Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing about 13 years ago during a difficult time in my life, and I haven’t stopped since! I have 6 published books with another one coming out in April, 2021. I enjoy writing in multiple genres (even though I’ve been told that’s against the rules — but I feel like the rules are more like guidelines 🙂 ). Five Out of the Dark (the first book in the Quinae Presidia trilogy) was my first published work, then came Five Out of the Pit, and Five Out of the Ashes to go along with it. I’ve also published an adult romantic thriller under the name H.L. Anderson called Saved, a YA superhero/dystopian titled Myrikal, and a Middle Grade contemporary titled The Specials. Another adult romantic thriller will be released in April, 2021 under H.L. Anderson, titled Under the Viaduct.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m going to go with The Specials, since it was just recently released. The Specials is an MG book about a group of amazing kids in a Special Education class who find their own super powers through teamwork and friendship. It was inspired by a panel discussion I attended at a writer’s conference about the lack of special needs kids in literature.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I write whenever and wherever I can — that includes while I’m at my day job… And, when my boys were still in school, I was known to put in my ear phones and write during the lulls between bouts at their wrestling tournaments.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So, so many, it’s hard to narrow it down. Brandon Sanderson, Madeleine L’Engle, Beverly Cleary, Pete Fanning, J.K. Rowling… the list is nearly endless.
What are you working on now?
An adult mystery called Dr. Graves: Medical Examiner
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It changes so fast in this industry, so I try to stay active on multiple sites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Remember that rejections are part of the process and don’t give up. Most importantly — learn your craft.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Uuummm… Let’s go with these wise words from Albus Dumbledore — “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.”
What are you reading now?
Granted by Rachel Huffmire — Which will be available to the public on 1/26/2021.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I just plan to keep telling the stories that continuously travel around in my head.
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?
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, The Book of Mormon, The Way of Kings, and another Harry Potter book, probably The Goblet of Fire.
Author Websites and Profiles
Holli Anderson Website
Holli Anderson Amazon Profile
Holli Anderson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account