I’m thrilled to introduce you to a Dark Heart local and an incredible author, Mimi Wahlfeldt. As her website biography states, she's a storyteller, a tough cookie, and a careful optimist.
I know her as a passionate writer, loving human being, and someone who believes in going after what she wants, without the stigma of timing, age, nor how retirement 'should' look.
When did you first know you wanted to become an author?
I’ve always loved writing, but oddly, I never tried my hand at fiction before I retired from my full-time career in 2021. I’d always written for work (newsletters, press releases, articles) or I wrote for myself- more journals than I can count on two hands. Plus, I wrote my fair share of angst-ridden love songs when I was a teen and young adult! I probably dreamed of being the next Carly Simon rather than the next John Grisham.
What did you read as a young adult?
I know I read typical pre-teen books back then (mostly Judy Blume- can’t think of others), but I’m sad to say I didn’t read too much until later in high school and college. Some of the books that stayed with me most were The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and yes, Misery byStephen King.
Later, I would read a ton of Joyce Carol Oates (her novels; I’ve never been a fan of short stories), John Irving, Anna Quindlen, Chris Bohjalian, and Jodi Picoult. Always depends on my mood. Sometimes you just want an easy read, other times you want someone to rip your heart out.
Which books or authors currently inspire you?
Although I think a lot of popular authors today are kind of mediocre writers who get a TON of publicity, I do still marvel at their ability to write- and publish- so many books. Some of their stories are intriguing, but I feel they’re not exceptionally well-written. I get frustrated (not entirely sour grapes, but maybe a little) that because someone decides to put a lot of money into promoting a particular book, it skyrockets to the top of a bestseller list. But those books, to me, are not necessarily the beautifully written ones, nor do they offer deep content to ponder and discuss; they are merely commercially successful. I struggle with that at times.
As for current authors or books I DO respect, here are a few I have recently enjoyed: Laurie Frankel; The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by Victoria Schwab; The Book Thief by Markus Zusak; The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt; In the Dreamhouse by Carmen Maria Machado.
What inspired your latest novel, DARE?
Unlike my first novel, Forks & Knives, which I describe as autobiographical fiction, DARE is complete fiction. The only foundational piece from my own life is that when I was in elementary school, I stood up for a girl with a developmental disability some boys were bullying on our school bus. I have NO IDEA how or why I was brave in that moment, but the scenario turned out OK.
How long did it take to write your debut novel, Forks & Knives?
And what about DARE?
I started writing DARE while I was sending out query letters to get Forks & Knives published. That was in 2023. I finished the novel in the fall of 2024. At that time, my publisher, Black Rose Writing, told me it couldn’t commit to publishing DARE until the *end* of 2026!
I was too impatient to wait that long, so… my husband and I decided to start our own small imprint, Little Key Publishing.
“Accept the things you cannot change and change the things you can,” right?
So we published DARE in April 2025, and we’re not looking back.
Will I seek representation for my third novel or just publish it through our little company? I don’t know yet. I, too, am curious about what will happen.
What surprised or shocked you about the publishing process?
Ugh! Until I found Black Rose Writing (through a fellow writer I know), I was terribly frustrated with the world of publishing. I would send out query letters (painstakingly written and fretted over!), only to receive a rejection letter with no feedback, OR…I never heard from anyone at all.
Months went by with no forward movement, and I lost hope. I didn’t want to self-publish. I know that’s a fine option for some people, but I wanted my first book to be accepted by a publishing company, and I didn’t want to pay to have it published.
Often, it’s more than a year from submission to publication. I really don’t understand why it takes so long, and only authors who are already established seem to be able to get the bigger, traditional publishing houses’ attention.
I absolutely think there are excellent books getting tossed in rejection piles, and that saddens me.
What makes Dark Heart a special place to write and create from?
I love the supportive nature of women encouraging other women as writers, and the cozy atmosphere of the Dark Heart coffee shop adds to that warmth. I feel like we’re sitting around someone’s dining table, casual, but intentional, and boosting each other up.
What is your favorite Dark Heart delight and why?
A Not So Basic Latte is my go-to sit down, focus, and write drink. I especially love the vanilla in it, and as the website says, it's like a hug for your insides.
If Kat Torrington from Forks & Knives were to meet you at Dark Heart for a drink, what would she order?
