Meet Bill Holland aka Billybuc: The Interview
A Challenge By My Friend Jen
I have such respect for the writers on HubPages. There is no doubt that there are things wrong with that particular writing site, but none of those things are related to the writers. I have had the honor to work with some extraordinarily talented individuals, and what was originally just a whim on my part has turned into a joyous and willing participation.
That is a long-winded way of saying that I pay attention to the writers I admire, and when they suggest something, I do my best to respond to that suggestion.
One such suggestion was just made by my friend Jen, or Availiavision on HubPages. Jen suggested (challenged) us to answer a series of questions about ourselves. In other words, she asked that we interview ourselves, and I loved the idea. Not that I think there is anything terribly interesting about me, but I hope to find out much more about my fellow writers through this challenge.
So, I accepted the challenge, and here are the questions and answers.
BACKGROUND
I was born October 13, 1948, and spent the first nine months of my life in foster care. I was finally adopted by Dale and Evelyn Holland (I have no idea what took them so long to find me).
I was painfully shy as a child, but happy. I am a loner by nature and I’m comfortable being one, but I love close friends and family. In no particular order, I am a father, a son, a husband, and a writer. Add to that a devoted friend, teacher, urban farmer, and a lover of nature.
Roll it all together, bake at 350 degrees for sixty-six years, and you’ve got Bill Holland.
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ACTORS’ STUDIO QUESTIONS (the bonus questions first)
What is your favorite word?
This one was easy for me…..quintessential! I’ve always loved the way that word rolls off the tongue….plus it just sounds so intelligent when you use it.
What is your least favorite word?
Hate…..I don’t think any explanation is necessary.
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Pictures or actions of love; I’m all about spreading love, and I can get teary-eyed in a heartbeat when I see a mother with her young child, or see a random act of kindness.
What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Meanness….rudeness….indifference….apathy….complacency.
What sound or noise do you love?
The sound of my wife breathing next to me first thing in the morning; second would be a little child giggling.
What sound or noise do you hate?
Loudness….I’m not a big fan of loud noises of any kind.
What is your favorite curse word?
Asswipe…..no idea why. LOL
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Forest or Park Ranger….nature is where it’s at.
What profession would you not like to do?
A policeman….it’s a thankless and dangerous job.
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
"Welcome, Bill. I need a writer for the Heaven Gazette. Do you want the job?"
Challenging Questions
In the film version of your autobiography, who would you like to play yourself?
This is a tough one because there are few actors who I really respect as human beings…who seem real to me. I guess I would say Matt Damon. I respect his passion for life, and the fact that he does so much work for humanitarian causes. Plus he’s kick-ass as Jason Bourne. LOL
What quality or talent do you wish you could cultivate?
This is a tough one. I guess I wish I could be an excellent writer. I’m not even close yet, and that frustrates me, but I have this work ethic that does not quit, so maybe, one day, I’ll make it.
Who is your favorite fictional character ever?
This one was easy….Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird.” This should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me. My parents grew up during the Great Depression, and I’ve always been fascinated by the stories of survival from that time. Finch is like this perfect father, wise, brave, loving, and a man of principle. Yes indeed, Atticus Finch is DA MAN!
If you could have the career of any author, who would it be?
It’s a toss-up between Thoreau and Steinbeck. I love the fact that Thoreau was a century ahead of his time, lived what was essentially an alternative lifestyle, and wrote some dazzling descriptions. Steinbeck was the Master. He wrote more exceptional sentences on one page than I write in a year. That’s the kind of writer I’d love to be.
What inspires you?
At the risk of sounding corny, life inspires me. There is so much magic and wonder around us. It’s just an honor to be alive right now, in this place, doing what I’m doing, surrounded by friends and family I adore. I’m inspired every single day.
When did you first realize you were a writer?
I first fell in love with writing when I was a sophomore in high school. A writing teacher told me I had talent, but that was a bit too much to swallow at that age. I realized, positively, with no hesitation, that I was a writer three years ago when I joined HubPages. The support and kind words of fellow writers gave me the confidence necessary to declare to the world that I AM A WRITER!
And Now I Pass the Challenge on to All of You
Thank you, Jen. I had fun with this, and I hope you all enjoyed a little peek into my psyche. Now how about the rest of you? Are you willing to get a can opener and pry the lid off of yourself? We would all love to see what’s inside your head and heart.
2014 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
