J.A. Marlow

In Remembrance of Holly Lisle: Writer, Teacher, and Inspiration

Posted on September 3, 2024

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Holly Lisle, a beloved figure in the writing community. Holly was a prolific author and teacher who dedicated her life to crafting great stories as well as the supporting and empowering of fellow writers.

rose, book, old bookHolly founded Forward Motion for Writers as a place for writers to connect, share resources, and support one another. Today, Forward Motion continues the legacy of encouragement, teaching, and camaraderie under the guidance of Lazette Gifford and J.A. Marlow in the forms of the website and an active Discord server.

In addition to Forward Motion, HollyLisle.com offered workshops, classes, and a vibrant online forum. Both sites stand as a testament to Holly’s passion for the craft and her unwavering belief in the potential of every writer (even when she threatened to hit you with your own manuscript).

Holly Lisle is also remembered for her many articles, Writer’s Digest mail writing courses, as well as a large body of fiction across multiple genres. Many writers credit Holly’s teachings and mentorship as pivotal moments in their own writing journeys.

Though Holly is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through the countless writers whose lives she touched. Her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the writing community will never be forgotten. Holly made an indelible mark, and her impact will continue to be felt for years to come.

As we mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, let us also celebrate the profound influence she had on the writing world. Holly’s dedication to supporting and uplifting fellow authors is a shining example of the power of community and mentorship. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire us all to keep writing, keep learning, and keep supporting one another.

Rest in peace, Holly Lisle. Your legacy will live on in the hearts and works of all the writers you inspired.


We encourage everyone to share their stories about Holly Lisle in the Forum. We all have great memories of her!

7 thoughts on “In Remembrance of Holly Lisle: Writer, Teacher, and Inspiration”

  1. I am not in any of the current forums but I was a member of Lisle’s Lunatic League when it was an email list and I recognize Lazette’s name. Holly and I had been out of touch for a long time, but I always counted her as a friend. My condolences to all who knew her, in person or through the internet.

  2. My condolences to Holly and her friends and family. I was a member here back in (I think) the late 90s-early 00s when I was writing my first SF novel, and Forward Motion welcomed me in with open arms, including Holly herself. I learned so much in the time I spent here, and I’m glad to say that that wonky little novel turned into a self-published trilogy and the start of a self-publishing career. And on top of all that, I do in fact still pay it forward by going to cons to help those just starting out. Holly was such a great inspiration in that respect and she will be missed.

  3. The news was so sad.
    I am thankful Holly touched so many lives with her writing and teaching.
    I have all her writing courses to read through again and again to learn something new to add to my stories.
    And I can reread Holly’s novels and keep in touch with other writers on her forum and here.

  4. I have spent several days trying to find the right words to say. Holly and I knew each other since 1992 when I started her Writer’s Digest class. From her first note to me to her last, Holly was unwaveringly kind and helpful. I followed her to online sites and created her first personal site.

    Holly did two things very well: she wrote wonderful books and helped people take their writing to higher levels. Those of us who worked with her are better for it.

    I miss Holly. I always looked forward to her new books. I checked constantly for new notes. This is a loss I cannot begin to express.

  5. So sad to hear she passed away, I read several of her books and subscribed to her newsletter. This morning it hit me that it’s been awhile since I got a newsletter from her and googled her. I’m shocked. I hope she didn’t suffer towards the end and I hope people will find her books and enjoy them for years to come. RIP Holly, you will be missed.

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