Holly S. Roberts
Today, I have the privilege of speaking with Holly S. Roberts. I met Holly a couple years ago at the Indie Romance Convention in Lebanon, TN. Hi Holly! Can you tell me what made you decide to become a writer?
I always knew I would write. My biggest problem was sitting still. After several years of a career in law enforcement, my ADHD had an outlet and I was able to sit and type. I haven’t stopped.
You know, I have met a lot of authors who admit to having ADHD or ADD. You’re in good company. How long did it take to get published the first time and how did it happen?
After 200 query rejections to agents, I bit the bullet and self-published. Best thing I ever did. I now have an agent, Hollywood contract, and write full-time.
Good for you! Would you do anything differently the next time? If so, what would it be?
Save my pennies until I could afford an editor. Back in the beginning of my writing career, money was an issue. I’m slowly going back through those first books, rewriting, and having them professionally edited. What a difference.
What advice would you give an aspiring author?
Finish the first book. Don’t think about whether it’s good or bad, just finish.
Good advice! What or who inspires or influences your writing?
Love inspires me. I’ve seen horrible things but love has a way of reshaping us. I read romance and write it because we need happy endings in this world.
I agree with that. What are your latest releases and when or where can we find them?
“Shadow” (Book 1 Genetically Modified Novels) This is a post-apocalyptic, paranormal, and urban fantasy. Take your pick.
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“Warrior” (Book 2 Genetically Modified Novels) just released on March 5th!
That’s awesome! How long have you been writing professionally?
I write full-time and started writing at the age of 50 in 2011. I’ve never looked back.
Good for you! Holly, what do you do for fun when you’re not writing?
I’m a gym rat, have a personal kick boxing trainer and love to exercise. For fun, I roller skate and hike. When I’m exhausted, I read.
I love exercising too, it’s just getting back into the habit that’s the hard part. So, Holly, where do you live?
Arizona.
That’s a lovely state. I’ve driven through there and would like to go back some day. Do you have any appearances or book signings scheduled for this year?
This year is all about my 40th wedding anniversary. My husband and I married at age 18. We are renting a state park for our family and having a weekend bash to rival all bashes. Because of this, I don’t have appearances scheduled this year, but look out 2020. Basically, I’m in party planning and book writing mode this year.
I totally get that. Could you leave us with a website or Facebook page?
www.wickedstorytelling.com http://twitter.com/hollysroberts
http://facebook.com/hollysrobertsauthor
And do you write under any other name besides your given name?
I write under several names but Holly S. Roberts is my go-to and I’m slowly adding my “Holly” name to those books. My movie option is for my life-story and will be the first book/movie released under my real name. That’s a secret for now and I’m nervous about letting the real me out of the closet. My Holly Roberts books tend to be steamy. “Shadow” and “Warrior” are, however, rated PG 16.
Looking forward to seeing those two, Holly. Thanks for spending time with me!
