Steve R. Hartwig
Stories born in León
Nicaragua
What started as reflection…
is becoming something more.
Welcome
Welcome to my website. I’m Steve R. Hartwig, author of bilingual children’s stories inspired by life here in León, Nicaragua.
Through my books, I hope to share stories of kindness, courage, friendship, and the everyday moments that shape who we become.
I’m glad you stopped by, and I hope you enjoy exploring the stories.
About the Author
Steve Hartwig is an American author who has made Nicaragua his home for more than a decade. His writing combines adventure, authentic cultural settings, and enduring Christian themes to create stories that both entertain and inspire.
His love for Nicaragua and its people led him to the mountain community of Miraflor, where the beauty of everyday life became the inspiration for the world of Mateo and the Secrets of the Eternal Word. Real locations, traditions, and the warmth of the community provide the backdrop for a fictional story that encourages readers to experience Scripture in a fresh and meaningful way.
Steve's one desire in writing is to help readers rediscover Bible history in a fresh and engaging way while seeing how God's Word still speaks to everyday life. Through the Mateo series, he invites readers to experience Scripture through the eyes of a twelve-year-old boy whose life is changed by every journey.
Before writing Mateo, Steve authored Ride the Fire, a novel inspired by the real skateboarding community of León, Nicaragua, celebrating the perseverance, friendship, and determination that helped bring a public skatepark to the city. He is also the author of The Little Chef, a heartwarming story celebrating family, culture, and kindness.
Whether writing contemporary adventures or stories rooted in biblical history, Steve's books celebrate faith, authentic cultures, and the enduring hope found in God's Word.
When he isn't writing, Steve enjoys exploring Nicaragua, photographing the places and people that inspire his stories, and sharing his experiences through his website and social media.
My Journey
Growing up as an only child taught me independence and a love for exploring new places. That spirit of adventure eventually led me to travel widely and live in many different parts of the United States before taking an unexpected path that would change my life.
In my thirties, I returned to school and discovered a lifelong love of learning. Classes in sociology, psychology, creative writing, and speech helped shape the way I think and communicate. Around the same time, I often remembered a skill my father had taught me years earlier—how to type. What seemed ordinary at the time would later become one of the most valuable tools in both my career and my writing.
My journey eventually took me beyond the United States. After spending time in Puerto Rico, I made the life-changing decision to move to Panama, where I helped build and operate a small bed and breakfast on an island near Bocas del Toro. Welcoming guests from around the world gave me a deep appreciation for different cultures and the stories people carry with them.
Years later, that same spirit of adventure led me to Nicaragua. I first lived in Granada, spent time near Laguna de Apoyo and Matagalpa, and eventually found my home in León. It was here that my love for Nicaragua, its people, and its rich culture began to shape the stories I would one day write.
Becoming an Author
Eventually life led me to Nicaragua. After researching several countries in Central America and the Caribbean, I discovered that Nicaragua offered welcoming residency opportunities for expatriates. Without ever visiting the country beforehand, I decided to take the leap and move.
I first lived in Granada, then spent time near the beautiful Laguna de Apoyo before eventually settling in León. It was here that I discovered not only a place to call home but also the inspiration that would shape my writing for years to come.
Writing gradually became a daily part of my life. It first led to The Little Chef, a bilingual story celebrating family, culture, and kindness. Soon afterward came Ride the Fire, a novel inspired by the real skateboarding community of León, Nicaragua, and their determination to build the city's first public skatepark.
Today my writing has found its home in the mountains of Miraflor. After visiting this remarkable community, I knew it was the perfect setting for a new series. That journey became Mateo and the Secrets of the Eternal Word, where authentic life in rural Nicaragua meets the great events of biblical history.
My greatest desire as an author is to help readers rediscover Bible history in a fresh and engaging way while seeing how God's Word still speaks to everyday life. Through the Mateo series, I hope readers of all ages will experience Scripture with renewed wonder while discovering the beauty, faith, and warmth of Nicaragua.
Thank you for visiting my website. I hope you'll take a moment to explore my books, and I invite you to return often as Mateo's journey—and mine—continues.
Writing from León, Nicaragua
I write my stories from the historic colonial city of León, Nicaragua. Life here — the people, the culture, and the everyday moments — continues to inspire the stories I tell.
Many of my books are shaped by the warmth of this community and the simple experiences that remind us how kindness, courage, and friendship can change a life.
Mateo and the Secrets of the Eternal Word
Rediscover Bible History Like Never Before Through the Eyes of Mateo
Twelve-year-old Mateo discovers an ancient Bible unlike any other. Each time its pages open, he is transported into the greatest events of Genesis, witnessing biblical history through the eyes of an ordinary boy.
Set in the real mountain community of Miraflor, Nicaragua, the Mateo series blends biblical history, authentic culture, and unforgettable adventure, inviting readers to rediscover Scripture in a fresh and meaningful way.
Ride The Fire
In the streets of León, Nicaragua, skateboarding is more than a sport—it’s identity, freedom, and purpose.
When Julio’s younger brother begins to follow in his footsteps, what starts as passion becomes a journey of responsibility, growth, and brotherhood.
Ride The Fire is a story about falling, rising, and discovering who you are along the way.
More Stories
The Little Chef
A heartwarming story where cooking becomes a journey of kindness, courage, and discovery.
The Challenge of the Heart
Camila returns home after her unforgettable culinary adventure and discovers that the greatest challenges are not always found in the kitchen. Through friendship, empathy, and courage, she learns that the most powerful ingredient in life is the way we care for others.
Stay connected
If you'd like to hear about new books, stories, and updates from my writing life in Nicaragua, you can join my reader list here.
Question or Comment for Steve?
I'd love to hear from readers and educators. Feel free to send a message and I'll respond as soon as possible.