We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful HOLLIS JO MCCOLLUM. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with HOLLIS JO below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have HOLLIS JO with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Definitely from my parents and other family role models growing up. Both of my parents in particular really exemplified a good work – life balance. They both always went above and beyond in their careers, but never compromised their personal morals or principles. There were many times that my father in particular was pressured by one of his superiors to do something that he knew was morally wrong, and he simply refused to do it. Often, that meant he didn’t get an immediate promotion, and once he resigned on the spot because he could not see himself having any further association with that employer in good conscience. Although it was a risk, he never had any trouble finding another, often better in every aspect, position because he was absolutely diligent and his work record spoke loudly of his value. My mother is just the same. They both always fiercely guarded our family time. Even though they both worked, they also were heavily involved in our schools.
I have always aimed to be the same way. It is always worth putting in the effort to get the best results, even if you only do it for the satisfaction of knowing you did the best you possibly could. Some people have difficulty overcoming laziness, but for everyone in my family it is the opposite. We can’t stand to be idle, and were always taught to find something enriching to do if we had no obligatory tasks. Creative pursuits were strongly encouraged alongside the pursuit of learning how to care for yourself and others out in the world. It’s just our way of life. I don’t understand how to live any other way than to always do everything I can to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am so passionate about writing. It is my favorite of all the mediums one can use to weave a story. It feels so exhilarating to translate a story from mind onto paper.
For years, I was sort of stuck in what I thought I should be doing. Working a 9-5 office job, paying my bills, and only indulging my creative side in my spare time. That’s all rubbish though, isn’t it? When I first decided to sit down and write an entire novel, it didn’t intimidate me. It excited my spirit in ways I hadn’t felt since I was a kid. When I shared it with family and friends, they all told me the same thing: PUBLISH IT! My loved ones are always supportive, but they are also always honest. The direction for me to publish was both unanimous and ardent. It triggered the realization in me that I didn’t have to be another cog in the corporate machine. There are many who find that career path fulfilling, but it never was for me. My destiny was to be a successful author, and I knew it. I still have a regular job to supplement my income, but I found a 98% remote position where I make my own hours, and still make pretty much the same salary I did before I shifted my career focus. I earned the privilege of working from home through consistent exemplary work performance, being naturally self motivated. It was all part of my plan to get where I wanted to be. One day, soon I hope, I will not need the supplementary income I receive now, and I’m looking forward to it. Although, I genuinely enjoy my colleagues and work environment fostered there so much, that I will likely just cut back my hours when that day comes.
It has been thirteen years since I first completed that first novel, To Save a World, and eight years since I was first published. In that time, I have published four other fantasy and historical fantasy novels. The entire first trilogy in my Raashan Series (epic dark fantasy with romantic subplots), and the first two books in the Lost Beacon Chronicles (dark historical fantasy). I am so proud to be the designer of all the covers and page layouts for my books. Just another wonderful way to express creativity through writing.
The first book in my Raashan Histories trilogy, The Key, is coming out in March 2026, with the next two books in that trilogy coming in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
The Lost Beacon Chronicles will be continued in 2028 with Rampage, as Lucretia continues to navigate her way through the stages of grief whilst wandering the world.
I invite fantasy readers into new worlds with empowering, wild stories. Readers of all kinds discover inspiring perspectives when they read the Raashan Series and the Lost Beacon Chronicles that will help enrich your dreams. I am a fantasy author, designer, dancer, podcaster, Bookfest Bellweather, and all around silly person. It’s a wonderful life.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The first is something I have been most fortunate to always possess: an almost obscene amount of confidence. I’m not arrogant, though I have my moments from time to time, but I have always been incredibly well self possessed. I have genuinely never felt the need to prove myself to anyone, nor do I burden myself with worrying over what others think of me. I know what I’m capable of, and I know I am a good person. I’m aware that my qualities will be exhibited through my actions. When I need help, there is no hesitation at all in asking for it. Everyone needs help through life. I always do my best for myself and those I care about, though not for any accolades. Recognition is always bolstering and appreciated, but it is not what drives me at all. What drives me is the sheer enjoyment of doing the things that make me feel as though I have come alive. That’s really what the world needs, isn’t it? People who have come alive.
The second is a love of reading and obtaining knowledge. Learning new things is my favorite. Of course, I love to read and write fiction and/or fantasy, but I love all the other subjects too! Even the ones I don’t fully comprehend, like astro physics. It’s no bother at all if you don’t understand something. Now, there’s a wonderful new challenge to unravel! Friends have often commented that I seem to know a little bit about everything, and it’s because everything is so interesting. Being insatiably curious is most inspiring and enlightening. Plus, I’m a fantasy writer, so if I can’t properly explain the real science behind something I was inspired to include in my books, I just say that it’s magic. Works every time.
The third is something I believe everyone needs to succeed: a good support system. To put it plainly, I would not be where I am today without the support of family, friends, and readers I’ve never met. It is the single most important element of success. Period.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Take a break. Go for a walk. Breathe.
Seriously, that’s the trick. When you are overwhelmed, stress spikes and muddles your brain. It happens to every single being on the planet. The way to fix it can feel hard to execute because you’ve worked yourself up into such a tizzy, but seriously, just pause. Unplug. Take a break for even just a moment. We get overwhelmed because we are not meant to be continuously “on.” We are organic beings that need to take breaks in order to function optimally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hollisjomccollumauthor.com/
- Instagram: @hollisjomccollum
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollisjomccollumauthor/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollis-mccollum/
- Youtube: @hollisjomccollumauthor
Image Credits
Teddy Bare Body is Hollis’ collaboration partner, with exclusive character scented body butters inspired by the Raashan Series.
www.teddybarebody.com
Booth photo was taken at Atlanta Comic Con 2025 with Teddy Bare Body CEO, Lyric. Booth photo taken by Marq.
All other images were either taken by Hollis Jo McCollum, or created by Hollis Jo McCollum.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
