Welcome! | David B. Holton

Now

Submitting my Novel “White Fawn” for Publication

White Fawn is a literary historical fiction novel that centers on twelve-year-old Caelan, who is thrust into the confusing and tragic world of Civil War–era eastern North Carolina after spending the better part of his life sheltered on his parents’ farm.

When his father takes him out on a delivery and is shot down on the road, the boy is taken captive by Confederate deserters hiding out in the swamps of eastern North Carolina, along with one of the freedmen who worked for his father.

What follows is a there-and-back-again journey that forces the boy to make choices in a world where there seems to be no right path, and every step carries him closer to another tragedy.

Along the way, he encounters a strange spirit animal and a ghostly girl and travels to the very edge of existence before returning to his family farm to face the men who killed his father.

Genre: Literary Historical Fiction with Magical Realism | Length: 90,000 words | Status: Complete manuscript, in submission to literary agents

Want to learn more about White Fawn? Reach out if you are interested in this novel!

Seeking Collaborative Storytelling Opportunities

I am always looking for my next collaboration with creatives across visual storytelling mediums. I have worked in theatre, film, and photography, from analyzing screenplays for studios to producing, directing, and serving as an assistant director and production manager.

I love every part of the collaboration process, from brainstorming ideas to managing preproduction to solving problems during production. As a “creative producer” (my catch-all for a wide variety of work), here are a few of the assets I bring to projects:

10+ years as a creative (writing, theatre, film, and photography). In addition to producing and supporting as a crew member, I’ve written the words, said the lines, and held the camera!

An MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill and a UCLA-Extension Producing Certificate, with expertise in both planning and execution of projects.

Experience leading teams on large-scale, complex projects. Before I joined the entertainment industry, I worked as a field engineer on civil engineering projects (in other words, I built bridges!).

I would love to talk about your project needs, from script collaboration to co-development and producing, to creative consultation and more.

Recent Creative Achievements

Literary Novel: “White Fawn” – completed 90,000-word historical fiction with magical realism elements; currently in active agent submission process

Published Fiction: “The Lightning Jar” – published in literary journal; named “Emerging Voice in Fiction” by Oyster River Pages

Screenwriting: “Skin Deep” (2025 Atlanta Film Festival Semifinalist, BlueCat Quarterfinalist); “Dragon” (Quarterfinalist in multiple prestigious competitions)

Filmmaking: Wrote, directed, acted in, & edited short film that won Best Mockumentary Microfilm at Austin Comedy Film Festival; recognized at Berlin Flash Film Festival for Outstanding Achievement

Theatrical Acting: Speaking role as Captain Arthur Barlow in The Lost Colony outdoor drama (84th season); performed nightly across 70+ shows

Photography: Fine Art Photograph displayed in PhotoNOLA showcase (Ogden Museum); photos included in group exhibition at Boulier Gallery, New Orleans; street photos published in F-Stop Magazine