Author Interview - Danielle Holian

Hello all!

It's time for another author interview. Today's guest is poet Danielle Holian!

PB: Hi! Welcome to pjbermanbooks.com. Tell us a bit about your background.

DH: Hi! I’m Danielle Holian, author of Beautifully Chaotic and The Dilemma. I studied media in college and have worked a lot of different media roles, but found myself always drawn to the art of writing.

PB: What made you decide to become an author?

DH: I wrote a few manuscripts from novels, short stories, to poetry...yet, nothing ever felt right as a first release. When I initially worked on Beautifully Chaotic I never truly imagined it to be published, but there was a part of me that knew my stories needed to be shared. I never had someone growing up relating to somewhat taboo topics, whereas now I use my art to express myself and find those who need it most.

PB: When did you first start writing?

DH: I always had an interest and would submit stories in competitions through school from a young age. I started taking poetry more seriously when I was 16, and haven’t put down my pen and paper since.

PB: What was the first poem that you can remember writing?

DH: I actually cannot remember - I do a lot of writing from songwriting, poetry, short stories - so if I were to give a guess it probably was something about feeling like an outcast.

PB: Tell us a bit about your writing process.

DH: My writing process is different every time. Sometimes I can sit down with a pen and paper and let my thoughts flow into story form. Other times I need to let my creativity find me. As of lately, I will set time aside to be creative like go out for a walk, read some inspiring words by other writers, listen to empowering podcasts and music, or just chill out watching whatever show I am binging to almost zone out to zone into my art.

PB: Tell us about Beautifully Chaotic.

DH: Beautifully Chaotic is my debut book. Writing this poetry collection was somewhat a healing process all while facing some demons. I do write about some hard topics, but there’s some self-love pieces that I think everyone should read. It was an empowering move to actually piece this book together and then release it. I didn’t really share or tell anyone about it until its release because it was something I truly wasn’t sure I wanted to pursue. . .but those feelings immediately changed once it was published.

PB: How would you describe The Dilemma to someone who hasn’t read it yet?

DH: The Dilemma is a poetry collection split into three parts of The Loving, The Breaking, and The Healing. It centres around a relationship that discusses love, some toxicity moments, and healing to moving forward. The story does come after Beautifully Chaotic, although it was written prior.

PB: Of all your achievements, which are you most proud of?

DH: This is a hard one. I am proud of all my achievements, but actually publishing my work and having books that are mine to own is the top right now.

PB: Of all the poems you have written, which is the most special to you?

DH: Right now, any poems that I write about that are centred around abuse and survival are the most special to me as I never thought I would be okay again, let alone have the courage to tell my story.

PB: Who are your favourite poets?

DH: Olivia Gatwood, Lauren Eden, Rupi Kaur, and Kayil York.

PB: What are your long term ambitions with regards to writing?

DH: I first wanted to be a songwriter, but now with the poetry I do feel anything is possible. I would love to tour with my work, expand into podcasts and film, and keep on enjoying the freedom I have with my writing.

PB: If you weren’t an author, what career would you be in?

DH: I work in media as a whole (check me out on LinkedIn), so outside media itself, I would love to venture into the business and hotel industry.

PB: What’s the next target for you?

DH: I am currently writing my third book, so planning after that, as I said, I do feel anything is possible. I would love to reach a larger audience with my work whether it’s working in film, podcasts, or doing some spoken word shows.

PB: Tell us a random fact about yourself.

DH: I am a workaholic. If I don’t have something to do, I generally create work for myself. I cannot stand idle hands.

Thank you so much Danielle! It has been lovely talking to you today.

Until next time, happy reading!

Peter
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Published on September 06, 2020 22:35
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