Interview with William Arthur Holmes

Published 2020-01-05.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Making an idea as entertaining (or amazing) for the reader as it was for me when I first thought of it.
What do your fans mean to you?
My greatest joy as a writer so far has been watching my brother's reaction to one of my books.
What are you working on next?
Something silly, for a change.
Who are your favorite authors?
In no particular order: Lionel Holmes, Robert Crais, James Rollins, Carl Hiaasen, Robert Ludlum, John Le Carré, Louis L'Amour, Janet Evanovich, Wilbur Smith, John Steinbeck, Harlan Coben, Stephen King
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
The bathroom. The dog(s) whimpering for their breakfast. The cat wanting out.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Hanging out/goofing off with wife, daughter and pets. Visiting family. Watching sports (horse racing, soccer, football, baseball, in that order).
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
I don't know if it was my first, but the earliest one I remember was a poem called Crime Does Not Pay. I guess I was 6 or 7?
What is your writing process?
I wish I had a set process. It would save a lot of time. It comes down to a lot of rewriting, but it usually starts with a character or two in a bad (or at least tricky) situation.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Not the very first one, but I remember reading "Shout at the Devil" by Wilbur Smith and thinking I might be a writer someday.
How do you approach cover design?
Something that, in one image or collage, conveys the gist of the story.
What do you read for pleasure?
Action/adventure, thrillers (political and otherwise), anything heartfelt without being too mushy.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
Marketing? What's that?
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in California (near Folsom prison), though I was actually born in Sacramento thirty miles away. I'm not sure how it influenced my writing.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I like doing things myself. Didn't want to wait for someone else's approval.
What's the story behind your latest book?
This average but intelligent guy, Dobie, is fed up with "the system" and has set out to do something about it.
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Books by This Author

The Lazy Pug Cafe
Price: $1.00 USD. Words: 13,570. Language: American English. Published: September 20, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Family / General, Fiction » Fantasy » Contemporary
The Lazy Pug Cafe was a dilapidated old farmhouse abandoned years ago. A massive, ancient oak tree, Ol' Lightnin', lurked out back while the house itself served as a sad but charming reminder of days gone by. Locals were grateful someone was finally bringing the old girl back to life. Come meet pugs Daisy, Chandler and Joey! There are cats and humans, too, but it's all about the pugs! Pugs rule!
Another Way: Beyond the Status Quo
Price: $4.44 USD. Words: 70,520. Language: American English. Published: August 26, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Action, Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure
A politically-incorrect manifesto. Anti-corporate crusader Dobie Pokorny wants to save the world. His old boss, Colonel Charonne, wants to stop him. On his "truth tour," Dobie meets and falls in love with Kaylie while enduring attacks at every turn. Can they outrun Charonne and his minions? Will Major Watson steal her away? And, what's up with the little blue alien? Is it even real?
Last Train Out
Price: $4.00 USD. Words: 45,570. Language: American English. Published: August 11, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Action
Clay and his adopted daught­er Jenna look forward to their up­coming "home­land tour" to Russia. His intent­ions are pure. Hers, not so much. When she goes mis­s­ing, he goes looking, only to find she is not the innocent little girl he thought she was. Not even close. His only hope is to get her on the Last Train Out.