1. What inspired you to start writing/creating art, and how has that inspiration evolved over time?

Ever since I started writing at age eight I have found inspiration from the books I read, the movies I watch, and real life stories I've heard. Janette Oke has been a huge inspiration to me, especially with my latest work, as well as classics like Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, Pride and Prejudice. Fairytales and musicals have also played a huge role. As I've grown I've also been inspired by my readers as they've read my work, they've encouraged me to keep at it. And of course the imagination God gave me has played the biggest role in inspiring me, giving me so many ideas I'll never be able to write them all.

2. Can you share the story behind your latest work? What was your creative process like?

My latest work is The Groom Advertisement. It is a historical romance about Daisy Kate, who in order to keep her family farm must marry so she places a husband wanted ad in the paper. Years ago I had gotten a scene in my head where a girl was venting to a friend about needing to marry to keep her farm, but that was all I had, a scene. I didn't know why she needed to keep the farm, etc. So I wrote the scene and forgot about it. Fast forward to January of 2024 I found the scene. To make a long story short, I spent most of the night coming up with the plot when I should have been sleeping. The next day I wrote out my ideas, sat down, and began writing. It took me nine days to pound out the short, VERY rough novella. The next few months I rewrote it a few more times adding and subtracting parts until it was barely like the original draft. And that's how The Groom Advertisement came to be.

3. What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work, and why are they important to you?

My faith is a big part of who I am, God is who gives me the inspiration and the words to write, so I want to share who He is with my readers through my characters and their faith.

4. What advice would you give to aspiring authors/artists who are just starting their journey?

Keep at it, don't give up. The writing process is a great lesson in patience. Sometimes it can take years to get published, sometimes only a matter of months. So don't give up, and don't rush the process.

5. How do you handle challenges like writer's block or creative burnout, and what motivates you to keep going?

When I face writer's block or creative burnout, I tend to take a step back and take a break. Doing something different really helps. Oftentimes scrolling my book's Pinterest board or listening to my book's playlist helps motivate me.

8. What’s next for you? Can you share any upcoming projects or future creative goals you’re excited about?

I can't share too much yet because I often can change my mind about a project, but my current one is called Project Nanny at the moment.

9. Who are some of your biggest creative influences, and how have they shaped your work or style?

Authors like Jane Austen, L.M.Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, Janette Oke, and Pepper Basham have been some of my biggest influences. Their writing has inspired mine whether it's writing a retelling, like my contemporary Anne series, or their style of writing, like Pepper's Skymar series.

Hannah Beth | Author

Alexandra Louise | Author