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Meet Hannah: The 17-Year-Old Indie Author with Big Dreams

For 17-year-old indie author Hannah, storytelling isn’t just a passion—it’s her life's work. With strong determination and a dream of one day writing from a cozy home in Scotland, Hannah is carving out her own path in the literary world. 

On Her Writing Journey
Hannah’s journey as a writer started as a young girl with a simple love for reading and writing. But, it was her eighth-grade creative writing teacher who lit the spark, telling her she had a promising future. That encouragement stayed with her, guiding her as she has worked to turn her passion into a career. Graduating high school early, she jumped headfirst into the world of writing, and hasn’t looked back.

But the road hasn’t been exactly as she imagined. “I thought things would be immediate, a lot of things happening fast.” she admits. “But I didn't know how much goes into promoting yourself and your book to have continuous progress.” Looking back, she’d tell her younger self to slow down. “Take your time, don't feel like you have to do everything at once,” she says.  “You don't have to complete everything quickly.”

On Her Work
Hannah’s books each have their own unique origins. Her debut, Shadow Manor, “Just kind of appeared one day.” Her first poetry collection is rooted in the raw emotions of eighth grade, a time in her life that was clearly pivotal. And her current romance novel? That one has musical roots, inspired by singer-songwriter Lizzy McAlpine.

Realities vs. Expectations
One misconception about being an author that Hannah is quick to debunk is the idea that writing is easy. “Writing is not the hardest part, editing and revising are the longest and the hardest.” And to those that may feel defeated by hearing that it doesn't take long to write a book, “To have a full fledged ready-to-publish book, a year and a couple of months is a realistic timeframe.” 

When self-doubt creeps in, Hannah has learned to “check herself.” She reminds herself that she’s often her own worst critic and leans on the honest feedback of trusted friends and family. And when it’s time to settle in for a writing session, her rituals create the perfect atmosphere: peppermint hot chocolate or herbal tea, her heating blanket, and the gentle glow of her year-round Christmas tree.

Looking Ahead
Hannah’s plate is full of exciting works in progress. Right now she is juggling four projects: turning her debut novelette into a full-length novel, crafting her second poetry collection, diving into a romance novel, and developing her fourth “How To” planner. She’s keeping an eye on traditional publishing opportunities, and is currently engaged in some intriguing—albeit hush-hush—discussions with Luminary Publishing House.

Her ultimate goal? To become a well-known author, releasing multiple books and poetry collections, and to fulfill her dream of writing from her future forever home in Scotland.

From Disney Dreams to Manuscript Merriment
Hannah’s creativity extends beyond the written word. If she weren’t an author, she’d be an actor without question—a passion she’s held onto since childhood. In her interview, she briefly reminisced about the years she spent dreaming of being a Disney kid. “Ever since I was little, I have had a love for theatre and acting.”  Her inspiration has even struck in unexpected places, like the back of a Domino’s during her breaks, plotting characters and storylines while making pizzas.

When writer’s block strikes, she switches to another project, finds comfort in music or TV, or rereads her work to reignite her spark. And when she finishes a manuscript? It’s celebration time with wings from her favorite spot.

Surprising Tidbits
Did you know Hannah was first published under a pen name at just 14? Or that she’s a self-proclaimed plotter, meticulously planning her stories before diving in? When asked what book she’d recommend to everyone, her answer is immediate: Five Feet Apart. As for the character she’d most like to meet? The love interest’s best friend from her current romance novel. “He is fun, reckless, caring and loyal,” she says with a smile. “He is like a Golden Retriever, Rottweiler mix.”

Approaching the close of the conversation, Hannah, true to her pseudonym, Midnight Manuscript, shared the late night music she plays - the soundtrack to her writing process: It will Come Back by Hozier, I Don't Know You Anymore by Sombr, and The Cut That Always Bleeds by Conan Gray.

As for the best writing advice she’s ever received? “A first draft is never perfect. Focus on just writing the story first.”

 

Interested in Hannah’s books or want to follow her journey?  You can find her here: 

Instagram: @midnightmanuscriptofficial

TikTok: @midnight.manuscri

Website: midnightmanuscript.com