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Hannah Fields Interview

Hannah Fields

Tell us a little about yourself and your work.

I suppose you could say I’m your typical twenty-something trying to figure out which direction I want my life to go in. After gaining some experience in news media and web journalism, I made to choice to move from Texas to Scotland in September of 2015. While in Scotland, I will attend the University of Stirling in order to achieve a Master of Letters in Publishing Studies. I know it sounds cliché, but I’ve always dreamed of being a published author. I’m still new to the field of publishing, but I’m hoping to learn a few things while at university and as I move forward with other writing pursuits.

You’ve got 20 words to sell your work. Tempt us.

Exposing our innermost thoughts and emotions through poetry and prose—that’s my goal.

Where do you like to write?

Here, there, and everywhere. I keep multiple apps on my phone and a journal next to my bed for those moments when inspiration hits. However, if I had to choose just one place, I’d choose a coffee shop. There’s something calming about that atmosphere. I’m also slightly addicted to coffee, so it’s the perfect place for me.

Is there anything you must have in order to write?

Music. I find complete silence and the sounds of idle chatter to be extremely distracting. A backdrop of perfectly selected tunes gets my creative juices going.

What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?

That’s a tough question. There are so many to choose from. “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky has always been at the top of my list. Dostoevsky’s life itself has always been intriguing to me, but the way in which he explores the human mind in this specific work is fascinating. Introspection, redemption, internal conflicts, and the like are weaved so beautifully throughout. It paints the human condition in bright colours. I’m also a fan of anything Charles Bukowski. He’s rough around the edges and he doesn’t sugar coat life. I try to embody that in my own writing. I want to be that real and that raw.

What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?

Sharing my work with friends and fellow writers is essential. I’m always open to constructive criticism. I don’t want to be told how amazing I am all the time. Yes, it feels good to know someone loved what I wrote, but I also appreciate the advice of others so that I can improve as I move forward. I also love the bountiful encouragement from all those around me. It’s much easier to follow your dreams when you have others cheering you on.

What do you want to achieve most from your writing?

I want to make people feel something. I want readers to identify with my words. If at least one person can’t do that, then my efforts are wasted.

Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?

Edit and revisit my writing. Paul Valery once said, “Poems are never finished—just abandoned,” and I think that goes for all written works.

What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?

There needs to be trust and respect. If the two cannot work together in harmony, the end product will never reach its full potential.

If you had a direct line to someone who loves your writing, what would you say?

Thank you for taking time to read my words and find some value in them. You are one of the many reasons I keep writing and creating.

If you had a direct line to someone who hates your writing, what would you say?

That’s okay. I’m not going to harbour any hard feelings toward you. We all have books we don’t like, I can even name a few.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?

Never give up, don’t let others discourage you, and always believe in your abilities. I can be my hardest critic, and that almost kept me from throwing my work out into the world. Don’t let that happen to you. Find someone with a strong knowledge of writing and let them help you. Go to a workshop or take a class. There’s always room to improve and you just have to take a chance on yourself.

What does your writing future hold for you?

I hope to move from books of poetry to novels, maybe a collection of short stories. It’s all very up in the air right now, but I do know one thing, I’ll never stop writing. It’s my lifeline, if you will.

How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?

I enjoy looking at various paintings and the covers of other novels out in the writing world. I then take my ideas to my lovely friend Kaitlyn, who is a graphic designer. She’s the mastermind who puts it all together for me.

How often do you read? What genre?

I’m always reading something and never the same genre. There’s so much out there to only choose one thing. Although, I am quite the fan of classic literature.

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.

For more on Hannah and her writing visit her at:

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