V. S. Holmes | News

Favorite Characters and Social Barriers on Jera's Jamboree

8/11/2020

I hopped over to Jera's Jamboree last month to discuss which Blood and Mercy character I'd want to be, where I go for inspiration, and which social barriers my work tackles.

JJ: If you could choose to be one of your characters, who would you be?

VSH: This is a tough one! I certainly have favorites to write, but as far as who I’d want to be–Reka is pretty similar to me. I’d love to live in the Wise Hare as the bartender Firas, or as Sha/Rheman, the gender queer dockhand. ...read more

Interview in Uncaged Magazine

8/11/2020

I spoke with Uncaged magazine this month (pg 60-66), sharing glimpses at my new projects, how COVID-19 has changed my lifestyle, and an excerpt of Blood and Mercy! There's also some photos of my works space and indoor garden, not to mention our dear dog, Rory, is featured on page 38!

UNCAGED: Welcome to Uncaged! Your latest book, Blood and Mercy is part of the epic fantasy series, Blood of Titans. Can you tell readers more about this series? Can each book be read as standalones?

VSH: Thanks so much for having me, this is really fun! Blood of Titans is an epic fantasy world. Each of the series within it focuses on the machinations of war between the gods and the creatures who created them. The first series follows three characters caught in the crossfire of that war and heroes who are as broken as the world they’re trying to save. In Madness and Gods and Blood and Mercy a Deaf former soldier plots rebellion while married to a queer, teenaged god. While Rih juggles life in a foriegn country and revolution, Keplan struggles with addiction, visions, and murder. He hopes the world ends, she prays it doesn’t....read more

Moral Disability: How Villainy Looks When You’re the Monster

7/5/2020

I had the honor to write this essay for the Sirens Conference on how the conflation of villainy and disability impacts the disabled communities in our real world.

"Our depiction of disfigurement and disability in villains—those in speculative works, particularly—taints our perception of disabled people in our own world with a dangerous morality. All of us know the ache of being unable to find yourself in a book and the annoyance when a character is just the lovechild of stereotypes and bigotry. So much of Sirens focuses on the importance and beauty in seeing ourselves—our strengths, our flaws, our lives—in speculative fiction. But when I search for a character like me, I find Captain Hook’s missing hand. I find Viren’s magical staff. I find villains..." read more

Premiere of the Blood And Mercy Virtual Tour!

7/4/2020

Signed Paperback

In honor of Blood and Mercy's release, I joined Toadstool Books to bring you this incredible virtual signing, which premiers on YouTube on July 11th at 4pm! I'll answer several questions, including what's next for Blood of Titans and where to find good resources on disability. Don't forget to drop your comments or questions in the video's comment section--I'll be watching the premier with all of you and will answer all of those not covered in the video then. Plus, what a great excuse to nerd-out with all of you!

You can order an exclusive Toadstool Signed Copy from me through this event as well as grab digital copies and box sets!

L. M. Durand gets into blood and mercy!

7/2/2020

I jumped over to L. M. Durand's blog to discuss Blood and Mercy, my biggest challenge writing it, my favorite part, and so much more!

Where do you like writing and why? Favorite snacks and/or beverage?

I’ve got a desk set up in a corner of our one-room apt, with my big rig computer. It’s surrounded by art and bones–my favorite being a cel of Molly Grue from The Last Unicorn, and a few skulls I’ve acquired over the years. ...read more

Element Unknown and Parallels of Programming with Brittani S Avery

7/1/2020

I dove into elemental magic mechanics, the process of discovering a story with "what ifs" and the parallels between creativity and computer programming with Brittani Avery. We also discussed various personality types and how studying them impacted Avery's incredible world of Element Unknown.

Listen Now!

Elements Unknown and Parallels of Programming with Brittani S Avery

7/1/2020

I dove into elemental magic mechanics, the process of discovery a story with "what ifs" and the parallels between creativity and computer programming with Brittani Avery. We also discuss various personality types and how studying them impacted Avery's incredible world of Elements Unknown.

Listen Now

Fandom and Changing Scopes in Horror and SFF with Summer Brooks

6/17/2020

Fellow podcaster Summer Brooks joined me to talk about the history of indie films, the changing scopes of SFF and horror writing, and the incredible community of fandom. We also touched on the background of Slice of Sci-fi, Writers After Dark, and all of Summer's other amazing projects.

Listen Now!

Smoke and Rain wins a literary titan gold award!

6/6/2020

I'm so honored to announce that Smoke and Rain won a Literary Titan Gold Award!

"The Gold Award is bestowed on books that we found to be perfect in their delivery of original content, meticulous development of unique characters in an organic and striking setting, innovative plot that supports a fresh theme, and elegant prose that transforms words into beautifully written books."

Check out their their thoughts on Smoke and Rain!

Co-writing and Magical Drugs with L. J. Rivers

6/3/2020

I chat with Linn and Jørn, the two halves of L. J Rivers, about when to twist myths, how to make co-writing work, and releasing a book about a virus during a pandemic. Plus, hear all about the upcoming fourth book in their urban fantasy series!

Listen Now!