Inside The Indie Author: A Conversation with Ingar Rudholm

Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym, and why or why not?

If I could go back in time, I would’ve published my books under a pen name. I’m a private person and it’s hard to create a brand without mixing in my personal life on social media. I have followers on Instagram and Facebook. I have to be careful what I say and what I share with my followers.

What is your “go-to” method for working through or around writer’s block?

I keep notepads at home, near my bed, and at work. That way if I have an idea I can write it down quickly. If I’m stuck, I will go for a walk around the neighborhood or go for a hike in the woods while carrying a notepad. There’s something about the fresh air and exercise that stimulates my brain.

From your perspective, what are the most important elements of good writing?

I start with a plot or story idea. I find writing very difficult. I always joke about my writing style. I’m not a composer, rockstar, or indie rock. I write more like a garage rock band.

What comes first – the location, the plot, or the characters – and why?

Whenever I talk to students at author school visits, I tell them, “write about what you know”. So, I set my stories in my hometown of Whitehall, Michigan and sprinkle in things that mean something to me. For the characters, I can relate to their hardship. I don’t always agree with their actions and decisions, but I can feel empathy for their situation.

What are your least favorite and most favorite things about publishing a book?

Editing is the least favorite. Since I write kids books, I enjoy drawing the illustrations. My next project is a graphic novel that way I can combine writing and art – best of both worlds.

What is a significant way your book changed from the first to the final draft?

For my first book, I hired an editor, a developmental. and I had a beta reader. I learned so much from these three people. It was a crash course in writing.

What was the inspiration for your most recent book?

I’m working on a graphic novel based upon the "Traveling Circus." I had to tighten the story and dialogue in order to fit in the panels. Conveying emotions and inner dialogue has been a challenge. After I’m finished with the graphic novel, I have an idea for a spin-off character within the “Traveling Circus” world.

What is a “darling” you’ve killed in a book that you’d like to resurrect in a future book?

Without giving away details from book 3, I haven’t “killed” off any characters. I managed to keep my characters safe from death, even though I put them through a lot of trials and tribulations.

Where are your most productive writing spaces, and what elements are important about that space to keep you focused on writing.

I like to be outside in the summer. In the winter, I have a comfy chair and pajamas.

If you were to give one of your side characters a novella of their own, who would it be, and why do you think they need their own story?

I have an idea for two spin-off characters, Alden and Jaxson. Alden’s parent’s own an antique and repair shop in Whitehall Michigan. The ringmaster’s pocket watch opens a portal where Alden and his friend Jaxson can go back in time and discover the origin story of all the items in Alden’s shop.

What risks have you taken with your writing that made the book better?

I wouldn’t say I took a lot of risks with my writing style. The risks came after I published the book. I took a lot of risk by letting people read the story. What if no one likes it? What if I get bad reviews? What do you mean I have to get out there and talk to readers? Scary scenarios ran through my brain.

What’s the best monetary investment you’ve ever made with regard to your writing practice?

The developmental editor was expensive, but worth it. I also travel all over Michigan promoting my book. I had a chance to visit new towns, try new restaurants, and play golf. The best golf course was in Coldwater, Michigan. The first par three hole was sandwiched between a river and lake. I watched as boats cruised down the river on a warm sunny day. South Haven has a great restaurant (Captain Lou’s) on the bank of river. They have great perch sandwiches!

When you first began writing, what was a common procrastination trap you encountered, and how did you overcome it?

I like watching movies on the television and it became a big distraction. So, about fifteen years ago I threw away the TV. It was the best decision I ever made.

What is your writing software of choice, and what is its best feature?

Do you have any recommendations? I use Microsoft Word and it’s a bit clunky for formatting the book. For my illustrations I use Photoshop 5 from 1997. Ha, ha. I should probably upgrade?

Do characters’ names come immediately to you? Do you add them in a final draft? Where do you find names, and how do you make a final decision about the names you’ll use?

I had a lot of fun with character names. One of main characters has the superpower: anything he draws becomes real. All my character names are based on famous painter or artwork. So far, only two readers figured out my “easter eggs”. If I’m struggling with a name, I usually put #badguy1 or #name2 that way it stands out when I start the editing process.

Tell us one of your favorite novels, and why this book is a favorite.

My favorite book growing up was "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson. Jim Hawkins being kidnapped by a bunch of unruly pirates in search of treasure.

What are you reading right now?

At the moment, I’ve been listening to audiobooks by Tony Robbins, Jim Rohn, and Ray Dalio.

If you could save five books from being destroyed in the apocalypse, what books would you choose, and why?

In an apocalypse? Probably some survival books, how to grow food, keep warm, etc.

Tell us a little something about your current WIP. When do you expect it to be released?

I hoping my graphic novel will be out on December 15th, 2025. Book description: Cordelia goes swimming in Lake Michigan and she finds a sunken ship. On the ship is a skeleton holding an ammo box. Inside the ammo box is the Secret Talent Scroll with a spell on it. She thinks the spell will turn her into the fastest swimmer in the world, so she can compete in the Olympics. Instead, the scroll curses her to become a mermaid in a traveling circus sideshow.

What are the titles and genres of each book you’ve written?