Hans M. Hirschi writes hopeful, character-driven stories about ordinary people facing unexpected situations that highlight the diversity of queer experiences for a broad audience. Because of this, they have earned the nickname “The Queen of Unconventional Happy Endings.”
You can find Hans’ books at well-stocked bookstores, on Adlibris, Amazon, Bokus, or directly from the publisher. So far, they have published eighteen novels across various genres, several anthologies, and three children’s books, and they have contributed to multiple collections over the years. Several of their books have become bestsellers in Australia, Canada, and especially the U.S. Their latest novel, Anna and the Lost Zorn (2023), is a mystery/crime novel set in the Gothenburg Archipelago.
Hans is currently working on a young adult urban fantasy novel. All of their books are published by Beaten Track Publishing in the UK. They are a member of Swedish PEN, the Swedish Writers’ Union, and the Writers’ Center West (Författarcentrum Väst).
Author Visits and Lectures
Hans is a highly sought-after speaker and enjoys visiting schools, libraries, and literary events. Below are some audience reviews of his talks:
🗣️ “I hadn’t heard of Hans before, but I was completely sold. Their books seem fascinating, and I will definitely be reading some of them.”
🗣️ “It was amazing to see so many students feel comfortable asking questions, even about difficult or sensitive topics.”
🗣️ “It’s wonderful to meet someone so open and engaging, who helped students feel safe discussing important issues.”
🗣️ “Listening to Hirschi speak about their work and personal journey was incredibly interesting. As a language teacher, I was especially happy that the event was held in English!”
🗣️ “I was thrilled that LGBTQI+ topics were addressed in a school setting. That’s still quite rare, so I think it was incredibly valuable and appreciated by many.”
Author Visits
You can book Hans for lectures, school visits, and author events through Författarcentrum’s author booking service. They also offer a popular writing course that takes participants through the entire writing process from start to finish.
Would you like to see Hans in action? Here’s an example of a recorded online school visit with approximately 160 participants.
All of Hans’ author visits qualify for cultural grants through the Västra Götaland Region. Additional funding may be available from local, regional, or national sources.
Lecture & Workshop Offerings
For Adults
📌 Lecture: “Diversity and Inclusion in Contemporary Literature”
⏳ Duration: 1–2 hours
Hans shares their experiences as an author, focusing on LGBTQ+ themes and the importance of representation in literature. They discuss how diversity enriches storytelling and deeply impacts readers. The lecture includes a Q&A session where attendees can ask questions about their work and perspectives on today’s literary landscape.
📌 Workshop: “Writing Beyond Norms – Crafting Unconventional Happy Endings”
⏳ Duration: 2–3 hours
In this interactive workshop, Hans guides participants through writing processes that challenge traditional storytelling structures. With a focus on creating “unconventional happy endings,” they share techniques for character development and plot design that surprise and engage readers. Participants will work on their own texts and receive personalized feedback.
📌 Book Talk & Discussion: “Reflecting Society Through Fiction – Relationships, Family & Identity”
⏳ Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Hans leads a deep discussion on how their novels explore complex social issues and human relationships. Topics include family dynamics, love across boundaries, and identity exploration. The event includes an open discussion where attendees can share their thoughts, encouraging dialogue about literature’s role in shaping society.
For Children & Young Adults
(All sessions are tailored to the school’s needs and students’ ages/maturity levels.)
📚 Hans M. Hirschi’s Children’s Books
Hans has written children’s books suitable for ages 6–9 as well as several books for teen readers.
📌 Interactive Storytelling Session: “Creating Your Own Fantastic Worlds”
⏳ Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Hans invites children into a magical storytelling experience where imagination takes center stage. By sharing short stories and excerpts from his books, they inspire young participants to create their own characters and worlds. Through fun writing exercises and group discussions, they encourage children to express their ideas and discover the joy of storytelling.
📌 Workshop: “Friendship & Diversity – Writing About What Makes Us Unique”
⏳ Duration: 2–3 hours
In this creative workshop, Hans helps young people explore themes of friendship, identity, and diversity through writing. Participants learn how to build stories, develop characters, and create engaging narratives. The workshop aims to boost confidence and foster empathy and understanding of different perspectives.
📌 Lecture & Discussion: “Being Yourself – The Courage to Follow Your Own Path”
⏳ Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Hans shares his personal journey as an author and discusses the importance of staying true to oneself. Using engaging storytelling and examples from their books, they talk with students about overcoming obstacles, standing up for their beliefs, and respecting differences. The event includes an open Q&A session where students can share their thoughts and ask questions.
Interested in bringing Hans to your school, library, or event? Contact him today!