Holly Riordan

Senior staff writer and novelist. Her twisty thriller, The Guilty Twin, is available on Shop Catalog.

8 Questions with
Holly Riordan

1

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Article inspiration comes from messy feelings I’ve experienced or have watched others experience that are universal. Fiction inspiration is sparked by twisty TV shows, novels, and video games.

2

You’re hosting a dinner party this Friday and can invite five people. The catch: These diners can be anyone, dead or alive. You also don’t need to know them IRL. That said, who are you having over?

Neil Patrick Harris, Gillian Flynn, Vince Gilligan, Michael J. Fox, V.E. Schwab

3

What was the last thing you read that moved you?

Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury. I mostly read thrillers, but this was a fantasy book that I couldn’t put down!

4

If AIM was still A Thing, what would your away message be?

“Busy writing or watching Big Brother. Either way, wish me luck.”

5

What would the title of your memoir be?

Better Than Fine because my goal is to slowly but surely change any aspect of my life I deem fine so that I’m never settling.

6

How would your best friend describe you?

Fun, rambling, and ridiculous. The opposite of my writing persona because I get all the ‘serious stuff’ out on paper (or a computer screen).

7

Favorite word, and why?

Lovely. A beautiful word to use in compliments and when being sarcastic.

8

If you could give one piece of advice to everyone in the world, what would you say?

People pleasing is dangerous and you’ll be so much happier doing what you genuinely want instead of what others encourage you to want. Remember, you can still be sweet and kind while prioritizing your own mental health.