Interview With Author Chris Hollaway
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since 1991, but only seriously since about 2010. Since then, I’ve published five books in my first series, ‘The Blademage Saga’, and a short story set in a completely different universe, ‘Shattered Barrier’. It is a prelude to a book about three deep on my To-Be-Written list.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book I like to characterize as two novellas ana a short story in a trench coat. It is my first foray into LitRPG, and I’m calling it ‘Shattered Might: Game of the Year Edition’. The first half was previously released on Kindle Vella, but is being reworked along with the second part, which skews more thriller/crime drama with the LitRPG base. Think ‘The Guild’ meets ‘Law and Order: SVU’. This book, especially the second half, got pushed to the forefront as I went through the process of applying for a 911 Dispatch, interviewing patrol officers and detectives on elements of the book and things that are often done wrong in crime novels.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I actually do a lot of my writing on my phone with a Bluetooth keyboard, while waiting for haircuts, tire rotations, or between tasks at work.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading Jack London, Louis L’amour, and Tolkien. My debut series is epic fantasy with a western vibe.
What are you working on now?
I’m developing a board game set inside my series, getting ready to have artwork produced for that. Getting art for my new book, and working on a new Sci-fi/Fantasy crossover that could be the first in a series or shared universe.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have been really bad about promoting my own work and am looking to remedy that. I have a really supportive critique group and we’re starting up some group marketing days where we’re sharing best practices.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want to read. Take constructive criticism to heart, but from QUALIFIED people. Pay for covers. Pay for editing. Take your time, do it right, or you’ll wind up making anti-fans.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Pretty much everything Mercedes Lackey says about writing on Quora.
What are you reading now?
Anything by Jim Butcher. Re-reading, anxiously awaiting, whatever.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Extralibrium. Riftstorm. Who knows?
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?
A Game of Universe.
Glory Road.
Jumper.
Eon.
Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Hollaway’s Social Media Links