Story & Lesson Highlights with Hannah Linder

Hannah Linder shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hannah, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
You’ll probably laugh at this one. And maybe it only brings me joy because it’s so new and so different from anything I’ve ever done.

But several years ago, I stumbled across a small-town square dance, late on the last night of a local festival. The street was teeming with onlookers. The wooden platform creaked and thumped with cowboy boots and rhythmic flatfooting. Overhead, with sweet and golden beauty, stringed lights poured out their glow.

You know what?

I wanted to be out there. My heart squeezed a little, as the old-time live music stirred alive my sense of romance, and the charming Appalachian way called to me. So in my sandals, and without any knowledge of dancing at all, I hurried onto the stage, paired with a partner, and found myself being tugged and swayed into the dance.

Did I know what I was doing?

No.

Did I fumble and laugh and get elbowed in the face?

Yes.

But I’ve spent the next three years hunting down new dances, and that wonderful elation I felt on that first night has never dimmed. This brings me joy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Hannah Linder, and I reside in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Cynthia Ruchti with Books & Such Literary Management, I write Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. I’m honored to be a 2025 Carol Award winner, a five-time Selah Award winner, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). My latest novels, “Beneath His Silence”, “When Tomorrow Came”, “Garden of the Midnights”, “The Girl from the Hidden Forest”, “Never Forgotten”, and “The Red Cottage” released with Barbour Publishing.

In way of a career, I’m an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. With a Graphic Design Associates Degree under my belt, I design for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, national, and international bestsellers (hannahlinderdesigns.com). I’m also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion.

When I’m not writing, I enjoy playing instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, square dancing, and sitting on the front porch of my 1800s farmhouse. My greatest desire is to please my Savior and to write in a way that glorifies and uplifts Him.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom. She believed in me before I had the courage to believe in myself.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. I think we all experience seasons where we loosen our grip on our dreams. Giving up and changing directions can feel bitter but tempting—because holding on is hard.

Just when I almost released my grasp on the dream of becoming traditionally published, God turned the tables and gave me the hope I needed to keep going. I will forever be thankful for His divine intervention and His grace on me.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. And no.

Our platform—our brand—reflects a beautiful part of us. We show the world our drive, our passion, our words, our dreams, our glory moments. We welcome followers onto this journey with us, and though we sometimes share our slight cuts and bruises along the way, we seldom ever show our deeper wounds.

We’re all more than what we seem.

We have hopes too precious to share on the internet. We have tears, and struggles, and tragedies that never make it onto the feed.

So yes, my platform persona is the real me. But it is not the WHOLE real me.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing? 
I think, between remember yesterday and yearning for tomorrow, much of today is lost. My biggest regret is not cherishing the now.

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