Hello, dear readers!
As a psychological thriller author, my days are filled with a delightful kind of chaos: a head buzzing with ideas, characters whispering (or yelling!) at me, and a stack of colored gel pens within arm’s reach. Writing isn’t just something I do—it’s part of who I am, woven into every moment of my life.
I’ve always written, whether it was scribbling in notepads, jotting thoughts on my phone, or even composing entire stories in my head while waiting in line for coffee. Ideas pop up in the strangest places—once, a thrilling plot twist came to me in the middle of a supermarket aisle. Let’s just say my shopping list got a few intriguing additions that day!
Arguing With My Characters
If you’re a writer—or even just a creative person—you might know the feeling: sometimes, characters take on lives of their own. I’ll admit, I’ve had heated arguments with them. “Why would you do that?” I’ll demand. “This isn’t your story arc!” They never listen, of course, but that’s part of the fun. My characters surprise me, challenge me, and keep me on my toes. I’ve even had a few moments where I genuinely didn’t know what was going to happen next.
Writing Dark Themes with Glitter Pens
One of my quirks as a thriller writer? I balance the darkness of my stories with a little sparkle—literally. I’m obsessed with colored gel pens (the glitter ones are my favorite). There’s something comforting about writing out twisted, ominous plot points in vibrant purple or glittery gold ink. It’s my way of balancing light and dark.
My Early Inspirations
Growing up, I devoured Agatha Christie novels. Her mastery of suspense, the way she unraveled mysteries one clue at a time, inspired me from a young age. To this day, I aim to capture that same sense of intrigue and keep readers guessing until the very end.
My Love for Psychology and the Mind
I’m fascinated by what makes people tick—the layers of the mind, the complexity of human behavior, and the tiny details that shape who we are. While I never formally studied psychology, I’ve spent countless hours diving into books and articles about it. Understanding what drives people, especially in extreme situations, is central to my work as a psychological thriller author.
Building Suspenseful Worlds
One of my favorite parts of writing is creating beautiful, immersive worlds where ominous things lurk just beneath the surface. Sometimes, I don’t even know what’s coming next! I’ll start with a setting—a remote retreat, a foggy coastline, or a bustling city—and let the story unfold. There’s something exhilarating about discovering the twists and turns alongside my characters.
The Big Excitement: My First Novel!
I’m beyond thrilled to share that my debut novel, The Last Retreat, launches in January 2025. It’s a chilling psychological thriller that I hope will keep you turning the pages late into the night. Writing it was an incredible journey, and I can’t wait for you to meet the characters, explore the world I’ve created, and uncover its secrets.
So, that’s a little peek behind the curtain of my writing process—a mix of structured chaos, glitter pens, and a love for unraveling the human mind.
Now I’d love to hear from you! What draws you to psychological thrillers? Do you have a favorite setting or theme you’d like to see explored? Let’s chat in the comments—I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Until next time,
Mona W. Gloss
(Thriller writer and gel pen enthusiast)
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Huge congratulations! I loved The Last Retreat!!
Thank you so much! That’s wonderful to hear! 😀