In this episode of the My Simplified Life podcast, host Michelle Glogovac interviews author Hannah Mary McKinnon, also known as Holly Cassidy. They discuss Hannah’s latest romantic comedy, The Christmas Countdown, and explore her unique ability to write in two different genres: thrillers and romantic comedies. The conversation delves into Hannah’s Swiss heritage, her writing process, the challenges of balancing writing with family life, and the nostalgia of holiday traditions. Hannah shares her journey from a corporate background to becoming a successful author, emphasizing that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.

In This Episode, Michelle Talks About…

• Hannah Mary McKinnon writes thrillers under her real name and romantic comedies as Holly Cassidy.
• The Christmas Countdown incorporates Swiss traditions and food, reflecting Hannah’s heritage.
• Hannah’s writing process involves plotting one genre while editing another, but she never writes them concurrently.
• She published her first book at 45, proving it’s never too late to start writing.
• Hannah enjoys the creative freedom of writing standalone novels that can be read in any order.
• Balancing writing with family responsibilities can be challenging, especially with three sons at home.
• Hannah’s background in accounting helps her manage her writing career and business.
• The influence of living in different countries shapes Hannah’s writing and character development.
• Nostalgia plays a significant role in holiday traditions, as seen in The Christmas Countdown.
• Hannah emphasizes the importance of community and connection in the writing journey.