A Chat With Summer Hanford:
Swashbuckling Author!
By Barbara Tiller Cole
Barbara: Summer, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me today. And thank you for humoring me with my ‘text interview’ idea. We will both see how effective this is.
Summer: Thank you for interviewing me, Barbara. I've been looking forward to it.
Barbara: To start us off, will you tell us about how you first were inspired by Jane Austen’s writings.
Summer: Well, to be honest, Renata brought me into the world of JAFF. She discovered it through one of Abigail Reynolds books. Renata wanted a partner to write with. Someone who added more emotion. She tends to be very plot oriented.
Barbara: I know Abigail Reynolds has inspired many. I was going to ask that in a few minutes, how you got connected with Renata and how y’all began to write together. As it seems like the two questions are inter-connected, I will just let you tell the story.
Summer: Renata and I met in an online writing class for beginners. We didn't meet in person until we'd already been writing together for years
Barbara: That is fascinating. I have been attending a writers group online and soon hope to go in person, that I started attending during COVID. I know it can result in collaborations, etc.
Barbara: How do the two of you write together? Do you plot it out first, then share chapters back and forth? Or how does it work? I have wanted to ask you about that for a while, now .
Summer: She sends me a story with some of the scenes
written out, and I elaborate on what's there, adjusting the plot as needed.
Barbara: Cool, I am amazed about how different people are able to write, blending together different styles, and different order or scenes, etc.
Barbara: I see that you are both writing books separately now. Have you separated as authors? I see both of you writing some books on your own or are you just taking a break?
Summer: We're still writing together, at least one book a year. I have been doing some of my own because I have plot ideas that I want to follow. She has as well, because she has ideas that she doesn't want to wait for me to get to, or plots that I just don't want to write.
Summer: Renata is older than I am. I think that really is one of the reasons she doesn't want to wait for me to have time, sometimes.
Barbara: I understand that. I had an author friend who I used to talk out plots back-and-forth on the phone, and she passed away before we were actually able to put any of those to print. I have been somewhat reluctant to work on books that we plotted out together, that, and the fact that I’m currently writing a non-fiction book.
Summer: I can see how you would be reluctant. I sympathize.
Barbara: I haven’t looked at the publishing dates of your non-Jane Austen inspired books. Were you already writing as an author, other novels, etc., before you started you writing with Renata?
Summer: I was already writing. I had a five book YA fantasy series picked up by an very nice Indy press.
Barbara: Oh, I missed that series. I just saw the
marriage maker series on Amazon recently. As I was preparing for this
interview. Do you use another name for the young adult works?
Barbara: You are so prolific as a writer, I would love to know how you organize your day to get as much writing done as I imagine that you do.
Summer: My work time starts with emails, but I have to put a time cap on that. Then, moves to writing until I feel like my brain is no longer working. Then, I take a break and eat, after which I go for a walk, pretty much no matter what the weather. Then, comes whatever is highest on my to-do list that's not writing. Promo work, emails, etc. Lastly, at about 8pm, I try to make time for Facebook each day.
Barbara: That is amazing. I am trying to work on a schedule for myself. I worked full-time when I wrote my two Austen inspired novels, or rather one of them is in novella. I have a 2/3 finished novel that I can’t seem to finish, so I may put it aside and work on something else. And, then I have my non-fiction book I am working on, and hope to have out by summertime. And a children’s book that has started to write itself. I’m trying to create a structure for my writing.
Summer: The YA fantasy series is fairly old at this point. It's under Summer Hanford but it takes some digging. I also have a new fantasy series under Summer H Hanford. Really, the YA series is best found through my website. I've been talking with the publisher about doing new editions, though. Structure is a daily struggle!
Summer: Somehow it always seems like everything is fighting against getting anything done.
Barbara:
That is a good way of describing the battle in my head at times
lol!! I also discovered your Children’s
books this week! I actually have one I’m working on as well. Inspired by
the frogs and the turtle in my concrete pond (it’s really a dead swimming pool
we decided not to do the work to fix it when we leased our current house.
)
Summer: When I walk outside is when I work out what I will write next, so that part is important.
Barbara: Yes! I do understand the gift of walking and communing with nature as part of the process. I am inspired by your commitment to do it regarding the weather. I do walk inside if the weather is bad at least!
Summer: I just walk in a loop in my yard. I have a pile of stones I move from one rock to another so I don't have to think about how long I'm walking. Otherwise, I keep checking my Fitbit.
Barbara: I usually walk in a loop my yard too! And yes. I check on my Fitbit and my Apple Watch. I have both now. Lol. They give me different readings. So I use both. Some people think I’m crazy. lol. The rocks is a very good idea!
Summer: You need a pile of rocks! I have a box of pretty or interesting rocks I've collected over the years. I lay them out in a pattern on a patio stone as I walk. When the pattern is done for the day, The walking is done.
One rock per loop.
Barbara: Ahh. That’s great. I love that. Thanks for the idea!
