Holly Schindler

I absolutely believe that a good story is timeless - every bit as enjoyable a hundred years (or more) after publication as it is on the release date. A good story also appeals to all ages - and is why I’m drawn to writing for multiple age groups in multiple genres.

I’m a hybrid author of critically acclaimed traditionally published and Amazon bestselling independently published books for readers of all ages. My work has received starred reviews in Booklist and Publishers Weekly, has won silver and gold medals in ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year and the IPPY Awards, respectively, has been featured on Booklist’s Best First Novels for Youth and School Library Journal’s What’s Hot in YA, and has been a PW Pick of the Week.

The subjects of my books run the gamut—everything from a satirical look at modern romantic relationships (Fifth Avenue Fidos) to a more serious, even at times steamy exploration of first love (the Playing Hurt series). I’ve tackled harder-hitting topics as well: children of low-income families (The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky) as well as mental illness (A Blue So Dark) and recovering from violence (Feral). Creativity and art are also constant sources of inspiration (A Blue So Dark, The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky).

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Spark
YA / HarperCollins / 2016

When the right hearts come to the Avery Theater—at the right time—the magic will return. The Avery will come back from the dead.

Or so Quin’s great-grandmother predicted many years ago on Verona, Missouri’s most tragic night, when Nick and Emma, two star-crossed teenage lovers, died on the stage. It was the night that the Avery’s marquee lights went out forever.

It sounds like urban legend, but one that high school senior Quin is now starting to believe, especially when her best friend, Cass, and their classmate Dylan step onto the stage and sparks fly. It seems that magic can still unfold at the old Avery Theater and a happier ending can still be had—one that will align the stars and revive not only the decrepit theater, but also the decaying town. However, it hinges on one thing—that Quin gets the story right this time around.

Holly Schindler brings the magic of the theater to life in this tale of family ties, fate, love, and one girl’s quest to rewrite history.

In my hometown, the restoration of a former movie theater on the town square provided the genesis for my new YA novel, Spark. Who among us hasn’t dreamed of seeing their name in blazing neon across a gigantic marquee? Let me invite you to dim the lights and draw back the velvet curtains—let your imagination run wild as you enter my fictional Avery Theater, where literally anything goes…

Spark “premieres” May 17, 2016.
You can buy your “tickets” now.

Add to your TBR list...

Adult

Fifth Avenue Fidos
General Humor / Romantic Comedy / 2015

“Charming!” – Author Jennifer Salvato Doktorski

Play It Again
A Playing Hurt Novel / 2015

Young Adult

Feral
Psychological Thriller / 2014

PW Starred Review
What’s Hot in YA (School Library Journal)
PW Pick of the Week

Playing Hurt
Romance / 2011

“The writing was exceptional, and I must say, I've developed quite the writerly crush on Holly.”
Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times and international bestselling author

A Blue So Dark
Contemporary / 2010

Booklist Starred Review
Booklist’s Top 10 First Novels for Youth (2010)
Silver Medal, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year
IPPY Gold Medal Award Winner

Middle Grade

Do you have a young reader in your life? Let them know they can meet me in the middle:

Holly Schindler’s Middles

The Junction of Sunshine and Lucky
Contemporary / 2014

2016-2017 Mark Twain Readers Award Nominee
2016 Bluestem Award Nominee
2015-2016 South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominee
2015-2016 Alabama Camellia Children’s Choice Book Award Nominee
2017 Oklahoma Sequoyah Book Award Nominee

Keep in touch with me online:

I’ve loved interacting with my readers since the release of my first book—A Blue So Dark (YA / Flux / 2010). In my newsletter, I correspond directly with readers, bloggers, teachers, and librarians. It’s also where I first share my latest announcements, host giveaways, and provide sneak peeks of forthcoming work. I look forward to interacting with you there as well:
Holly Schindler’s Newsletter.

“I am happy to say that Holly absolutely nailed this sequel” – John Rogers Clark, Retired librarian, author, freelance editor, and book reviewer

Miles Left Yet
Senior Adult / 2016

The Forever Finley Short Story Cycle

Short Reads

Click the image below for more details:

“In Quin, Schindler has crafted a quick-witted, white protagonist who draws readers into her search for answers about her family’s past as well as the Avery’s. Scenes set in the past are rich with authentic voices and period detail, and Schindler’s crisp prose flows easily between the past and the present. Even when it seems impossible for the show to go on, Schindler’s imaginative story will have readers rooting for Quin and her classmates to ‘break a leg.’ A tale of love, family, and friendship, tailor-made for readers who believe in the mystery and magic of the theater.”
– Kirkus Reviews

“Rooted in magic realism, this sweet story faintly echoes Romeo and Juliet as it explores what it means to be a survivor, a bystander, and a member of a small community. Schindler’s story casts a shimmering spell.”
– Booklist

Spark Trailer

Spark Thematic Trailer

Local Color Video + Challenge to Young Authors

“An innocent, hopeful, lightly magical romance, ideal for teens looking for ‘clean reads’ and historical nostalgia.”
– School Library Journal

Forever Finley Trailer