Interview with Author Sharon Calleja
Dr. Sharon Calleja is one of Malta’s contemporary authors, specialising in thriller novels written in Maltese. Over the years, she published a number of bestselling books, and her latest novel, The Salt House, is currently available on Amazon.
She also worked extensively in television, writing three drama series—Rubini, Eklissi, and Friefet — each running for 29 episodes and broadcast locally. Beyond writing, she had the opportunity to direct Ħażen u Mrar, and collaborate with Tania Bartolo from D3Masque Media Productions as a producer on various TV productions.
She also written short stories that were published in the newspaper Illum and shared on social media. Her writing is often recognised for its unexpected twists and endings that leave readers thinking long after they’ve finished the story.
In 2011, she was honoured with the Għarb Cultural Award in recognition of her contribution to Maltese literature and culture.
Alongside her creative career, she is also a qualified lawyer.
Tell me more about your latest book
My latest novel, The Salt House, is a psychological thriller that draws readers into an atmosphere of quiet unease, buried secrets, and emotional tension that steadily intensifies with every chapter. The story unfolded in a way I hadn’t entirely planned. I found myself completely immersed in the characters and their world, to the point where writing became almost instinctive and highly addictive. There was a strong sense that the narrative was revealing itself as I went along, which made the process both exhilarating and deeply personal. I often felt compelled to keep writing, eager to uncover what would happen next, and that momentum carried through to the very end. It’s a story shaped by that urgency and passion, and I believe readers can feel that energy in the way it builds toward its final, unexpected twist.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
One of the most challenging aspects of writing The Salt House was maintaining the right balance between suspense and emotional depth. I wanted the story to keep readers constantly engaged, while also allowing them to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Another challenge was carefully structuring the twists, ensuring they were unexpected, but still felt natural and earned within the narrative. Because the story unfolded so instinctively as I was writing, I had to be very disciplined in revisiting and refining the plot to make sure every detail aligned. That process was demanding, but it was also incredibly rewarding, as it ultimately strengthened the impact of the story.
What is your normal procedure to get your books published?
Normally, I work closely with BDL Books for the publication of my books, so I’m very familiar with the traditional publishing process and the support that comes with it.
However, with The Salt House, I decided to take a different route and self-publish it on Amazon, which was both exciting and quite challenging. It meant that I had to take on responsibilities that would usually be handled by a publisher—such as sourcing beta readers and ARC readers, building early feedback, and actively engaging with online writing communities to promote the book.
I also made a conscious effort to immerse myself more in the international publishing scene, including attending the London Book Fair. Overall, it was a very hands-on experience, but it taught me a great deal about the industry from a completely different perspective.
How important are the elements of character, setting, and atmosphere to a story, and why?
Character, setting, and atmosphere are essential to any story because they shape the entire experience for the reader. For me, character is always at the heart of the narrative. If readers don’t connect emotionally with the characters, the story simply won’t stay with them. The setting then provides the world in which those characters exist, grounding the story and often becoming almost a character, especially in thrillers where location can heighten tension.
Atmosphere, however, is what truly brings everything together. It creates the mood, the sense of unease, mystery, or intensity, and draws the reader deeper into the story. In my writing, I rely heavily on atmosphere to build suspense and keep readers engaged, guiding them toward the emotional impact of the ending. When these three elements work in harmony, they don’t just tell a story, they make the reader feel it.
As a Maltese author, you always wrote and published your books in Maltese language. Being this is your very first English language published book, how many books have you written so far?
As a Maltese author, I have primarily written and published my work in the Maltese language. To date, I have written eleven books, including my first English-language novel, The Salt House.
My published works are: Ċagħaq, Friefet, Pupa tal-Porċellana, Il-Kaxxa tad-Daqq, Rubini, Passju, Daqqa ta’ Ħarta, Il-Ġowker, Labra tad-Deheb, Eterna, and The Salt House.
What’s the best way to market your books?
