My name is Hannah Rose Duggan. I’m sixteen years old, and I’ve recently self-published a historical fiction novel. Three years ago, I did the “Do Hard Things” Bible Study, and it changed my perspective in so many ways. I realized that I didn’t have to wait until I graduated, became an “adult”, or got my college degree to set goals for the future. I could start doing big things for God right now.
I’ve always loved to write stories. So I made a plan. My goal was to write a historical fiction novel, and publish it. Now, three years later, my book is published through Westbow Press, and no one is more blown away by that than me. God has been so faithful to give me the strength I need for every step of this process.
From The Flames is about a teenage girl living in fourteenth century England, when the Bible was being translated into English for the first time. The task was difficult, dangerous, and completely illegal. These people had never heard the Word of God, and they were hungry for the truth, but the truth would cost more than they ever imagined. She is swept into an adventure that could change not only her eternity, but the future of an entire nation.
In my walk with God, I want to delight myself in Him, and this is the desire of my heart; To provide stories that draw people closer to the Lord, and give them an excitement about His Word. In writing, I hope to encourage other young people to dream big dreams for Christ. Life is short. Our youth is even more so. Let us not waste it!
What I need for this project is mainly exposure. Because the novel is self-published (and on a very tight budget), much of the responsibility for getting the book out there and into the hands of readers falls to me, my family, and my friends. I am prayerfully seeking advice and any promotional help that can be offered. This is God’s story, and I am continually placing it in His hands. I am so thankful for a place to share what He is doing with other like-minded youth. Let’s keep doing the hard things that count! God Bless you guys!
From Alex & Brett: Share this post on Facebook or Twitter and then let us know that you did via the comment section. We’ll pick one person to receive a free copy of Hannah’s book (so give us a reason to pick you).
+ Visit Hannah’s Website +
Love this story and sent it to some readers I know and also shared it on twitter. Look forward to reading the book whether its free or I purchase it.
Wow! That is great! I’m a writer myself, though I’ve never gotten close to publishing anything…Congratulations, Hannah! It takes a lot to write just a part of a book, let alone finish it and get it published. Will spread the news however I can!!!!
Great job, Hannah! The topic sounds awesome! You did a great job on the book trailer, too 🙂
Wow sounds amazing! Way to go girl! Can’t wait to read it!
I myself write alot! But never got close to publishing, in fact I have more books half finished then complete! Thanks for giving me a second wind for writing!!
The concept is brilliant. That promo video at the top of the post is extremely well done. Good job. I wish that I was able to share the book, but I don’t have Facebook or Twitter:(
Wow, what an inspiring story! I love to write; my dad’s an aspiring author, so I guess I got it from him. I’ve actually taken a shot at writing historical fiction and it is very difficult, so that alone is an awesome accomplishment. But to set a goal and publish a book within three years… Praise God! I’ve always dreamed of having a book published; I suppose I just have to get over my fears and just trust in God to help me do it! Thank you so much for sharing your story, Hannah. God bless! 🙂
Wow that is so amazing! I am a year older than Hannah, and an aspiring writer. It’s encouraging to hear of someone my age actually publishing a book!! And just from the description alone it sounds GREAT.
By the way Hannah, if you ever need a book cover design or anything like that, you can contact me at my website and I will probably be able to do it for free! http://lauraleegraphics.weebly.com/
Thank you so much!! I’d love to see your site, but the link gives me a 404 error, and says the site isn’t published. Is there a way I can view your graphics?
I shared it! Sounds like an awesome book!
Awesome book Hannah! Loved it! It get’s your attention right away and keeps it the whole time! My 12 yr old niece loved it too! Keep up the great work!
I just found this while checking out your site for my tween daughter. I shared on my Facebook page. We will be purchasing the book too!
This book looks great, Hannah! I’m currently working on a book that I really hope to get published and it is so encouraging to see another teenager who has done the same thing. I started my first chapter book when I was 8 which I finished when 10. It’s so funny to read that one now. 🙂 It was handwritten and the story line isn’t completly consistent. Since then I’ve written about 1 every 1 or 2 years and they’ve definately improved since the first. 🙂 I’ve shared your book on Facebook and wish you luck in your future book writing!!!
