Today’s spotlight: Irene Hannon
[Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Irene’s newest book, “Tangled Webs.” Winner will be announced in the next Author Spotlight feature. Congratulations to Jeannie Dannheim, winner of “Kit Kat & Lucy.” Please email suzanne {at} suzannewoodsfisher {dot} com to claim your prize.]
Welcome, Irene! Thanks for coming by during “Tangled Web’s” busy release week. A few years ago, I met you during a Revell dinner at ACFW, but I didn’t get a chance to talk beyond an introduction. In fact, I don’t know what part of the country you live in. 
I live in the Midwest and share a lovely two-story colonial home with my very own hero—my husband, Tom.
So fill us in on “Tangled Webs.” What inspired this particular story?
This is the third book in my Men of Valor series, which features brothers with special forces backgrounds. (Note: each book can be read as a standalone novel.) With this book, I wanted to develop a romance between two wounded souls struggling to find their path in life, and also to explore the question of just how far a person will go to protect someone they love. In this case, that’s the dilemma my very atypical—and in many ways sympathetic—villain faces.
Here’s the blurb: After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime. A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress. But peace isn’t on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own. Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the lakeside cabin she inherited from her grandfather. As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone. And when it becomes apparent Dana’s foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action—ready or not.
Why do you write?
Because I can’t not write. Seriously. I was born with the writing gene—or, as some might call it, a writing compulsion. There are stories in me that have to get out. Plus, I love playing with words. Language is powerful, and using words to create emotion or a sense of place or a mood or witty dialogue—what could be more fun than that?
How would you describe your writing style?
I write suspense more in the tradition of an Alfred Hitchcock movie, with a strong psychological component, rather than the action-adventure style of a James Bond flick. With my suspense novels, my style is reminiscent of Dee Henderson’s early work, like The Guardian, or Nora Roberts’ suspense novels (without the vulgarity or sex scenes). My contemporary romance books are similar in style to those written by Debbie Macomber or Robyn Carr.
What is the role and importance of an agent?
I think this varies from author to author. Some writers have a strong collaborative relationship with their agents. They may bounce story ideas off them, ask them to review or edit manuscripts, rely on them for career planning, and of course they want them to sell books. I had an agent briefly, but discovered that the only service I was using was contract negotiation—and after spending more than two decades with a Fortune 500 company in a high-level position, I was comfortable doing that myself. So we parted ways. Again, it’s a personal choice. I know many authors who couldn’t imagine navigating the publishing business without their agent.
What is the smartest writing advice you ever got?
Never expect anyone to care as much about your books—or your career—as you do. Learn the business—and review every contract yourself even if you have an agent.
Who’s your favorite character you’ve written so far? Explain:
I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite character. Each one is special to me. But the character who’s received the most reader comments is Charley Lopez in my Oregon-coast-based Hope Harbor series. He’s a secondary character who appears in every book—a renowned painter who has run a taco stand on the wharf for as long as anyone can remember. There’s a touch of mystery about him that intrigues readers.
If your house were on fire, what one thing would you save?
My laptop. I can’t believe how reliant I’ve become on electronics! But if there was time, I’d also grab my Raggedy Ann doll, which is in a box on the shelf in my closet. It brings back so many happy memories from my childhood.
What drives you to succeed?
I’m a first born with a typical Type A personality. Enough said!
Anything new for you on the book horizon?
I’m glad you asked! I’ll have a new Hope Harbor book out in April, Sandpiper Cove, and in October 2017 I’ll launch my Code of Honor suspense series, which features three childhood friends from difficult backgrounds whose bond has been strengthened by time—and danger.
Thanks again, Irene, for taking time for this blog interview. So how can readers connect with you?
I’m very active on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Irene-Hannon-426433004084567/), tweet every day or two (https://twitter.com/IreneHannon?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) and have a website where you can find all kinds of info about me, including a complete book list (http://www.irenehannon.com/).
Readers, don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of “Tangled Webs!”
I definitely am adding Irene Hannon to my author list, and will start with the Hope Harbor series. I love suspense with psychological intrigue. I liked Irene’s advice of do it yourself regarding contracts. This applies to a lot of avenues of everyday life.
Thanks, Suzanne for this Irene Hannon interview.
Thanks for the nice interview with Irene. I have a couple of her books waiting to be read. It’s always nice to learn about authors. Irene’s books with the psychological component interwoven with suspense are some great reads.
I enjoyed the interview and loved reading about the book. It sounds very good. I love a good suspense book!
I’ve been looking forward to this since “Thin Ice”!! She had me hooked from the very start. I went back and read “Buried Secrects” and have made sure to get the test of her books.
Loved the author interview, thanks for the giveaway chance!
I love Irene Hannon’s books! Can’t wait to read Tangled Webs! The interview was great! Thanks for this giveaway chance and learning more about Irene Hannon! Thoughts and prayers go out to her for the recent loss of her mother! I lost my mom in April and know the grief she’s feeling now!
Thank you for this interview with one of the best writers of Christiansuspense fiction
I love Irene Hannon’s books. Thank you for the opportunity to win one.
Oh, this book sounds fantastic! I love a good suspense story. I’d love to read it.
Suspense and romance – a perfect combination. I would love the opportunity to win this book.
Suspense and romance sounds like a great duo!! I’m interested!! It’s the first time I’ve heard about this author so am glad to get to know her! Thanks for interviewing Irene Hannon. Judy F
Thank you for sharing the interview. I have read some of Irene’s books before and know they are good. Can’t wait to read this one. Thank you for the opportunity to win one. Here’s hoping…
I have enjoyed all of Irene’s books that I have read. I would love to win this one.
I have several of your books. I’d love to add this one to my collection!
I love Irene Hannon’s books! I have definitely stayed up late just to finish them! Looking forward to reading this one as well! Thanks so much for the great giveaway!!
I’ve read the Hope Harbor books and would love to read another genre by Irene. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for your interview here on Suzanne’s author spot light. You are a new to me author . Your book sounds intriguing and I would love to get acquainted with you through your books. Thanks for your most generous giveaway. Would love to win.
I have read many of Irene Hannon’s books. I love ..love….love her books. They keep me on the edge of my seat, unable to put them down until I have finished . I would love to win her newest book…”Tangled Webs”.
I thought I had already commented on this, but it doesn’t look like it went through! I love Irene Hannon’s books! Looking forward to reading this one as well! Thanks for the great giveaway!
This book sounds like a real page turner that I would enjoy reading. I enjoy suspense books that have romance in them. Thanks for the interview with Irene and the chance to win her book.
sounds like another awesome story! would love to win this one!
Tangled Webs sounds like a great book to add to my TBR pile. I love suspense stories. Thanks for the interview and giveaway.
Irene is a great writer and I would love to read her latest.