Blending Horror, Mystery, and Thrills with Masterful Precision
Sharon Mikeworth shares insights into her writing journey, character development, and the atmospheric settings that define her award-winning novels. She discusses blending horror with mystery and offers advice to aspiring authors.
Sharon Mikeworth has carved an indelible mark in the world of fiction, seamlessly blending mystery, suspense, and elements of the supernatural into gripping narratives that captivate readers. An award-winning author, she has demonstrated a rare talent for weaving immersive tales, whether in the eerie depths of Into the Mist, which earned the Literary Titan Award, the psychological intrigue of Restoration, or the tension-fueled pages of Flight 3108. Her ability to create atmospheric settings, often infused with an undercurrent of mystery and the unknown, sets her work apart in the thriller and horror genres.
With a background in computer programming, Mikeworth’s transition into writing was driven by an insatiable love for storytelling—an artistic evolution that has led to a remarkable literary career. Her novels are defined by a deep sense of place, richly drawn characters, and a masterful build-up of suspense. Whether transporting readers to the haunting Blue Ridge Mountains in Restoration or crafting the chilling realism of a post-apocalyptic world in Strange Days, she possesses an uncanny ability to make landscapes and emotions come alive.
In this exclusive interview, Mikeworth offers a glimpse into her creative process, from developing compelling protagonists like Cliff Phillips to the meticulous research behind her dystopian narratives. She also shares her approach to blending horror with thriller elements and the significance of nature—both as a source of inspiration and as a character in its own right. Her journey from programmer to novelist is a testament to the power of reinvention and the pursuit of passion, making her insights invaluable to aspiring writers.
Sharon Mikeworth crafts compelling, atmospheric narratives with gripping suspense, unforgettable characters, and masterful storytelling, cementing her place as a distinguished voice in thriller and horror fiction.
What inspired you to transition from a career in computer programming to writing fiction?
After working in the computer industry for a few years and then staying home with my youngest children for a while, I began to consider what I really wanted to do with the rest of my life. Although I was interested in many things, what I kept coming back to was my love of books. If I were an author, I knew I could, in a sense, use the characters to explore different realities and alternate lives—as a pilot, or an artist, or a castaway on an island for instance. And so I decided to try my hand at writing. And I have never looked back.
How do you balance the demands of writing with your hobbies, such as hiking and canoeing?
Over the years, I have learned that it is crucial for me to take time away from my work, even if it pains me to do so, for my health, and for my writing. And so I tend to work in cycles, usually keeping at it for long periods followed by a few weeks off. And for me there is no better way to spark new ideas and insights than to venture out and enjoy the beauty of nature while roaming the trails and waterways.
Could you tell us more about the character development process for Cliff Phillips in Restoration?
As with most of my stories, the writing process began with a certain setting and atmosphere I wanted to portray that was then followed by the creation of the main character. Initially, Cliff was a somewhat shadowy figure with various internal struggles I pictured only vaguely, who landed in the equally dark setting of the story by happenstance. It wasn’t until the novel progressed that Cliff became more vivid and I began to see correlations between his surroundings, his past, and his current predicament and how he might evolve and grow along the way.
What challenges did you face while writing Strange Days, particularly in depicting a post-apocalyptic world?
I had to do a good bit of research on several subjects, and it was challenging at times to dig down and properly depict the gritty, realistic feel of a world laid low by a deadly pandemic while still managing to keep with the underlying theme to never give up. Another unexpected aspect I encountered was the timing of the novel. I began the story in March of 2017, and the first draft was completed in only seven months. But it wasn’t until April of 2019 that it was published. And in November of that same year, the first cases of COVID-19 appeared. This unfortunately made promotion problematic despite the book being written prior to that.
How do you approach blending elements of horror with other genres in your novels, such as mystery or thriller?
In the novel I recently completed, The House on Chestnut Circle, I wanted there to be a certain spookiness in the background as though unresolved events from the past still reverberated inside the home, but with the mystery of what happened there remaining the focal point. And so forgoing any full-bodied apparitions or other supernatural entities, I gave only hints of the mysterious and unknown and instead used the atmospheric surroundings and the main character Trent’s artistic eye to paint the haunting, suspenseful vision I had of him digging for the truth and reaching a crossroads in his own life while making shocking discoveries.
In your opinion, what makes the Blue Ridge Mountains such a compelling setting for Restoration?
The Blue Ridge Mountain are as mysterious as they are breathtaking, dotted with forgotten cemeteries, sacred grounds, and abandoned bridges, tunnels, and buildings. They are beautiful, but they are also wild, as the main character in Restoration finds out, and vast, with a combined designated wilderness area of 217 square miles. I thought it would be interesting to include the dangers that can lurk in the wild—and the unknown creatures it may call home—when someone such as Cliff takes to the mountains seeking to restore himself with nature and solitude.
What advice would you give to new authors looking to break into the genre of thriller and horror fiction?
Use your own curiosities and fears. If something makes you wonder or gives you a feeling of uneasiness, incorporate that into your story. And whether it be thriller or horror, focus on the characters and make it visceral. Dive deep into the recesses of the character’s mind and make the reader feel the same shiver of dread or chill down the spine. This emotional connection will work to draw them in and capture their attention.
