Hannah Aster

SEO Team Lead

Hannah is a seasoned writer and editor who started her journey with Shortform nearly five years ago. She grew up reading mostly fiction books but transitioned to non-fiction writing when she started her travel website in 2018. When she's not writing or traveling, you can find Hannah working on home reno projects, crafting, or taking care of plants.

Expertise

Graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in English and minors in professional and creative writing

How to Control Desires In Buddhism: Accept Them

Is it sinful and wrong to have desires? How can we shut our desires out? What do our desires tell us about our true feelings? Many mainstream religions, from Judaism and Christianity to Buddhism and Confucianism, teach that desire causes suffering. This does not mean that we should try to shut out and ignore our desires. In fact, we should welcome and accept our desires, examine them, and let them pass. Keep reading to learn the principles for how to control your desires in Buddhism.

Life in the Stone Age Dictated Human Evolution

Why are obesity and dental cavities effects of evolution? Why does modern food trigger supernormal stimuli in our bodies? The human body is evolved for life in the Stone Age. Our way of living changed so rapidly that evolution has yet to catch up and our bodies are paying the price. Keep reading to learn why our bodies are still adapted for the Stone Age and how that’s hurting us.

The Law of Sacrifice in Marketing: How to Cut

What is the Law of Sacrifice? What are the three areas where it is essential to sacrifice to maintain brand focus? The Law of Sacrifice says that there are three areas where it’s essential to sacrifice certain products, messages, and ideas in order to maintain a narrow, targeted focus: product line, target market, and the temptation to change. Keep reading to learn about the Law of Sacrifice.

Malia and Sasha Obama: Growing Up Famous

What was it like for Malia and Sasha Obama to grow up in the White House? How did the Obama girls handle the media attention? Growing up in the White House means constant secret agent escorts and being followed by the media. Yet, Malia and Sasha grew up to be respectable women despite living in the shadow of their dad’s presidency. Keep reading to learn about how Malia and Sasha Obama handled growing up in the White House.

The Bible in Literature: A Way to Deepen Messages

What does it mean when authors reference the Bible in literature? What biblical symbols should you be on the lookout for? Authors commonly reference the Bible to deepen the meaning of their work. Many authors also use the Bible to highlight the differences between religious tradition and modern life. Keep reading to learn why the Bible is so commonly referenced in literature and what those references may mean.

Barack and Michelle’s Love Story: How They Met

How did Michelle and Barack Obama meet? How did their love blossom despite Michelle not wanting to get in a relationship? After she graduated from Harvard Law School, Michelle moved back to Chicago, lived with her family, and worked at a law firm. She was tasked with mentoring a summer associate, Barack, and his earnest attitude towards community work and self-assurance impressed Michelle. Continue on to learn about Michelle and Barack’s love story.

The Quest Archetype: Every Trip is a Quest

What are the most common quest archetypes? What should you look out for to know if a character is on a quest? Anytime a character begins a trip, you should be on the lookout for a quest narrative. Literary quests typically consist of five elements: a quester, a place to go, a reason, challenges along the way, and the character learning about themselves. Keep reading to learn why every trip is a quest in literature.

Here’s What Causes Fear and How to Accept Fear

What causes fear and what does fear look like? What advice does Tara Brach give about Radical Acceptance and fear? According to Tara Brach, Radical Acceptance is the key to meeting the experience of fear without getting swept away in it. When we examine our fear and welcome it, we’ll come to understand that it’s not something we created—it’s not our fault. That allows us to tackle the source of the fear with clarity and understanding. Continue on to learn how you can tackle fear with Radical Acceptance.

How Do Genes Impact Health and Disease?

Why hasn’t evolution gotten rid of diseases and mental illness? How do genes impact health and disease? Unfortunately for humans, our bodies have evolved to prioritize reproduction above everything else. This means that diseases that affect us later in life are genetically ignored and mental illnesses that cause sexual aggression are prioritized. Keep reading to learn more about how genes impact our health.

The Law of Division and the Dangers of Line Extension

What is the Law of Division in marketing? Why is expanding your brand to new categories dangerous for your company? The Law of Division states that if a market leader wants to enter an emerging category, it needs a new brand name for that category. The Law of Extension expands on that message and says that the credibility you build in one market doesn’t necessarily transfer to other product categories. Therefore, it’s risky to try to expand an existing brand into a new category. Keep reading for more on the Law of Division and the Law of Line Extension.