Hannah Conway ~ The Wounded Warrior’s Wife

A Kentucky native, Army wife, and mother of two, Hannah Conway currently lives near Fort Campbell, where she and her family are stationed. Her debut novel, The Wounded Warrior’s Wife, released in September from Olivia Kimbrell Press.

Hannah holds a BA in History from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She is active in ministry, Mothers of Preschoolers, American Christian Fiction Writers, and My Book Therapy. 

Hannah will be giving away a copy of her new book to one person, chosen at random, who leaves a pertinent comment below on/before midnight Central Time, November 13. 

What sparked your writing journey?

Honestly, I’ve been writing for years, since the first grade. It’s been a passion I’ve had for almost as long as I’ve been alive and I believe that God put that passion and desire in me. Life happens and I never really gave much thought to my desire to write and how it could be used to serve God, until a few years ago when it was like He grabbed a hold of me, gave me a story to tell, and the strength and perseverance to write it. Fun!

God sometimes sends us down an unexpected path in life—one that ultimately blesses us more than our original plan. Have you ever experienced such a “Divine Detour”?

Um, yes! Yes! YES! I was certain I was going to do foreign missions in Africa or South America. I was so certain that I decided to study Spanish for nearly five years because an African language wasn’t offered in Kentucky. I planned out my life in foreign missions down to the last detail! When I prayed for God to increase my faith, I NEVER dreamed He had a military life planned for me! Ha! Wow, but what a mission field, and to me—a small town Kentucky girl, the military life was pretty foreign! Divine Detours are the best kind!

How does your faith play into your writing?

I have to say that my faith isn’t something I turn off and on. I’m always a Christian 24/7 so I should write like I am and I want my readers to be able recognize my faith in God throughout every part of the novel and all of its ups and downs.

Let’s talk about The Wounded Warrior’s Wife (Olivia Kimbrell Press, September 2014). Please tell us about it.

I’d love to! The Wounded Warrior’s Wife follows a young couple, Collier and Whitleigh Cromwell, as they struggle to deal with the ups and downs of military life. After an unexpected deployment their lives tumble down a path marked with strife, and fatalities, crippling their faith when Collier brings home a war of another kind leaving Whitleigh wondering if some wounds are beyond God’s ability to restore.

What do you hope others will take away from it?

I want my readers to grab hold of the fact that God’s ability to heal and restore knows no limits, conditions or circumstances. He loves you. Always. Forever. No matter what. God’s in the business of restoration, of turning our mess into a message.

God also uses our stories to teach us something too. What did you learn (about life, faith, and/or even yourself) in the process of writing this book?

Most authors write about what they know. As I began preparing to write, organize my thoughts and experiences, and praying how to tie them into the story, I noticed all the ways in which God had been faithful to me and my family. I was given an opportunity to sort of look at a spiritual timeline of my life during the writing process and was completely blown away by how God has provided, protected, and blessed us! So eye opening! I encourage anyone to sit down and make a similar timeline . . . God’s hand will be all over it!

A few fun questions…

When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?

Well, if the words aren’t flowing, grr—that’s so frustrating, I want something terrible for me like the most butter-filled crusted chicken pot pie that makes all the problems in the world go away! When I’m on a roll, it’s just coffee and a pack of chewing gum—who cares about food then? Ha! : )

This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?

I’m pretty sure I have the best car-sing voice in the world! Ha! Kidding! I do absolutely love music, and enjoy singing, but my brother is the music prodigy in my family.

If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?

Oooh, nice question!! I love all kinds of music, but if I were a song, it would have to be something that drove others to action, inspired them, made them want to jump off their couch and run a mile . . . maybe something like . . . THE ROCKY THEME SONG!!!

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

Ha! While I appreciate all those characters, I like to think I’m the strong, female lead. I’m such a go getter and want to bring as many people along with me as possible.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.

Me too!! I grew up with so many animals!! At one point we had seventeen cats that hung out in our barn and playhouse. Mom and Dad never could turn away a stray so we sort of just kept collecting dogs and cats. LOVE THEM! Our little family does have a dog named Jack, who our daughter loves to dress up! He’s such a good sport! Jack is a Cocker Spaniel mix and is so loveable. We joke that he has a hole in his love tank because he just can’t seem to get enough affection.

Thanks, Hannah! It’s a pleasure to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.

It was so wonderful spending time with you and your lovely readers today!! THANK YOU!

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For more information about Hannah, visit her website.

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