S.F. Baumgartner is the multi-published acclaimed author behind the Mirror Estate, a suspense thriller franchise centred around the USA under attack from a bioterror threat. Following the release of her book, Living Secrets, What We Reading sat down with S.F. to talk about everything from the Mirror Estate series, her history as a writer and her plans to continue entertaining readers!
Thanks for speaking with us! First, tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to the writing world.
I don’t think I set out to be a writer. My first attempt was shortly after high school. I didn’t even finish the novel I thought I’d write. I ended up being an accountant. At one point, I wrote a lengthy novel that never got published. Then, I stayed home to be with my children. I believe I tried again during those years, but was never serious. It wasn’t until 2019 that I actually finished a novella–the raw edition of what is now Buried Secrets, a prequel to the Mirror Estate Series.
Talk to us about Living Secrets. What is it about, and where did you find the inspiration for it?
The story revolves around Lily Tso, a 22-year-old who has felt unfulfilled and stuck in her routine job as a Hotel Guest Service Officer. Orphaned since infancy, Lily is shocked to discover that her parents are actually alive. This life-altering revelation comes with an urgent and dangerous responsibility: she must prevent a catastrophic bioterror attack on the United States.
I started writing Living Secrets soon after I finished the original version of the prequel in 2019 but took a long hiatus during the pandemic. COVID gave me plenty of inspiration for a story about biological terrorism.
What is the number one goal you want your work to have with readers?
I’d like to entertain my readers. My number one goal is that they would feel like they were watching a movie or a TV show while they read my book.
What would you say has been your biggest success so far?
I suppose my biggest success so far is that I have published two books. And so far, the reception has been positive.
What’s one tip you would give your younger self if you had the opportunity?
I would say to my younger self to keep writing, even as a hobby. One day, your work will be discovered.
And finally, what do you hope the future holds for you and your writing?
I hope to continue writing suspense thrillers. In the future, I might venture into Women’s Fiction, but for now, I’m sticking to this genre.
Check out all of S.F. Baumgartner’s work at her website or on Twitter/X
Check out our interview with author Tristan Dineen
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
