Holli True's Blog

“Write what you know.”

~Mark Twain

This famous and wise quote is one that every writer in existence has probably heard at one point or another. It makes sense to write from a place of familiarity, as it will give you an element of authenticity that your story may otherwise lack. But it doesn’t mean you have to write an autobiography, especially when you’re writing fiction. In my humble opinion, you should explore what you know, but don’t stop there, build.

When I craft the baseline of my stories, I start by writing down what inspired the idea and the overall concept of the story I want to tell. At this point in the writing process, it isn’t so much about the things I know, it’s about the things I want to learn about and navigate my way through on paper. When it comes to building the characters that will take me on the journey, that’s when I start to put Mark Twain’s advice into action. There are little fragments of me within each character that I write about. As an author, I think this is pretty normal. Not to say that my characters are carbon copies of me, because they definitely aren’t, they just have little pieces of who I am and what I’ve experienced, intersected with characteristics, travels and talents I could only dream to embody and experience. I think this makes the characters multifaceted and real. They have dreams, ambitions, fears and flaws. They aren’t perfect and neither are their lives, nor do I want them to be.

Hailey Covington, one of the main characters in my debut novel, RECKLESS, is a girl who knows what she wants, even at a young age. I could strongly relate to her and her understanding of love at the age of 19, because I fell in love and was actually married by the age of 18. (Gasp! I know!! And yes, me and my high school sweetheart are still happily married, 15+ years later!) I don’t believe you have to be a certain age to fall in love. When you know, you know. Whether you’re in high school, college or full-blown adulthood, love isn’t based on age and it isn’t hinged on a choice. Love simply happens. In life, we are faced with decisions every single day and, good or bad, these decisions have consequences, which set into action a ripple effect. In RECKLESS, this concept is explored in-depth.

Get RECKLESS for FREE today only!

Ellie Ford, the main character and narrator of SUMMER OF GRAY (soon to be released), is a very complex girl. She’s burying the pain she feels over her parents broken marriage and doesn’t trust that love can truly last. (Very different from Hailey, right?) Coming from a family affected by divorce, I can relate to Ellie. I had to overcome some of the pain and anger I felt as a teenager, which was a bit therapeutic to relive within the pages of SUMMER OF GRAY. At that time, while I knew how to express my feelings in words- I didn’t want to. Instead, I swallowed it down and dealt with it internally, which is something Ellie does, too. She doesn’t like conflict, so she avoids it, but when she’s forced into facing it, she doesn’t hold back. SUMMER OF GRAY chronicles her last summer at home before venturing off to college. She’s on the precipice of becoming an adult, which is a very thrilling and scary time of life and she’s fumbling her way through it. When finds herself falling in love, it terrifies her, because it makes her feel vulnerable to possibility of being hurt.

I have tons of stories in my head that I can’t wait to explore with characters that are built around a mix of what I know and who I aspire to be like. And I can’t wait for you to meet them all within the pages of my books.

Sarah shared her review for RECKLESS on Goodreads and it absolutely made my day! There is no greater feeling in the world than having someone love something that you poured your heart and soul into. Sarah, thank you so, so much for your review and for loving Hailey & Jonah as much as I do! ;)

This is how you do a new adult book, I am utterly floored at just how enjoyable it was and by how much I’ve fallen for this story. I’m often a little dubious about picking up a new adult book of this kind to read, so often the synopsis for it has me hooked but then once I start getting in to it there just isn’t enough oomph in it to keep me there and I’ll be wishing the pages would go quicker. This book is the complete opposite of that and I am beyond happy that I took a gamble on this one because I’m totally in love.

Reckless is the story of Hailey, college student and book worm and of Jonah, man of mystery. Hailey is the kind of girl who would rather spend her time curled up reading on her sofa rather than out partying with her dorm mate, Shayne, and exactly the kind of girl that everyone wants as a friend. She’s easy going, non judgemental and always supportive. She is easy to love and identify with.

When love is no longer hinged on a choice, there is nothing left to do but accept it. Because it wasn’t a decision that caused me to fall in love with her, it was simply being with her. Holding her. Knowing her. 

