BY AVELLINA BALESTRI

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I am an author, screen-writer, and actress. I was destined to write a series about the American Revolutionary War when I was born on July 4th. I am a Colorado native currently residing in California with my husband and cat where I enjoy the outdoors, powerlifting, and watching dramas. I grew up an avid reader and was scribbling stories as a child, then full-length manuscripts in high school, then penned my first published book  A Lady, in university. 

What first inspired you to start writing?
I have always been a creative and expressive individual. I believe God has gifted me to be a storyteller – merely a faint glimpse of the Great Storyteller He Himself is. Whether this has been through acting, singing, or writing, I have always been storytelling in one form or another. The desire to learn and educate through story often drives my writing.

How did you first become interested in history, and what are your favorite time periods?
My father instilled in me a respect for genealogy and a love of history – the two combined into a passion for learning from our past that now fuels my books. I believe history is more about people and their experiences of life and less about dates and events. There is a beating heart between the dried pages of history books. I adore early American history, from early colonial events through the American Revolutionary War. I also enjoy Regency England and the Joseon era of Korea.

What started you on the journey of historical fiction writing in particular?
I mainly credit the books I’ve read and shows I’ve seen – they’ve paved the way for me to take hold of my own inspiration and learnings and apply it to my own stories. Some such books are those by Lisa Bergren, Laura Frantz, and Amy Harmon. Shows are like TURN, Outlander, and Poldark, to name a few. This encouraged me to do my own research (reading biographies, original records, first-hand accounts, etc) and find inspiration within for my own story.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of working within the historical fiction genre?
My favorite is that through the historical fiction genre, you can always engage with history and learn from the past from a variety of angles depending on whose book you pick up and the narrative they share. No two books are the same – I’ve read other books surrounding the same topics or people I’ve written about that are vastly unique from the story God has put on my heart to share. The endlessness of creativity is beautiful to see! The drawback, however, is that you can seemingly never win. Some readers want more fiction, more storytelling. Others want more historical accuracy and details. It’s important to find the balance that works for you as the author. There will always be readers who connect with your approach, and readers who don’t. It’s important to share your story, regardless.

How have you chosen which historical characters to feature in your books, and what made their stories resonate with you?
Benjamin Tallmadge was my first choice. Reading his memoirs was a fantastic experience – his depth and nobility of character as reflected in his accounts of his life were captivating. Additionally, there are the go-to figures that when dealing with the American Revolutionary War, one tends to run into… such as the Marquis de Lafayette and Alexander Hamilton. Of course, I found ways to incorporate other historical figures I admired such as Martha Washington, or was fascinated by, such as Peggy Shippen, the wife of the infamous traitor Benedict Arnold. John Andre also makes many appearances, of course, as the famous brother of my main character, Mary Andre (an actual historical figure, though far less famous than her brother). George Washington has always been a hero of mine due to his character, faith, passion, and wisdom. In an attempt to learn more about these people, I allowed the story to weave myself and readers closer to them.

What is your process in terms of research and bringing historical characters to life?
The best I can describe my process, if one can even call it that, is that it is like weaving fabric. I do bouts of research and organize it into an outline of sorts before winding story ideas throughout it. Then I do more research along the way as questions come up or need for accurate descriptions arise. Once the story is complete, I do further research to ensure the history is present within the fiction, even as I refine the storytelling as well.

What is your method to integrate fictional characters and situations into the historical setting?
Identifying my goals and values are what guide my process for balancing fact and fiction when it comes to historical fiction writing. These such goals and values are to honor the clear knowns & unknowns in history as well as the gray areas that are often left up to interpretation. With the clear knowns, I try to be as accurate as I can. With the gray areas and unknowns, I choose to value the power of storytelling over the need to be accurate. This allows lessons, themes, encouragement, and inspiration to shine through the story that I cultivate.

If you had the chance to convey a message to your favorite historical characters, what would it be?
I would wish to express my gratitude to them. They sacrificed much for the sake of their values and convictions and often, their faith in God. They held themselves to high standards, refusing to make excuses for themselves. I believe many of us today can learn from their lives. And I would wish for them to know that all of it was worth it. That their lives have made a continuing impact beyond their time on earth. 

What do you find more enjoyable/difficult: First drafts or editing/rewriting?
First drafts are more enjoyable by far, mostly because it remains a private pursuit. I can make all the mistakes I want, write as loosely as I need to, just in order to get the story out onto the page. It’s a grand, albeit messy, adventure. The joys of creativity and discovery and inspiration are found in the first draft process. The editing and rewriting is crucial, however, even though it is more tedious of a process for me.

How have you gone about publicizing yourself and your works?
I read lots of books in my genre of historical fiction and connected with those authors, reaching out cold-turkey to ask them to endorse or collaborate. This led to a lot of fabulous friendships and connections that I am so grateful for! I also created a detailed marketing plan and launch team, which mainly followed a posting schedule for social media as well as instagram lives and in-person book events. All of my graphics I create on the Canva app. Contacting readers directly to ask for reviews and letting my launch team assist with library asks is also a great way to share my book with more readers.

What are some of the main themes/morals you would like readers to take away from your works?
I would love for my readers to be inspired by the call to action that our ancestors answered. The people of the American Revolutionary War were primarily young men and women in their 20s and 30s who valued creating a better future for their families, upholding their faith in God, and taking a stand on what is true and right. I believe these values hold true today. Additionally, my main character, Mary, undergoes a journey of identity, much like we all do. I pray that my readers can be inspired in their own journeys of discovering who God created them to be, and what their God-given purpose is. 

What is some advice you would give aspiring authors, especially those focusing on the historical fiction genre?
Consume, and create. Devour as much research as you can, including observing how other historical fiction authors approach their craft and this genre. Yet also prioritize finding your own voice and writing style and expressing the story that God has given you to share. I fully believe that there are readers for every story and that each author is given a story that the world needs to hear. 

Plug your socials, published works, and current projects!

I can be found on Instagram @hannah_honegger and Facebook under Hannah Lee (my married name) and Tiktok @hannahh1777. My website is hannahhonegger.com. Book one of the Cypher 355 Series, titled A Lady, is now available anywhere books are sold (including Amazon) in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook. Book two, A Spy, releases in November of this year! And I’m working on some screenplays as well as an early American colonial trilogy, so I’m not running out of WIPs anytime soon!

Thanks so much, Avellina! I’m excited about your book, too!! I know you’ve put so much heart & soul into it!

More information about Hannah Honegger can be found on her website.