Holly Schindler
This week, we’re celebrating Holly’s debut! After obtaining her M.A. in English in 2001, Holly Schindler decided to nix the idea of a full-time job in order to pursue a writing career (her lifelong dream). After wearing out half a dozen or so keyboards drafting too many manuscripts to count, she was thrilled to sell her debut YA novel to Flux! A BLUE SO DARK will release May 1, 2010. A second YA (PLAYING HURT) will follow in 2011, as will a romantic comedy for adults.
Here’s a little bit about A BLUE SO DARK (Flux).
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.
A BLUE SO DARK by Holly Schindler
If you had to give your book a movie rating: G through Rated R, which one would you give and why?
PG-13. Or, really, PG-12. For language, drug / alcohol references, teen smoking, teen pregnancy.
What topics, issues, or themes does your book address? What drove you to write about them?
A BLUE SO DARK tackles mental illness, family issues (especially the mother-daughter relationship), friendship (specifically, friendships strained by external problems), even addiction (by exploring the idea of art as an addiction). Most importantly, though, the novel explores the possible source of creativity.
I’ve always been interested in creativity—why it’s a geyser in some and a slow trickle (or even a complete and total desert) in others. A BLUE SO DARK allowed me to explore some ideas as to where creativity might spring from. Aura’s convinced that art and madness are inextricably linked…and many of our “great” artists have also suffered from some sort of mental illness, so she really does give readers something to chew on…
Name three examples of readers who would identify or like your book.
A young adult who’s had to cope with a family history of mental illness (or a teen who has had to care for their parent for any reason). Anyone in high school who has felt on the fringes of high school culture. Any 12-18-year-old who is artistically inclined—art, music, writing, etc.
List a few statistically improbable phrases or sentences one might find in your book. These are phrases or sentences you might never find anywhere else.
Maybe we do peddle the earth with our feet—and maybe, just maybe, mine have made the whole world start to turn around.
At that moment, I felt so abandoned—like Pluto must have when all the scientists decided it wasn’t a planet anymore. Nothing but a bunch of cosmic trash.
“Flick your tail and dive in—not into the waters of the Florida Keys, but inside you.”
How can your book be used in the classroom?
A BLUE SO DARK is a rich novel that can be used to discuss several literary techniques—metaphor, symbolism, etc. The novel could also be used in a discussion of mental illness (stereotypes, current attitudes toward the mentally ill). Really, though, the novel is ripe with discussion ideas…Several great questions have also been posted at the book’s page on the Flux website: http://www.fluxnow.com/book_reader_guide.php?ean=9780738719269
Now tell us about other already-published books that readers of your book might enjoy.
I actually think fans of the authors who blurbed my novel would also love A BLUE SO DARK:
- Catherine Ryan Hyde, author of Pay It Forward and Love In The Present Tense said, “A BLUE SO DARK is one of those rare books: It never shies away from the darkness yet still manages to find the light. A truly real, emotional, and honest read.”
- Crissa-Jean Chappell, author of Total Constant Order said, “Schindler’s lyrical debut explores the nightmare of mental illness in a voice that is sharp and funny and all her own. This is as real as teen fiction gets. A must-read.”
- Carrie Jones, New York Times bestselling author of Need and Captivate, claimed, “A BLUE SO DARK is a raw, compelling and eloquent portrayal of art and madness, and the freeing, healing gift of creativity. Schindler’s voice is brilliant and true.”
Now whet our appetites with a teaser.
When I was ten, I took my best friend Janny on our family vacation. I really thought we were going someplace special, white sands and blue water, tropical paradise, just like Dad told me. “I’ll teach you how to swim, Aura,” he promised. “I’ll show you how magical the ocean is. Someday, you and I will be riding on the backs of dolphins. Surfing off the Baja Peninsula. Snorkeling along the coast of South Africa. It all begins with this trip. Florida—a fairy tale drop-kicked into the real world.”
But the coastal Florida I saw then, after a string of brutal storms had practically turned the whole ocean upside down and washed every ounce of trash up on the shore, was a freaking lie. Brown seaweed, that’s what Florida was. Murky, brown, nasty, smelly seaweed. Water that reminded me of the aftermath of floods back home in Missouri, when the lake banks smelled like rotting fish scales and the sour insides of beer cans.
Are you offering authors visits to schools, libraries, or other organizations?
Yes—though I’d prefer to keep personal appearances to the Southwest Missouri area, at least to begin with. I had an amazing year in 2009—in addition to A BLUE SO DARK, I sold two more novels, both scheduled to be released in 2011. I’m also in the midst of finding a home for another finished project (a middle-grade novel), and am revising and preparing two young adult novels for submission.
Whew! I do feel my number one priority right now is to my writing. But I’d be happy to consider something a little closer to home—or an email interview! I encourage anyone interested to get in touch!
Are you willing to speak nationally?
Not right now.
List a few example titles of presentations, talks, or workshops you might give for an author visit.
- Can YA Be Considered Literary?
- The Art of Wooing in the Modern Teen Romance
- “Edgy” Fiction—Does Shock Value Still Exist?
This concludes our interview with our latest author, HOLLY SCHINDLER. We wish her much success with her debut novel A BLUE SO DARK. To see what Holly is up to these days, visit her website at http://hollyschindler.com or her blog at http://hollyschindler.blogspot.com.
*GIVEAWAY ALERT* Holly is giving away a signed copy of A BLUE SO DARK. Tell your friends and leave a comment for the author! Enter by May 8th, 2010 11:59 PM CST. (U.S. and Canadian residents only, please.)
