AUTHOR

Writing journey began in elementary school for local resident

Passion for writing continues to grow

Rita Hanner-Ward at the International Impact Book Black Tie Gala last month.

(Submitted photo/Rita Hanner-Ward)

Since the second grade, Sun City West resident Rita Hanner-Ward has been writing.

While life continued, she knew she always wanted to be writer and back in the early 2000s is when her second husband, who was also a writer, encouraged her to nurture her talents.

Her journey started as a small published writer, but lacked the resources with agents or publishing houses. Eventually, life got in the way and according to Hanner-Ward, challenges pushed her writing to the side.

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers starting at $5 for your first month and support local, unbiased journalism.

Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

The latest issue of Phoenix View

View this issue

Browse other issues

Latest Opinions

Reader ponders north Peoria roadway projects

OPINION — The El Mirage Road extension north from Loop 303 to Jomax Road has been a top priority to ease traffic congestion in north Peoria. Certainly, the Happy Valley Parkway and …

Big snag with GLP-1 program

OPINION — When President Trump and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz announced the creation of the GLP-1 Bridge Program last year, many Americans …

Arizona’s fentanyl overdose statistics are alarming; free Narcan training can help

OPINION — While deaths from drug overdoses across the United States declined during each of the last three years, they have surged in Arizona. From September 2024 to September 2025, …

What a coyote might say to its neighbors

OPINION — If a coyote could have a cordial conversation with its neighbors in The Grand, I imagine that this is what it might say: My name is Wyly, and I would like you to know that …

Our community is fabulous; RCSCW master plan isn’t

The “unveiling” of the Recreation Centers of Sun City West comprehensive 10-year master plan is over, the “celebration” has ended. What did we get for our $275,000 that we paid …