Ha! Since a big part of Kat is me, I can only assume she’d order as I do.
I can also see her enjoying the strength of a medium brew, like Dawn 2 Dusk, with a touch of sweetness and cream. Bold, but comforting.
When you are not writing, what are you up to?
I read a lot! I’m in a book club for the first time in my life, which I enjoy very much, and it pushes me to read outside of my preferred genres.
I also belong to two writers’ groups where we take turns critiquing each other’s work. It’s been vitally helpful in my writing journey.
Beyond reading and writing, I love to travel. My husband, Stephen, and I visit Europe at least every other year. In May (2025), we attended a Writer’s Workshop in Dublin!(Stephen’s working on his first novel. It’s been a blast writing at our kitchen table together.) We also “popped over” to London where I was able to do some boots-on-the-ground research for my third novel (in process now).
I’ve also been a scrapbooker for more than thirty years, I enjoy listening to podcasts and music while walking, we attend live theater from time to time, and I love being at our cabin in Livermore.
Between my husband and me, we have four amazing grown kids and one adorable, precocious grandson who is four. I love spending time with any/ all of them.
Coming up, my youngest is getting married in Las Vegas in October, so that’s taking some energy this summer, but I can’t wait! We love the young woman he’s marrying- another daughter to add to the tapestry of our lives.
What is next for you, in writing and in life?
As mentioned above, my second novel, DARE, was published in April, so I’m busy marketing that. I much prefer in-person events, but social media is a necessary tool I must navigate. I’m about three quarters through writing my third novel; its working title is Whatever Comes Next. This book is speculative fiction in that one of the main characters has died. This is a first for me, and it’s been really fun working on world-building.
In life? Hmmmmm… I turned 60 in May, and I guess I’m more and more connected to the facts of my aging. I’m relatively healthy- something young people often take for granted (I sure did!)- so I plan to keep traveling as long as it makes sense, enjoy the time I get to spend with my loved ones, and keep writing.
Not sure what project I’ll tackle after Book #3, but I assume something will come to me. That’s how it seems to happen. I feel along for the ride, at times, but I like 'listening' to the voices in my head.
If a nervous creative asked you for publishing advice, what would you share?
I’d say, do your research and think about your goals. Are you looking to be a New York Times Bestseller, or will you be content to get your book in printed form and put it on your bookshelf? How much money are you willing to put in up front to get your book published? Are you willing to do a lot of marketing on your own after it’s published? (That’ll be expected of any publishing route, unless you’re Stephen King or J.K. Rowling.)
All of that said, I think being familiar with the way things are today is important; it’ll prepare you for reality. There are many resources (Publishers Weekly and Writer’s Digest have magazines with cool articles about writing craft and publishing), as well as numerous Facebook Forums you can join (Writer to Writer, The Writers Forum, Authors Supporting Authors, Authors’ Networking Group, etc.)
And finally: If you’re serious about improving your writing (and developing a thick skin), join a writer’s group that includes giving and receiving critiques.
If you share a piece of advice with your 40 year old self, what would it be?
Oh MY! If the advice were about writing, I’d say START NOW! Waiting until I retired was kinda stupid. I cringe when I think of all the years I wasted not pursuing that interest at 40, and I wonder how many books I might have written if I’d started earlier. That advice goes for everyone with any interest: follow your passions, even as a hobby.
In general, I wish I’d learned to accept myself and love myself at a much earlier age. I feel the freedom to do this now that I’m older, but again, why wait? Self-care is not selfish. Finding ways to balance your own interests and needs with those of the people you love and care for should be more highly valued. No matter what one believes about the hereafter, THIS life is precious, and living it conscientiously (finally!) brings me a peace and happiness I didn’t always feel in my earlier years.
Finally, where can people purchase your books and follow your writing magic?
Thanks for asking! I have a website where people can learn more about my writing projects, read some blogs to get to know me a little, and sign up for my quarterly e-newsletter. My two published books are available on Amazon. (“Forks & Knives” is also available through Barnes & Noble in ebook format.) Here is the Amazon link to Forks & Knives. People can find DARE here.
My request to anyone who reads any book they enjoy: Please consider posting a brief review on Amazon, Goodreads, or Bookbub. These are essential to helping new authors, and they assist other readers in finding their next favorite book. Thanks!
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