Holly Marie Tong - Professional Writer

Shared this on my main page yesterday:

Hey friends (NOTE ABOUT MY WRITING/CAREER - PLEASE READ) - First of all, thank you to everyone for your support - it means the world to me.

So here goes: As my inboxes continue to fill up with requests, it looks like I need to clarify a little bit about what I do vs. what I no longer do (writing-wise). After years of covering local events and interviewing up and coming talent on top of everything else, I regret to say I for the most part - can no longer book these interviews and shows into my schedule (unless of course you are on my entertainment "roster" or I contact you for an article. I will probably eventually continue my house concert coverage when things slow down. I may also consider events for special causes on a very limited basis as I have a big heart for things of that nature). However, I apologize in saying I am no longer really an outlet for up and coming talent, as I have been for the past several years - I more so cover "national" now...unless of course were referring to my newspaper work for Portland.

The interviews and events were all so much fun, and I'm truly glad I experienced it. I can honestly say I spent many years in Nashville primarily promoting the careers of others without expecting anything in return, which has been completely rewarding and I have zero regrets about that. However, as a result of spending significant time on interviews & events, my own goals & my own relationships suffered - because between working full-time, and taking on other numerous responsibilities....little time was left for my own writing or the people I love... Now here I am 9 years into my Nashville journey, and time is flying. I've put some dreams on hold for a long time, and they're really calling my name....I've gotta listen & I've gotta go for them. I also am simply craving sleep and laid-back time..

So here's what I AM doing: We all know I'm writing a book. I have been working hard on this for at least 4-5 years, and I'm so excited about it. So much heart, time, and dedication has went into this project. I feel like this is going to show who I really am as a writer. I'm deep, but I'm also incredibly light-hearted...and I LOVE writing with humor. I hope y'all will grab you a copy, and attend my upcoming book release party on Music Row (details coming soon).

I am also acting as a publicist right now for an act who I truly believe in - so you will see frequent interviews and press releases from artist Paul Jolley. I also have some other incredible acts on my "roster" who I regularly promote - we have worked together for a long time & we will continue that relationship. (Those articles will be coming soon - stay tuned for some "Nine Days" news)!

Though many don't realize it, I am a songwriter. Have been since I was 16....that is actually why I moved here to begin with....but God had MANY other plans for me in the process.. I have some great song pluggers....and notebooks full of songs everywhere - so it's time I get down to business in that area too.

Additionally, I am behind on a book transcribing process that I so badly need to finish after my own book is sent to the publisher. There's an incredible man depending on me for this big project, and I cannot let him down.

I also offer various other services, which can be viewed on my website. I write artist bios, press releases, and take on other paid writing services, etc.

I am a dedicated contributing writer for the Portland Leader newspaper - so that will continue. I also am committed to my Pop Culture column which covers national entertainment news - country music included.

You may have also been noticing that I've been interviewing some local authors/doing book reviews. I think incredible authors deserve promotion just as much as artists - I personally know how much time and hard work goes into writing a book...and right now is a time in this first-time author's life, when she wants to recognize other fellow authors for a bit. I can only hope when my book is released that some journalists out there will be kind enough to share my book as well.

Aside from that, I am still a full-time Legal Assistant (and that in itself is no small task).

After I get my book out there, I also want to get back into acting a little. It has been a HUGE passion of mine since I was young...and these things can't wait forever.

2014 is a year I must step back and refocus. I'm not good at the word "no"....never have been, and probably will never be - but I write this to say thank you to everyone who has made the past few years so much fun, and I write this to respectfully ask that people not hound me with local interview/event coverage requests - because I really don't want to have to tell you "no" If we have something set up or I've already committed to something OR you are on my regular talent roster....don't worry - nothing has changed, and I will have your work to you promptly.

So yea, I wrote a book in explaining my book and my other writing stuff....but since I'm a writer, therein lies my point. Seriously though, y'all are incredible & you inspire me every day! Love all of you & thank you for understanding! God Bless - Holly

I've said it before and I'll say it again....I'm horrible at keeping up with this page. It's not nearly as interactive here as I am on my main page. Feel free to add me....I still have some room on my friend's list :)

http://www.examiner.com/article/american-idol-s-paul-jolley-to-release-first-single-jan-28

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Newest article I wrote for column on the Examiner as the Nashville Pop Culture Examiner: http://www.examiner.com/article/lasting-celebrity-marriages

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If you wanna see what other things I write about, check out my blog: http://hollymarietong.tumblr.com/

Confessions of a Simple Girl Follower of Jesus Christ, daughter, sister, aunt and friend I'm a Legal Assistant,...

Article I wrote on songwriter Shane McAnally: http://www.examiner.com/article/nashville-songwriter-spotlight-shane-mcanally?cid=db_articles

Nashville Songwriter Spotlight: Shane McAnally So often in the music world, the media gives the prominent portion of the recognition to the artist alone. While it’s true that the artist’s style and status g

Always cool when you find out your writings are in random businesses and waiting rooms. Dad read my magazine articles today while the car was getting worked on.. :)

http://www.examiner.com/review/sam-hunter-band-at-two-old-hippies-friday-night-recap

Sam Hunter Band at Two Old Hippies (Friday Night Recap) Admittedly, I wasn’t too sold on the idea of venturing out for much of anything in the midst of all of the CMA Fest traffic. However, when I heard about Sam Hun