Recently, I participated in AJ Skelly’s The Bookish Bash on Facebook. I offered a feature on my blog as a giveaway, and I am happy that author and editor Anne J. Hill won! In addition to being an author and editor, Anne is a direct support professional, meaning she helps adults with autism in their homes, in Pennsylvania. When not writing, reading, or doing other bookish things, Anne enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, playing sports, babysitting the kiddos in her family, or watching shows. Fun fact: Anne turned her basement into her office and library and refers to it as her Book Dungeon.
To learn more, read our full interview below!
Q) How long have you been writing?
A) Since I was eight years old.
Q) Why do you write?
A) Because I don’t know how NOT to write. It’s just apart of me and always will be. And I enjoy using stories and words to bring hope to people, hope in the midst of darkness.
Q) What is your favorite genre to read?
A) Dark Fantasy is my favorite genre. I love stories that drag you to dark places, show you the terrors of life, and then present you with hope even in the darkest night.
Q) Describe yourself in three words.
A) Talkative. Determined. Compassionate.
Q) Who is someone that inspires you?
A) When it comes to writing, Neil Gaiman.
Q) Can you tell us about what stories/books you have currently available?
A) I have an anthology called What Darkness Fears, featuring stories that portray light overcoming the dark. And I have a kiddy lit book that I wrote when I was 8 and has new characters inspired by my nieces and nephews called The Laughing Pigs.
Q) Can you tell us about your stories that will be in upcoming anthologies?
A) I have a story that’s a continuation of “Light Dawns in Darkness,” the first story in What Darkness Fears. It’s called “The Man of Twists and Turns,” a retelling of Odysseus. These short stories are sneak peeks into a series I’m slowly writing.
Q) Can you tell readers about any of your current writing projects?
A) I’m working on a dark fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The plan is for it to be my debut novel.
Q) Can you tell us about your own upcoming anthology Fool’s Honor?
A) It’s an anthology about trickster characters. The good, the bad, and the ones in between.
Q) What goals do you have for your writing?
A) I want to release my debut novel next November, hopefully!
Q) Can you tell us about your editing services?
A) I offer developmental, line, copy, and proofreading, prices differ. For more information, you can visit www.annejhill.com
Q) Can you tell us how your faith intersects with your writing?
A) I believe God created us in His own image, and part of His image is creating. The very act of writing and creating stories is a reflection of God.
Q) Will you tell us a little about your own faith journey?
A) I was raised in a Christian home and accepted God into my heart when I was 13. But a few years back, I decided to follow my own path and ignored God, but He never turned away from me and slowly, over time, drew me back to Him.
Q) Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
A) Gal. 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live in faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.
Q) What advice would you offer aspiring authors?
A) Don’t give up! When your stories get rejected, don’t stop. Rejection does not mean you’re not good enough. It only means you have room to grow and learn. Every famous author faced rejection, but the key is, they took the critique, used it, and got better. They didn’t stop. Writing is hard. Find people to support you. Find people who will be honest with you, but will also encourage you.
Be sure to visit Anne’s website and follow her on Instagram and Facebook!
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