Category: Hannah’s Diary

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Hannah's Diary Novels Private Detectives Sam Smith Mystery Series

Questionnaire

A short questionnaire I answered for goodreads.com

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Hannah Howe: My stories develop from the characters, which I create in depth before writing. So I never (touch wood!) get writer’s block.

What’s the best thing about being a writer?

Hannah Howe: The freedom to explore issues and subjects that matter to you. And the thought that people enjoy your stories and connect with your characters.

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

Hannah Howe: Deal with subjects that matter to you. Be true to yourself.

What are you currently working on?

Hannah Howe: I am currently writing Ripper, book four in the Sam Smith Mystery Series, and researching material for book five.

How do you get inspired to write?

Hannah Howe: I write books that I like to read. So I ask myself, “what would I like to read next?” Then sit down to write that book.

Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Hannah Howe: My ideas always come from the characters. Basically, I take the point Sam is at in her life and add the hirer who walks into her office. On this occasion, The Big Chill, that person entered Sam’s office to shoot her, and the story unfolds from there.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/10801352.Hannah_Howe/questions

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Hannah's Diary Novels

Kurt Vonnegut on Storytelling

A five minute film featuring Kurt Vonnegut where he explains the essence of storytelling. Within the humour of the film is a basic truth, which Kurt Vonnegut used to great effect in his novels. And here is one of many quotable quotes from the great author.

“If you want to really hurt your parents, go into the arts. I’m not kidding. The arts are not a way to make a living. They are a very human way of making life more bearable. Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possibly can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something.”

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Female Detectives Hannah's Diary Private Detectives Sam Smith Mystery Series

Sam’s Song Audio Book

A sneak preview of the audio book cover for Sam’s Song. The audio book will be released later this summer on Amazon, iTunes and Audible.

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Cardiff Hannah's Diary Novels Private Detectives Sam Smith Mystery Series

The Big Chill

Published today in print and as an eBook. This is the third book in the Sam Smith Mystery Series and in this book someone is out to murder Sam. At one point in the story she constructs a list of possible suspects and concludes, ruefully, that “I’m about as popular as a wasp in a nudist colony.” Is the assassin on her list, or is she looking in the wrong direction? I guess you have to read the book to find out. More details can be found on my Amazon page http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hannah-Howe/e/B00OK7E24E/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

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Categories
Hannah's Diary Private Detectives Sam Smith Mystery Series

Sam’s Song

Sam’s Song

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I am currently revisiting this book because it’s in production as an audio book, beautifully read by Suzan Lynn Lorraine. I was wary at first as I re-read the book, fearful that I’d find nothing but flaws. However, as a reader and not the writer, I was delighted to find that I still like the book and that it still packs an emotional punch. I am very proud of the book and the way it deals with some sensitive subjects. I also think my decision to include humour in the story was the right one because it adds balance and credibility to the characters.

Sam’s Song is the story of a woman coming to terms with her violent past while looking forward to a brighter future. The book combines mystery, romance and humour and lays the foundation for the series. 

As I write this review I’m writing Ripper, book four in the series, and it’s interesting for me to see how Sam has developed as a person over the course of the four books. The Sam Smith Mystery Series is essentially about Sam’s journey through life and if you decide to join her on that journey I hope you enjoy the ride.