Alexandra Holzer: A Haunted Career

Alexandra Holzer is a multiple threat -- author, ghost hunter, and the daughter of the legendary paranormal investigator Hans Holzer. And you've probably seen her on the Travel Channel (or Hulu). 

Tell us a bit about your latest work.

My latest work involves development for television and film. I recently did an interview for a new show due out this fall. On the writing side of things, I have a new book in the works. Although it’s been a while since I’ve written for other publications over the course of the last 15 years — I’ve recently written some articles for UK’s Haunted Magazine.

What happened in your life that prompted you to become a writer?

My father was that inspiration for me as he was a prolific author and I grew up around books lining our living room walls. The subject matter diversified from the afterlife to herbal remedies. I began writing as a child in school and always did well in my English classes. I had an active imagination always creating characters and environments they would be in. I always thought it was neat to have the control and ability to take out a character if they were deserving of it. They could find themselves in such a demise that there was no way out. I also wrote children’s stories and when I became a mother — continued on that path of inspiration from my children. I write poetry as well.

What are the themes and subjects you tend to revisit in your work?

I tend to revisit the subject matter of the supernatural and otherworldly beings from other universes. Lately, I’ve been delving more into hidden history and not what they put out there currently. I’m talking about the history of who built energy towers that are found in places like Paris, which the narrative is to give it a name and story but not its true identity and its functional purpose. These “Eiffel Towers” are also found in Ohio and elsewhere. I’m talking about the lost civilization of Tartaria. I could go on. 

What would be your dream project?

My dream project would be to take what I’ve created a long time ago — tweaked here and there for either a documentary or a series on the vast field of the paranormal and the occult. 

What writers have influenced your style and technique?

I know many writers are influenced by those before them and in current times. However, for me I just write and envision thru dream interpretation and impressions that come to me over time. I don’t create boundaries or see who wrote what. I just write. How it comes out just comes out. Of course, without a good editor, it won’t work and I’m not an editor. So, the pairing of the two is essential to the work at hand. Just like in tv and film. 

Where would you rank writing on the "Is it an art or it is a science continuum?" Why?

I’d rank writing on neither. It’s a creative process that many possess but one must not lack the willpower to make it come to life. The hard part is committing to the work and seeing it thru. To trust yourself and follow your intuitive side for self-support. There are many who can write and write well but will never do anything about it because it’s not their path in life. That can change of course — however, it must be put into action otherwise it won’t manifest and became a reality. It all depends on the individual. 

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

The most difficult part is finding the time. I’m a very active and busy mother and wife running a household with five kids and a bunch of rescued fur babies. Sometimes it may take a year before I can get back into it due to the everyday chaos but I get there, eventually. 

How do your writer friends help you become a better writer? Or do they not?

For me, it’s not so much a help but rather seeing those deserving of their success come to fruition. It gives me hope and I carry on. 

What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success isn’t about having a best-seller although I know many want that. It’s not about getting accolades or awards. These things help you stand out amongst the crowd, I get it. However, it seems rather pretentious to me as so many should win these accolades but get ignored especially if they don’t have a large enough following in today’s world of social media. It’s a blessing and a curse and somewhat of a trap. How can you get ahead without it these days versus back in the day when publishing houses did business differently. Submission via snail mail and having to have a lit agent just to be taken seriously. What hasn’t changed is the agony of waiting to hear back! 

Any other upcoming projects you would like to plug?

I wish I could but they’re all in development and others in talks. I’m waiting for my new book to be done and the start-up of some projects for tv. It’s a waiting game and what some refer to as being in development hell.

For more information, visit:

www.alexandraholzer.com