Isle of Man’s Mitzi Danielson-Kaslik Launches Fifth Novel at 21

An author from the Isle of Man, Mitzi Danielson-Kaslik, is set to release her fifth novel, titled Let’s Misbehave, at the end of September 2023. At just 21 years old, Danielson-Kaslik has established herself as a prolific writer, publishing one book each year since she was 17.

Set in a fictional 1920s village near Oxford, Let’s Misbehave weaves elements of gothic literature and magical realism. The story follows Adelaide, a newlywed grappling with the haunting memories of war and the deteriorating elegance of Radley Manor. As she discovers a mysterious Victorian diary, ghostly apparitions begin to blur the lines between the past and the present, pulling Adelaide into a web of family secrets and a perilous journey into the underworld—an area where mortals are cautioned not to tread.

The novel explores profound themes such as grief and the societal shifts occurring after World War I. Danielson-Kaslik highlights the complexities women faced during this transitional period, caught between traditional roles and newfound freedoms.

In her own words, Danielson-Kaslik explained, “I first had the idea for Let’s Misbehave while I was writing a previous book. I made pages of notes about characters, but at that stage, it was only sketches.” She noted that it wasn’t until she completed her last novel, La Connaissance, that the storyline began to take shape.

A fan of The Great Gatsby, Danielson-Kaslik has long aspired to write about the era. With a degree in classical civilization, she has infused her work with Greek elements. “What inspired me was that moment of transition: the shadow of grief after the First World War alongside the optimism and danger of entering a new modern age,” she added.

Writing Let’s Misbehave took Danielson-Kaslik 11 months, all while she maintained a full-time job in the financial services sector. Her journey as a writer began at the age of 14, where she quickly realized that storytelling was her true passion. “I started my first novel, Palvine, during my school lunch breaks at 15, and it was published just after I turned 17,” she shared.

For young aspiring writers, Danielson-Kaslik offers valuable advice: “Even if it feels messy or imperfect, the first draft gives you something to work with. Read widely, write consistently, and don’t shy away from big themes like grief or social change—stories that tackle those truths resonate deeply with readers. Most importantly, stay true to your own voice. That’s what makes your work stand out.”

Let’s Misbehave is set to be published by Hay House later this month, marking another significant milestone in the young author’s already impressive career. Danielson-Kaslik’s work not only showcases her talent but also serves as a reflection of the evolving role of women in literature and society.