HOLLY CRAIG “I received 56 rejections all up on my first novel and each time, I submitted to five more agents.”
Holly Craig was one of the first few authors featured on Kelly’s Writerly Q&A and now, approximately 18 months later, in the lead-up to her debut novel coming out on the 1st of September, I thought it was the perfect time to chat with her again!
It is with great pleasure that I am featuring Holly Craig for the second time! Since we last spoke, Holly launched The Write Club, Off The Page, and so many more epic events for writers. And I have been lucky enough to enjoy so many of her writing sessions and discover she is such a positive and generous teacher. It’s amazing to learn from her!
Holly is an English teacher with a passion for writing. She’s from picture-perfect WA and is part of the most amazing star-studded writing group. She is my favourite writing teacher, and I hope you find this Q&A inspiring!
Hi Holly, thanks for taking the time to answer some more writerly questions. First of all, congratulations on the upcoming publication of your debut novel, you must be so excited! What is The Shallows about?
Thanks for having me, Kel! Love being back 😊. The Shallows is a survival suspense thriller about a family who is on the run after their neighbour has been killed. We don’t know why they’re on the run, but it’s a dangerous, high-impact ride where Emma, my main character, is trying to solve the mystery of who killed her neighbour and good friend and why her husband Charles is making them flee their picture-perfect life.
It’s such a gripping page turner! You had me on the edge of my seat with anticipation, I feel so lucky to have read an advance copy via Netgalley! Last time we spoke, you were about to embark on publisher edits for The Shallows, how did that go?
It went really well! I have an amazing team of about six editors. 2 main editors, a sensitive reader and 3 copy-editors. They all did a wonderful job of making The Shallows shine. It went through 7 rounds of edits which is great! They’re super thorough.
I can’t believe how many rounds of edits you have done, but I’m so grateful to learn about that side of the business. Thanks for always sharing your journey on socials. Has your typical day of writing changed?
I’m no longer teaching at a primary school, which has freed up the time to write. I think with how busy The Write Club has become and how much it’s grown since we last spoke, I’m spending a lot more time working with writers, improving their manuscripts and planning classes. I just love it so much! And then I’m now really focused on promoting The Shallows, so I’ve been busy with that. I’m going to block out November and write book 4 then!
How great that you can focus on what you love! Some writers say that every time they sit down to write a new novel, they forget how it’s done; Are you more confident with your writing process now?
I think so, and perhaps because I’m constantly teaching writers ‘how’ to write, I’m brainwashing myself in the process! I know how to structure my novels now and I’m getting more confident with the plotting. In terms of writing, if I have a whole day with no distractions, I will really get into the groove of writing and it just comes to me.
That’s awesome! Plotting is something I’m getting better at too, and it makes a huge difference. But I also love getting into the groove and letting the words flow. Balace. By attending your Write Club sessions, I have learned so much including that you are the most positive, encouraging and generous writer; Can you share some tips on how writers can remain positive when rejection looms?
Aww, thanks Kel! I’ve loved having you in The Write Club! Whenever you get a rejection, submit to another 5 more agents/publishers. You’ll feel better knowing it’s out there for five more people to see. I received 56 rejections all up on my first novel and each time, I submitted to five more agents. It works a treat!
Totally agree with this advice!
You run the very best writing sessions, why do you think it is so beneficial for writers to keep learning?
Until you feel really confident and sure of your writing, I think it’s so beneficial to surround yourself with like-minded people (the writing community) and teachers. Hopefully, the teachers will teach you tricks and tips to succeed and they’ll teach you about the ‘craft’. I’m all about teaching technique and it’s only because I got taught at uni, that now I have the confidence to use techniques, literary devices and use them strategically. I want someone to keep teaching me now. I’m obsessed with learning about how to make my writing better!
Learning is the best! Every time I attend a writing event/class I take away a new snippet of wisdom that changes me for the better. Your podcast, Off The Page, is one of my faves because of the dynamic you have with Polly and how real and natural you two sound, do you have any tips for budding podcasters?
Yes! Brainstorm first. Think about what you want to discuss. Think about whether you want it to be informative or entertaining. Do you want to work alone or with a host? Who are you trying to attract? How are you unique and how will you stand out? What do you hope to achieve: Monetary gain or just promotion? Polly and I will be doing an episode next season all about our podcasting tips! So stay tuned.
I also love how you post episodes in blocks and give yourself breaks in-between. Last time we spoke you shared an amazing list of 8 tips for aspiring writers, do you have any new advice you can share?
Since then, I’ve worked with A LOT of writers. I would say the stand-out tip would be to include all 4 areas of characterisation and not rely too heavily on just one of them. Dialogue, character thought, movement, and bodily sensation. Don’t just write dialogue. And don’t just write about your character experiencing bodily sensations! Mix it up. Also, don’t assume your reader knows what you’re talking about. Always add context and position the reader in the scene. I see these mistakes frequently.
Great advice! What are you currently reading and loving?
I’ve been trying out some UK and overseas thriller writers lately and loving Fiona Cummins. Anything moody and atmospheric is where I’m hooked. But when I’m in the middle of editing (which I am since the end of May) I do find it hard to read and focus.
Yes, I take reading breaks when I’m deep into my writing too. And I love that you read novels with a similar tone to what you write. So, what can we expect from you next?
I’ve just completed the first round of structural edits on THE RIP (out on Feb 20). I’m on my way to London to meet my agent and publisher for the first time ever! And to attend Harrogate Crime Literary Festival. And then I’m busy promoting THE SHALLOWS out Sep 1! I’ve finished book 3 and that’s with my agent and will start book 4 in November!
The Write Club continues and so does OFF THE PAGE and our retreats.
But there are loads of exciting things happening in August and September! Watch this space…
February is so soon! I can’t wait to read The Rip! It’s so wonderful that you get to meet your agent and publisher in person. That will be some trip!
I also look forward to meeting you irl at your Melbourne event! And I hope to attend some more Write Club sessions down the track. It really is such a joy to chat with you. You have achieved so much and always share every part of your journey with honesty and a genuine desire to help other writers. Keep leading the way, Holly, you are a star!
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