Something deep down in that Louisiana mud will bring true creativity out of anyone. Maybe it's the centuries of stories the Mississippi River carries, or the many tales the old cypress trees can tell. Curtis A. Hollins II is a Louisiana native, Monroe, Louisiana to be exact and he is truly a talented individual. Now we have been showcasing a number of talented literary creatives here on The River's Edge Writers and we know our readers are wondering what makes C.A. Hollins different. Well besides serving in the military, raising four awesome boys and loving the art of storytelling since he was "knee-high to a grasshopper" (been wanting to use that phrase forever...lol), Curtis is a graphic designer too. All the artwork created in his series of books, are done by the man himself and it adds a visual depth to his literary works. Curtis fell in love with the craft when he won his first award in elementary school and then again when he attended UAM in Arkansas. After he finished with the military, his focus was set on fatherhood and work, so writing politely took a backseat.
With favorites like the poet ahead of his time, Edgar Allan Poe and the fantasy literary artistry of H.P. Lovecraft, the passion to write was still there deep inside. Curtis stated that the vivid dreams he would have shared an alternate universe with him he had to share with the world. In July of 2020 the epic fantasy genre author introduced the world to, "Book of Elansia". Growing up, Curtis said he didn't have role model heroes he could relate to, most of them didn't look or talk like him. So as an adult, with inspiration from his four boys, he created characters minority kids could see themselves in.
"Characters like that can grant a very positive outlook and a heroic mindset for maturing kids and give them someone they can relate to besides the sport and entertainment industry."
Curtis understands the trials and challenges of being in the booking industry, competition is in a word "fierce". He doesn't have any dreams of his books coming to the big screen just yet. He said just the fact that his readers enjoy what he creates is an accomplishment in itself. Now don't get it misconstrued that Curtis is not climbing that acknowledgement ladder. He was just awarded in 2022 at the Pencraft Awards for his books "Book of Elansia" and "Submissive Prey".
The readers and fans of Curtis feel the same way when you read their reviews on the novel, the talent is undeniable.
"The Tale of the Hapless Child and Forlorn God is the literal objectification of the hidden gem “hole in the wall” restaurant, in novelette form."
"There are a few storylines that make up the book and the way the author has written them makes you be completely invested in both. I can’t wait for the third one to come out (so I can read that one in a day TOO!)"
The anticipation for more works from C.A. Hollins from his readers met him one time at a barbershop. A guy was reading his book while he waited for his haircut. Curtis casually asked him about the book and the guy's excitement about telling what the story was about, was a feeling the author didn't know he needed.
The author's readers won't have to wait much longer because Curtis is working on a few things. Part three of "Book of Elansia" is in its final editing phase, part two of "Submissive Prey" also is on the editing table and a new unnamed novel is in the works. Needless to say, Curtis is a busy man right now but knowing his fans are patiently waiting on his next creation is motivation to him. We asked him, besides meeting that one fan at the barbershop, has he ever done a book signing event to meet fans of his works. The reply was borderline comical.
"I'm scared too (do a book signing). I would be very embarrassed if no one came to get a/their book signed. Now I have all these books sitting on the table in front of me, looking crazy. I would probably go out to the street and chunk them at people walking by."
We definitely don't want that...lol, but the passion this author writes with can also be seen in the visual works he shares on his social media pages. Plus, that's where you can find all his updates and news about his upcoming series.
As for his books, you can find them all on Amazon right now or follow his website for updates.
Talking with this young father was truly a pleasure and inspiration in itself. We thank our readers for joining us today and we thank C.A. Hollins for sharing his world with us. And as always, salute. And if you know of a literary creative that we should showcase, let us know.
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