Picture an Australian storyteller who turned a notorious 19th-century murder into a spine-chilling literary gem—meet Sarah Schmidt! With her debut novel, See What I Have Done, Schmidt didn’t just retell the infamous Lizzie Borden case; she plunged readers into a psychological whirlwind, unraveling a dysfunctional family with haunting prose. A Melbourne-based librarian by day, Schmidt’s knack for crafting eerie, evocative narratives has made her a rising star in contemporary fiction.
Her journey from library shelves to literary acclaim is as captivating as her stories. Schmidt’s unique blend of meticulous research and vivid imagination has earned her global praise, proving that even a single novel can leave a lasting mark. Let’s dive into the world of Sarah Schmidt, where every page pulses with tension and intrigue.
The Making of Sarah Schmidt
Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Sarah Schmidt’s love for stories was sparked early. With a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing and Editing, a Master of Arts in Creative Writing, and a Graduate Diploma in Information Management, she built a solid foundation for her dual passions: writing and librarianship. Working as a Reading and Literacy Coordinator at a regional public library, Schmidt spends her days fostering a love of reading, which fuels her own creative process.
Her writing career kicked off by chance when a pamphlet about the Lizzie Borden murders fell off a bookstore shelf. That night, Schmidt dreamed of Lizzie herself, whispering secrets about her father. This eerie encounter inspired an 11-year journey to craft her debut novel, blending rigorous research with a vivid imagination. Schmidt even stayed at the Borden house—now a macabre bed-and-breakfast—to immerse herself in its chilling atmosphere.
Sarah Schmidt’s Unforgettable Stories
Schmidt’s debut, See What I Have Done (2017), is a gothic masterpiece that reimagines the 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. Narrated through the voices of Lizzie, her sister Emma, the maid Bridget, and a mysterious stranger named Benjamin, the novel crackles with tension. Schmidt’s prose is visceral and unsettling, painting a portrait of a fractured family teetering on the edge. The book’s rich imagery and psychological depth earned it critical acclaim, including the ABIA Literary Fiction Award and the MUD Literary Award in 2018.
In 2022, Schmidt returned with Blue Hour, a haunting road novel that explores themes of control, grief, and redemption. Set in 1936, it follows Kitty, a young woman escaping her oppressive parents, and her complex bond with her daughter. Critics praised Schmidt’s ability to weave emotional intensity with atmospheric storytelling, cementing her reputation for crafting layered, evocative narratives.
Schmidt’s style is distinctly gothic, blending psychological suspense with lush, sensory prose. Her stories delve into the darker corners of human relationships, often exploring themes of family dysfunction, violence, and unresolved trauma. Whether it’s the stifling heat of the Borden household or the desolate roads of Blue Hour, Schmidt’s settings are as vivid as her characters, pulling readers into worlds that linger long after the final page.
Why Sarah Schmidt Matters
Sarah Schmidt’s impact lies in her ability to breathe fresh life into familiar stories. See What I Have Done didn’t just revisit the Lizzie Borden case; it challenged readers to question assumptions about guilt, gender, and family dynamics. Her work resonates with fans of gothic and historical fiction, offering a modern lens on timeless themes. Schmidt’s meticulous research and bold storytelling have earned her a place alongside contemporary Australian authors like Hannah Kent, while her library work champions literacy and creativity in her community.
As a relatively new voice, Schmidt’s growing body of work promises even greater influence. Her ability to craft unsettling, unforgettable narratives has already captivated readers worldwide, and her exploration of complex women navigating trauma speaks to universal human experiences. Schmidt is proof that a single, powerful story can spark a literary legacy.
- Key Works: See What I Have Done (2017), Blue Hour (2022)
- Awards: ABIA Literary Fiction Award 2018, MUD Literary Award 2018
- Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
Ready to get lost in a world of gothic intrigue? Snag See What I Have Done or Blue Hour and dive into Sarah Schmidt’s hauntingly beautiful fiction!