Awesome Hannah! I love writing as well. I`m working on a story idea and I wrote a play when I was 8. Yes, it was performed. I`ll let people know by word of mouth and I`ll tell them to look here as I do not have Facebook or twitter or anything like that. I cannot wait to read the book! Congratulations on it!
How awesome! It sounds like something I’d want my kids to read in a year or two. And I told my Facebook friends that too. 🙂
This is very inspiring! I’m 16 as well, and I love reading, thinking, and writing stories. But it can be hard to put on paper what I imagine in my head. I would LOVE to read your book and see your style of writing. I also think that a few of my friends on facebook would be interested as well, so I made sure to share it.
Keep Doing Hard Things!!!
Wow! Way to go Hannah. I will definitely order a copy of your book and tell my friends about it. It’s cool that you were inspired by the Do Hard Things book. Keep it up!
That’s cool! I will have to check that book out, sounds like a great concept 🙂
Keep up the good work, I’m working on a novel myself and I know how hard it is.
Wow, this looks AMAZING Hannah and Congratulations on your first novel! I’m so excited to read it (I’m pretty sure a bunch of my friends on FB will feel the same)! 😀 Thank you for the encouragement in being daring and taking those leaps of faith, as well! 🙂
~Rachel~
So exciting!! I have always wanted to do something like this, but alas, have not. Congrats on a job well done! I will definitely share the word on your book. My mom does self-publishing, and I know it can be really hard to get word out. Also, I work at my local library, so I will see if they will purchase your book 🙂 I look forward to reading it!
Wow Hannah, your book sounds exciting! I don’t have an account on Facebook or Twitter, but if I get a copy of your book I will be sure to review it on my blog! I am seventeen, and though I haven’t published any of my stories yet, I certainly intend to if God wills. I love, love, love reading, and I am always looking for a new book to treasure.
Wow, This should be amazing! May the Lord bless this book. Will it be available outside the Americas? 🙂
Hi! Thank you so much!! Yes, the book is available online, and you can order it from anywhere in the world. I’ll include the link. However, it is available only in English. God Bless!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1449782396/ref=s9_cskin_gw_p351_d1_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0P9B56868D8QA1DWBXGB&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846
Hi Hannah,
Your post is shared via Facebook; hope it helps you out!
Congrats on the self-publication of your book! I know it takes a lot of work- I wrote a Christian fiction book myself but never had the guts to try to get it out to others. I do hope to one day write a Christian novel that will make it out to others, and your post has encouraged me. Keep up the work for Christ, and remember to keep Him and His love at the center of your writing!
A fellow Rebelutionary with still lots to learn,
Amanda
Hannaaaaah,
Oh my gooooooosssshhhh. I’m so happy for yoooouuu. 😮 😀 God is great! 😀 I’m a bookworm, aspiring writer since when I was a sophomore. Now, I’m 15 (turning 16 this year), with tons of possible ideas but I’m still kinda afraid of others’ judgments and I’m still unsure about my writing skills. :/ I wanna do something big for Him, I just don’t know what yet. I thought that since I’ve been writing stories since 6th grade, why must I not use this talent for Him? But like I said, I still feel a bit weary. Then I saw this article. 16 year old? A 16 year old wrote and published a novel? I’m like, WOW. And she’s even one of the Brethren! This is one of the moments the Lord has overwhelmed me with what He can do through each of us. 🙂 I may not know what to do for now, but I want to thank you. I’m actually in the brink of giving up because of frustration, but then looking at you, you didn’t stop. Here you are, blessing His name. 🙂 I wanna do just that, to bless Him with what He has given me. I believe this is one of His ways of telling me not to give up. Besides, what I’ll do will be for Him, anyway. 🙂 I shared the post already, dear sister. If ever you’re reading this. 🙂 May the Lord bless you! 🙂
–Joshia 🙂
Oh goodness thank you for this! I am a teen writer and have been really self conscious about my writing. I am part of a curriculum that has a contest and I hadn’t even CONSIDERED entering but I am doing it because its a hard thing and i’m determined to do just to get over my fear of people not liking what I write. thank you all!
Your blog and book are really inspiring :3