Posted on June 12, 2019 at 8:00 AM by Sadye Scott-Hainchek

Today we’re interviewing Thomas Hollyday, author of the River Sunday romance mysteries.

Hollyday grew up in the southern atmosphere of the Eastern Shore with its maritime and military heritage.

He studied writing with Elliott Coleman at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Writing Seminars and with Michael Curtis of the Atlantic Monthly.

He served with distinction in Vietnam and became a successful international businessman. He also drew illustrations for national magazines and published Chesapeake maritime and Civil War history.

He currently edits YouTube videos and WordPress blogs for animal water rights and for book reviews. Two of his books have featured his humorous Animal Viewpoint Cartoons.

In his River Sunday romance mysteries, the underlying theme suggests human settlers since prehistoric times in the Chesapeake region have left a mist of legend and history that permeates its modern stories.

At the same time, his characters face the power of modern technology for good and evil. Each novel, located in the small town of River Sunday, Maryland, records the continuing beautiful nature of the area.

His writing portrays today's problems, conflicts, and memorable local characters with their loves and their combat with evil.

SADYE: How did you come to see yourself as a writer, and what inspired you to seek publication?

THOMAS: Growing up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the best possible future occupations were being a preacher, being a politician, or working at a gas station serving the tourists.

Being a storyteller was a hybrid occupation of the other three, and you could sit on your porch while you did it.

SADYE: Tell us something about your writing process that’s unusual or that you haven’t revealed before.

THOMAS: I used to drink bourbon while I wrote but now I only drink coffee.

SADYE: What have been the most surprising, rewarding, and challenging parts of your writing career?

THOMAS: Being an independent writer on Kindle has given me the freedom to write what I want.

SADYE: What period of history would you most like to travel back and why?

THOMAS: None. I know too much about living in the cold houses and having the bad teeth.

SADYE: What advice, as relates to your writing career, would you give your younger self?

THOMAS: Get a second job and treat writing as an accomplishment and not a profession.

SADYE: What experience in your past or general aspect of your life has most affected your writing?

THOMAS: The best experience was my continued learning about life from the people of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, a microcosm of the country.

* * *

Learn more about Thomas Hollyday on his book blog or Amazon author page, where his books can also be purchased.

Know an author you'd like to see featured? Email us with a recommendation!

Categories: Author Interview

Comments
I just finished "SLAVE GRAVES". I read straight through with -- just the normal breaks. The book is stuffed with information about archeology, politics, history. I enjoyed it very much.
GINNY | 9/10/19 at 2:47 AM
Add Comment

* Indicates a required field