Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for years, but my first published novel is Foreshadowed, released by 48fourteen Publishing on December 31, 2014. I have another novel, The Window With No Curtains, set to be released sometime in 2015. I write young adult, new adult, urban fantasy/paranormal, mystery, and suspense.
Along with writing, I love reading, dancing, and singing. I performed on a Contemporary Dance company in college, and occasionally teach/choreograph locally. I’m the director of my church choir, and I’ve sung the National Anthem at our local county fair two years in a row.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Foreshadowed is about two psychic teens trying to stop a murder before it happens. The main character, Hope Murdoch, knows she is going to be murdered. She doesn’t know when, but she knows it happens in a dark place, so naturally she has a fear of the dark. This was inspired by my own fear of the dark (as a youth, I read way too many scary books and watched too many scary stories). In college, I preferred to sleep with the light on. That got me thinking…and several years later, I wrote Foreshadowed.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. Unless it’s unusual to write three books at a time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Harry Potter is my all time favorite book, but I hesitate to say it’s influenced me. It’s a masterpiece. I suppose, it has taught me to flesh out my characters and give then unique quirks–even the secondary characters.
Growing up, I read Christopher Pike almost exclusively, and I know I was definitely influenced by his writing style.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on the sequel to Foreshadowed as well as a new adult ghost story, and a Foreshadowed spin-off. And once I’m finished with those, I already have three more book ideas lined up.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Foreshadowed is my first published novel, so I don’t have a lot of experience with promotion yet. I do love Wattpad though. I have some loyal followers on there–people I would never have met without the website. I think Wattpad is a great website for authors.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Seriously. I’m published because I never gave up.
Also, don’t be afraid to rewrite. Chances are, your book isn’t as polished as you think it is. You don’t have to take every agent’s/editor’s/writing group member’s piece of advice, but at least consider it. Shake off the sting of rejection and criticism, and then take a good look at your manuscript. Can it be improved? Don’t be afraid to start over from the very first chapter if you need to. I’ve done that many times, and the novel improved with each revision.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To work hard. There’s no magical formula for success. Pretty generic advice, but it’s so true.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading The Duchess Quest by C.K. Brooke.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to finish the three books I’ve been working on, and start three more.
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 (can I lump all seven books into one?)
Mercy Thompson (again, I can’t decide which book in the series I like best)
Les Miserables (I’ve only read it once, but if I’m stranded on a desert island, I’ll have plenty of time to read it again, right?)
Pride and Prejudice…or maybe The Princess Bride
Author Websites and Profiles
Holly M. Campbell Website
Holly M. Campbell Amazon Profile
Holly M. Campbell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile