I thought it would be fun to showcase another talented writer from Rebel Ink Press. Anne Holly is relatively new but already has two releases out with the family and another scheduled in October. Let’s step into her world.
What inspires you the most?
It’s really hard to say. This question is a common one in interviews, and I can see why. I love to know what’s behind stories in the author’s head. But, sometimes I’m not even sure where things come from. Sometimes, it can be just a little item in the news that just blooms – poof! – into my head. Other times, it’s an actor who I like, as if I think, “Let’s write a story that guy could star in.â€
Mostly, just life. I watch strangers on buses and things, and think up imaginary lives for them. I through everything in life and experience into the grinder, and my stories come out. I find walking helps put things into order.
What do you love and hate most about writing?
I love making up stories, and I really love the excitement of getting work accepted. I like toying with the words and sentences, and making myself smile when I like my composition. The feeling of “getting it right†is wonderful. I don’t really hate anything about writing, not even the editing, but I hate things about being an author – particularly thinking about sales rankings and things. That’s the less fun side.
What are you currently working on and what’s coming up for you?
Right now, I’m doing a shifter story, which is a brand new area for me. I usually do sensual and erotic contemporary romance. I decided to do something a bit different. My next release is coming up with Rebel Ink, the Halloween installment of my holiday erotic-romance shorts series, Like Magic. It is sort of paranormal, since it involves a woman who may or may not be a witch… It’s complicated.
What experiences have you had working with your publisher/s?
I’ve enjoyed aspects of working with all three of my publishers. Rebel has been great – lovely covers, nice staff, wonderful fellow-writers, strong editing, and the shot at a paperback deal. I have learned that writers have to be as choosy about their publishers as publishers are about their authors. You have to have the right support. Rebel is great – I have no trouble recommending them to other writers, especially for erotic romance.
Do you write to music and if so, to what?
Sometimes, but usually just to change things up. I generally write when my son is asleep, so I savor the silence. But, if the words aren’t coming or my energy flags, I use play lists to perk me up. As to what, that definitely depends on the book. It was Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits for Like Magic, since it gave me that darkly seductive feel. For my upcoming Thanksgiving story, since it’s a cowboy book, I listened to western stuff. “Desperado†by Linda Ronstadt was the “theme song,†I think.
Do you have a ritual with writing?
Nope. I did once upon a time – favourite pen, favourite places to write. But, now living with a very active three year old, any time, any place, whenever I can, snatches here and there (I like the 1k hour, for example). Coffee if about as close to a ritual as I get, along with backing up the files.
Who is your favorite character you’ve written and why?
I love most of my characters, because they all had special things about them. Josie, from my full length novel, Strings Attached, has been my favourite heroine. Kale, my novelist from Unwrapping Scrooge, is likely my favourite of all time, but they are all special. My little geek hero from V-Day ranks up there, because he was so sweet. Ian, from Like Magic, was so confused by being thrown into the chaos, I like him a lot. Tig, the writer/bartender from my New Years story for Rebel (coming in December), Bubbly, was just so wonderful and sensitive that I fell for him immediately.
What’s something you can’t live without for writing?
Not really. Coffee. Keyboard or paper, it doesn’t matter too much. My imagination, I think, is the only essential tool. And a dictionary/thesaurus, but I can write without them, and leave things highlighted for editing.
And readers. They are really important. Without them, I’d still write, because I enjoy it, but I likely wouldn’t bother publishing. That part is all about them.
Thanks so much Anne!
Kisses  xxx
0 COMMENTS
Anne Holly
13 years agoThanks! xoxo
dbmoon
13 years agoMorning, Anne! Love getting to know you better and congrats on your upcoming release!
Y'all started early this morning, coffee's not even brewed yet and I'm already having to play catch up, Yay! Can't wait to see what comes up next.