Hope Bolinger is a literary agent at C.Y.L.E. and a graduate of Taylor University’s professional writing program. More than 500 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer’s Digest to Crosswalk.com. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams. Her column “Hope’s Hacks,” tips and tricks to avoid writer’s block, reaches 6,000+ readers weekly and is featured monthly on Cyle Young’s blog. Her modern-day Daniel, Blaze, (Illuminate YA) released in June, and they contracted the sequel Den for July 2020. Her YA superhero chat fiction “Dear Hero” is set to release January 2021. Find out more about her here.
When did the writing journey begin for you?
Technically, I’ve always been writing. I think my mom has three-page books I scrawled back in first grade buried somewhere in her garage. With that being said, I never considered writing a novel until I reached high school. My best friend was in the habit of writing them, and I wanted to be cool like my friend, so I wrote.
Do you have any favorite characters in the stories you write?
Oooh, tricky. I’ll boil down my favorite characters in the next few releases/already published books, because I have so many favorites.
Blaze – Hannah. I love her morbid energy and the face she doesn’t care about what anyone thinks.
Den – Still Hannah 🙂
Dear Hero – I love Kevin. He’s a ridiculous theater nerd/frat boy, and everyone needs a good sidekick.
Dear Henchman – Liam. I don’t want to give away too much, but basically he’s insane and I love him and want to marry him.
Vision (fingers crossed, it’s at pub board now) – Still Hannah
Do you dream about your characters?
I wish. Instead I get nightmares about being back in high school and teeth falling out.
Have you based any characters on real life people?
I don’t know how libelous I can get in this question. In the Blaze trilogy, no (unless you count the historical figures of Daniel and his three friends). In other books … quite possibly 😉
Snack or no snack while writing?
I usually take breaks after every 1,000 words, so snacking does occur.
What is your favorite time of day and why?
9:36. It’s my favorite multiple of nine. I love the number nine, but don’t get me started on why. We have limited page space.
Thank you Hope Bolinger!
Have a blessed day,
Melissa
Thanks for introducing us to Hope, Melissa. It’s always nice to meet new writers.
You are welcome Jill. Hope is truly talented. 🙂
Was so excited to be on here! Thanks for reading the interview!
Great piece on Hope Bolinger. She edited my, to date, yet unpublished children’s book. I’m much more hopeful of publication now. Good choice!
I look forward to reading your children’s book Nancy. Hope is a great person. 🙂
Nancy, so glad you read this! It was a pleasure to edit your book. I can’t wait to be able to hold it in my hands ❤️
Good morning, Melissa and Hope! Great interview.
Thank you for stopping by. Have a great week Gail! 🙂
Gail, thank you so much for giving it a read!
Good to meet you, Hope!
Thanks for stopping by Ava. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Great to meet you as well, Ava!
Nice to meet you, Hope! Thanks for sharing with us 🙂
Glad you stopped by. Have a great week! 🙂
Nice to meet you as well! Thank you for stopping by!
Thanks for featuring Hope in your blog. She is a literary superstar! Her books, coaching, mentoring, and other life pursuits all contribute to the amazing example she is to so many people! ~ Ben C.
Hope is definitely a talented person and yes, amazing example to many people. 🙂
I enjoyed meeting Hope. Thank Melissa.
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Thank you for reading and learning about Hope Bolinger. 🙂
Thanks for introducing us to an author worth watching and following.
You are welcome. I look forward to reading more from Hope. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
This made my day! It is wonderful to connect with you!
You are very welcome. Good luck and God bless
I love Hope. She is such a great writer.
I agree. Hope is very special. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
Ahh thank you ❤️ This made my day
Melissa, it was so fun to read and meet Hope! Thanks for sharing this interview. She sounds like a fun lady. 🙂
Thank you for reading and commenting. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
Jeanne, it’s great to meet you as well! Thank you so much for stopping by!