Rita Hanner‑Ward | Writer & Storyteller

From Page to Screen

Rita Hanner‑Ward | Kiva Wolfe™

I’m an award‑winning American novelist, poet, and screenwriter whose work blends emotional depth with visually driven storytelling.

My fiction has earned Silver and Bronze Seals from the Manhattan Book Awards, Distinguished Author and Multicultural & Interracial Romance honors from the International Impact Book Awards, and numerous finalist placements. Writing as Kiva Wolfe™, I craft international romantic‑suspense adventures set within the high‑stakes world of the precious‑gem trade. My debut novel Red Flash was republished independently in 2026, followed by its sequel Tears of Iemanjá. I’m currently completing the final installment of the Gem Provenance Legacy series.

My poetry explores memory, grief, and redemption. Volumes I–III of my Poetic Awakening series—Her Inconvenient Elegy, Her Song of Sorrows, and Her Proffered Epiphany—trace a journey of emotional reckoning and spiritual renewal.

Across genres, my screenplays center on character‑driven narratives, from dark comedy to grounded dramatic features. My short and feature scripts have earned multiple accolades on the festival and contest circuit.

Photo credit: L Cowles Photography

Storytelling Matters

Stock photo of an old, open book with blank, aged pages.

My Favorite Quotes

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” —Walt Disney.

"If a nation loses its storytellers, it loses its childhood." — Peter Handke.

“It’s not what you achieve, it’s what you overcome. That’s what defines your career.” ― Carlton Fisk

The character that lasts is an ordinary guy with some extraordinary qualities. ― Raymond Chandler

"Write." — Josh Whedon

My Quotables

My Favorite Quotes

"Write! Your characters' lives depend on it." ― RHW

"A writer is as enduring as the stories they weave and as resilient as the characters they create." ― RHW

"Writing romance isn’t about creating intimate moments; it’s about mastering the tension that leads to them.” ― RHW

"We don’t write for fame or fortune. We write for the beauty of word

"Write! Your characters' lives depend on it." ― RHW

"A writer is as enduring as the stories they weave and as resilient as the characters they create." ― RHW

"Writing romance isn’t about creating intimate moments; it’s about mastering the tension that leads to them.” ― RHW

"We don’t write for fame or fortune. We write for the beauty of words, the love of characters, and the resonance of story." ― RHW

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Stay Connected

My Favorite Quotes

Stay Connected

Join my journey. Subscribe to my newsletter for soulful updates on new book releases, poetic reflections, creative insights, and screenwriting projects for behind-the-scenes glimpses into the writing life—especially the joys and discoveries of writing later in life. You’ll also receive invitations to events and musings that celebrate the art of creating with heart.

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Creative & Professional Inquiries

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This form is for professional inquiries related to my fiction, poetry, and screenwriting. Media outlets may request press kits or review copies. To help filter out spam, include a brief note about your inquiry, project, or reason for reaching out.

I value the meaningful connection my fiction and poetry create with readers—an exchange that reaches beyond the page and into real life. If my work resonates with you, I welcome you to also share your thoughts on Amazon & Goodreads. Thank you.

Affiliations, Imprints & Memberships

AUTHOR AFFILIATED WEBSITES:

ritahanner-ward.com; ritahannerward.com; kivawolfe.com; kivawolfe.net

IMPRINTS:

RHW Books & Musings; Kiva Wolfe Enterprises

MEMBERSHIPS:

Mystery Writers of America (MWA) & SoCal Chapter; Sisters in Crime (SinC) National & Desert Sleuths Chapter; Arizona Authors Association; Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi); International Screenwriters Association (ISA); Phoenix Screenwriters Association (PSA); Phoenix Writers Club (PWC); SCW Writers Group; West Arizona Authors Anthology Now LLC (WAZAAN)

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