We chat with author Mia Sheridan about The Fix, which is a chilling take on second chances, where a brutal break-in comes back to haunt the sole survivor with a new threat—and another victim.
Your books are a mega sensation on TikTok, and you also have a huge following on Instagram. Why do you think readers relate so passionately to your romantic suspense and romance novels?
I always feel a little dizzy being called a mega sensation. Haha. I still feel like the author who just started out and is sending my manuscripts around to blogs, begging to get them read! J But as far as why readers might relate to my stories, I like to think that I infuse my books not only with emotional vulnerability that everyone has experienced, but also with hope, even in the darkest of stories. And ultimately, I think that we all long to know that no matter what life has thrown at us, or what painful circumstances we’re enduring, that there is always reason to hope.
How did you become a such a huge social media phenomenon? Did you actively promote yourself on TikTok and Instagram, or is this enthusiasm entirely fan-based?
It’s almost entirely fan-based. I did recently hire a social media assistant who is wonderful and makes me look good, but before that, I was just floundering around doing the best I could (which, according to my teenagers, was pretty pitiful – they keep me humble). I actually love that the readers found me though because it makes me feel like my followers truly want to be there and are interested in what I put out. I also don’t like to get too involved in online discussions about my books because it doesn’t allow for honest discourse, which, as a reader, is part of the fun of reading and sharing a story.
What were some key factors that inspired you to write THE FIX?
It really started when I read a news story about a home invasion that happened to a family. The details of the crime were different than mine, but just the idea of a stranger with evil intent breaking into the place that should feel the safest sent such a chill down my spine (and still does). So that small kernel got my mind churning, and the entire tale rolled out from there.
Which characters in THE FIX were easier to write than others and why?
Posey was the character that really spoke to me the most. Which is interesting considering I have absolutely zero in common with her. But she really came to me so clearly and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in her mind. Cyrus showed up very clearly for me as well, while Cami and Rex were a little more complicated and posed a few rocky moments. J
What personal fears found their way into this book, intentionally or not?
I think, mostly, the home invasion aspect. There’s just something extra horrifying about a crime like that. And I always wonder how you could ever go back to the place where such occurred, even though it’s also the place where love and peace exist. It’s gotta be such a complicated journey to healing.
What qualities are imperative for your heroines and heroes to possess?
Courage and hope. I truly believe that the two go hand-in-hand and that you cannot have courage without hope and so I am very mindful of infusing my characters with both.
What authors, films, TV shows, and/or news headlines have inspired your writing?
I’ve always been a fan of true-life mysteries and have watched shows like Dateline and 48-Hours Mystery since I was a teen. I find it absolutely fascinating what people are capable of, both in an evil sense, and a heroic one. I love exploring those extremes of human nature in my stories.
Did this novel require any research? What did that look like and where did you focus your research?
I did a ton of research. This novel is actually one of the more technical that I’ve written. I had to research computer technology and other (spoilery) ways of locating a person with only the view out a window to go by. It was actually a lot of fun puzzling out what I could use to accomplish what the characters needed accomplished with little to go on.
Do you see yourself in any of your characters? How so?
I like to think that I clutch hope when life has dealt me a blow—that’s always my goal anyway. I think, more so, I write characters that I would want to be should I find myself in a (God forbid) similar circumstance.
If readers take one thing away from your book – beyond being on the edge of their seat – what do you hope it is?
I always return to that theme of hope in all my books, whether thrillers or love stories. I want to send the message that deep in my heart, I believe that no matter how hopeless things appear, and regardless of the depth of despair you’re currently in, there is always, always reason to clutch to hope.
