Sandra Clarke

Sandra Clarke (aka SJ Clarke) writes chilling contemporary suspense, cozy mysteries, and small-town romance—the kind of stories where danger and heart collide. Her latest trilogy, Normal Falls, releases in spring 2026 with Dauntless Publishing.

As a romantic suspense author and writing coach, she’s part plot-whisperer, part mindset ninja, and full-time champion for overwhelmed, introverted writers. She helps them wrangle the messy middle of their novels, get to “The End,” and keep their sanity intact.

Her award-winning Personal Protector trilogy proves she walks the talk—Rescued by a Hero snagged the RWA Maggie Award, while Defended by a Hero brought home both The Golden Claddagh and the Golden Gateway.

With more than 15 years in the publishing trenches—as an author, writing instructor, and president of national writing organizations—Sandra knows exactly how it feels when doubts take over, plots unravel, and your brain feels like it’s juggling flaming squirrels. Her coaching blends structure that actually works with mindset shifts that stick, making it perfect for writers who adore their stories but keep getting stuck, distracted, or burned out.

When she’s not coaching or plotting her next twist, you’ll usually find her walking her dogs, reading in quiet corners, or overthinking the life choices of her fictional characters.