Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing very young. I got my Creative Writing degree in 2009. Since then I’ve been doing a lot of other things. Thorn is my first novel. It too me years to finish it.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I was inspired by reading Harry Potter. I remember thinking: I can write something just as good! I was in college at the time and dealing with a lot of professors who were very snobby about J.K. Rowling. They were unimpressed with her to say the least. But I think she’s marvelous. Her description and her storytelling. The cast of characters she has created. Writing anything that long and engaging is hard and demands respect.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I read a lot. I am obsessive over editing. An out of place comma will keep me awake. I published Thorn then went back and edited it five times.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a huge fan of both non-fiction history books and historical fiction. I like murder mysteries and just plain old mysteries. I like Kate Morton and Jennifer Donnelly. I still read Agatha Christie.
I actually don’t read a ton of fantasy even though it’s what I write. But I have some very specific fantasy writers I do love: Naomi Novik, Katherine Arden, Melissa Albert, and Robin McKinley. And Peter S. Beagle. He’s immortal. Tamsin is my favorite book in the world.
What are you working on now?
It’s called Swan and it’s a variation on the fairy tale The Six Swans. It veers hard off the path of the original story and I’m enjoying writing it. It’s very funny and I’ve done quite a bit of research for it. It’s different in tone from Thorn. I do have a sequel to Thorn brewing, but it’s in the very early stages.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You can find me at hollanleemccarthy.com or hollanlee on Instagram.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Being a new author myself, I’m not qualified to offer advice. Get a thick skin and don’t worry too much over that out of place comma?
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your first novel is your learning novel. Your second novel is also your learning novel. And your third. And so on. You learn with every story you produce.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a book about Seattle history and it’s haunted locations. Just in time for Halloween! It’s also a good historical work. Lots of history I didn’t know about the area.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing Swan and getting it out there. Starting work on whatever’s next. I’ve mentioned a sequel to Thorn, but the truth is I have several ideas floating around.
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?
I’ve mentioned Tasmin by Peter S. Beagle.
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly.
Persuasion by Jane Austen.
Forever Amber by Kathleen Windsor.
Author Websites and Profiles
Hollan McCarthy Website