With over 150 books under your belt and counting, what drives your seemingly unstoppable creativity, and how do you maintain such a prolific output?
Let’s see… panic?
More seriously, someone told me once that creativity is endless and I’ve taken that to heart. There are so many ways to love and so it makes sense that there are so many ways to tell stories about love, too. I approach stories through the characters, always, and there are always infinite complexities and shades to each person. There’s no end in sight!
You write across a wide range of genres, from romance to women’s fiction, young adult novels, and even paranormal rom-coms. How do you navigate the differences between these genres, and what do you enjoy most about exploring such diverse storytelling? I just love telling stories. I’m not sure that different genres require navigation so much as wonder. The more I ask myself what if, the more I can find my way where I need to go in any given story.
As Caitlin Crews, you’ve built a loyal fanbase with Harlequin Presents, Dare, Historical, and contemporary cowboy books. What do you think it is about your writing that resonates so strongly with readers across these various sub-genres? I think that romances require a certain fearlessness in the writing. What I mean by that is vulnerability. Romances are all about characters and the various ways they reveal themselves to each other, so writing them means throwing yourself headfirst into the tender places of the human heart—and that’s not easy! I like to think that readers love that they can expect a full-on emotional journey in my books. Whether you like what I’m doing or not, I like to think that I commit fully to the ride and then take you on it, all the way.
Partnering with Nicole Helm as Hazel Beck for witchy rom-com novels adds another layer to your already diverse portfolio. How did this collaboration come about, and what do you enjoy most about writing paranormal romance? It was never a goal for either of us to write together. The story presented itself to us on a trip, we both wanted to write it, and we figured out how to do it. Now Hazel is an ongoing joy, if I’m honest. She has a very specific voice and sensibility and she’s neither of us, she’s herself, and we can only get there together. Hazel books are really so much fun.
As for paranormal romance, what’s not to love? All the angst and drama of any romance except when you think, I will DIE if he doesn’t kiss me—well. You also might die if he DOES! The stakes start high and only get higher!
Your academic background in English Literature and experience teaching creative writing classes at UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program are impressive. How has your education influenced your writing process and the themes you explore in your novels? I am a huge fan of liberal arts educational experiences. Getting the opportunity to read, write, and think critically is a gift, and the more widely-read anyone is, the more the stories they’ve read can inform their own writing. Ultimately, the writing of stories in any form is an exploration of humanity, and more than that, I think humans need stories to live full lives. I love that I get to enjoy both sides of the equation!
Living in the Pacific Northwest with your comic book artist husband sounds like an artistically vibrant environment. How does your surroundings influence your creativity and storytelling? My husband is phenomenal with plotting. We spend a lot of times talking about stories and storytelling, and I think we make each other better at what we do. I feel very lucky!
You mention enjoying huddling in coffee shops and traveling the world. How do these experiences inspire your writing, and have you ever incorporated elements from your travels into your novels? Oh yes. The more places I can put into my books that I’ve actually been, the better!
Winning awards and earning critical acclaim must be validating. What have been some of the most memorable moments or achievements in your writing career so far? Honestly, what makes me the happiest—and the most astonished, to be honest—is that 150 books in, readers are still picking my books up and letting me tell them stories. No award or bit of acclaim could ever be more amazing than that!
Given your extensive experience, what advice would you give to aspiring authors who are looking to break into the publishing industry and establish a successful writing career? The key thing is to listen only to the advice that resonates, and always find a way to tell your own story your own way. Only you can. Everything else is either noise or something you can pick up as you go. But it had to start with the story and your need to tell it.
Looking ahead, what exciting projects or collaborations do you have in store for your readers, and what can they expect from Megan Crane, Caitlin Crews, and Hazel Beck in the future?
The best way to keep up with my books is my website: https://megancrane.com/
I keep my upcoming releases here, and put them up as soon as I know about them. Hazel included!
BONUS 1: What is one book that you would consider to be your comfort read that you will always reach for? If Jane Porter wrote it, I want it. Again and again and again.
BONUS 2: We know you’re a die-hard Swiftie…what’s your favorite album and why? THANK YOU FOR ASKING THIS IMPORTANT QUESTION.
1989 is what made me a fan.
Reputation is what made me OBSESSED.
And The Tortured Poets Department is a masterpiece in every regard, the end.
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