Tina Holland

Welcome, today we are talking with Tina Holland! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’ve been married to my high-school sweetheart for nearly 30 years.  I understand German but don’t speak it as well. I can write my first name with my right foot (Although it looks like a kindergartner did it) and I am an avid Romance Reader.

How long have you been writing?

Like many writers, I’ve been writing since childhood.  I used to staple little stories together like a book, so I guess you could say I’ve been published almost as long.  Seriously though, I’ve been published since 2005 when my first title, The Pilot and the Pinup, was published with Liquid Silver Books.

What have you found most challenging about it?

The writing – when I’m blocked that is the most challenging to get out of whatever funk put me there.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

I would say I find it fun.  I enjoy it when the story flows and the characters are talking, it makes the process much more fun.  I wouldn’t say I get emotional, not like I do when I read others’ work, perhaps I’m too close to the subject matter.  

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

Because I write full-time, I usually have my butt in the chair between 9 am and 3 pm.  M-Th.  I usually go through my business stuff (emails, social, marketing, etc.) so I can focus on my current WIP.  I do occasionally write outside these hours, but I try to stick to this as much as possible.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

Maybe a cross between the two.  I’ve always hoped readers would enjoy what I wrote enough to make some money, but ultimately I can’t resist telling a good story.

What inspires you?

Other writers – I love hearing success stories whether it’s finishing their first book, or getting a book deal or being able to achieve some level of success personal to them.    Because you are witnessing a person in an achievable moment, it is wonderful to get caught up in their energy to fuel your own productivity.

Let’s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

I’ve been married to the same man for almost 30 years and we have two terrific daughters – one lives in Minnesota and the other in Montana.  We are nested between the two on a Farm south of Fargo, North Dakota.   We used to have horses, chickens, and ducks. Currently, we have 2 dogs, 2 cats, and a parrot.

 What are your pet peeves?

These days – authors who sabotage other authors.  I don’t care for this practice at all.  This idea that you need to trash another author to increase your sales, readers, or whatever just pisses me off.  I understand frustration if you see your career stagnating but there’s no reason to disparage another to make yourself feel better or whatever you are trying to do.  It’s wrong on so many levels and Karma has a way of dealing with those types of people.

Who is your hero?

It’s probably cliche but my mom (who passed away in 2020).  She was so supportive of my writing and encouraged me even as a child with notebooks, pencils, the stapler, and later a typewriter.

Give us one thing on your bucket list.

A trip to Ireland.

What is your favorite hot drink (coffee, tea, etc.)?

• Morning – Coffee with cream
• Later Afternoon/Evening – Tea (Earl Grey)
• Movies with Popcorn – Hot Chocolate.

What would readers find surprising about you?

Probably that I’m not widely read.  I love Romance, but rarely read outside the genre.

If you could go to heaven, who would you visit?

Famous – Heath Ledger.  I think we lost him before his talent peaked.  Not famous – My great grandmother, she was such an interesting lady.  She was a mail order bride and lived in my grandfather’s house working before she married him.

Just for fun. What is your least favorite:

• Hero type –  Too good to be true, someone without flaws.  I don’t trust that.
• Body part – Elbows – they are so angular.
• Overused word in a title – Duke
• Genre –  Horror
• Dirty word – I don’t care for the word C*nt when describing female genetalia.  However when characters use it to describe other people Like Billy Butcher in The Boys that doesn’t bother me.

Now that our readers know who Tina Holland is let’s get down to the business of your book, How to Marry a Major.  Please tell us a little bit about, How to Marry a Major.

What was your hardest challenge writing this book?

The Rewrites – Originally there was a spy element to the book, that I had to take out because it was not working.  I may use some of that story element in a later book.

What kind of research did you have to do?

Mostly reading non-fiction about the period, watching documentaries, and hiring an editor who was familiar with the Regency period.

What in your opinion makes good chemistry between your leading characters?

Surface conflict (like they don’t get along or how could this work) but really they are exactly what the other person needs.

Any other works in progress?

I’m working on Book 2 in my B.A.D. (Bold & Adventurous Debutante) guide series, How to Love a Lord.

Any advice for aspiring authors?

Write whatever speaks to you and once you finish the story, worry about how to publish it.   I think too many aspiring authors get ahead of themselves on genre, what’s selling, who’s buying, and so much of the publishing process that they don’t enjoy the process of writing which honestly IMO is critical to longevity in this career.   I had to figure out my own writing process before I could consistently put out work.

 

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