Karen: Since you are a debut author, some readers might think you are new to writing, but that is not the case. This book has been in the making for years. Would you elaborate on God’s faithfulness during the writing and publishing process?

Holly: This book has been a 25-year journey. The idea and characters of the book came to me when my mom was going through cancer. I wanted to create a story that would distract her from the physical pain she was experiencing. I wrote during the naptime of my toddler boys and worked on it as a stress release at night. After I finished the book, I began another because I was having so much fun with the characters.

A few years later, when I developed breast cancer, I reread it and found that it did make me smile and distract me for a little while. After surviving my cancer battle, I became more committed to writing stories for older people and those in hospice that would bring them a laugh or chuckle.

God’s faithfulness has been ongoing as wonderful writer friends have come in my life. Writing a book is not a solitary act like some may think. Writers need encouragers and other writers to brainstorm or discuss craft books together. My writing journey has brought the most wonderful friendships to my life which I treasure.

God’s faithfulness may not come in a publishing contract, but one person who wants to read your book and is touched by it. I also believe that God’s faithfulness is revealed in new ideas for the next chapter or simply the joy you feel as you are engaged in creating something new.

Karen: It is obvious you love Jesus and love others with abundance. At what point in your faith did God’s abundant love become real to you? How does your relationship with God impact your writing life?

Holly: God’s abundant love became clear and real to me when I realized God’s love is so special and limitless that His interaction with us is individual. He truly seeks a personal relationship with us. In His immense love, He seeks to speak to our hearts in His own way. I have always said writing is a communion with the Holy Spirit. I am overwhelmed with awe and gratitude that God knows the best way to talk to me and reach into my heart is through story.

In the darkest and saddest times in my life, a character has popped in my mind and started to talk to me. I deeply feel it is God creatively, uniquely, lovingly, and so gently wrapping me in His love. As a Christian and a writer, I give all credit of my creativity to God and then turn it around and write for God.

Holly: Even as a child, I was enamored with elderly people. There is something special about them, as if they are secret keepers holding all the wisdom about life. I have been a hospice volunteer for years, and few things bring me as much joy as sitting next to them and listening to their life story.

It was incredibly important to me to have an array of character ages in the Moonberry Lake Community, particularly the elderly age group. They have something invaluable to offer and I don’t believe we honor them as we should.

Karen: Your writing voice is unique, not only in the way you capture the wisdom and authenticity of older generations but also in the funny quips and light satire that pepper On Moonberry Lake. Which authors have influenced your writing style? What have you learned from them about storytelling?

Holly: First of all, anyone who knows me is aware of my off beat sense of humor. I’ve come to appreciate that I look at the world differently. My writing voice is unique because I no longer hold that difference back. I am as quirky as my characters. The craziness and drama of the characters is always buzzing about in my head. I simply release them onto page.

I love small town drama. The biggest influences on my writing have been Fanny Flagg and Jan Karon. The Mitford series was huge in giving me permission to write about small town folks and their lives. There is another small town series called Dearest Dorothy, by Charlene Ann Baumbich, which I love.

Karen: Of the characters, which is your favorite? Which would you choose to sit down with at a coffee shop to dig deep? Which would be a “partner in crime” and challenge you to overcome your insecurities? Which could become your best friend?

Holly: I love this question! For the record, I am attached to all the characters in Moonberry. They each have a special place in my heart.

However, if I could sit and talk to anyone at a coffee shop for hours, it would be Kitty. The woman is the ultimate grandma figure—wise, sweet, and supportive. She exemplifies a true sage.

A partner in crime could only be Widgy. She is someone that is willing to do anything, to anyone, at any cost, for those she loves. Her loyalty runs deep to her core. You want her on your good side, because if not, you should run.

For my best friend, I would go to Arielle. Her creative spirit is infectious. She is always up for an adventure and would push me out of my comfort zone. She follows all her passions and is a caring soul.

Karen: I love how connected you are to your characters, and I know your readers are, too. They are also already asking for a sequel. Will we see Cora in a new installment in 2024? What can readers expect from your next novel?

Holly: The Blooming of Delphinium is coming September 2024. It takes place in Moonberry Lake on Main Street at Delphinium’s Flora Emporium. Readers may remember her short cameo in the first book. In this second novel, a group of elderly people from the nursing home come and take over her shop, turning her life upside down. It was so much fun to write and I hope will make readers laugh as much as it made me laugh while writing it.

While the next installment from Moonberry Lake won’t reach shelves until next year, readers can spend a few minutes with Varni’s quirky characters by listening to Varni’s podcast Moments from Moonberry Lake. The vignettes, read by the author, highlight the quirky and unique persepctives of Moonberry Lake’s inhabitants with humor and satire that are sure to become Varni’s signature voice.

Faith, Friendship, and Storytelling – An Interview with Author Holly Varni