Holly talks to us about her book. It is called I Thought You Cared. We find out about why she wrote it and the changes she wants to see in the care system. Please note that Holly’s book describes difficult experiences.
What is your book about?
I Thought You Cared is my memoir of growing up in the care system and the lasting trauma that came with that experience. Sadly, this book explores my experiences within care, including abuse and exploitation, at times from the very people who were responsible for protecting and caring for me. It documents not only my personal journey, but also the ways in which the system that was meant to protect me failed.
Within the book, I share the documented reality of how someone responsible for my care was able to abuse me and inflict long-term harm, as well as the wider failings of the care system and local authority that allowed it to happen.
This is not just my story. It reflects the hidden experiences of many young people who have grown up in care and, in some cases, what life in the system can still look like today. The book brings those truths into the open, offering an honest account of what happens when vulnerable children are not properly safeguarded.
What made you decide to write your book?
I started writing this book three years ago, and, truthfully, it began from a place of anger. I needed somewhere to put everything I had carried for so long. Writing became a way to release those emotions and to see my life clearly, in my own words, on paper. In many ways it was therapeutic: it allowed me to process my experiences and take ownership of my story.
Over time, though, the purpose of the book changed. It is no longer written from a place of anger. Instead, it comes from a place of awareness and truth. I wanted to show what my experience of the care system was really like and to highlight the realities that often remain hidden. Writing the book allowed me to transform pain into something that could inform, support and hopefully help others.
How did you go about writing the book?
The writing process took around three years and was far from structured. I started simply by typing whenever I felt the need to. There were no chapters or clear sections at first, just pages of thoughts, memories and reflections. Whenever something weighed on my mind or I felt inspired, I would furiously smack the keyboard with the words, barely pausing for breath.
It wasn’t until about two years into the process that I began shaping the material into something more organised, creating chapters and trying to bring a clearer structure to the story. About six months ago, through Future Pathways, I was introduced to Mary at The Book Whisperers. With her support, I was able to bring everything together properly. She helped with formatting and preparing the manuscript for publication. While my writing itself needed very little editing, her guidance was invaluable in making the book publication-ready. Without that support, I don’t believe I would have reached this point.
What are you wanting your book to do?
Above all, I want this book to create awareness. I want it to show the reality of what can happen within the care system when safeguarding fails and when silence allows harm to continue. For survivors, I hope the book offers reassurance that they are not alone. I want anyone who has experienced similar trauma to feel seen and understood, and to know there is someone who truly relates through lived experience and that you are not what was done to you!
For young people who may currently be facing similar situations, I hope the book gives them courage: the courage to speak out, to seek support and to know that what they are experiencing is not something they should have to face alone.
I also want professionals to read this book and reflect. It is important that those working within care systems understand the real-life consequences of inaction, silence and missed warning signs. If this book can encourage greater accountability, compassion and change within the system, then sharing my story will have served a meaningful purpose.
Book signing event
In April, Holly will be sharing more about her book, talking about her journey and answering questions. The event is free and books will be available to buy at the event.
Thursday 2 April 2026
6:30-9:30pm
6VT Edinburgh City Youth Cafe
11–15 Vennel
Edinburgh
EH1 2HU
