Author: Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet

Alina Happy Hansen is a writer, poet, and blogger based in San Francisco. Besides writing nearly 24/7 and reading stacks of books, Alina enjoys watching classic horror films and listening to Stoner Metal. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in English with a Minor in Writing and Rhetoric Studies from The University of Utah.

NaNoWriMo 2020 and Staying Busy

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet
female student suffering from headache in library

Yesterday was Election day, but because this year is weird and COVID-19 has changed how things are done, I think this turned into Election week.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been staying busy and staying home. Utah’s daily case counts have been steadily getting higher, and we’ve already had a few days where ten people die every day.

I finished Inktober. It was a lot of fun and an excellent way to keep my mind off the impending Election. And now, I’m going to stay busy by participating in NaNoWriMo this year.

For NaNoWriMo, I wanted to take a crack at general fiction, but with what I’ve written already, it looks like it’s going to be a ghost story.
Of course.

This year has been brutal, and I feel like I’m running out of steam. I want it to be over. Emotionally drained, tired, and staying focused on work, that’s all I can do for now and make the best out of the rest of the year.

I’m accepting Beta Read inquiries if anyone has any short stories, novellas, or novels they need read and reviewed. I just finished conducting a Beta Read for a short story this week, and I have an open schedule for the rest of the month.

Dear Subscribers,
This week’s newsletter did not go out but expect one on Monday! I am working on some poems, and I would like to write up a quick tip for writers.

I’d love to connect with other writers participating in NaNoWriMo this year, and I am looking for a writing buddy. Leave a comment or message me if you’re interested.

As usual, I’m open to recommended reading, articles, and writer’s resources if you have any you would love to share.

Have a wonderful day and stay safe out there, my friends!

Cheers,
Alina

‘Poem to Read Aloud’ by Alina Happy Hansen (April 11th, 2020)

Inktober 2020 and Currently Reading

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet
close up creepy dark darkness

I’ve been m.i.a. for a while and I thought I’d share why: I’m participating in Inktober this year, putting my own spooky spin on it. Plus I’ve been reading like crazy.

Keeping my mind busy outside of work has helped me process a lot of the ups and downs of this week and last when it comes to politics, events, and COVID-19. Plus Election day is getting closer and I find myself increasingly anxious, I think a lot of people are.

So here we go, my first ten ink/pencil drawings for this year’s Inktober plus what I’m currently reading Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff (it’s amazing!)

I’m also reading The Simulacra by Phillip K. Dick and Dark Carnival by Ray Bradbury. I’ve been feeling like horror/scary stories and sci-fi more and more not only because of Halloween but because of how crazy this year has been.

I’d love to know if anyone is participating in Inktober or if you’re currently reading anything wonderfully spooky. Let me know! Leave a comment below or contact me directly.

Have a wonderful day and thank you for reading!

-Alina

Revising My Novel, Currently Reading and Just Tired

Alina H. Hansen Writer & Poet
woman leaning on table

I’ve put my blog in the backseat for the past few weeks because I’m just exhausted. I’m tired of juggling everything, and really, I needed a break. Now we’re in the homestretch, the election is so close, and I am trying to stay positive, but damn, is it hard.

This month I have been revising my novel, really trying to tighten it up and bring it to life. I think I’ll have one of my best drafts completed by October 1st, and I’m excited.

Poetry? I’m trying to write more, but I have less energy to work on poems lately. Between revising my novel full-time and my new remote job, I don’t have a lot of energy left to work on poetry, but hopefully, that will change next month.

I’m focusing on reading these two books right now:

Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage

by Alfred Lansing

Great Demon Kings: A Memoir of Poetry, Sex, Art, Death, and Enlightenment

by John Giorno

I’m looking for a contemporary poetry book or collection. If anyone has any recommendations, I’d be very interested to know what they are.

When it comes to world events, or I guess, in the U.S. The decision for the Breonna Taylor case is devastating and a complete disappointment. Another soul-crushing failure, and I can’t believe the response the Louisville police had, arresting protestors before the curfew on the day they announced the outcome of the case. Just total bullshit. Another blow.

I am so tired.

Stay positive, my friends, and reach out if you’d like to talk about books, writing, or anything else on your mind. I am here and happy to chat.

Have a wonderful weekend, and stay safe.

Life during Coronavirus: March 16th, 2020 Personal Update
Life during COVID-19 Personal Update: March 23rd, 2020