Interview With Author Stephanie Hanson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a lifelong foodie and bookworm. All of that combined with a passion for history and education, and I became a writer after I left teaching to be a work-at-home mom. I’ve written a cookbook, a history textbook, and five easy readers about history.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is G is for Genghis Khan, which will be out this spring. I’m fascinated with the idea that the same person can be regarded as a hero or a villain, which was something I tried to explore through an alphabet biography for young readers.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love wearing writing gloves.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love any beautiful children’s books! My best inspiration is actually going to the library or bookstore and seeing which books draw me in. I love seeking out diverse writers and getting perspectives different than my own. I also love books with a sense of humor. The “You Wouldn’t Want To…” books are fantastic at drawing in kids through humor.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a book about the history of games and how to play them. It’s called Boards & Bones: A Playful Exploration of the World. My son loves playing board games, and I’ve always been fascinated at how games can connect us to the people of the past. I’m also working on a pick-a-choice adventure book about the Salem Witch Trials.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When people pick up my cookbook in person, they almost always end up walking away with it. Books are so tactile and visual, even in a digital age.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Write some more. And just keep writing. The first things you write will be bad. You’ll cringe when you look back on it later. But the only way to get to the good stuff is to get all the bad stuff out first.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Treat writing like a business.
What are you reading now?
I am reading Love, Blood, and Cryptids by V.K. Fox as my ebook and The Witches by Stacy Shiff as my audiobook. I just finished Lavender House as my print book. I’m always reading multiple things at a time.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to learn more about both writing craft and book marketing.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Princess Bride because it’s so funny; Frankenstein for the beautiful writing and deep examination of human nature; Outlander because it’s long and one of my all time favorites.
Author Websites and Profiles
Stephanie Hanson Amazon Profile