Charlie N Holmberg

Charlie N. Holmberg, born in 1988, is an American author specializing in fantasy literature. Hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, she pursued her passion for writing, earning an English degree from Brigham Young University in 2010. Her literary career launched with "The Paper Magician" in 2014, a novel that quickly evolved into a popular series whose film rights were acquired by Disney. Holmberg's writing often explores intricate magic systems, drawing inspiration from sources like origami and the concept that limitations can be more compelling than boundless power. She has authored numerous other series and standalone novels, many of which have garnered significant critical acclaim and awards, including multiple Whitney Awards. Beyond her prolific writing career, Holmberg also co-hosts a podcast and has been recognized for her contributions to the speculative fiction genre.

Born on April 4, 1988, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Charlie N. Holmberg developed an early interest in speculative fiction, influenced by "Star Trek: The Next Generation." A pivotal moment occurred at age 13 with the anime "The Vision of Escaflowne," which inspired her to become a storyteller. During her high school years, she honed her writing skills through fan fiction and played the French horn in the school band, where she first met her future husband. She later attended Brigham Young University, majoring in English with a focus on creative writing and minoring in editing. Her college experience included a valuable course with fantasy author Brandon Sanderson, whose teachings on the power of limitations in world-building significantly shaped her approach to writing.

Holmberg's debut novel, "The Paper Magician," was published in 2014 and explores a unique magic system where characters manipulate paper. She deliberately chose fantasy over science fiction to allow for greater creative freedom in her world-building. Her approach to magic, influenced by Sanderson, emphasizes the narrative strength found in well-defined limitations rather than unlimited abilities. This philosophy is evident throughout her work, including the "Paper Magician" series, the Numina trilogy, the Spellbreaker duology, and the Star Mother duology, as well as her seven standalone novels. Holmberg has expressed a preference for writing standalone novels, though she has also successfully developed multiple series. Her works frequently explore themes of magic, love, and adventure, often with a focus on emotional resonance for the reader.

Charlie N. Holmberg's contributions to fantasy literature have been widely recognized through numerous awards and nominations. Her novel "The Fifth Doll" received the Whitney Award for Speculative Fiction in 2017, and "The Will and the Wilds" earned the Whitney Award for Speculative Fiction and Novel of the Year: Adult in 2020. She also won Whitney Awards for "Star Mother" (2022) and "Keeper of Enchanted Rooms" (2024). Several of her books, including "The Paper Magician" and "Followed by Frost," have been shortlisted or nominated for awards such as the American Library Association's Fantasy Reading List and the RITA Awards. "The Hanging City" was a finalist for the 2023 Goodreads Choice Award in the romantasy category, further highlighting the broad appeal and critical success of her diverse body of work.

“limits are more interesting than the powers themselves”

“more of a standalone writer than ... a series writer”

“sometimes current pop culture trickles into [her] novels”

“feel something”

“the best book [she's] ever written”