Hannah Dennison
http://www.hannahdennison.com
My Dad used to despair that I'd never "settle down" and have
a real job.
I have to admit my experiences in the work force are
somewhat "checkered" — and that's putting it mildly.
One constant, however, was that I always sought after
adventure. It was one of the reasons why I enlisted in Her
Majesty's Royal Navy, only to discover that women sailors
(known then as "wrens") never went to sea.
I hoped the local newspaper might offer some
excitement—at the very least, the odd murder or two. So
spent two years tucked away in beautiful Devon writing
obituaries.
This was followed by a wonderful job in an antique shop
specializing in seventeenth century oak furniture, a spell
as a secretary to a Formula One World Champion, a hostess in
a nightclub, and then nearly a decade as a flight attendant
for both commercial airlines and private jet charters.
With lots of free time down-route, I started to keep
extensive diaries that—alarmingly—began to take on
a life of their own, straying so far from the truth I
wondered if I was suffering from schizophrenia. It slowly
dawned on me that writing kept my insatiable need for both
personal and professional drama in check. I started to study
screenwriting, devouring books on plot, structure and
character. I read every script I could get my hands on.
Somewhere along the way, I discovered I was much happier
when writing. Even content! Besides, my characters were far
better equipped to deal with broken hearts and the ups and
downs of life than I!
While working onboard a private overseas flight, I was lucky
enough to speak with Steven Spielberg about what it takes to
follow one's dream. Aside from dedication, sacrifice and
passion, he also said that if I was really serious about
writing, then I must act on it and not just talk about it.
This was echoed by another well-known director friend who
insisted I move to Los Angeles immediately if I was serious
about breaking through as a writer.
In all my travels, there was one city I was adamant I never
wanted to visit, let alone live. Yes. You've guessed. Los
Angeles. I was born in the English countryside and grew up
with a passion for horses. But suddenly, events began to
unfold in a way I never could have predicted. The aircraft I
worked on was sold, the owner of the sixteenth century
cottage I rented decided she wanted it back, and by then, I
was a single mother—and broke. I hate to sound trite,
but it was as if the universe was holding up a huge sign,
and it was unmistakable: Go for it.
Before making a hasty decision, I decided to test the
waters. My daughter and I flew out to visit her godparents
in Manhattan Beach, California. While there, oddly enough, I
was offered a job as a receptionist at New Line Cinema in
L.A....and, "Could I start on Monday?" Back at home, my
parents were horrified. In their minds, I was moving to the
land of guns, earthquakes, fires and mudslides. My father
was exasperated: "Just to answer the bloody telephone?!"
Moving quickly was, in hindsight, the best thing I could
have done. If I'd really thought about it, I'd never have
taken that leap of faith. There were so many things I hadn't
considered. I had no idea I'd need good credit to rent a
house, or how to get my ten-year old into an American
school. I was even told that people ate cats in certain
parts of the city. My poor kitties were so traumatized by
the journey, and I was racked with guilt on all fronts.
There was also the question of a green card. Ironically, I
eventually got one because of my knowledge of the now
defunct Pitman Shorthand I had to learn from my days as a
cub reporter.
For the next few years I worked for several film companies
in a variety of positions—international sales, editor
of the Warner Brothers in-house newsletter, and eventually,
I became a story analyst. I was still writing screenplays,
but none of my own work got produced. I got close a few
times, but I finally decided movies were not for me. I
figured it was time to go home.
It's strange how life gives you what you want when you've
really let go. The British quarantine laws for animals were
horrendous: any pets returning to the UK had to stay in
small wire cages for six months; however, those laws were
soon to be lifted. I loved my cats so much that I could not
even consider torturing them with such unkind treatment. I
decided that I would move once the laws changed and they
could come home with me off the plane. I knew it wouldn't be
long, and while I waited, I found a great job as an
executive assistant for the chairman of a busy advertising
company where—nine years later—I still work to
this day! It's certainly a challenge juggling a full-time
job and writing. I also enrolled in the UCLA Writer's
Program and switched to long-form narrative, just to keep my
imagination in check!
It's also strange that when you aren't looking for love, it
finds you. The quarantine laws were lifted, but in the
process of waiting, I met my future husband in Los Angeles.
Shortly afterwards, I landed an agent and a three-book deal
for Vicky Hill. I had a hard time believing it was all
actually happening. One thing I've learned through it all is
that "overnight success" actually takes about ten to fifteen
years of consistent hard work. There are no short cuts to
achieving your dreams.
I've grown to love California and my dream now is to be able
to divide my time between England and America.
So, Dad, I suppose you could say I've finally settled down.
Though whether he'd define writing as a real job...well, for
now, that will have to remain one of life's great mysteries.
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Books
Expose!
(A Vicky Hill Exclusive #3)
December 1, 2009
When the local celebrity, Scarlett Flemming, dies, Vicky
learns of Scarlett's shaky finances—and marriage.
While canvassing an entire town of suspects and juggling
three eligible suitors, she must stay one step ahead of Read more...
Scoop!
(A Vicki Hill Mystery #2)
March 3, 2009
From the author of A Vicky Hill Exclusive! comes a
delightful and dizzy new mystery with a sleuth like no
other...
Obit writer Vicky Hill suspects foul play when she learns of
a suspicious Read more...
A Vicky Hill Exclusive!
March 4, 2008
Introducing Vicky Hill, a suffocatingly single reporter
whose attempts at finding the right man and the scoop of a
lifetime take a backseat to murder.
The debut of a brand new series set Read more...
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