We’re looking forward to introducing you to Samantha Hastings. Check out our conversation below.
Samantha, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I’ve always loved Jane Austen and her books. I invented a card game with her characters and it comes out 10/7/25 from Chronicle Books. Just in time to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have loved reading since I was a little girl. I worked as a librarian for several years and now I teach World Literature at Brigham Young University. My young adult fiction books are Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections and my historical romances are published around the world. I also write murder mysteries under Samantha Larsen that Publisher’s Weekly called “wildly enjoyable.” My first card game comes out October 7, 2025: Jane Austen’s Dowries & Dalliances. The goal is to find the highest dowry, but not get stuck with the old maid!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a dreamer as a child and the older I get (I’m 43!) the more I am allowing myself to dream again. I always wanted to be an author but after many rejections, I quit writing for several years. But I love to read and write so I tried again. I still receive rejections, but I believe in myself. I also love games and I have invented a few! Each day I try to be authentic self and not who the world says I should be.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Like many children, I loved reading. Whenever I was sad or scared, I would escape into a book. I used to read in my closet so that no one could find me. I still love escapist literature that gives you the opportunity leave your problems behind and go on a romantic adventure.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Just work harder. I think there is so much luck involved in publishing. I always tell my kids that a bestselling author needs three things:
1. Talent
2. Timing
3. Luck
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I would suggest that young authors write out their goals and print them. For many years before I was a traditionally published author, I would say that all I wanted was to publish a book. But when that day came, I felt very down. I worried about how many people would buy it and how much advertising it got. I couldn’t (or rather, didn’t) enjoy meeting my goal because I had already changed what the goal was. And if you keep doing that, you’ll never be content or ever reach your goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.SamanthaHastings.com
- Instagram: @SamanthaHastingsAuthor
- Twitter: @HastingSamantha
- Facebook: @SamanthaHastingsAuthor
