Hannah Holborn - Riveting, Dark Suspense

Award-winning author Hannah Holborn writes riveting, dark suspense novels, inspired by her rehabilitation work with trauma survivors. The first book in her Missing & Exploited series, All That Remains, was very well received and boasts a near perfect Amazon customer review score. As our Author of the Day, Holborn chats with us about writing full time, her Nigerian Dwarfs and reveals how a character came to her in a dream.

Please give us a short introduction to All That Remains

Book 1 in the Missing & Exploited Suspense Series, ALL THAT REMAINS explores childhood resiliency in a dangerous adult world.

In which way does your rehabilitation work inspire your books?

My rehabilitation work taught me that we all need the same things; safety, purpose, community and independence. My books explore what happens when these things are taken away. And what happens when they are restored.

Your main character, Detective Harvey Sam, struggles with balancing family life and work. Why did you pick this theme?

Like Harvey, I don’t always get my priorities right. I stress out about a work deadline when I should kick off my shoes and dance in the kitchen with my husband. Or a family concern bleeds over into my work day, stealing productivity and clarity. I’m curious to watch Harvey mature. In All That Remains there is a hint of his potential as a family man and as a detective, but he’s not there yet.

What inspired you to start the Missing & Exploited Suspense Series? Did you know right from the start that you were going to make it into a series?

Gabriel came to me in a dream, in need of help. When the Kiknicky family arrived soon afterward, I knew these broken people somehow shared the blame for Gabriel’s suffering, although it took a few drafts to discover how and why. The book revealed its potential as the first in a series when Harvey Sam took on a major role. I can only find out if he finds love, reconnects with his daughter, and earns the title of detective by writing more books.

What was your greatest challenge when writing this book?

Sub-plots. So many sub-plots. I had to toughen up and cut some of them loose.

How do you make your books so fast-paced without rushing the story?

I stay focused on the major plot, even when a chapter might seem like a divergence. Also each chapter has a shift of energy by the end—change is motion.

Your characters are flawed individuals. Why do you take this approach?

Perfection bores me!

Do you have an underlying message that you try to convey in this book?

The dignity of the human spirit.

Tell us a bit about your writing habits. Where and when do you write?

I currently write fulltime, every author’s dream! I start soon after I wake at dawn and work through until about 4 p.m. with a break or two. I have a fantastic office at the top of the house. It has a great view and an alcove bed for when I need to do some deep thinking with my eyes closed.

Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer to just see where an idea takes you?

I create a detailed outline, but leave room for discovery and revision.

Besides writing, what other secret skills do you have?

I’m a goat whisperer if that’s a thing. My two Nigerian Dwarfs ride in the car, go hiking and know as many words as an average dog. I even have them sort-of potty-trained which makes barn cleanup easier.

Did you write the books for yourself, or do you write them with a particular reader/audience in mind?

I write for my readers, whoever they may be.

What are you working on now?

I’m nearing the completion of Book 3 in the Missing & Exploited Suspense Series and have begun work on books 4 & 5 as well as a novella sequel to All That Remains.

Where can our readers discover more of your writing or interact with you?

Readers can join my e-mail list to learn about new releases and other news. The sign-up page and other contact and social media info is on my website at hannahholborn.com. I ‘d love to hear from you!