Meet Mill Valley Resident and Award-Winning Author Holly Payne (Part 2)

(Part 2 of 2)  Click here to read part 1

Lessons Learned from Self-Publishing
One of the most difficult and daring decisions Holly made was to leave her agent to self-publish her third novel, Kingdom of Simplicity.  In 2008, Holly launched Skywriter Books to help herself and other writers form a healthy and empowering digital publishing partnership. 

Holly and her team also have an imprint, Third Eye (iii), which is a digital publishing entity for undiscovered writers and authors who would like to re-release their work as an ebook or print on demand.  Kingdom of Simplicity has been translated into Dutch and Chinese and published in the Netherlands, Taiwan, and soon China with Turkish rights pending.

“Self-publishing is anything but 'self,’” Holly insists.  “Self-publishing was about the most collaborative professional experience I've ever had aside from working in film. I love filmmaking because of this aspect and truly enjoyed the process of putting together a crew for my book: various editors for each stage of revisions, cover designer, interior designer, marketing stages, even working with the photographer for the front cover image, web designer, sales reps at the printing and fulfillment company and now a foreign rights agent.

“I also learned so much from reading Peter Bowerman's The Well-Fed Self-Publisher. Most importantly, I realized that successful self-publishing requires an entrepreneurial disposition. You need to be your own project manager, highly organized, and raise the standards so that what you offer to the world meets or exceeds the industry standard.

"It's the only chance we all have to chip away at the stigma that's kept so many of us from committing to, supporting and celebrating this alternative route. I like to be reminded that Mark Twain also self-published, which always helps frame the possibilities for everyone, especially now in this beautiful golden age for writers.”

Writing as Healing
In addition to writing, Holly has taught screenwriting and story development classes for 12 years, at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, for the MFA writing program at California College of the Arts, and online for Stanford’s On-Line Writes Studio.  Currently, she coaches writers one-on-one to reach their full potential, and then helps to edit their work and map out publishing strategies for them.

“There's nothing more inspiring than watching a new writer align with their creativity and seeing how that inner health radiates into all aspects of their life. In many ways, I honestly believe that writing is another modality of healing.  I believe that all of us have a story to share, and while I recognize the fear that holds most of us back from pursuing our creativity, not owning our voice can do serious injury to our spirits.

“For those who have the courage to pursue this path, I'm very protective of their hearts.  I want to make sure they really believe in themselves so that no matter how long or short the coaching relationship lasts, I know they will keep at it and never give up no matter how frustrating and daunting it can get along the way.  I love the passion of a fledgling writer and I do everything I can to make sure that writer is seen, supported and celebrated.”

Skywriter Ranch Writing Retreat
Another way Holly encourages writers is through her an annual Skywriter Ranch Writing Retreat in Crested Butte, Colorado.  “This is one of those weeks where you get to be a kid again—and focus completely on yourself,” Holly explains. 

“Crested Butte has always been a special place for me and is the birthplace of Skywriter Books.  I've honestly never seen a more beautiful place. This is the town that changed my life—where I learned how to be a survivor and where I returned year after year to recharge my spirit.

“Each year, the curriculum changes based on who attends and what their needs are.  It's 100% tailored to the group. I come with no agenda until I receive a thorough questionnaire that helps me design the week based on individual needs. The group hasn't fully formed yet for this year, so I'm excited for the mystery that awaits in August.”

Holly describes an idyllic venue that promotes relaxation and creativity.  Guests stay at guest cabins, “lovingly run” by a local family, and enjoy “creekside hammocks and swarms of hummingbirds … majestic mountains and almost technicolor wildflowers, alpine lakes and gourmet picnic lunches.”  Holly says “our outdoor classroom really made for a new heaven—and a very long goodbye.  None of us wanted to leave!”

A Few of Holly’s Favorite Things
Holly’s writing space hosts her laptop, books and her notorious piles.   An old-fashioned feather pen, a carpe diem slate for her tea cup, a black and white photo of her swaddled baby daughter, a Sufi—a small glass whirling dervish from Turkey, and an old, black Remington typewriter that still works are just a few of the treasures she keeps to inspire her.
 
Her favorite author?  Right now, Louise Erdrich.

“I am having a love affair with her work and couldn't put down The Round House. She is so accomplished with the craft, so genuine in interviews, so generous of spirit—it clearly shows in her depth and understanding of the human condition. She's a star!”

Lastly, Holly shares her favorite books with us:

The Alchemist
The Book Thief
Bird by Bird
All the Pretty Horses
anything written by Shel Silverstein

So what is the next step for this accomplished writer, coach, editor and speaker?  In addition to studying for a Master of Intuition Medicine certification, which she intends to weave into her writing coaching practice, she is currently starting a new novel, publishing Ushi Patel’s debut collection of poetry, Brave the Unknown, through Skywriter Books in May, and co-producing Words on the Waves, a reading series on the Sausalito houseboats for the Litquake festival this October.

www.hollylynnpayne.com