I am here with Christian author, Hannah Gaudette, who has written several fantasy novels, as well as smaller works in other genres, including a contemporary/Biblical fiction novella. Her first novel was published when she was nineteen. "Six books in, I don't ever want to stop," Hannah says. "Writing is a form of worship for me, and I connect deeply with Jesus in the act of creation."

Me: Welcome Hannah! I would like to know... what advice would you give to those who are aspiring authors?

Hannah: It sounds simple, but . . . just write. Start small. Write short stories, enter contests—as many as you possibly can. But just write. You can't improve a craft you aren't actively using.
I especially encourage new authors to hone their skills by writing short stories. You'll see improvement in your craft much more quickly, and the short form will actually help you to write a stronger novel, if that is ultimately your goal.
You are never too late (or too early!) to start writing. Don't let negative thoughts about yourself or your work hold you back.
You will always be improving . . . but you can't improve if you don't start.

Me: Awesome advice! Tell me about your recent book.

Hannah: My most recent release, Divide, is the first book in the One Light Trilogy! Katrina and Andrew, childhood friends who became bitter adversaries after Andrew caused an accident that left Katrina's sister blind, are pulled into a strange world, into a kingdom on the edge of a civil war.
The One Light Trilogy is a Christian portal fantasy series exploring hard questions. These characters bring a lot to the table (dealing with bitterness, unforgiveness, abandonment, betrayal, etc.) and they ask the same questions of God we all ask sooner or later: "Why?" and "What now?"

Me: Who are your literary influences?

Hannah: In my teen years, when I was becoming much more serious about writing and publishing, I was also reading the River of Time Series by Lisa Bergren and Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye Knight. These books/authors had an incredible influence on my writing at that time. For instance, you'll see faint echoes of the River of Time Series in Divide's story, and you'll probably see a similarity between my narrative style and Jaye Knight's.
I am incredibly thankful for these influences, because they helped to propel me to the next level as a writer.

Me: What is next for you? Any new books?

Hannah: My next book will be released on July 25th! The Sound of Silence is a standalone dystopian novel that I am crazy excited for.
After that, Declare, book two in the One Light Trilogy, will be released on September 19th. So, an exciting year of new books!

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To connect with Hannah Gaudette:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
Newsletter


To purchase her book, Divide, in the One Light Trilogy:
Amazon

Hannah Gaudette

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