Win A Copy of Home Front, New Novel by Best Selling Author Kristin Hannah

Last week, Kristin Hannah spoke with us about her new novel, Home Front, saying that it “touched her more deeply”  than any other novel she’s written. Here’s Part Two of that interview, and an opportunity for you to win a copy of Home Front. Simply leave a comment on this post. A winner will be chosen at random on February 14, 2012.

How do you feel about using social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogging) to promote your books and interact with your readers?

I was dragged kicking and screaming into the modern age, and I definitely came late to the internet party.  I don’t work on a computer—yes, that’s right, I still write longhand, on yellow legal pads.  That’s how tech-phobic and old fashioned I am.  I began the whole Facebook and blogging thing under protest and with extreme trepidation.  The surprising thing is not that I now do it—honestly, it’s part of being a working writer these days–but rather how much I like it.  For years, I had no idea who was reading my books or what they thought.  Now I get to actually talk to readers directly and it’s a lot of fun.

What’s the best thing about being a writer? What’s the hardest?

The best thing about being a writer is the autonomy.  My success and failure doesn’t lie in someone else’s hands.  That’s also the hardest part of the job.  I have to make every single decision along the way.  If I’m right, everything is golden, but if I’m wrong, it’s a long long time until there’s another book.  The second hardest part of the job is coming up with ideas.  That’s my least favorite part of the process.  Editing is my favorite.

Are there particular books or authors you turn to for inspiration?

There are several authors whose work always inspires me:  Pat Conroy, Alice Hoffman, Stephen King, Gabriel Marquez, JK Rowling, Jane Austen, William Faulkner, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, and Anne Rice, to name a few.

What books are on your nightstand right now? 

On my nightstand right now are Alice Hoffman’s “The Dovekeepers,” and Michael Connelly’s “The Drop,” and Murakami’s “1Q84.”

Anything I didn’t ask that you’d like our readers to know?

I’d just like to thank you for inviting me to speak with you and your readers.    I truly fell in love with these characters.  I’m really excited for people to read the novel.  It’s timely and important and provocative, but mostly its powerfully emotional.  I honestly think it will change how readers think in some small way.  I hope they’ll come on Facebook and let me know what they think.

Visit Kristin Hannah’s website and her Facebook page.