Interview With Author D.M. Holland
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve loved reading romance for as long as I can remember. It is my escapism from the world. Writing a book has always been a dream of mine, but one I thought I would never be able to accomplish. And then the pandemic hit, and well, life is just too short to not follow your dreams. I began writing and have no plans of stopping! There is something special about doing what you love and sharing your creativity with the world-even a small portion of it.
I’ve written three books, four novellas, and have several more in the works.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Given”. I was in the mood for something a little dark and a whole lot of steamy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a night owl; evening is when I’m most creative. As soon as the sun starts going down, that is when my ideas start flowing. My ritual is to grab my laptop, shut myself in my room, toss my phone to the other side of the room, and get to work.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, there’s too many to name! Romance will always be my first love, and I read just about every sub-genre. One of the books that really got me into romance is Fire by Kristin Cashore. It was the first time that I truly fell for a character and the angst just drew me in. The tension and the journey of two characters falling in love will never get old for me, and I will never, ever get enough.
What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished something steamy, so I’m countering it with something a little more sweet. But that isn’t to say it still won’t be hot! “Dream Love” will be released soon, so keep an eye out!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is something I’m still very much working on-but I think we have all seen the power of social media, especially through BookTok.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing! You are going to get rejections-it is part of the business. Even the most successful authors-some of your favorites-have faced this. You just have to keep working and honing your craft. What sets published authors apart from unpublished is perseverance-not talent. It is easy to become discouraged, but have faith in your work and abilities and keep moving forward.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write and then write some more! Keep your head down and focus on your own work-don’t compare yourself to others. You have no idea where someone is in their journey, and everyone has their own path to follow.
What are you reading now?
I always am in the middle of several books at once. To name a few, I am rereading The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black, Into the Dreaming by Karen Marie Moning, and An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would love to branch out to some of the other sub-genres that I love so much. I have some ideas brewing for historical romances, both long and short. I also have plans to play around with the classic tropes-but with a modern spin.
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?
Only thee or four?? The world can’t be so cruel! But if I really had to pick, I would chose The Winter King by C.L. Wilson, Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Sea of Ruin by Pam Godwin, and Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt.
D.M. Holland’s Social Media Links