An Interview with Sarah Iverson

Meet Sarah Iverson, the creative mastermind behind the spooky and whimsical Mazey Misterie series! Based in Denver, CO, Sarah is a multi-passionate creative entrepreneur and illustrator with a knack for infusing magic into the mundane. Armed with a B.A. in Art and an M.A. in Environmental Leadership, she combines her artistic talents and visionary mindset to inspire readers to unleash their imaginations.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I’ve always loved storytelling as a way to challenge my imagination and explore new creative territories. Writing my first children’s horror book felt like a natural progression. I’ve dabbled in publishing before with an activity book project, but this time, I wanted to push myself further into the world of speculative fiction, a genre I’ve always admired.

The inspirations behind Mazey Misterie are a patchwork of darkly imaginative creators. The Twilight Zone and Tim Burton’s works stand out for their ability to deliver mystery and innovation with a touch of the macabre. Dr. Seuss and Junji Ito both inspire me with their ability to craft entire worlds through unique visual storytelling—Dr. Seuss with his whimsy, and Junji Ito with his unnerving, intricate illustrations. Books like In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories also shaped my vision of what horror for children can look like: engaging, eerie, and unforgettable.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

Representation played a major role in my decision to write Mazey Misterie. As a Black woman, I rarely see Black female protagonists in the horror genre, especially in children’s horror. I wanted to create a story that bridges that gap, offering young readers a hero they might see themselves in.

The book also reflects my love of mystery, riddles, and the unexpected. By blending these elements with horror, I aimed to create a story that feels unique, timeless, and a little unconventional—just like Mazey herself. Opting for hand-drawn, black-and-white illustrations instead of the usual vibrant palettes of children’s books was an intentional choice to mirror the book’s darker, more mysterious tone.

At its heart, the book is also about fear—an emotion we all encounter throughout life. I wanted to offer children a way to “play” with fear, to understand it better, and to feel empowered in the face of uncertainty. The sooner we learn to explore and manage emotions like anxiety, the better we can navigate life’s twists and turns.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

Finding the perfect title, Mazey Misterie: And the Night Time Riddle, was a process! Naming the main character, Mazey, took the most thought. I wanted a name that reflected the book’s themes, and “Mazey” evokes the twists, turns, and puzzles she faces in the story. “Misterie” ties it all together while giving a playful nod to the book’s mysterious nature.

The subtitle, The Night Time Riddle, came a little easier. The challenge was striking a balance between intriguing potential readers and not giving away too much about the plot.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

I envision an original soundtrack crafted specifically for Mazey Misterie! It would feature a deep, hypnotic bassline, eerie soundscapes, and haunting melodies to mirror the story’s mysterious and playful tone. Think unsettling but captivating—a soundscape you can get lost in, much like Mazey’s adventures.

Describe your dream book cover.

My dream book cover is the one I created! It’s minimalist yet mysterious, with enough intrigue to draw readers in while staying true to the book’s tone. It reflects Mazey’s character and the eerie, puzzling world she inhabits.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I’m a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur, always finding ways to bring magic to the mundane. Through coaching, murals, play-based installations, and public speaking, I help people tap into their creative potential and rediscover the joy of play.

One thing readers might not know about me? I once joined the circus and trained with clowns! It was an incredible experience that taught me to embrace absurdity, find joy in the unexpected, and connect with audiences in unconventional ways.

What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?

My reading list during this project was an eclectic mix. I revisited classics like In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories for its masterful approach to horror for young readers. I also drew inspiration from Junji Ito’s Uzumaki, which is a stunning example of how visuals and storytelling can merge to create an immersive, spine-tingling experience.

In addition, I looked to the works of Black speculative fiction, like Dark Matter, which masters creating worlds that feel simultaneously fantastical and deeply rooted in reality. These stories inspired me to think expansively and push the boundaries of what’s possible in Black literature.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope readers walk away with a fresh perspective on fear—seeing it not as something to avoid but as an opportunity to grow, explore, and play. Fear is a universal emotion, and through Mazey’s journey, I want readers to feel empowered to confront their own uncertainties with curiosity and resilience.

My perfect reader is anyone who loves a good mystery, enjoys being a little spooked, and has an appetite for adventure! Whether it’s a child finding courage through Mazey’s story or an adult rediscovering their own sense of wonder, this book is for those who love exploring the unknown and embracing life’s twists and turns.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.