How many books, if you count all genres, do you write a year. And do you finish one at a time. Or do you have one of different genres you are working on at a time.
Summer: I finish one at a time. I may do a chapter here or there, but I only like to write one story at a time. I always think I'm going too slow, but somehow, I usually do two novels of my own a year, and one with Renata. I also usually work in one or two novellas and a few short stories.
Barbara: That’s great! I hope to finish my non-fiction book and go back to whichever plot bunny makes it to the surface. Of course, I have hawks in my yard as well, so I have to pray that they don’t grab a plot bunny! lol
Summer: I do a short story for Cristy's Spanish translated Christmas collection each year, and a second one just for my mailing list.
Barbara: I have been studying Spanish the last few years, so I will have to check that collection out this coming Christmas!
Summer: I've never written non-fiction. That's seems like a lot of work.
Barbara: When I was working full time, I wish I had gotten more done. But now that I’m retired, I need to make myself useful! I wish I had gotten more organized before now, but it’s never too late I always say!
Summer: Organization is overrated! It's more of a suggestion or a vague outline.
Oh, I should probably mention that the book Renata and I are working on is called, A Theft at Rosings. Which should be the final title. We've gone back and forth a lot on the title.
Barbara: Sounds intriguing! The theft book that is.
My non-fiction book has a working title of ‘The Gratitude Solution—Overcoming Difficult Times’. It will include some of my photography, made into memes as well. Many of which were inspired by nature in my yard, during my daily walks!
Summer: It sounds like a wonderful book
Barbara: That was my most recent meme.
Barbara: Yes, Japanese magnolia.
Summer: It sounds like a book the world needs.
Barbara: I hope so.
Summer: The pink flower on my author symbol, the shield, is a magnolia.
Summer: Before I talk about that, I wanted to say, and it’s a lesson learned! The trouble with the first book in my Young Adult fantasy series, is that the title is unsearchable.
Gift of the Aluian.
Summer: Any way, you search it, you only get stuff about aliens.
Barbara: That’s weird. Let’s be sure to include a link with this interview ! (The Link is at the end of this interview!)
Plus, Robin Hood was one of my childhood heroes, as was Zorro. With both, I did not want to be the heroine, I wanted to be Robin Hood or Zorro. The one doing the sword fighting. So, when I decided it was time to do a Robin Hood theme because I've been wanting to, I also decided that Elizabeth needed to be the one doing the sword fighting.
Barbara: I loved The Mask of Zorro movie fyi. I often listen to the sound track. Well, Elizabeth is a great Robin Hood in your new books!
Summer: Hence an overly complex backstory that resulted in needing two books to bring everything back together.
Summer: I really only meant it to be one!
Barbara: I get that.
Summer: Also, I knew Darcy had to duel Elizabeth. That was very important to me, and yet I did not want them to be enemies.
Barbara: I will say that I kept telling your characters they needed to guard those boys better! But they didn’t listen to me! But if they had, you wouldn’t have had nearly as good of a plot. lol
Summer: But, it is Jane who shot Mr. Darcy's hat! I don't think they realized how evil the bad guys were. Or how unscrupulous. It's a failing of honorable people to be taken by surprise by the dishonorable.
Barbara: . That was very funny! Somehow, it reminded me of Harvey, the Jimmy Stewart movie, with the two holes in his hat for the rabbit’s ears. This is true. Not recognizing how they weren’t safe until afterwards.
Summer: Growing up, my brother's class put on a play of Harvey. He asked to play Harvey.
Barbara: Interestingly, I also just re-watched Harvey on Easter as it was on TCM. A rabbit movie for Easter. Lol! And Well, that is some kind of a coincidence that I brought up Harvey then, with your brother in the play!
Anything else you want to tell us about your current or upcoming writing projects?
Summer: Let's see, so far in A Theft at Rosings, we've definitely had more than just the theft. It has a lot of action.
I'm also hoping to write another Anne de Bourgh novella this year.
Barbara: Cool! I will look forward to reading that one! You can drop by again if you like when it’s available.
Summer: My next solo JAFF... I'm debating between something more traditional or finally writing a fantasy JAFF.
Barbara: The one about Anne, she’s a more and more interesting character the more you think about her. Well, I will look forward to which ever you do next.
Summer: Thank you.
Barbara: I might be asking this out of order. But, did you have a career other than writing before your prolific career as a writer.
Summer: I was in graduate school for behavioral neurology. My under-grad is in experimental psychology, with a minor in painting. I was accepted to several graduate programs for art, as well, but that didn't seem practical...
Barbara: Art Therapy? Perhaps ?
Summer:
I also worked freelance building websites, for rather a long while. Too
long, if you ask me
Barbara: Maybe a plot bunny about the healing power of art? I worked in Addiction Therapy and Treatment for 33 years. Did Art Therapy classes here and there. It’s why I thought to ask.
Summer: No art therapy. I don't enjoy clinical psychology. All of my work was in laboratories. Research.
