Blog

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Behind a Locked Door?

This book was born from reminiscing about stories I’ve already written and trying to create something both fresh and familiar. While reflecting on what made Silent Child such a huge hit, I came up with Behind a Locked Door. Both explore the aftermath of a child locked away from the world. Both follow a mother trying to do what’s best for her teenage son. Yet they are completely different books in tone and plot.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Behind a Locked Door, what would they be?

Fiona Apple — Criminal
Billie Eilish — Bad Guy

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I dip into a few different genres, but I love a good character study. I’m especially drawn to exploring the psychology of morally grey or villainous characters. While I enjoy thrillers, I also read horror and literary fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I don’t tend to anticipate new books; instead, I browse genre lists and see what stands out to me. I could spend hours in a bookshop just browsing spines.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene where Lucy hears a baby crying behind the cellar door. She only popped into her friend Miriam's house to deliver a retirement gift; she never expected to find a newborn locked away. It's suspenseful and, hopefully, quite shocking too!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Sometimes I like to handwrite scenes if I’m feeling stuck, but I’m usually quite flexible—I can write pretty much anywhere.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Always stay gracious; best revenge is your paper.” From Formation by Beyoncé. Every time I have an unpleasant experience in this industry, I use those feelings of disappointment and anger to fuel me to work even harder.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That's a good question! Perhaps to remember to keep your guard up when helping people. Definitely help those in need, but also trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.

 

Sarah A. Denzil is the author of the new book Behind a Locked Door

Connect with Sarah A. Denzil

Author Site

Facebook

Twitter

Buy The Book

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Under the Shed?

At the heart of Under the Shed is the idea of understanding. Emma no longer understands how the world works after her brush with the paranormal. Thad doesn’t understand how to be a good mentor. No one in the book really has the answers. They’re all trying to make sense of a world that defies reason, each in their own way. That tension between mystery and meaning is what inspired me to write it.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Under the Shed, what would they be?

- For Emma, I’d choose Caught in Time, So Far Away by You’ll Never Get to Heaven.
Something slow, reflective, and a little haunting.
- For Thad, probably Heaven Beside You by Alice in Chains.
It’s folksy, layered with meaning, and has that worn-in grit that suits him.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love military thrillers… Tom Clancy, Steven Pressfield, Jack Mars, that whole world of strategy and suspense. Writing-wise, I focus on paranormal mysteries and Viking action-adventure. If it’s about Vikings, I’ve probably read it. My next Viking novel leans more toward a traditional war story, so there’s a nice crossover with what I’ve been reading lately.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

With Halloween coming up, I’m lining up The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker. I’ve always loved the first few Hellraiser films. Beyond that, I’m guilty of having a dozen half-finished books lying around, but I’m one of those rare people who can pick one back up months later and remember exactly where I left off.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Chapter 29 stands out. It’s about halfway through the story when Thad and Emma finally realize they don’t know the rules of the thing they’re investigating. That moment of uncertainty was fun to write because it captures what the whole book is about: being lost in the unknown.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

ChatGPT said:

I’ve started using a timer when I write. I’ll set it for thirty minutes, and when it goes off, I just reset it. It keeps me grounded and focused like I’m racing the clock instead of myself.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Death is the only thing it’s acceptable to procrastinate on. Everything else should take priority.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The characters. Emma and Thad still have more story left in them, and I’d love readers to carry them forward into the next adventure.

 

Ethan McGrane is the author of the new book Under the Shed

Connect with Ethan McGrane

Author Site

Facebook

Buy The Book