HOLLY GASKIN FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Where can I buy your books?
A: On Amazon.com. Locally, they are available at Yellow Barn Winery (Salt Point Road, between Watertown and Sackets Harbor), seasonally at Burrville Cider Mill, at book signings, or by directly contacting the author. When the books become available at more locations, it will be posted here as well as on Holly's Twitter and MySpace pages.
Q: How long does it take you to write a book?
A: A Little Company took a couple of years... maybe longer. I kept rewriting and reworking it. It was painstaking, but I knew it was a good story, so I kept at it. Tricked took maybe six months to write.
Q: Where do you get your ideas?
A: Everywhere! The characters in ALC were based on my mother and her brother, who unfortunately had a father much like "Poppa" in my book. I was also inspired by a book I read chronicling the history of the town of Adams, recalling fatal fires, train/ buggy accidents, people who went mad, etc. Also, I have always been fascinated with the Great Depression era. As far as Tricked is concerned, I've always loved Halloween and cemeteries! I used to live in the neighborhood where the story is set.
This old family picture depicts what Pauline and Walter might have looked like.
Q: Do you do your own artwork?
A: No. The artwork in Tricked was done by a very talented artist named Shane Tyree. I found him through Craigslist!
Q: Why did you choose to self-publish?
A: Because I am #1 a control freak, and #2 very impatient. I didn't want to waste months and maybe even years waiting on replies from publishers and collecting rejection letters! If I get picked up by a "real" publisher, great! Until then, Outskirts gives me total control over the look, content and price of my books, and of course I retain all the rights.
Q: What's the hardest part about writing?
A: Research. It's so time-consuming, and I'm afraid I may write something innacurate. For instance, I'm having to learn all about dinosaurs and lizards for my newest book, The Hungry Monster!
Q: Who are some of your influences?
A: Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe, John Saul, Dean Koontz... There are many.
Q: What advice do you have for anyone who wants to be a writer?
A: Write Something every day, even if it's just in a journal or blog. Not everything you write has to be "good" or be seen by anyone's eyes but your own. Writer's Digest is a very good magazine with helpful articles, great contests and recommended websites. Also, Writer's Digest puts out Writer's Market books every year with listings of publishers, editors, agents, etc. This can be an invaluable tool!
Q: When will your next book be out?
A: "The Hungry Monster," possibly in late 2010 or early 2011. My ebook will be out this summer. I need to do more research on the topic and take a trip to Boston in order to complete it.
If you have any questions for Holly, email her: hollygaskin@yahoo.com