Jonah comes in to Hailey’s life after meeting at a frat party and they instantly seem to be two kindred spirits. Without wanting to give too much away about him and who he is all I will admit is that I couldn’t stop myself from adoring him. Although he seemed to be too good to be true sometimes I also could never doubt that he was always being honest and truthful and I never worried that he was suddenly going to be hiding all sorts of dark and damaging secrets or deceptions.

This book has been a total gem to come across. I loved all the characters, especially Hailey’s mother but also the suitably skin crawling Matt and Ethan, and the way that the love story between Hailey and Jonah is played out. Yes they fall in to almost instant love but then because of the main heart of the story being that Jonah is just made for Hailey, it just works. The mystery of who and what exactly Jonah is thrilled me, I love trying to solve a puzzle of a character and I loved how it isn’t instantly just revealed too early on, there’s nothing as fun as trying to piece hints together and then waiting to see if you’re right. The only character that I ever had an issue with was Shayne. When she pushed Hailey to forgive Matt she never seemed to fathom that there was more to the situation that she knew. I would like to think that if my best friend has cause to not forgive someone for something then I would trust their judgement without needing them to explain why and certainly without nagging them.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and the excerpt for book two, Breathless, that is given at the end has got me so excited to read the continuation of Hailey and Jonahs story. A beautiful love story told with great tenderness and emotion, thank you so much to Holli True for allowing me a copy of this to read, I am eternally grateful to have discovered your work.

“If you aren’t ready to move on, then don’t. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or if they understand the way you feel. Listen to what your heart is telling you, always lead with that.”

SEE SARAH’S REVIEW ON GOODREADS

Although I don’t have an exact date for the release of Summer of Gray, I do know that it will be early 2015. I am really excited about this book and I think you will be, too. Exploring Ellie’s tangled web has been a lot of fun, it almost makes me sad to know that her story is a stand-alone book. However, I stand firm on belief that it should remain as a singular book and not a series. It seems that most books these days are part of a trilogy, saga or revisited through the eyes of another character involved. But Summer of Gray is Ellie’s story. Her journey. No one else.

I thought it would be fun to share some quotes a few times a month so you could get to know the characters a bit before the big launch gets here. This week I am thrilled to share one of my favorite quotes from the one and only Ellie Ford.

One of the things I love about Ellie is how witty she is. She can be a little blunt and sometimes speaks before she realizes what she’s even saying, but that’s all a part of her charm. She has just turned eighteen at the start of Summer of Gray and the book takes place during her last summer at home before heading off to college.

I’m on a crazy mission to finish writing SUMMER OF GRAY before Christmas, so I’ve been literally writing my brains out! Uh, that actually sounds pretty gross, but I’m going to roll with it anyway. Needless to say, I have been devoting every spare second to Ellie & Grayson, creating their world and building their story. So, don’t mind my social media absence, friends. It’s all for a good cause, I assure you. ;)

I am also in the process of making some much-needed updates to this site because it’s been months! I’ve put together an Upcoming Projects list to keep all of you in the know with my writing pursuits. My goal is to release 2 novels per year, which I’m pretty excited about! I hope you are, too! Obviously, given the amount of time I’ve spent talking up SUMMER OF GRAY, it’s on my 2015 release schedule, as well as BREATHLESS, the follow-up to RECKLESS.

I recently posted a little sneak peek from one of the new scenes I wrote from Summer of Gray and thought I should also share it here, just in case any of you missed it. Be on the lookout for more sneak peeks, as I will be sharing so much more in the coming weeks! Now, this girl is getting back to work! Happy Thursday!

It’s only been three months (to the day!) since I released Reckless, and while some of you might think I am still basking in the glow of FINALLY writing a novel, truth is, I have been hard at working writing my NEXT novel, Summer of Gray. All while working through my crazy/busy senior photography season. Because that’s how I roll. Because I am a glutton.

Along the way, I managed to neglect this glorious little blog, which is such a bummer because it’s the last thing I ever intended to do. So, this is my first step towards juggling the duties of both of my dreams- writing and photography. I’m still trying to figure out my system and needless to say, it’s a work in progress, so don’t mind my mishaps along the way, okay? Thanks.

I am so excited to announce that I have been tirelessly plugging away at Summer of Gray (Young Adult/New Adult) and I should have a release date announced in the near future. Following SoG, will be Breathless, the sequel to Reckless. I don’t know why, but I felt the need to take a little breather from the intensity of Hailey & Jonah and I can honestly say that I think it was a wise move on my part. Taking the time away from them has allowed me to stretch my imagination in terms of their story, which I don’t think would have happened had I jumped right into Breathless. So, while I know some of you out there are eagerly awaiting the continuation of their story, please be patient and know that it will be worth the wait!

