Exploring The Inspirations Behind Her Bestselling Romances
Mia Sheridan discusses her Sign of Love series, the emotional depth of her characters, and how personal grief inspired her to write stories of hope and second chances.
Mia Sheridan, a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, has captivated readers worldwide with her heartfelt tales of love, resilience, and second chances. Known for her ability to craft deeply emotional and unforgettable stories, Mia’s work often explores the transformative power of love in the face of adversity. From the tender vulnerability of Archer’s Voice to the gripping dystopian world of Heart of the Sun, her novels resonate with readers seeking hope and healing.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Mia opens up about the inspirations behind her beloved Sign of Love series, the creation of her iconic characters, and the personal experiences that shape her storytelling. She delves into the emotional depth of her narratives, the research behind her intricate worlds, and her hopes for bringing her stories to the screen. Join us as we uncover the heart and soul behind Mia Sheridan’s enchanting romances.
What inspired you to create the Sign of Love series, and how do the zodiac signs influence your storytelling?
I originally came up with the idea for the Sign of Love collection when I read a short article about how the different star signs approach romantic love. I was in the midst of plotting my first story (which came to be titled, “Leo”), and basing a collection of stories on each star sign seemed like a fun way to find inspiration. So far, I’ve written eleven of the signs (only Pisces remains) and I’ve used the inspiration in various ways—some with a legend, others with only a trait. But just as I hoped, it’s been a really motivating place to begin each story.
Archer’s Voice is one of your most beloved books—what was the inspiration behind Archer Hale’s character?
Archer Hale really came from my own desire for a “different” sort of hero in a genre very heavy with “alpha males.” I was craving a hero who was more vulnerable, possibly damaged, and strong in ways that weren’t immediately obvious to the casual observer. I was very nervous to release Archer out into the cruel world (haha), and so I’ve been overwhelmed and deeply moved by all the love he’s received.
Many of your books explore themes of healing and second chances. Why do these themes resonate with you as a writer?
I first began writing as a way to move through the grief of a loss I experienced in 2012. I was searching desperately for hope at the time, and because of that, I infused that longing into my stories. I like to think that my books offer that to others—the belief that no matter what circumstances life has handed you, there is still life in the wake of despair, and it’s worth reaching for. In fact, it’s vital.
Becoming Calder is set in a highly controlled society—what kind of research or influences helped you shape that world?
Becoming Calder was my first foray into world building and I loved it because when you’re building a society, the rules are very lax. You can basically do anything! But I did read up on some of the more famous cults to learn the basics of what made the leaders so charismatic to their followers. And then I also wanted to know what sort of people were drawn to such societies. And then I built my “Acadia” around that research.
Your characters often have deep emotional wounds. How do you approach writing such complex and realistic emotional journeys?
Thank you. I pull from my own grief journey when moving a character through traumatic events. It can be difficult to recount that sort of pain in a way that allows me to lay it out on the page, but it’s also cathartic, and I hope helpful to others who’ve been in a similar place. For me, when I was immersed in pain, it was deeply healing to know that others had been there too and had found a way to heal, and thrive.
If you could see one of your books adapted into a film or TV series, which one would you choose and why?
Probably my upcoming, “Heart of the Sun.” It’s an apocalyptic romance and I think the visuals would be really well-suited to the screen. We’ll see what happens!