There isn’t one single “best” way to market a book; it really comes down to a combination of strategies and, most importantly, consistency. From my experience, visibility is key. You need to make sure your book is seen and talked about, whether that’s through social media, interviews, events, or reader communities.
Building a connection with readers is also essential. Engaging with your audience online, sharing insights into your writing process, and creating anticipation around your work can make a big difference. Word of mouth remains one of the most powerful tools, so early reviews through beta readers and ARC readers are incredibly valuable.
For me, stepping into self-publishing with The Salt House also meant being more proactive, joining international writing groups, networking, and even attending events as I said earlier, like joining the London Book Fair. That exposure helps you understand the market and position your book more effectively.
Ultimately, successful marketing is about being authentic, consistent, and willing to put yourself and your work out there.
What is your writing routine? When you write, do you plan or outline ahead?
My writing routine is quite instinctive, but it’s supported by a clear sense of direction. I usually start with a strong idea or concept, often a character or a particular twist and from there, I build a loose outline of where the story is heading. I like to know the key turning points, especially the ending, because that helps me shape the journey more effectively.
That said, I don’t over-plan every detail. I prefer to allow the story to evolve naturally as I write, which often leads to more authentic and unexpected developments. Some of my best ideas come in the moment, so I try to stay flexible and open to where the narrative takes me.
In terms of routine, I tend to write when I feel most creatively focused rather than sticking to a strict schedule. When I’m fully immersed in a story, I can write for long stretches at a time, especially when the momentum builds. It becomes less of a routine and more of an intense, continuous process until the story is told.
How hard or easy is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
It’s not easy to establish and maintain a career in writing, it requires a great deal of persistence, discipline, and resilience. Writing a book is only one part of the journey; building a career means consistently producing work, finding your audience, and staying relevant in a very competitive field.
There are moments when it can feel challenging, especially when you’re balancing creativity with the more practical side of the industry, like publishing, promotion, and visibility. At the same time, it’s incredibly rewarding. Seeing readers connect with your stories and knowing your work has an impact makes all the effort worthwhile.
I think the key is to remain passionate, keep evolving as a writer, and be open to new opportunities, whether that’s exploring different genres, formats, or even publishing routes, like I did with The Salt House. It’s a continuous journey, but for those who truly love storytelling, it’s one worth pursuing.
What is your advice for aspiring writers?
My advice to aspiring writers is to start writing and keep writing. It sounds simple, but consistency is everything. Don’t wait for the perfect idea or the perfect moment; those come through the process itself. The more you write, the more you develop your voice and confidence.
It’s also important to read widely and learn from different styles, but without losing your own authenticity. Don’t be afraid to take risks with your storytelling, some of the most powerful stories come from pushing boundaries and trusting your instincts.
At the same time, be prepared for challenges. Writing is a journey that requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to improve. Feedback is essential, even when it’s difficult to hear, because it helps you grow.
Finally, believe in your work and be open to opportunities. Whether you choose traditional publishing or self-publishing, like I did with The Salt House, what matters most is your commitment to your story. If you stay dedicated and passionate, your voice will find its audience.
More information about author Dr Sharon Calleja and her books :-
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063500023168
https://bdlbooks.com/?s=sharon%20calleja&post_type=product&wps-title=1&wps-excerpt=1&wps-content=1&wps-categories=0&wps-attributes=1&wps-tags=1&wps-sku=1&orderby=date-DESC&ixwps=1
https://www.amazon.com/Salt-House-Sharon-Calleja-ebook/dp/B0GXNNDW1W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=37XPMK6WOZC3V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.z8Q1rbMEBfKtrFisLBlnltWyiDTghmcBxas7EufRQA_i1VjwEWnYluuhgGL40rfxhLitApyXeec4vxhrbSsapQ.gcESYUA2e7tBhybMAMc0IZ6bQvaWG_bLluS97Y-dXuE&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+salt+house+sharon&qid=1777292817&sprefix=the+salt+house%2Caps%2C237&sr=8-1
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