Ivy Hansen is a local teen author who self-published her first book in 2024 at age 14. Now, at 15 years old, she’s working on her second book.
You can meet Ivy at an author reception on Friday, Sept. 5 from 5-6 p.m. Drop by the Library’s Teen Space to talk with her about creativity and publishing a book as a teen. Ivy’s young adult fantasy novel, Flying Into Fire, will be available for purchase and she’ll sign autographs.
Flying Into Fire tells the story of Callax Trent, an adventure that reminds us not every hero gets a fairy tale. Shortly after the bombing of his village, Callax finds himself on the run from a Queen who will stop at nothing to extinguish a prophecy that, if fulfilled, will end her rule.
Callax isn’t on the journey alone though. Accompanying him are four unlikely companions: Dakota, a hot-tempered youth; Willow, a gentle soul; Pearl, an eternal optimist; and Tempest, a loyal subject. Outside the Capitol, they discover more than empty plains; they find betrayal, love, loss, and, most of all, change.
We got to talk with Ivy recently about her journey as an author.
JCPL: When did you start writing, and how did you decide to write a book?
IVY: I did my first novel-style writing at 13, but I’ve been making comics forever. The book idea started with a group of characters I liked to draw, and I decided to make a story around them.
What are your hopes for your future as an author?
My main goal is to be someone like George Orwell or J.R.R. Tolkien. I want to make something that will be a classic people share over and over, something that will outlive me by many years.
What advice would you give other teens who are interested in publishing their work?
All you need to write is a Chromebook. Amazon KPD Publishing allows you to self-publish your work for free if you use their ISBN. Really the only thing stopping you from writing your novel is you, and it only takes effort to make your idea real.
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