likely. J I am crazy attached to these characters. I know they are fictional and I made them up, but they’ve become very real to me, and I hope readers will feel the same.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
A: Join the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and find a critique group of two or more writers or create your own. It’s good to be able to share your work with others you can trust, who will give you honest feedback in a loving way to help you grow as a writer. I also encourage writers to read. Read books in the genre you want to write and read books about the writing craft.

Q: What would you most want your readers to know about Hannah Conway?
A: Know that I am a follower of Christ. I’m someone who said yes to what God wanted them to do. I’d like for my readers to ask God how they can serve Him—no matter how big or small they think it may be—and then go for it.   
 http://www.amazon.com/Wounded-Warriors-Wife-Hannah-Conway-ebook/dp/B00NE9DZV0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410185299&sr=8-2&keywords=the+wounded+warrior%27s+wife
Q: Tell us when and where we can get our hands on a copy of The Wounded Warrior’s Wife?

A: Right now you can preorder an eCopy on Amazon.com and Smashwords. The novel will release on Sept. 22nd anywhere fine books are sold! Bookshelf space at local bookstores is a battle, so if you don’t see The Wounded Warrior’s Wife at your local bookstore or library simply request they stock it! Simple as that!

We really appreciate Hannah's taking the time to be with us here.  If you would like to learn more about Hannah and her current projects and  speaking engagements, check out her blog at http://www.hannahrconway.com/.
You can connect with Hannah via
Email:             authorhannahconway@gmail.com
Web:               www.hannahrconway.com
Twitter:          www.twitter.com/hannahrconway                 #thewoundedwarriorswife
Pinterest:        www.pinterest.com/hannahrconway

Don't forget to comment below to have a chance at those great prizes!

I have to include my favorite Hannah picture.

26 comments:

  1. Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a great prize. A winner will be chosen on the 18th.

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  2. Judy Dearing Tackett sent me this message via FB: I know Hannah and know she means every word of this interview. She is a child of God and is using her God given talent to write Christian fiction. I only read Christian fiction and will for sure be reading Hannah's book. Keep up the good work Hannah. I remember the first time I met Hannah at my daughters house. Even as a high school student she was spreading Gods word.

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    1. Hi Judy!! It's been sooo long since we've talked! WOW! I'm so happy to be back in touch! Thank you so much for your kind words. Ha, high school! That's been sooo long ago!! Please tell Tina high for me!! :) xoxoxo!

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  3. Patricia Johnson Smith sent this message via FB: Looking forward to reading her book.

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    1. Hi Patricia! SO thankful you stopped by! I too am looking forward to you reading this novel!

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  4. Marilyn Curtis sent this message via FB: I admire our brave and courageous military wives and look forward to reading Hannah's book.

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    1. Thank you Marilyn!!!! I can't tell you how good it makes me feel when people thank my husband and I for our service...it's nice to be recognized for the time I've been without him. I so hope you enjoy the novel!!! :)

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  5. I know and love Hannah. She does everything with joy and gusto and God. Can't wait to read the book!

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    1. Hi Rachel! Thank you for stopping by! Yes, there are so many wounded warrior's wives out there...I have so many prayers for them. I would love for you to share this novel with Hearts of Valor! I'm very familiar with them and need to get my info to them so I can be a part of them! Again, thank you for stopping by!

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    2. Paula, Not sure what is going on with my replies but they are not showing up for you!!! hahaha! Crazy!! I hope this one works...number 3! lol! I LOVE YOU GUYS, and thanks so much for stopping by!

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  6. It sounds like a great read; I will have to order it on my Kindle! I know there are a lot of wounded warrior wives out there who can relate. I will share this with a group I am in called "Hearts of Valor." Best wishes to you Hannah!

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    1. Thanks Rachel for sharing. I know you and your group will be blessed by this story.

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  7. Ann Bigay via FB: We have a wonderful library system in Bowling Green. If they don't have a book at one of their three libraries, they welcome suggestions. I will definitely recommend this book!

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    1. Hi Ann! Thanks for stopping in!! I hope you enjoyed the interview! Isn't Claudia great!? I love the library in Bowling Green!! I actually went to Western for a semester before moving to Colorado! I would be so honored to a book of mine at any library! Please suggest it and take a pic when they get it so I can squeal, lol! :) :)

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  8. I can't wait to get a copy :) just wanted to stop in and show support to an AMAZING person and writer :)

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  9. Sounds like an amazing story. I like books that portray the ups and downs of life. It's just real. Looking forward to reading.

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    1. Hi Denise!!! Thank you for your comment and for stopping in! I did my best to keep this novel as real as possible...I wanted to portray both the wife's and husband's struggles, failures and triumphs, because that's how our walk with Christ looks like. I so hope you enjoy The Wounded Warrior's Wife!

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  10. I will also be looking into getting and reading this book. While I know it is fiction, it sounds like it would give me great insight into the kids and families on Ft. Knox (I substitute for the schools). Thanks for obeying God's call!

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    1. Hello Peaches! I hope you enjoyed the interview! Thank you for taking the time to comment! One thing I love about the Christian community is how they are always looking for ways to share and help others. It warms my heart to hear you looking for ways to relate to the families on Ft. Knox. I pray The Wounded Warrior's Wife gives you that insight! :)

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  11. Having been one of Hannah's best friends for many years I have seen her love and passion for writing. She pours her heart and soul into what she is passionate about. I cannot wait to purchase this book and of course get my signed copy! I look forward to seeing what The Lord has in store for Hannah as he continues to work through her !

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    1. Leah, I love you to pieces!! I'm so thankful for our friendship! We should start celebrating anniversaries soon! Thank you so very much for stopping by and leaving a comment...I wish my words could just give you a big hug!!!! I love you and can't wait to see you again! And, yes, I'll totally sign a copy for you!!!! xoxoxox!

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  12. From Jenny Castenir via FB: Hannah is so talented and has such a heart military families. I can't wait to see what God does through this book!!

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    1. Jenny, THANK YOU so much for stopping by and leaving such encouraging words. We're all in this ministry thing together and it's such a great sense of community. So looking forward to the next time we get to see each other!

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  13. What a great story to tell. Wishing you much success & blessings...

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  14. CONGRATULATIONS to Patricia Johnson Smith. She won a free eCopy of The Wounded Warrior's Wife. Thanks to Hannah for supplying the prize, and for giving such an entertaining interview. Happy reading!

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