As my first post on Late Last Night Books, I thought I’d introduce myself. 

So hi there! My name is Hannah, and I am currently working toward my master’s degree in Bath, UK. Bath Spa University has an amazing MA program called Writing for Young People. Yes, the obvious answer to your question is—I’m loving it. 

Even though I earned my BA in General Creative Writing, I focus on young adult literature. It’s what I write, read, and love. There are often stigmas surrounding writers who choose to write for young adults. People believe that YA is not true art or is mindless reading. But I beg to differ. If you look at some of the amazing literature that has come out of both the Middle Grade and Young Adult genres, you’ll be quite surprised at the social change they are making, as well as the beautiful literature they are writing. 

In the present moment, my Favourites Book Shelf includes: 

• Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo 
• All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater
• Bone Gap by Laura Ruby 
• The Seas by Samantha Hunt 
• Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak 
• Rosie Loves Jack by Mel Darbon
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 
• Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel 
• The Bear & The Nightingale by Katherine Arden 
• Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell 

I am naturally inclined toward magical realism books that are atmospheric with unique characters and a little bit of heartbreak and adventure. So I aim to emulate Maggie Stiefvater, Laura Ruby, and Leigh Bardugo.

I started writing my debut YA novel Ascension in my middle school gym at the age of 12, and sold it when I was 18. We finally published it when I was 20. Clandestine, the second in the Cheyenne Lane Trilogy, released in July 2018. This trilogy has been a long, beautiful learning journey. I’m thankful for every edit, for every bump in the road, and for everyone who’s helped to shape the books. While I’m working on a completely separate manuscript for my MA, I’m also finishing up the third book in the trilogy. Yes, it’s exhausting, but I love it. 

So that’s me in a nutshell—a young adult, magical realism loving writer, an American in England, and a girl who loves all things books. I’m so excited to be writing for Late Last Night Books, and I hope you enjoy what I have to say!