Hollis Oliver

Hollis lives in Clark County, Washington, an area directly north and across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. He was born in Florence, Alabama, but grew up the Pacific NW.

As a child, Hollis was a dreamer. His family were not bedtime story people, so he would lie in bed at night telling himself bedtime stories, making up fanciful tales. A reoccurring theme was flying cars traveling anywhere he wanted to go, even into the past and future. So, transferring that experience to writing fiction was a natural step. He is also a songwriter, co-writing with songwriters around the world, including Grammy nominated and Grammy recipients, and has placed two songs with independent artists; he weaves a song he wrote into each novel.

He served in the Fire Service for 38 years, beginning with Vancouver (WA) Fire Department. After serving 23 years there, Hollis accepted offers to serve as Fire Chief in Redmond, Oregon, and subsequently, Santa Cruz, CA.

Hollis tells of being asked if the books he's writing are Fire Service related. His response: "I've done that and loved it, but now I get to be an attorney, a serial killer, a nurse, a rock star, a hit woman, a henchman, etc." He loves it.

After reading a scene from his first novel, his wife looked at him and said, "I think it should scare me that your mind can work like that."

Hollis is passionate about classic cars. You may see Hollis and Sue, his wife, in their 1965 Malibu SS convertible—which he restored—at West Coast car events.

He loves golf. Unfortunately, golf does not return the favor.

In writing Past Due, Hollis inserted much of himself into the protagonist's character and personality, including what he's passionate about: faith (but not in the reader's face), family, music, and leadership. He hopes you enjoy the journey, and that his imagination animates yours.