Picture a storyteller who weaves raw emotion and gritty resilience into every page—meet Susan Mihalic! This American author burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, Dark Horses, a heart-pounding tale that tackles tough themes with unflinching courage. From her home in Taos, New Mexico, Mihalic draws on her diverse background as a writer, editor, and therapeutic horseback riding instructor to craft stories that linger long after the final chapter.
With a knack for creating complex characters and exploring the human condition, Mihalic has quickly become a voice to watch in contemporary fiction. Her work doesn’t shy away from darkness but always finds a thread of hope, making her stories both provocative and deeply moving. Let’s saddle up and explore the life and legacy of this captivating author!
The Making of Susan Mihalic
Susan Mihalic’s journey to authorship was anything but ordinary. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, she honed her craft through years of working as a book editor, curriculum writer, and freelance writer. Her love for storytelling was matched by her passion for horses, which led her to teach therapeutic horseback riding—an experience that would later infuse her writing with vivid authenticity. Living in Taos, New Mexico, surrounded by rugged landscapes, Mihalic found inspiration for her intense, evocative narratives.
Before penning her debut novel, Mihalic wore many hats, from writing instructor to editor, sharpening her ability to craft tight prose and compelling characters. Her unique blend of literary skill and real-world experience with horses set the stage for her breakout work, proving that sometimes the best stories come from those who’ve lived a little bit of everything.
Susan Mihalic’s Unforgettable Stories
Mihalic’s debut, Dark Horses, published in 2021, is a tour de force that dives into the world of competitive equestrianism. The novel follows Roan Montgomery, a teenage prodigy whose Olympic dreams are overshadowed by her abusive father’s control. Praised by Sara Gruen as a “sweeping and raw story of courage,” the book blends heart-pounding drama with a sensitive exploration of resilience and survival. Its unflinching look at abuse earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist.
Currently, Mihalic is working on her second novel, tentatively titled Homestead. While details remain scarce, her fans are eager for another dose of her signature style: taut prose, emotionally complex characters, and themes that challenge readers to confront uncomfortable truths. Mihalic’s writing stands out for its authenticity, particularly in depicting the bond between humans and horses, drawn from her own experiences in therapeutic riding.
Her ability to balance dark themes with glimmers of hope makes her work resonate with readers who crave stories that are both gripping and meaningful. Whether she’s exploring trauma or the thrill of the riding arena, Mihalic’s narratives are as powerful as a galloping stallion.
Why Susan Mihalic Matters
Susan Mihalic’s impact lies in her fearless approach to storytelling. By tackling topics like abuse and resilience in Dark Horses, she’s opened up conversations about difficult subjects, earning praise for her nuanced portrayal of survivors. Her background in therapeutic horseback riding adds a unique layer to her work, highlighting the healing power of animals and the strength found in human-animal bonds.
In an era where authentic voices are prized, Mihalic’s blend of literary skill and lived experience makes her a standout. Her stories don’t just entertain—they challenge, inspire, and remind us of the resilience of the human spirit. As she continues to write from her Taos home, Mihalic is poised to leave a lasting mark on contemporary fiction.
- Key Work: Dark Horses (2021)
- Upcoming: Homestead (working title)
- Hometown: Taos, New Mexico
- Fun Fact: Mihalic taught therapeutic horseback riding, bringing her love for horses into her writing.
Snag Dark Horses and dive into Susan Mihalic’s raw, unforgettable world of courage and redemption!