Kindersley author, 21, releases third novel in Irish historical series
By Joan Janzen
Local author Elyssia Holloway was excited to receive a copy of her most recent book, The Brit and the Bluebell, the third instalment in a Christian historical fiction series entitled Redemption in Ireland.
The 21-year-old author, who uses the pen name Ellie Hollows, said, "I'm so happy with the finished product!" She finished writing the book in four months, but took five additional months to polish it.
Book three in hand: Kindersley resident Elyssia Holloway holds her recently published book, The Brit and the Bluebell, the third instalment in her Christian historical fiction series. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
She published her first book in November of 2024, the second in 2025 and now her third in 2026. Since this is the third book, she's become very familiar with the historical information, but was checking for accuracy and specific events that happened.
"I stumbled upon an explosion that happened in 1597 that killed a lot of people," she said. She incorporated this historical event into the plot of her story.
Elyssia lives with her siblings and parents on an acreage south of Kindersley and works part-time at the Kindersley Library. "I work two days a week and extra if needed. It allows me plenty of time to write, so I'm perfectly happy," she said. She may be young, but she has found ways to make the best use of her time.
"I've found it works best to write two chapters a week," she explained. "I have till Wednesday to write one chapter, then try to get another chapter done Thursday and Friday and coast until Monday. That way I can enjoy the writing process but I'm not stressing about it."
Elyssia's mom helps out by being the first person to read her daughter's manuscript. "It's good to have a second set of eyes," Elyssia said. "And my Nana helps proofread."
While the young author proudly holds her latest novel, she is already busy working on another story. "I work on one story, and plot the next story while I'm writing. It's definitely helped a lot," she explained. "I want to keep doing it as long as I have ideas."
It's obvious Elyssia loves crafting stories and bringing characters to life in the pages of her books.
"I love all my books, but this one has a big family and I find kids are adorable to write about," she said, as she not only develops her characters but falls in love with each one.
Elyssia's parents help promote her books at the conferences, conventions, workshops and family camps they attend. "My parents went to a homeschool conference and sold half the copies I had remaining. And we had a ladies' tea this summer and ladies there bought the rest of them," she said.
She also promotes her books on Instagram and on her website, elliesbookhaven.com, and plans to make them available at local markets prior to Christmas.