Hello all!
It's time for another author interview. Today's guest is poet Danielle Holian!
PB: Hi! Welcome to pjbermanbooks.com. Tell us a bit about your background.
DH: Hi! I’m Danielle Holian, author of Beautifully Chaotic and The Dilemma. I studied media in college and have worked a lot of different media roles, but found myself always drawn to the art of writing.
PB: What made you decide to become an author?
DH: I wrote a few manuscripts from novels, short stories, to poetry...yet, nothing ever felt right as a first release. When I initially worked on Beautifully Chaotic I never truly imagined it to be published, but there was a part of me that knew my stories needed to be shared. I never had someone growing up relating to somewhat taboo topics, whereas now I use my art to express myself and find those who need it most.
PB: When did you first start writing?
DH: I always had an interest and would submit stories in competitions through school from a young age. I started taking poetry more seriously when I was 16, and haven’t put down my pen and paper since.
PB: What was the first poem that you can remember writing?
DH: I actually cannot remember - I do a lot of writing from songwriting, poetry, short stories - so if I were to give a guess it probably was something about feeling like an outcast.
PB: Tell us a bit about your writing process.
DH: My writing process is different every time. Sometimes I can sit down with a pen and paper and let my thoughts flow into story form. Other times I need to let my creativity find me. As of lately, I will set time aside to be creative like go out for a walk, read some inspiring words by other writers, listen to empowering podcasts and music, or just chill out watching whatever show I am binging to almost zone out to zone into my art.
PB: Tell us about Beautifully Chaotic.
DH: Beautifully Chaotic is my debut book. Writing this poetry collection was somewhat a healing process all while facing some demons. I do write about some hard topics, but there’s some self-love pieces that I think everyone should read. It was an empowering move to actually piece this book together and then release it. I didn’t really share or tell anyone about it until its release because it was something I truly wasn’t sure I wanted to pursue. . .but those feelings immediately changed once it was published.
PB: How would you describe The Dilemma to someone who hasn’t read it yet?
DH: The Dilemma is a poetry collection split into three parts of The Loving, The Breaking, and The Healing. It centres around a relationship that discusses love, some toxicity moments, and healing to moving forward. The story does come after Beautifully Chaotic, although it was written prior.
PB: Of all your achievements, which are you most proud of?
DH: This is a hard one. I am proud of all my achievements, but actually publishing my work and having books that are mine to own is the top right now.
PB: Of all the poems you have written, which is the most special to you?
DH: Right now, any poems that I write about that are centred around abuse and survival are the most special to me as I never thought I would be okay again, let alone have the courage to tell my story.
PB: Who are your favourite poets?
DH: Olivia Gatwood, Lauren Eden, Rupi Kaur, and Kayil York.
PB: What are your long term ambitions with regards to writing?
DH: I first wanted to be a songwriter, but now with the poetry I do feel anything is possible. I would love to tour with my work, expand into podcasts and film, and keep on enjoying the freedom I have with my writing.
PB: If you weren’t an author, what career would you be in?
DH: I work in media as a whole (check me out on LinkedIn), so outside media itself, I would love to venture into the business and hotel industry.
PB: What’s the next target for you?
DH: I am currently writing my third book, so planning after that, as I said, I do feel anything is possible. I would love to reach a larger audience with my work whether it’s working in film, podcasts, or doing some spoken word shows.
PB: Tell us a random fact about yourself.
DH: I am a workaholic. If I don’t have something to do, I generally create work for myself. I cannot stand idle hands.
Thank you so much Danielle! It has been lovely talking to you today.
If you'd like to find out more about Danielle or her work, you can do so via the links below:
Until next time, happy reading!
Peter