You have a much more generous heart than I do. I am not good at working with people. They confuse me.
Barbara: Ahh, I’ve understand that. The last 12 years of my career I did clinical outreach for particular facilities. Traveling a lot for business development after my husband’s esophageal cancer. I needed to make more money.
The
gift of that is I got to meet many authors all around the country. And I got
to really see the USA.
Summer:
That is a good silver
lining.
Barbara: It was challenging. Miracles and tragedies. Today, it’s the miracles that stay with me.
Summer: I'm glad. It would be terrible to do it the opposite way.
Barbara: One of those miracles was up near you! My husband’s landmark surgery was at Strong Memorial which is part of the University of Rochester.
Summer:
The Finger Lakes region is beautiful.
Barbara: I had a friend come up to stay with him one day and went to the Naples Grape Festival.
Summer: I haven't been.
Barbara; And later came back to speak at a conference on one of to the Finger Lakes. Tell us about your family.
Summer: I have a husband and, right now, a dog and a cat. My extended family also lives in the Fingers Lakes region.
Barbara: Very nice. Any question you wish I had asked you!?
Summer: I don't think so
Barbara: Gatherings ? We can promote those with the interview. It’s up to you.
Summer: Like conferences? I will be at Lori Foster's RAGT25 this June in Cincinnati.
Barbara: Yes.
Summer: And I'll be attending the JAFF Get Together virtually this year 🙂
Barbara: Tell me about that! I’m an hour and a half away. The Cincinnati one.
Summer: There are two open to the public book signings at Lori Foster's event. I should send you the details.
Barbara: Sounds good. I don’t know Lori Foster.
Summer: Oh! Well, RAGT is a really fun event. It's Wednesday to Sunday. I don't know if there are tickets left, but there are book signings Friday and Saturday.
Barbara: I did two gatherings in greater Atlanta. Then the big Decatur Book Festival event.
Summer: Lori Foster’s a romance writer. The conference is open to all, and I always bring my fantasy books and people do like them and buy them, but it is romance oriented.
Barbara: Well. I would like to check it out and see if I’m available to attend!
Summer: Last year, Barbara Devlin and I threw the welcome party. This year we're sponsoring the goodie bags.
Barbara: Cool! Well if not this time, next! My niece is getting married in August in Cincinnati and going to a big shower there next month. So I will see if I can go up for this as well.
Summer: We can mention the JAFF Get Together too?
Barbara: Yes! Tell me about it?
Summer: I will sending you the links via email.
Barbara: Well, Summer, I really feel like I know you so much better now!
Summer: You're welcome. Thank you for the gift of yours. You took that picture? That's amazing. It's so beautiful it looks like a painting.
Barbara: Yes I did. It was actually taken in Santa Barbara on a cliff over-looking the city and the water. From the former ranch of Jane Fonda’s.
When I release the book I am looking for outlets to release the photo prints for purchase, hopefully at the same time. But I haven’t finished figuring all that out yet.
Summer: You're obviously a skilled photographer.
Barbara: Thank you so much!
A Post Script...
Summer: Here is a picture of my rocks from my walk today!
Barbara: Couldn’t find rocks quickly so I used these tiny pine ones from our spruce tree that are all over the lawn.
Barbara: I meant for it to look like a necklace. It was my first effort, after all. And it made laps fun. So I thank you for the idea!
And if you have made it all the way thru this interview, both of us thank you for your time and attention! Getting to know authors is a great way to understand more about the books that you read! If any of you would like to participate in an in depth interview here at Darcyholic Diversions, please reach out to me via text at 404-735-9271. Barbara Tiller Cole
AND THE LINKS:
- Dishonorable Gentlemen: https://getbook.at/
DishonorableGentlemen - Gentlemen of Honor: https://getbook.at/
GentlemenofHonor
- Universal link to the series page: https://getbook.at/
ThriceBornSeries - I also meant to say about The Thrice Born Series that my sister says this hero is the character I wrote who is the most like me. That makes sense, as this was my first series. On the other hand, I started writing these books in 2002, so I don't know if that still holds true.
- Website: https://
jaffwriterreadergettogether. org/ - Date & Location: November 7th - 9th in Las Vegas Nevada
- It's a great time for readers and authors alike, and both our virtual and in-person goody bags are fantastic. Authors and also JAFF fans who attend really go above and beyond every year to make both goody bags and all of our panels and events fantastic.
- Website: https://
readerauthorgettogether.com/ - Open to All Booksigning One: Friday, June 20th, 3PM to 5PM at the Holiday Inn Cincinati Airport
- Open to All Booksigning Two: Saturday, June 21st, 3PM to 5PM at the Holiday Inn Cincinati Airport
- A super fun event, again full of amazing prizes and giveaways. I love to give readers presents and prizes, so I gravitate to events where everyone who attends gets lots of great book and reading related prizes. Plus, every year we raise thousands of dollars for Cancer Free Kids, and a bit more for one of the local animal shelters.
