We’re excited to share this exclusive interview with Al Holland, the author of The Neighborly Thing to Do, whose journey took some unexpected turns.
What started as a casual upload on Inkitt became a breakout success, leading to a publishing deal and a growing fanbase. In this conversation, Al talks about transforming a story from fanfiction into an original novel, the surprising moment a publishing offer arrived, and the inspiration behind writing a romance that feels warm and comforting.
Inkitt: What was it like watching your book unexpectedly take off on Inkit?
Al Holland: A Surprise Breakout Hit – I uploaded my book to Inkit on a whim, never expecting it to take off. Months later, I discovered it had gained massive traction—so much so that Galatea reached out to publish it. Readers fell in love with the story even before I realized how big it had become!
Al Holland, author on Inkitt and Galatea
Inkitt: Your book started as a fanfiction. How did you turn it into an original story that stands on its own?
Al Holland: From Fanfiction to Original Masterpiece – Originally, this story was a Naruto fanfiction, which meant it had a built-in audience. But the real magic happened when I transformed it into a standalone novel. I had to make sure my characters and relationships felt fresh, real, and independent of their original inspiration. That was a huge challenge but also incredibly rewarding.
Inkitt: You found out your book was getting signed while traveling—tell us about that moment.
Al Holland: Signed While Backpacking in Southeast Asia – I was literally living out of a suitcase when I got the email from Galatea. I was in a McDonald’s in the Philippines—the only place with power after our hotel had a blackout—and suddenly, I’m reading this life-changing message. It was surreal.
Inkitt: A lot of romance novels focus on drama. What made you write something different?
Al Holland: A Heartfelt, Feel-Good Romance – I love romance novels, but I always felt like they were packed with so much unnecessary conflict. I wanted to write something warm, comforting, and focused on love’s quiet, everyday joys—something that just made people feel good.
Inkitt: Since your book wasn’t tied to an existing fandom anymore, how did you approach developing your characters?
Al Holland: Characters That Feel Real – That was one of the hardest parts! In fanfiction, readers already know the characters. But in an original novel, I had to make sure their personalities, relationships, and motivations were completely fleshed out. I worked a lot on showing not just the romance, but also friendships, family dynamics, and personal growth.
Inkitt: Did you always plan for this story to be a full-length novel?
Al Holland: A Story That Writes Itself – Not at all! It started as a short story, but once I introduced the characters, their journey just kept expanding. It was originally supposed to be maybe ten pages, and before I knew it, I had a full-length book!
Inkitt: Readers are loving your book! Can they expect a sequel?
Al Holland: What’s Next? The Sequel Is Here! – Yes! The story continues, and I’m so excited for readers to see where these characters go next. I’ve already completed the sequel, and it explores even deeper layers of their relationships and personal growth.
Inkitt: You’ve mentioned that you wrote this book because you couldn’t find the kind of romance story you wanted to read. Can you tell us more about that?
Al Holland: A Book Born from a Love of Reading – Exactly! I was looking for a romance novel that focused on love’s quieter, more intimate moments instead of over-the-top drama. When I couldn’t find it, I decided to write it myself. And now, seeing readers connect with it in the same way I had hoped to—it’s just incredible.
