Hollis McCollum (Author)

What motivates your creative ideas and creative activity? What role do you think emotions play in your creative process?

Like most creative people (probably) I'm highly inspired by the work of other creatives. Sometimes, just looking at a painting will spark a new narrative in my imagination, or hearing that song lyric that strikes the right chord (pun intended) of inspiration. I am also inspired by nature.

I frequently take long walks and let my mind wander freely.

Emotions most certainly play a role for me. I frequently make writing playlists that put me in the right sort of mood to write certain idioms. There is a huge difference in a fight scene I write without listening to my hard rock playlist, and the fight scene where I am listening to it.

When did you realize that you wanted to express your creativity? Was it encouraged by others?

I don't think I have ever had the realization that I wanted to express it, because I always have done so from a very early age. I have been strongly encouraged to express myself creatively for as long as I can remember. My parents were my first (still my favorite) cheerleaders, of course, but my wonderful siblings, friends and other family have all been extremely supportive of it.

Most of them are creatives in their own right as well, so we all sort of recognize the need and fulfill it for each other like that. I'm a supremely fortunate person, and I am forever grateful.

If you could teach everyone in the world one concept, what concept would have the biggest positive impact on humanity?

Oh, this is a very interesting question. I like it. Honestly, when I watch world leaders, or even just everyday people, argue over what is a matter of opinion, and therefore, unknown as to what would be the most beneficial solution in actuality, I think to myself: "There is no need to get so heated over it. Just because you disagree, doesn't mean you can't show respect for one another."

In short, I truly believe that if people were more concerned with solutions, as opposed to an over competitive urge to be the one who is right in any given situation, we would live in a much more productive world. Even if you don't agree at all with someone, you can still hear them out respectfully, and they should do the same for you. Listening doesn't mean you agree, it means you aren't so ignorant to think that you are the only one with an option.

At the end, you can still completely disagree with them. At least you're making an informed decision at that point. Who knows? Maybe their idea will lead to an even better idea and create an opportunity for collaboration that benefits even more of the world.

In one of your Instagram posts, you shared a photo wherein you were writing by using pen and paper, is handwriting a lost art? Why is handwriting still important in the digital age?

I don't think that handwriting is a lost art, but it's certainly a dwindling one. It makes me a bit sad, honestly.

There is something very special to me about the smell of ink and paper, and utilizing that medium to create a tangible work that you can feel and smell.

It gives the work more body, more emotion. At least, I think it does. I actually wrote a blog post about this very question a little while back. So, if you want to in depth answer to that question, check out my blog:

https://www.hollisjomccollumauthor.com/post/2017/04/17/taking-the-long-way-around