Irene Hannon Interview

Q: How did you get your start writing fiction and what genre do you predominantly write in?

A. I was one of the winners in a complete-the-story contest sponsored by a national children’s magazine when I was ten, and I like to say that was my official fiction-writing debut! I have no recollection of what that story was about, but I now write romantic suspense and contemporary romance.

Q: What does your writing space look like?

A: I’m very fortunate to have a whole room for a home office. Here’s what it looks like from the doorway.

Q: In this busy world, how do you find time to connect with God and how does this impact your writing?

A. I’m a weekly church-goer, and I supplement that with personal prayer and spiritual reading. All these things keep me centered—and because they’re such an important part of my life, faith finds its way into my stories in a very organic way.

Q: What’s part of a writing career do you find most difficult?

A. Keeping up with all the publicity and social media requirements in today’s publishing world. Also, the early research stages of a book are taxing, because developing plots and characters requires lots of serious brainpower. In addition, the first few chapters are always slow because I’m still learning about both the characters and the story.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release VANISHED?

A: Vanished is Book 1 in my new Private Justice series, which features three ex-law enforcement operatives (police detective, undercover ATF agent and Secret Service agent) who join forces to form a private investigation company. In Vanished, reporter Moira Harrison is new on the job in St. Louis, but she’s no rookie to investigative reporting. She knows how to dig for answers and get results. But when she hits a pedestrian on a rainy night in a wooded area—only to have both the victim and the good Samaritan who stopped to assist disappear—she turns to P.I. Cal Burke, an ex-homicide detective, to help her sort out the puzzle. Cal is more than a little skeptical of her story, especially since the police have dismissed it. But as clues begin to surface, bringing them closer to answers, the danger mounts. Because someone doesn’t want this mystery solved—and will stop at nothing to protect a shocking secret that will destroy a life built on lies.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for VANISHED?

A: I remember the exact moment inspiration struck. I was driving home from church one night, when all at once a bicyclist appeared in my headlights. I swerved to avoid him—then started what-iffing. What if a woman was driving on a country road at night in a rainstorm, and her headlights picked up a figure with terrified eyes standing in the middle of the road? What if she tried to avoid the figure, spun out of control—but heard a solid thump that told her she’d hit this person? What if, while dazed, a hooded figure appeared at her window, said he’d seen the accident, and told her to stay in her car while he checked on the person she’d hit and called 911? What if she zoned out, then came to an hour later to find no Good Samaritan…no 911…no sign of the person she’d hit? What if the police dismissed her claims for lack of evidence and she was forced to turn to a PI for help? That incident with the bicyclist, which lasted mere seconds, inspired not only Vanished, but the whole Private Justice series.

Q: Tell us a little about your main character and how you developed him/her:

A: In addition to the challenges of the case they’re working on, I like my hero and heroine to be struggling with personal conflicts. In this case, my hero is dealing with a traumatic loss in his past that ultimately pushed him to leave law enforcement. When the book begins, he is not looking for romance. My heroine, a Pulitzer-Prize-nominated investigative reporter, has a betrayal in her background. Putting obstacles in the way of their relationship heightens the tension in the book as they struggle to find answers to some very puzzling questions.

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?

A: Getting into the head of this particular villain was especially interesting. Honestly, there wasn’t anything about writing this book I didn’t enjoy!

Q: What is the main theme or spiritual message of this book?

A: As Publishers Weekly said in its review, “Hannon’s intricately developed characters struggle with complex moral issues, bringing into question whether the ends ever do justify the means.” That sums it up well.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A. I’m reviewing line edits for my next book, That Certain Summer, which will be out in June. I’ve been writing short, series-length contemporary romance for many years, but this is my first trade-length contemporary. I love the longer version of this genre, because it gives me the chance to go into much more depth with secondary characters and subplots. This book is about two estranged sisters, an unexpected homecoming and one unforgettable summer. It’s a story of complex family relationships, sins revealed and forgiven, and the complicated process of finding love. I think fans of Debbie Macomber and Karen Kingsbury will enjoy this book.

Q: If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?

A. Jesus (for obvious reasons) and—separately—Mother Teresa. And I’d do more listening than talking! I would love to better understand how Mother Teresa was able to so clearly discern her calling and give of herself so selflessly despite the doubts that plagued her throughout her life.

Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?

A. I LOVE to sing! Schedule permitting, I perform in community musical theater productions whenever the opportunity comes along. Last summer I was in a musical review of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs, and I’ve been blessed to pay the leading role in many classic musicals, including “The King and I,” “Brigadoon,” “South Pacific,” “Oklahoma” and “Anything Goes.” I’m also a soloist at church.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing you have ever done?

A. Since we’re talking about writing here, I’d say creating books that have touched people’s hearts and given them a better appreciation for the tremendous power of love to transform lives.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A. My website, of course, at www.irenehannon.com, and on Twitter and Facebook. I’m new to Facebook and am loving it!

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A. Please watch for Book 2 in the Private Justice series—Trapped coming next fall. In the meantime, I hope you’ll also sample my contemporary romance, That Certain Summer, in June. And do visit me on Facebook—I love connecting with readers there!