Patricia Leavy joins the Spotlight to discuss her novel, Hollyland
Author Name: Patricia Leavy
Book Title: Hollyland
Book Genre: Women’s Fiction and Romance
Release Date: April 4, 2023
Publisher: She Writes Press
Welcome, Patricia! How would you describe Hollyland?
Hollyland is a celebrity romance between a supposedly average gal, Dee Schwartz, and a Hollywood bad boy, actor Ryder Field. Their love story seems like a fairy tale until Dee disappears into thin air after an awards ceremony, making everyone wonder if there can truly be a happily ever after in Hollywood.
Why did you write this book?
I wrote this book during the lockdown in 2020. My elderly father, whom I love more than anyone, got a serious case of covid, before the vaccine. He had other health challenges at the time and we all thought we were going to lose him. The pandemic made it even worse, as I did not have the ability to get to him. I was terrified I’d never see him again. So I wanted to write him something to tell him how much he means to me, you know, that letter you write when you think this is it. A letter wasn’t enough, so I wrote him a novel instead.
What sparked the idea for this book?
We live in a culture fascinated with celebrity, but because I was thinking about my father, I started to ponder who the real movie stars are on the big screens of our lives. That was the starting point. It brought me to the idea of what would happen if someone totally in love with art in the purest way was surrounded by those in the entertainment industry. How would she see Hollywood—or what she calls, Hollyland? How would she change the way others see art, creativity, passion, and the real magic—or gold dust—in our lives?
What’s your favorite part about being an author?
I love writing more than anything. There’s nothing better than getting lost in a story world you’re creating. Some days it’s just hard work and discipline, but when it flows, and you’re so swept up you forget to have lunch, it’s like nothing else. Sometimes a character says something you didn’t expect, and it’s incredible. The creative process never happens quite the same way twice, which is why I’m still so in love with it. I feel so lucky to be able to live as an author. There are many days when I pinch myself. It’s pretty cool to get to work in my home office in sweatpants too.
If you were speaking to someone who hasn’t read your writing before, why should they want to read Hollyland?
It’s a lighthearted, feel-good escape, that will leave you reflecting on what it really means to live an extraordinary life, and how it’s never too late for magic.
What do you hope readers will take away from this story?
A sense of optimism and hopefulness. That love after grief is possible. An appreciation that the real movie stars in our lives aren’t necessarily famous but are those we hold most dear. Art matters. Brave art matters. Always live and love with passion. Gold dust may be right around the corner.
Where can readers find you?
Website: www.patricialeavy.com
She Writes Press: https://shewritespress.com/product/hollyland/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenWhoWrite/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricialeavy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PatriciaLeavy
Thank you, Patricia! Hollyland is out NOW.
Hollyland
What happens when a seemingly ordinary woman with a passion for the arts falls in love with a Hollywood star known for his bachelor status and quick temper with the paparazzi? Something extraordinary.
Dee Schwartz is a writer and arts researcher. Ryder Field is a famous actor descended from Hollywood royalty. On the night they meet outside a bar, their connection is palpable. Ryder’s mother—legendary actress Rebecca Field, half of Hollywood’s golden couple when she died—was kidnapped and murdered by a crazed fan in a shocking event that forever tarnished Tinseltown. Dee’s mother, too, died when she was young. Bonded by this loss, the two embark on a love story that explores their search for magic—or “gold dust”—in their lives. Everything changes, however, when Dee mysteriously disappears after an awards ceremony. Is history repeating itself? Can there truly be a happily ever after in Hollywood?
Set against the backdrop of contemporary Los Angeles, Hollyland is a poignant novel that moves fluidly between romance, humor, suspense, and joy.
Author Bio:
Patricia Leavy, PhD, is an award-winning, best-selling author. She was formerly Associate Professor of Sociology, Chairperson of Sociology & Criminology, and Founding Director of Gender Studies at Stonehill College. She has published more than forty books; her work has been translated into many languages, and she has received more than forty book honors. She has also received career awards from the New England Sociological Association, the American Creativity Association, the American Educational Research Association, the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, and the National Art Education Association. In 2018, she was honored by the National Women’s Hall of Fame and SUNY-New Paltz established the “Patricia Leavy Award for Art and Social Justice.” Her website is www.patricialeavy.com.