Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written one full anthology myself, and been featured in two others, including a Simon and Schuster imprint. It was an awesome experience going to Barnes & Noble and seeing myself published in the store among so many other amazing pieces of writing.
This latest book has been three years in the making and I was the organizer, lead editor, and am now marketing it. One of my stories is also featured in the book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s titled Vices and Virtues: A Horror Anthology. The other contributing authors and myself have worked together before on various projects: both online and in some physically published works.
We wanted to work on something new and the idea of doing a thematic anthology was really appealing. Sort of like a concept album or sorts, where each story would be based on a vice or virtue from human history.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m creatively nocturnal. Some of that is because I have a day job, but also because I love spending time with my kids. Once my wife and them are asleep, it’s game time.
I enjoy working in isolation. It probably sounds horrible to other people,
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many. I really enjoy reading Kurt Vonnegut and Mark Twain. Edgar Allen Poe is an influence, along with Chuck Palahniuk. I’m influenced by so many things. Comic books, anime, classic literature, music.
What are you working on now?
I just finished putting Vices and Virtues together and I have another anthology to polish up right after that. I’ve also finished a poetry book and a children’s book–both are fiction and departures from horror, which has been my primary genre so far.
It’s really exciting to have so many creative projects to work on. I love creating.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is the best place to go. If you sign up for my mailing list I give away a free novella once you sign up: https://www.asforclass.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never stop and don’t give up. Being an author is a long-haul type of journey. There are so many times when it feels like I’m shouting into an empty room. But then someone contacts me and tells me they’ve read my stuff and it pushes me to keep going.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When it comes to creativity: live a life worth writing about.
When it comes to life: enjoy every day because tomorrow may be it. Stress happens, but concentrating on it isn’t worth the time wasted.
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading Lolita and Catcher in the Rye. The unreliable narrator is such a difficult and interesting construct to tackle. I’ve tried to start doing it more in my writing. Pulling something like that off would feel like such an achievement.
What’s next for you as a writer?
There’s the next horror anthology, the poetry book, and then the children’s book. After that, I’m going to tackle my first novel.
I have no idea what it will be about, but there’s some ideas floating around in the back of my mind. The sky is the limit.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Watchmen, Maus, Man’s Search For Meaning, The Sirens of Titan.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ashley Franz Holzmann Website
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