Picture a storyteller weaving tales of immortality and the human heart from a cozy corner of Saint Paul, Minnesota—meet Jacqueline Holland! This American author, with her debut novel The God of Endings, has captivated readers with a blend of historical fiction and supernatural allure, crafting stories that linger like a haunting melody.
Holland’s journey to literary acclaim is as vibrant as her prose. With an MFA from the University of Kansas, she’s a mother, teacher, and wanderer who’s called places like Honduras and New York City home. Her unique perspective fuels narratives that explore life’s deepest questions with a touch of the fantastical.
The Making of Jacqueline Holland
Born in Southern California and raised in Ohio, Jacqueline Holland’s early life was a tapestry of diverse landscapes and experiences. She studied at the University of Kansas, earning an MFA that honed her craft. Her nomadic spirit led her and her husband, artist Peter Holland, through cities like Chicago and Kansas City before settling in Saint Paul with their two sons. This rich backdrop of movement and motherhood shaped her storytelling, infusing it with authenticity and emotional depth.
Holland’s writing career began with short stories published in literary journals like Hotel Amerika and Big Fiction Magazine. Recognized by contests such as Glimmer Train and the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future, she built a foundation that paved the way for her novelistic debut. Her love for the arts, inspired by her husband’s painting, adds a vivid, visual quality to her work.
Jacqueline Holland’s Unforgettable Stories
Holland’s debut novel, The God of Endings (2023), is a tour de force that blends gothic vampire lore with historical fiction. Following Collette LeSange, an immortal woman navigating centuries of love and loss, the novel explores whether life is a gift or a curse. Its lush prose and intricate historical settings, from the New England Vampire Panic to World War II France, earned it praise as a Best of 2023 pick by NPR and Barnes & Noble.
Her short stories, published in outlets like FlashFiction Magazine, showcase her ability to distill life’s complexities into compact, evocative narratives. Holland’s style is seductive and immersive, often compared to Anne Rice for its introspective depth. Themes of family, myth, and the human condition permeate her work, reflecting her fascination with how we endure and find meaning.
Currently, Holland is crafting a science fiction novel, promising another expansive tale. Her process, marked by a commitment to authenticity—she avoided vampire fiction while writing to keep her voice original—ensures each work feels fresh and deeply personal.
Why Jacqueline Holland Matters
Jacqueline Holland’s impact lies in her ability to merge the supernatural with profound human truths, offering readers a lens on resilience and identity. Her debut has resonated with those who crave stories that challenge conventional boundaries, earning a dedicated following among speculative fiction fans. By teaching at The Loft Literary Center, she inspires new writers, fostering a creative community in Minneapolis.
Holland’s work, though still emerging, signals a bold new voice in contemporary literature. Her exploration of immortality and morality invites readers to ponder their own existence, making her stories both timeless and timely.
- Born: Southern California, raised in Ohio
- Key Work: The God of Endings (2023)
- Awards: Finalist for Glimmer Train, L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future
- Current Home: Saint Paul, Minnesota
Ready to lose yourself in a tale of eternal life and heartfelt prose? Snag The God of Endings and dive into Jacqueline Holland’s mesmerizing world!