Holly Schindler--Author of A BLUE SO DARK and PLAYING HURT

The moment I heard about Holly Schindler's debut novel, A BLUE SO DARK, I knew I had to read it. But I had to wait months because it hadn't been released yet. When I finally had it in my greedy little hands, I opened it up and didn't stop reading until I got to the last page. How often does that happen? Not very. But when it does, it's something I have to talk about and share with others.


Therefore, it is a joy to introduce you to Holly Schindler. In case you don't already know all about her, she has a new novel out, PLAYING HURT. And you don't have to wait to read it.


You can learn more about her novels at the end of this interview.



ON WRITING

Favorite thing about writing a first draft:
Finishing it! I really hate the first draft. It’s a little painful. Revision—when I really start to feel my typed pages are truly becoming a book—that’s my favorite part of the process.

Best thing about writing for kids and / or teens:
The fact that I can play—that I can let my imagination run absolutely wild…

Favorite word?
Thanks. Sounds a little simplistic, but you can never use that word too much.

One word that describes your path to publication:
Loooong. (Took seven and a half years of full-time effort to snag the first deal.)

If I could have two dream careers, I’d be an author and an:
An A & R rep, scouting out bands to sign to record deals…(Wouldn’t that truly just be a blast?)

ON LIFE

If I could snap my fingers and solve one of the problems here on earth, it would be:
I’d lift us all out of this horrible recession, this money mess we’re all in…

One question I wish I had a definite answer to:
Why can’t chocolate chip cookies be a main course?

Best thing about being a child:
The way time passes so slowly (of course, when you’re a child, you wish it would pass faster…now, I’d give anything to get some of that slowness back).

Worst thing about being a child:
Probably the way you can feel your age sometimes limits you…

Best thing about being a teenager:
Really sinking your teeth into who you are—getting a real handle on that, for the first time. It’s exhilarating.

Worst thing about being a teenager:
 Learning to parallel park (I’m still no good at it).


Most memorable teen moment:
Not really a moment, but guitar lessons with a member of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils left a lasting impression.

A quote I live by:
“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.”—Jack London.


My dream vacation: Just a vacation would be nice. I haven’t had one since the summer of ’99! I honestly don’t quite know what I’d do with myself if I wasn’t working.

IN MY PERFECT WORLD

Everyone would get dressed up and go out on the town at least once a week. There would be an abundance of laughter and chocolate. No one would be deprived of the ability to live their dream. Every child would have a Big Wheel (best toy EVER). No one would ever outgrow their Big Wheel. Coffee would be free for everyone. (I would save soooo much money!)

Learn more about Holly Schindler here: Holly's Website

Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose has been hiding a secret. Her mother, a talented artist and art teacher, is slowly being consumed by schizophrenia, and Aura has been her sole caretaker ever since Aura’s dad left them. Convinced that “creative” equals crazy, Aura shuns her own artistic talent. But as her mother sinks deeper into the darkness of mental illness, the hunger for a creative outlet draws Aura toward the depths of her imagination. Just as desperation threatens to swallow her whole, Aura discovers that art, love, and family are profoundly linked—and together may offer an escape from her fears.

Star basketball player Chelsea “Nitro” Keyes had the promise of a full ride to college—and everyone’s admiration in her hometown. But everything changed senior year, when she took a horrible fall during a game. Now a metal plate holds her together and she feels like a stranger in her own family. As a graduation present, Chelsea’s dad springs for a three-week summer “boot camp” program at a northern Minnesota lake resort. There, she’s immediately drawn to her trainer, Clint, a nineteen-year-old ex-hockey player who’s haunted by his own traumatic past. As they grow close, Chelsea is torn between her feelings for Clint and her loyalty to her devoted boyfriend back home. Will an unexpected romance just end up causing Chelsea and Clint more pain—or finally heal their heartbreak?