V. S. Holmes is an international bestselling author. They created the BLOOD OF TITANS series and the NEL BENTLY BOOKS. Smoke and Rain, the first book in their fantasy quartet, won New Apple Literary’s Excellence in Independent Publishing Award in 2015 and a Literary Titan Gold in 2020. Travelers is also included in the Peregrine Moon Lander mission as part of the Writers on the Moon Time Capsule. In addition, they have published short fiction in several anthologies. Read on to learn more about them!
- Congratulations on the recent release of Heretics, #4 in
your Stars Edge; Nel Bently series. How does Nel compare
to Alea, the protagonist in your Blood of Titans series?
Thanks so much! It’s been a really incredible launch so far!
Surficially, Nel and Alea, are incredibly different. Nel is foul-
mouthed, loud, and crass, while Alea is naive, calculated,
and reserved. However, both of them have a secret at their
core, one that they aren’t even fully aware of or understand.
For Nel, it’s fear and anger rooted in her childhood and loss.
Whereas Alea’s experience with loss lent her this incredible
darkness and determination. Both have been really eye-
opening to write. - How much do you rely on your knowledge of archaeology
when writing your novels?
In the beginning of Stars Edge, it’s much more present, as
the entire book revolves around Nel’s amazing site. A lot of
my experience with the culture of archaeology and the
people who love it comes into play, as well as their
backgrounds. I’ve found a wide variety of people are drawn
to archaeology as a career, for just as many different
reasons, and that’s something I like to reflect in my writing.
Plus on the sci-fi end, I get to dream up all the new tech that
would make our jobs a bit easier! - How would describe your writing style?
My style certainly varied between my fantasy and science
fiction–I lean into the conversational, inner voice of Nel with
my science fiction, and tend to a bit more formal and rich
language with my fantasy. For both, though, I love language
and alliteration. I enjoy delving into psychological facets of
the characters and atmosphere, whether through the vast,
trippy visions of my fantasy characters or Nel’s snarky,
sweary inner monologue. Overall, many of my projects have
a dramatic, gothic undertone, regardless of genre. I lean into
lush atmosphere, as well as the intense feelings that come
with isolation, fury, and complex relationships.
- What can we expect from V.S. Holmes in the future?
I’ve got several projects currently underway! Fugitives, the
fifth and penultimate book of Stars Edge: Nel Bently, is in
revisions, and I am returning to the Blood of Titans world
with a new series, with brand new characters, new
technology, and, of course, a few fan-favorite character
cameos! I’m also working on an entirely new gothic fantasy
novel, which is shaping up to be darkly sexy, rich, and
stylistically very different.
V. S. HOLMES
V. S. Holmes is an international bestselling author. They
created the BLOOD OF TITANS series and the NEL
BENTLY BOOKS. Smoke and Rain, the first book in their
fantasy quartet, won New Apple Literary’s Excellence in
Independent Publishing Award in 2015 and a Literary Titan
Gold in 2020. Travelers is also included in the Peregrine
Moon Lander mission as part of the Writers on the Moon
Time Capsule. In addition, they have published short fiction
in several anthologies.
As a disabled and non-binary human, they work as an
advocate and educator for representation in SFF worlds.
When not writing, they work as a contract archaeologist
throughout the northeastern U.S. They live in a Tiny House
with their spouse, a fellow archaeologist, their not-so-tiny
dog, and own too many books for such a small abode.
LINKS:
Site: www.vsholmes.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/V-S-
Holmes/e/B014B55FJ0/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VS_Holmes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vsholmesofficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vs_holmes/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/vs_holmes
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/v-s-holmes
Podcast: https://podcast.amphibianpress.online
