Interview With Author Mia Dalia

Mia Dalia is a prolific writer of dark speculative fiction. Her latest novel, Haven, is part deconstructed haunted house, part family tragedy, and part revenge. I recently got to chat with Mia about Haven, writing advice for dark fiction, and more.

Author Mia Dalia

What is the premise of Haven?

Haven is a deconstructed haunted house novel wrapped in a domestic tragedy. Or vice versa.

Here's the official description to explain it better:

You can’t choose your family or your destiny or your legacy. But once upon a time, a woman named Ava St. James had tried to build happiness upon the remains of her broken heart. For better or worse. Decades later, the Bakers are headed for a perfect family vacation. A full month at a house by the lake; the house passed down from a mysterious aunt no one ever talks about. Love and good intentions aside, what begins like a relaxing vacation turns into a nightmare as each of the Bakers’ nerves slowly but steadily begin to wear away at the edges. Is it their fraught family dynamics or is something more sinister at work?vThe house has welcomed them, but will it ever let them leave?

What inspired this story?

Haven was inspired by my interest in psychology and my curiously persistent desire to dismantle the myth of an all-American happy family. Tolstoy had famously stated that all happy families are alike, making the unhappy ones more interesting by default. I wanted to see how far I could take it. The major theme of the novel draws from this idea, challenging the societal norm for what a conventional family is. If I can make readers reconsider their thoughts on the matter, I’d say I succeeded. 

The other major theme of the novel is revenge. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas is my golden standard for that. Although his revenge is very neat. I thought I’d make Haven’s messier.

As a horror writer, what are the biggest differences when writing a short story versus a full novel?

Novels take longer. I write very quickly, so a short story usually takes me a day. Then, I'm free of it. A novel takes about a month, which is a very different type of commitment and a lot more work.

What’s the best piece of advice for someone interested in writing dark speculative fiction?

First and foremost, read. Read good books, ones that get critical acclaim and awards. Read with a critical eye. Note things you like and ones you'd improve upon. Write, edit,write, edit - practice makes perfect ... or at least better.

Can you share anything about what you’re working on next?

I have a very busy 2026 ahead of me. My third novel, Beautiful, Once, is coming out from Crystal Lake publishing on March 20th. It'll be followed by a novella in an anthology by Lethe Press In May and two gorgeous, limited edition hardcover releases from Earthling Publications - a novella in the summer and a novel for Halloween. Plus, a veritable slew of short stories will be published this year in markets like Dark Matter INK, MetaStellar, PS Publishing, and more. If anything, at this point I'd like to work on taking a break - my hyperactive brain inevitably makes such things impossible :)

What is the best place to get Haven?

Haven is currently available pretty much everywhere, in HC, paperback, large print, ebook, and a stunning audiobook production.

What’s the best pace to follow you?

I'm on FB under Mia DaliaVerse, on Insta @daliaverse,  and on X @Dalia_Verse. Alternatively, check out my website Home | DaliaVerse and subscribe to a fun monthly newsletter.