Author Q&A with Elizabeth Holland
Author Q&A with Elizabeth Holland
Elizabeth Holland is a writer of romance novels. She enjoys the escapism of picking up a book and losing herself in a new world. Elizabeth is a keen advocate for mental health and often speaks out about her own struggles. She writes to escape her own thoughts. When Elizabeth isn’t writing, she’s usually outside walking the dog. Her favourite walks are when it’s cold and rainy, so she can work on her next plot.
Tells us about your writing/ published book(s)
I write what I like to refer to as ‘escapism romance’. My books are designed to transport you to an idyllic location where you’ll immediately be welcomed by my warm characters and swept off into the story with them.
My latest book, A Spring Fling at Hotel Mayfair, is set in London and follows pastry chef, Carrie as she embarks on a spring fling. Immerse yourself in London and enjoy the delicious treats that Carrie bakes. You can read the first chapter here.
Where’s your favourite place to write?
I don’t really have a favourite place to write. Usually, I can be found curled up on the sofa tapping away at my keyboard. One day, I’d love a little office filled with books and flowers to write in.
How do you approach starting a new book?
The first step is to purchase a new notebook. I have this ritual where a new book must have an empty notebook. It’s handy when you need to flick back and all your notes are in one place!
I start with lots of notes and a Pinterest board so I can visualise the aesthetics of the book (you can find A Spring Fling’s Pinterest board here)
What’s your favourite genre to read?
Contemporary romance. I’ll read anything, but I’ll always come back to a romance.
Have you always wanted to write?
Yes, but I don’t think I ever realised it. Does that sound odd? I’d always be writing or making up stories in my head, but it was just something I did. Even as a child, I used storytelling as a form of escapism.
What do you do when you have writer’s block?
I procrastinate. Writer’s block tends to stick with me for a few days, so it’s not always as simple as going out for a walk.
I try not to overthink it, or worry about it. Usually, the block lifts when I’m least expecting it.
How do you choose your book’s title(s)?
With A Spring Fling at Hotel Mayfair, I knew it had to reflect the first book in the series (A Merry Christmas at the Castle). It was really just a lot of playing around with words!
My other book names are focused on the place they’re set:
The Cornish Vintage Dress Shop
The Vintage Bookshop of Memories
What advice would you give to someone wanting to write their first book?
Just write! Very few first drafts are a finished product.
You can’t edit a blank page, so just focus on getting that story from your head and onto the page!
How do you approach ‘world building’?
World building is a big part of my books. Too much description can slow down the pace, so there has to be a balance between building the world and telling the story. I try to combine them in little ways to show off the world while telling the story.
One of my favourite descriptions in A Spring Fling at Hotel Mayfair is when Carrie walks into the dining room to see her afternoon teas being enjoyed…
The afternoon tea service went without a hitch. Lily had helped to load the cake stands with all the yummy treats as Carrie put the final touches to the choux buns. Carrie brushed down her leggings and straightened her chef’s jacket to take the last cake stand out. She’d not been into the dining room yet and wanted to see it filled with happy customers. Following Camille, Carrie walked into the room and stopped as she took in her surroundings. The room was stunning. On the opposite wall was a huge marble fireplace with an ornate gilded mirror hanging above it, reflecting the enormous vase of blooming lilies on the mantel. Between the white walls and the white marble floors, light bounced around the room. Tables draped with pastel linens were scattered around, each distanced to give the party some privacy. Carrie’s cake stands were placed on the tables. She glanced at the customers, all with huge smiles on their faces as they feasted on their afternoon teas. Carrie took a deep breath and inhaled the sweetness of the cakes mixed with the floral smell. It was truly an experience for all the senses.
Would you want your book made into a film?
Yes! I think they would be a visual feast.
How many books do you own?
Not as many as I’d like to!
Last year, I lost quite a few books to a leak. It also pushed me into going through my books and donating lots. I’ve only kept books that are on my TBR list or I could see myself reading again in the future.
Where can you find Elizabeth?
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