Your email address will not be displayed publicly and will only be used to contact you if you win! And don’t forget to participate in our otherAuthorsNow! giveaways.
Comments
1 Linda Joy Singleton // May 1, 2010 at 7:22 am
Great interview! Your book looks fascinating!
2 Jessy B. // May 1, 2010 at 8:42 am
I would love to see how Aura deals with her mothers schizophrenia. I recently had someone in my family diagnosed with it and I know it can be very draining. Lovely interview by the way.
3 Jessica Kennedy // May 1, 2010 at 11:25 am
I’ve heard great things about this book. Especially how beautiful the cover is.
4 Marilyn Wons // May 1, 2010 at 11:48 am
This is a subject that is close to my heart.
5 Jacqueline C. // May 1, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Interesting interview! I had my eye on this one before but now I’m really looking forward to it.
6 Ann F // May 1, 2010 at 1:52 pm
This sounds like an interesting book that I’d like to read. Please enter me in the giveaway.
7 Rebecca M. // May 1, 2010 at 2:12 pm
I’m really looking forward to this! I love how unique the story line is.
8 Lauren // May 1, 2010 at 2:29 pm
The cover of A Blue So Dark is one of my favorite ones of year and what’s inside the book sounds like it will be just as great. Thanks for the contest!
9 nicole belletiere // May 1, 2010 at 2:31 pm
It sounds awesome. please enter me
10 debp // May 1, 2010 at 6:20 pm
I would to have this book.
debp
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
11 Linda Peters // May 1, 2010 at 6:46 pm
sounds like a great book, thanks
12 shannon Baas // May 1, 2010 at 7:44 pm
this looks like a good book.
13 Andrea // May 1, 2010 at 7:49 pm
This book sounds so intriguing! I would love to read it
14 Briana (The Book Pixie) // May 1, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Holly I love you!!!!!!!!! lol. I want A Blue So Dark so, SO badly! Oh I hope I win, I hope I win.
15 Cheryl F. {The Lucky Ladybug} // May 1, 2010 at 8:13 pm
I enjoyed the interview and would love to read this
*Thanks* for the giveaway!
16 Jenny N // May 2, 2010 at 12:51 am
I’d love to read this book and the cover is gorgeous.
17 Sylvia // May 2, 2010 at 9:29 am
This book sounds different, which is something really rare nowadays! I’m really excited to read this:) and I love the cover too!
18 don // May 2, 2010 at 11:47 am
sign me up
19 Shari D // May 2, 2010 at 11:54 am
This looks like a great read!
20 Donna // May 2, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Great cover and interesting story idea.
21 Indigo // May 2, 2010 at 6:45 pm
You took on some heavy subjects with this book. Can’t wait to get a chance to read it.
22 JAMES LYNAM // May 3, 2010 at 8:07 pm
FASINATING BOOK.
SIGNED MAKES IT MORE SPECIAL.
23 Cheryl F // May 4, 2010 at 8:45 am
enjoyed the interview, thanks for the giveaway.
24 Jenn S. // May 4, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Sounds like a very interesting book. I would love to read this and then share with my daughter.
25 Steph Su // May 4, 2010 at 4:55 pm
This book has been on my wishlist for a long time! Thanks for the chance!
26 Lindsey // May 5, 2010 at 12:53 pm
I have been waiting for this book! I would love to read it!
27 Rhonda Struthers // May 5, 2010 at 7:42 pm
This book looks intriguing, an interesting plot. I would like to read it
rhondastruthers at yahoo dot ca
28 Tammy // May 5, 2010 at 8:05 pm
This book sounds really good
29 Cherie R. // May 5, 2010 at 10:30 pm
Loved the informative interview and would love to read this book!
30 Yan // May 6, 2010 at 11:32 am
I just started another book with a schizophrenic character so I’m really interested how Schindler portrays it.
31 Robin // May 7, 2010 at 6:00 am
The cover is beautiful! Can’t wait to read this!
32 Ed Nemmers // May 7, 2010 at 4:31 pm
I would like to read this!
33 Amanda Baird // May 7, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Can’t wait to read this!!! Thanks!
34 Rebecca // May 7, 2010 at 9:16 pm
would love to read this
35 Sheila Newton // May 8, 2010 at 8:54 am
This book looks and sounds amazing! What a great interview.
36 Rae // May 8, 2010 at 12:00 pm
I am dying to read this book!
37 Elizabeth // May 8, 2010 at 1:02 pm
This sounds like a perfect curl-up book!
38 Elise // May 8, 2010 at 1:49 pm
I would love to win this book!
caliblue7@gmail.com
39 Vanessa // May 8, 2010 at 2:28 pm
I would love to have this novel.
40 Jaimerson // May 8, 2010 at 3:34 pm
o/ very good.
41 Gianna // May 8, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Please enter me
42 Veronica Garrett // May 8, 2010 at 10:57 pm
It sounds like a very interesting book. I would love to read it.
43 Pothi - Admin Assist // May 11, 2010 at 10:57 am
Congratulations Ann! You have won this Spotlight!
44 Ann F. // May 11, 2010 at 11:39 am
Thanks for the great news! I’ll send you an email with my address.
Thanks again,
Ann
45 Holly Schindler // May 13, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Thanks to everyone for their fantastic comments and their interest in A BLUE SO DARK! I just mailed a signed copy to the winner of the Spotlight giveaway…Stay tuned for additional giveaways at hollyschindler.blogspot.com!
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