Meet AWC Treasurer Hank Henley
AWC: So, Hank, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hank Henly: I was in denial and disbelief on my last birthday when I asked Teri how I could possibly have reached my present advanced age. She gave me a succinct and profound answer—“you lived.”
I still have a hard time adjusting to the idea that I’m 60 years old. In many ways I still feel like I did in my 20s, but despite the stunted emotional maturity that keeps me feeling young, there are days my body reminds me that my salad days have passed.
AWC: Interests?
Hank Henley: Well, I’ve already mentioned Teri, my wife of 28 years (truthfully, the actual number could be anywhere between 25 and 30, but 28 feels right)—she takes up a lot of my time. (Note to whoever keeps the AWC mailing list--please don’t add her).
Travel is a big interest of ours. Teri and I have visited 35 or so countries together—Vietnam, China, Cuba, and Russia, just to name the Communist nations. This year the pandemic has us dividing our time between our lake house in rural Winston County and our “regular” house in Suburbingham.
My rescue mutt Jasper is a 72-pound chunk of boundless enthusiasm, infinite love and complete idiocy as well as an endless source of fascination and amusement. Jasper thinks the whole COVID thing has been awesome since we’re with him all the time these days.
AWC: Occupation?
Hank Henley: I might be retired but I haven’t quite decided. I spent most of my working years in what used to be called the college textbook industry. It paid the bills, but I was on the road a lot. When you spend 150 nights or more each year in hotel rooms for something like three decades, that adds up to, well, it adds up to a lot of nights in hotel rooms. I’ve got stories about my time on the road, but the life of a road warrior isn’t as interesting as you might think.
A couple of years ago I got downsized along with scads of other great people. I was a bit of collateral damage in a dying corner of publishing. Since then, I’ve done some freelancing and found other honorable ways to make money when I’ve been of a mind. I’d probably be officially retired except Teri tells me that’s not an option for me while she’s still professoring, and she isn’t ready to hang up the cap and gown just yet.
The dream library is complete.
AWC: Tell us about your writing?
Hank Henley: Frankly, I do more reading than writing. I’m a voracious reader. When we built our getaway place, I had one demand--it had to have an awesome floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall bookshelf, complete with one of those sliding library ladders. I am happy to report that I’ve realized that dream and can now die happy.
This year, I’ve been a beta reader of two novels written by AWC members. That was really rewarding, and I look forward to seeing both books in print soon. I’ve completed three pre-published novels of my own, each in its own genre—rom-com, southern romance and comic urban fantasy. I’ve never been brave enough to turn one of my masterpieces loose on the world, but I should probably get over that.
I’ve started work on a military sci-fi, but my timing couldn’t be worse since key plot elements include a virus and civil disruption and opening that manuscript just feels weird right now.
AWC: What is your role with our organization?
Hank Henley: I’m the AWC treasurer. Before that I served as the Membership Chair. The treasurer is the person who makes sure we don’t spend more money than we take in. That means I have to be the meanie at board meetings who grumpily points out that we can’t afford whatever it is we are talking about just before I get outvoted and we spend it on that thing anyway.
AWC: Well this interview has certainly gone on long enough. Is there anything else you want to add?
Hank Henley: All kidding aside, it has been an honor and privilege being part of the AWC for however many years it has been. It is a true joy serving the members of our organization and our board. It’s been an even greater pleasure to watch our members develop and flourish as writers. I’ve seen first-hand how the AWC affirms and supports so many great writers from Alabama and beyond. AWC—you are my tribe.