PHOTO: Stephanie Hansen, award-winning author of sci-fi, paranormal, and historical romantasy fiction, captures readers with poignant themes and vivid world-building.
Award-Winning Author Blends Magic History Sci-Fi And Heart
Stephanie Hansen shares the inspirations behind her acclaimed books, exploring magical realism, sci-fi ethics, and personal identity shaped by her experience in the deaf and hard of hearing community.
Stephanie Hansen writes with the quiet force of someone who knows how to listen—not only to the world around her, but to the ghosts of the past and the flickers of possible futures. Her fiction lives at the intersection of imagination and resilience, where speculative realms brush up against lived truths. Whether her characters are navigating dystopian landscapes, whispered hauntings, or the intricacies of unspoken connection, Hansen’s voice rings clear: lyrical, grounded, and unmistakably authentic.
From the emotionally charged journeys in Altered Helix to the ethical provocations of Replaced Parts and Omitted Pieces, she crafts stories that pulse with purpose. Her worlds are richly textured, but never simply escapist—they reflect the struggles, hopes, and inner landscapes of those who often go unheard. In Ghostly Howls, even the eerie becomes empowering. And with Armored Hours, she invites us into a time both familiar and fantastical, shaped by historical echoes and the shimmer of magic just beneath the surface.
Hers is a storytelling shaped by experience as much as by invention. As a member of the deaf and hard of hearing community, Hansen weaves into her narratives the kind of detail that doesn’t just add realism—it deepens our understanding. Language, silence, gesture, isolation, and connection all become tools of narrative as well as identity.
To read Stephanie Hansen is to enter a world where every choice, every voice, every shadow matters. And perhaps more than that—it is to feel the persistent hum of something powerful beneath the surface, urging us to listen more closely.
What inspired you to blend magical realism with historical fiction in Armored Hours?
Just as true stories have a way of resonating through the ages, leaving whispers in the corridors of time, or how history has a tendency to mirror itself, the tales of these characters seemed to naturally desire such a timeless echo for me. It wasn’t a deliberate decision; rather, it was an organic unfolding of authenticity that emerged during the writing process. As a lucid dreamer who frequently dreams of the tales I’m crafting, my imagination breathes life into the characters, bestowing upon them extraordinary power and magic. The characters experience vivid visions that draw upon elements from other series, allowing delightful Easter eggs to emerge throughout the prose. These whimsical nods spark intrigue and excitement, creating a tapestry of intertextual references. The stories themselves stretch beyond the confines of time and space, transporting readers to realms where past, present, and future intertwine in an intricate dance of narrative possibility.
How did your experience as a member of the deaf and hard of hearing community shape the characters or narratives in your books?
In the intricate world of Replaced Parts, sign language unfolds as a silent yet expressive means of communication, allowing characters to convey their thoughts and emotions in secret. Meanwhile, in Ghostly Howls, the haunting experience of tinnitus—an incessant ringing that echoes at a debilitating 90 dB in my severely deaf ear—transforms into a source of power. Armored Hours weaves in the complexities of unilateral deafness, where the inability to discern the direction of sound adds layers of tension and isolation to the characters’ experiences.
In this rich tapestry of storytelling, greater emphasis is placed on the nuances of facial expressions and body language, which become crucial elements of interaction. As someone who navigates the world with the challenges of hearing loss, following the subtle cues of expression and posture is essential for grasping the intent behind spoken words. My non-deaf ear has endured a ruptured eardrum, rendering auditory information unreliable; therefore, I rely on these visual signals—alongside the delicate art of reading lips—to piece together conversations and connect with others in a world that often feels distant and muffled.
Replaced Parts and Omitted Pieces tackle complex issues like government control and ethics—what drew you to those themes in a YA sci-fi context?
Corruption has invariably woven itself into the fabric of government, regardless of how earnest its intentions might appear. When this corruption intertwines with the erosion of personal freedoms that pose no harm to others, it creates a dangerously potent combination. Over the past couple of decades, we have seen ample evidence of this unsettling reality. The rapid strides in technology have paved the way for remarkable innovations, yet they have also swung open the gates to increased exploitation, all unfolding under the watchful gaze of the younger generations.
The Altered Helix series deals with sacrifice and unity—how did you develop Austria and Josh’s relationship across the novellas?
In the first novella, Austria and Josh cross paths, originating from vastly different worlds, yet finding an unexpected connection, perhaps even fueled by their differences. Their bond becomes a thread that intricately weaves together various groups, uniting them to collaborate for a common, noble cause. As the story unfolds into the second novella, one of them faces a heart-wrenching decision, poised to sacrifice themselves in a courageous attempt to save others. The tension and stakes rise, building to a climax that resonates with selflessness and bravery. Finally, the journey culminates in the third novella, delivering a heartwarming Happily Ever After, where love triumphs and the characters find peace and fulfillment in their entwined destinies.
Can you share a bit about the process of adapting Altered Helix into an animated story for Tales?
This journey has been incredibly enjoyable. Tales offers two distinct processes: one where they manage the bulk of the production, crafting the narrative and visuals, and another where the author takes the reins, diving deep into coding to animate the provided assets. I opted for the latter, embracing the role of producer, where I meticulously select the scenes, script every line, choreograph the actions, choose the sounds, and much more. This approach allows me to shape the story’s unfolding with my own creative vision.
With such diverse genres—from sci-fi to paranormal romance—how do you approach world-building differently in each?
With science fiction, I draw from my time in Science Olympiad and my adventures as a participant at Space Camp. The memories of my grandparents living near Orlando flood back, recalling the visits to the Kennedy Space Center during my childhood. The towering rockets and bustling atmosphere of the center fueled my interest in the cosmos. For fantasy, I delve into the rich tapestry of my reading experiences, intertwining them with the enchanting allure of Irish culture and the boundless realms of my imagination.
Are there particular historical or personal events that influenced your storytelling in Ghostly Howls or Armored Hours?
My great-grandmother’s family originated from Ireland and immigrated to America in the early 1900s. She was also part of the deaf community. In those days, given their financial constraints, her hearing aids came with a battery pack she wore around her neck like a necklace. I recall her sharing her superstitions, and I’ve always been curious about Irish folklore and what the community might have been like if Ireland hadn’t been colonized by the English.
