IndieView with Ian A. Hollis, author of In a Small, Quiet Village

How many books you read are about ‘something’? Anything? So I thought it would be interesting to write a story about a place where nothing much ever happened. 

Ian A. Hollis – 26 May 2022

The Back Flap

In a small unaffected village outside of the city, the townsfolk of a close-knit community rarely leave and they even more rarely have any visitors. So when a young man named Adam arrives, the village is feverish in welcoming the newcomer. It’s not long before the tranquility of the halcyon settlement is disturbed with off-kilter ordeals, setting into motion a series of events affecting each dweller.

With In a Small, Quiet Village, author Ian A. Hollis brings a slice of life story with intriguing magical realism elements, the first volume in the Cities & Villages saga.

About the book

What is the book about?

The story centers around the ordinary, everyday friendships of children who live in a small, quiet village, but once a young man visits and falls in love with his new life, things start to change.

When did you start writing the book?

In 2012, after doing a creative writing course at UNSW (never finished, though).

How long did it take you to write it?

Too long! It was due to the pandemic that I decided to revisit this world and these characters I’d created. Things started ramping up once I hired a developmental editor. In total, I’d say it took me around 18 months.

Where did you get the idea from?

How many books you read are about ‘something’? Anything? So I thought it would be interesting to write a story about a place where nothing much ever happened.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

The challenge was to write a story where as little as possible happened, while still keeping it entertaining and readable.

What came easily?

Once I got the ball rolling and had written a few stories with a few characters, it was easy to write more.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Entirely fictitious.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Hm. Though they’re not known for their novels, they do have various writing credits, and George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Steven Moffat are some of favorite writers. Sticking to writers in the more expected sense, L. Frank Baum, Norton Juster and John Green are among some of my favorite writers.

Do you have a target reader?

Honestly, just whoever enjoys reading the work that I write.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I just have an idea in my head and start typing away at my keyboard and let the story sort itself out as I write.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I rarely outline. As I’m finishing up writing for the day, I might, for example, wrote a note about where I plan on taking the story next, so I remember for when I return to the keyboard.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Very mild editing as I go, and usually only for errors that stand out like a sore thumb. The more refined part of the editing process I leave until last.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Always. This is mandatory! An editor is a fresh set of eyes and may see things in a way you didn’t think to see them in, or catch small details about which characters are where and why that might not make sense.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Yes. I usually just type in “my mix” on YouTube, and listen to whatever the algorithm has decided I would like for that day. A lot of it is ‘80s pop, video game and movie soundtracks.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

That’s not an avenue I’ve yet explored.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

The manuscript was just sitting on my computer, and I thought it better out there in the world (in hopes of making some money, however small) than just sitting here on my computer doing nothing.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Unless you’re an experienced illustrator or designer yourself, I highly recommend hiring a professional to do your covers. I’m neither of those things, so I hired a professional from Reedsy.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I hired a marketer to help me, and I’m still completely clueless. Handling the marketing myself is my least favorite part of self-publishing. Next time I hope I can hire an experienced professional to act on my behalf.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Hire an editor!!! This step is not optional!

About You

Where did you grow up?

In a small, seaside town on the east coast of Australia, a few hours drive north from Sydney.

Where do you live now?

Same place.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’ve travelled around China, teaching English as a second language. I’m a hobbyist musician.

What are you working on now?

Some pieces of music to go along with the book.
The sequel to the book.
Finishing my postgraduate diploma in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language).

End of Interview:

Get your copy of In a Small, Quiet Village from Amazon US or Amazon UK.