Music is a vital part of my writing process, as most of you well know. (Did you catch that each chapter of Reckless was named after a specific song- the same songs that I consider the official soundtrack…) If you’re interested in hearing the music that’s inspiring Summer of Gray, then you’re in luck! I’ve added the playlist below for your listening pleasure. The final playlist for SoG will be created upon the completion of the novel, this particular playlist is constantly growing and ever-changing at this point. Please send me some positive writing vibes, friends, I could really use it right about now! Much love!!

“One of the best reads I’ve had in quite a while. Holli True touches on many things that we suffer through daily but one of the things I love most about Reckless is that while I was reading, I wasn’t home or at work. I wasn’t worrying about what I need to do or where I need to go. I was there. IN the story. Hanging on every word like I was living it. If you are ready to escape and really get into a book, then get your comfy clothes and your favorite chair and get ready because this story will pull you in. I can’t wait for the next one! This is going to be an amazing series!”

~M. Burnett

“Reckless is a wonderful and intriguing love story, which I found to be very hard to put down. Holli’s writing is so descriptive and really pulls you into the story. While reading it I felt as though I was actually there in the story and I felt really close to the characters, especially Hailey and Jonah. I loved how each chapter changed perspectives between the two main characters. If you enjoy a good love story, then there is no doubt you will enjoy this love story with a twist. I could really sense the love the two main characters, Hailey and Jonah, felt towards each other. Sometimes you can’t help who you fall in love with. And sometimes it’s reckless ;)  I laughed, I cried, and I think I even gasped out loud while reading the book. I CANNOT wait for the second book, Breathless.”

~Melissa M.

“Such an amazing and intriguing book. Too hard to put down, especially while being on the edge of your seat flipping to the next page wanting to see what happens. Every time I would say to myself, “Just one more chapter and I’ll stop.” This just didn’t happen; I finished it in a day and a half! I don’t want to wait until 2015 for the next one, I am already having Hailey and Jonah withdrawals.”

~Denise Decarbo

“I never read paranormal and I NEVER write reviews, but I absolutely loved this book. The paranormal aspect of the book is not at all what I was expecting and so intriguing! Growing up in Oregon, the setting really got me and I felt like I was there with the characters at U of O. Jonah and Hailey’s story is just getting started and I can’t wait to see what happens next in book #2.”

~A. Miles

“Wonderful book. I am already so in love with the characters & can’t wait for the rest of the series!! I love supporting authours, but even more, supporting fellow photographers, artists and just creative people in general! I’m a voracious reader and I am pretty picky about what I like to read, I was caught up in this book in the first few pages! I knew it was going to be great from the start! Holli is an incredible talent!”

~Marsha Keeney
GET RECKLESS

At the risk of receiving some hate mail from readers of RECKLESS, who are already asking for a release date for BREATHLESS, I am happy to announce that my next novel to be released is a stand-alone called SUMMER OF GRAY.  Writing Hailey & Jonah’s story is quite complex with so many layers, I wanted to ease my writing brain and pen something simple, oozing in innocent romance and dripping with drama.  So, this will be just that.

Now, for my RECKLESS READERS, please trust and believe that I have already started laying the foundation of BREATHLESS, which will be released in 2015. :)  I still have so much story to tell with Hailey & Jonah and I can’t wait to submerge myself in their world again- but first, I have to take a short detour to the world of Ellie & Grayson.

Some of you might be wondering what exactly a stand-alone is, so let me explain.  A stand-alone novel means it won’t have a sequel or be a part of a series of books.  It’s a one and done deal.  My goal is to write a single stand-alone in between every novel in the RECKLESS SERIES, so brace yourselves. ;)

While I can’t divulge too many details about SUMMER OF GRAY quite yet, here are a few details about my next novel!  I hope you are as excited about this book as I am!  I promise, it’s going to be a great read, one that will stay with you a long time…

TITLE: SUMMER OF GRAY

MAIN CHARACTERS: Ellie Ford & Grayson Brenner

SETTING: Eugene, OR.  (Yeah, this will likely happen often!)

