Interview with Margery Hannah
Published 2015-03-31.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
"The Dog that had Rabies". First grade. It was awful. A "Kujo" rip-off, except the line, “It was just like “Smurfs!”’ was thrown in somewhere.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I don’t remember the first story I ever read, but I remember always wanting to know how to read. Before I could, I made up stories to go along with the pictures in our books at home. Three of my favorite books as an early reader were, “The Story about Ping” (I got spankings, too!), "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", and "Rumpelstiltskin". These three books taught great lessons of accountability that helped develop the moral fiber I’m made of today.
How do you approach cover design?
I am aware of and respect the fact it is an art within itself. On my own illustrated covers, I do the best I can and get input from kids, who tend to be very honest.
What do you read for pleasure?
A bit of everything. Toni Morrison is my favorite author. I love the Russian greats-- I have a soft spot for folklore, which many of the Russians employ, as well as J. California Cooper. I go back and revisit Chaucer. I still read picture books, too. You put a book in front of me and I'll read it, or at least the first fifty pages. If it doesn't snatch me in by then, I often move on-- too many good books out there to waste time. That's a little tip learned from Ursula Hegi on how to read every book ever written.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
I have a Kindle and an iPad. Prime makes Kindle pretty hot and tempting, but iPad is so darn cute, easy to reach for, and has a battery that won't quit!
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I'm just getting started-- update coming!
Describe your desk
My lap and a blanket.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a ranch style home in Wichita, Kansas. The space and boredom allowed my mind to roam... And the fact we had a lot of space resulted in different people-- family members, friends, students, those down on their luck--coming to stay with my family often, which exposed me to multiple cultures and different ideals from a very young age. My observations definitely broadened my view on humanity and the world in general.
When did you first start writing?
Five or six.
What's the story behind your latest book?
It is an exploration of jealousy.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
You know what they say--when opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. Plus, there is something empowering about taking the tools you have and running with them. Power to the people!
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Books by This Author
We are Stardust
by Margery Hannah
A girl gazes up in awe at the brightest star in the sky, but when the bright star fails to be equally impressed with the young girl, the girl becomes jealous and hatches a plan to bring the star down. In the end she must ,overcome her jealousy in order to discover it’s not how the star feels about her that is important, but how she feels about herself that counts. 32 Pages, illustrated. All ages.
