Introduction
Welcome to a new edition of "Author Spotlight"! Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Russell M. Holdaway, an author who explores both coming-of-age action & adventure romance, and fantasy worlds. He's the writer behind Breakout Road, a story set against the backdrop of the 2020 lockdown, and the creator of the Vagabond fantasy series. Originally from New Zealand, and now residing in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, Russell draws on a diverse background, including a long career in nursing, to create compelling and emotionally resonant stories. He also expresses his creativity as an actor.
From Nursing to Novels: Russell M. Holdaway's Journey
Russell M. Holdaway's path to becoming an author is deeply intertwined with his 24 years of experience as a nurse. He's worked in demanding fields like Emergency Departments and Mental Health, experiences that have undoubtedly exposed him to a wide range of human emotions and challenging situations. This intense background gives his writing a distinctive emotional depth and a gritty realism. Originally from New Zealand, Russell's journey took him to England before his family settled in Australia. He grew up in Frankston, Victoria, and now resides in Bendigo, Victoria, with his wife, Angela, their three children, and a lively collection of pets, including chickens, dogs, and cats. Beyond writing, Russell also expresses his creativity through acting, a pursuit he began in 2023.
Exploring Different Worlds: Russell M. Holdaway's Books
Russell M. Holdaway's writing spans both contemporary and fantasy genres, reflecting his diverse interests and his ability to craft compelling stories across different settings.
- Breakout Road: Set in 2020, during the global lockdown, Breakout Road follows 17-year-old Michael O'Hare as he grapples with family breakdown and a growing concern for a friend he's connected with online. Driven by a sense of loyalty and a desire to help, Michael embarks on a risky road trip from Queensland to Victoria, aided by a mechanic's daughter, Akina, and pursued by a local police officer. The novel blends the tension of a road trip adventure with the emotional weight of fractured relationships and the anxieties of an uncertain time.
- Vagabond and the Shaded Hollow (Vagabond Book 1): In this fantasy novel, Russell introduces readers to the dangerous backstreets of the city of Cochforthir. Cwen, a runaway with a traumatic past, seeks help and crosses paths with the enigmatic vigilante known as Vagabond. Forced to work together to survive, they become entangled in a conflict that involves a "great evil" lurking within the city.
- Vagabond 2: The Henged Cult (Vagabond Book 2): The story continues as Vagabond and Cwen's relationship deepens. They are tasked with rescuing the daughter of a local Lord from a "psychotic death cult," but soon discover that supernatural forces are at play. This sequel promises to further explore the world and characters introduced in the first book, raising the stakes and delving deeper into the mysteries of Cochforthir.
Stepping onto the Stage: Russell M. Holdaway's Acting Career
In addition to his writing, Russell M. Holdaway has embraced the world of live theatre, working with Bendigo's Synchronicity Productions since 2023. His roles have included:
- Clue (2023): As the "Unexpected Cop," a role for which he received a nomination from the Victorian Drama League for Best Actor in a Small Role.
- Prometheus Bound (2023): Playing the gods Power and Oceanus.
- The 39 Steps (2024): Tackling an impressive seven roles, including three onstage simultaneously.
- Vintage Death (2024): As the "extremely unlikeable" Detective Sergeant Gary Cockburn, a role that earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor from the Victorian Drama League.
You can keep up with Russell's stage work through the Synchronicity Productions website.
What Readers Are Saying About Breakout Road:
Russell M. Holdaway's Breakout Road has received positive feedback from readers. They commend the book for its engaging storytelling, emotional depth, and relatable characters. The drama and friendships portrayed in the novel have resonated with readers, making it a captivating and enjoyable read. See reviews on Amazon.
A Call to Connection
I encourage you to explore the diverse and engaging worlds created by Russell M. Holdaway. You can connect with him and learn more about his work on his website, and through his social media pages: Facebook and Instagram.
You can purchase his books through the Amazon affiliate links below:
- Breakout Road
- Vagabond and the Shaded Hollow
- Vagabond 2: The Henged Cult
All of the above books are also free to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription!
Conclusion
Russell M. Holdaway is a writer who draws on a remarkable breadth of life experience to craft his stories. From the intense realities of his nursing career to the escapist realms of fantasy and the shared experience of a global lockdown, he weaves together compelling narratives and relatable characters. His venture into acting further demonstrates his commitment to exploring different facets of storytelling. I highly recommend delving into Russell's books and following his continuing journey as both an author and an actor.
Thanks for reading!
*This post contains affiliate links. For more information about my affiliate relationships, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.