49 Writers Interview: Hannah Moderow

Hannah Moderow is a lifelong Alaskan who has been in love with writing since she was a young child. She studied English and art history at Cornell University, and will graduate this summer with an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Hannah grew up mushing sled dogs, and incorporates her childhood adventures into novels for kids. She is passionate about Alaska history, art history, dogs, skiing, mushing, and books. Hannah believes that story writing is a way for kids to be creative, and to sharpen writing skills that can be applied to all life pursuits. She is teaching a Raven Words Workshop called “Ravens and Tigers and Bears” for young writers ages 10-12 beginning July 25.   

I love stories–both reading them and writing them. I love playing with words, envisioning settings, constructing plots, and trying to build quirky characters.

While I like the quiet process of writing, I equally enjoy the fact that stories connect writer, readers, and story characters. When writing becomes collaborative, life is at its finest.

What inspired you to work with young writers?

I loved writing stories when I was young. I was privileged to have some wonderful teachers, and I would like to be able to offer the same writing inspiration and instruction for today’s youth in Alaska.

I am working on two middle grade novels, both of which are adventure stories set in Alaska. I have also completed a booklet about the history of the Iditarod Trail, due to be published this summer.

Tell us about the workshop you have planned.

            Ravens andTigers and Bears, Oh My! is a class on adventure writing. The workshop will include writing an all-class adventure story, as well as individual stories. We will play with words, plot, and settings. Our characters will be brave, the suspense will be high, and in one short week our journey will take exciting twists and turns.