GENRE: Young Adult/New Adult Romance

INSPIRATION:  Young love, the freedom of summer, coming of age and dealing with life.

Now that Reckless is complete and reviews are coming in from readers, there are a thrash of questions piling in, too. So, I figured I would compile the most commonly asked questions here for a fun little Q&A. If you have a question that isn’t addressed in the post, please feel free to add it as a comment below and I will do my best to get those answered!

When will Breathless (book two) be released?

As of now, I don’t have a release date for Breathless. What I do know is that it won’t release until 2015, so for those of you who are already eagerly anticipating it, I apologize, but you will have to be patient. :) You have no idea how much it means to me to have so many of you asking about Breathless, your love for Hailey and Jonah absolutely blows my mind and warms my heart. I promise, it will be worth the wait! As soon as I have a release date set, I will happily share that info with all of you!

Will we be seeing more of Charlie in future books?

Yes, definitely! I have big plans for Charlie. :) The crazy thing about Charlie- he didn’t even exist in the first two drafts of Reckless. He was a last minute add during the final stages of my last revision. After talking with my Reckless Readers (test readers) and reviewing their input, I stepped back and ripped apart my novel, looking for holes, lulls and repetitive content. When I was done, I found six scenes that could easily be scrapped, so I did. With six scenes to fill, I went to work broadening the cast of characters, (Logan, anybody?) and giving Hailey and Jonah more experiences, with and without each other. In the end, I am thrilled with the outcome and I hope you are, too!

Where did you get the idea for Reckless?

While I was driving to a photo shoot a few hours from my house, listening to music. My mind has a tendency to explore random thoughts when I drive- I think it has something to do with being inspired by the lyrics pumping out of my speakers in my car. :) I had a very small idea of a forbidden romance- what I didn’t realize was how complex and intricate Hailey & Jonah’s story would be. After talking it over with my hubby, he told me it sounded interesting. Next, I turned to my friend, Marissa, the paranormal aspect caught her off guard, because it wasn’t a genre I had ever considered writing in. In the end, with Marissa’s amazing help, the basic idea of Reckless was solidified and the writing process began.

What will your next book be?

Okay, so, don’t hate me, but before I release Breathless, I’m going to release a stand-alone, New Adult novel. I’ve been spending a lot of time at the pool with my kiddos and I love to people watch. I was recently inspired by some interactions that I witnessed, needless to say, I want to explore those interactions on paper. So, for the next few months, I will be spending a lot of time with two characters, Ellie & Grayson. :) While I can’t divulge much more than that right now, I can tell you this: be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Be sure to follow along on Facebook & Twitter, as I will be sharing snippets of Ellie & Grayson there! Also, if we haven’t already, let’s connect on Goodreads!

**AUTOGRAPHED COPY**

RECKLESS by Holli True

new adult/paranormal romance

394 pages

(Book One in The Reckless Series)

Love isn’t hinged on a choice…

Jonah has a secret. Once that he has been hiding from Hailey since the moment he met her. It didn’t seem like a big deal in the beginning, after all, he never intended to anchor himself to her world. But then the unexpected happened- he fell in love. And the more time they spend together, the closer she gets to discovering the truth, which could unravel everything for the both of them.

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Goodreads Book Giveaway







Reckless



by Holli True

Giveaway ends July 22, 2014.

See the giveaway details

at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Now that RECKLESS is officially available (Amazon, Kindle, Nook & Kobo), we have ended our pre-sale. However, I have received so many messages from people asking where they can get autographed copies. :) This makes my heart so happy, so I’ve decided to offer Limited Edition autographed copies of RECKLESS one more time!  Order now through July 15th, 2014.

PLEASE NOTE: This is the last time I will be offering signed copies of RECKLESS!

**ONLY AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED STATES**

$15.00 Paperback of RECKLESS + $4.95 S+H

PLEASE READ:

Books will be ordered on July 16th, 2014. Once received, they will be autographed and shipped to the US address provided. If you want your signed book personalized with a specific message, please include that information in the comments when you purchase- including WHO you would like the book made out to.  If this field is left blank, your message will be personalized by me, but not made out to anyone specific.

If you have any questions, please email me: holli@hollitrue.com.  Thank you so much!! I hope you love RECKLESS!!