Yes, I write under many names: Megan Crane, Caitlin Crews, M.M. Crane, and Hazel Beck. But no matter the name, the story is always all mine. Why do I write under a variety of names? I have Reasons.
I discovered my first romance novel at the age of twelve in a bargain bin at the local five and dime. It involved swashbuckling pirates having grand adventures on the open sea, a heroine with a mind of her own, and a seriously masterful hero who swept her away no matter how clever she was.
I was immediately smitten with romance and all the romantic themes I could get my hands on. (I still am.)
I had grand plans to star on Broadway — preferably in Evita, just like the great Patti LuPone. Sadly, my inability to wow audiences with my singing voice required a back up plan, so I launched myself into academics instead. This was not a good fit for someone who liked lounging about and reading books a lot more than dissecting them in classrooms, but it did allow me to live in England for half a decade, so I can’t complain.
Writing (and finishing!) my first book was a relief. And actually publishing that book was one of the greatest thrills of my life.
Now I’m more than 100 books in, I’m still a romance fanatic, it still thrills me to see my books on shelves, and yes, I’m still plotting my Broadway debut.
If you’re new to my books, try starting here.
If you are looking for information for journalistic/editorial purposes, view my media kit.
Where do you work?
I dictate the first drafts of my books. I do this while driving my favorite country roads, which makes the local wildlife my co-workers.
I do my editing at home, in my office, very often in my pajamas. Living the un-showered, no make-up, best-commute-in-the-world dream.
Of course, my neighbors and the UPS man think I’m a lunatic shut-in, but you can’t have everything.
I loved Hope from Everyone Else’s Girl! When are you going to write her a book?
I love Hope too! But Hope is a remarkably self-possessed woman. She’s not going to have the kind of journey her sister Meredith did. She was born knowing exactly who she is. I think we can all rest assured that Hope is perfectly happy out there, conquering the world in her inimitable way!
Do You Have a Favorite Bookstore?
I do! I adore my neighborhood bookstore, Rebel Heart Books. Owned and run by awesome women, it’s every book store you fantasize about and so much more. I’ve spent more time than I’m willing to confess slumped out on the couch in the store, talking about books and the world and life and anything else that comes to mind there. Then leaving with an armful of books I didn’t know I needed. Isn’t that what bookstores are for?
My friend (and fellow Harlequin author) Maisey Yates and I run the Romance Rebels Book Club from the store—we meet once a month for a fun, sometimes rowdy, always delightful discussion of all things romance. No one who comes is shy about their opinions and even when we all disagree, we have a fantastic time! (Check out my Events page to see what we’re reading this year.)
You can support Rebel Heart too—and I would love it if you did—or you can look for your own local store at Bookshop.org, the new online ordering option for indie book shops.
I love pictures. I take a lot of them.
Interviews
And here are some other items of note:
- Video: A fun Valentines Day interview on 5 Things Friday.
- Video: The Gregory Mantell Show, it's not super new, but I'd still say all the same stuff on the subject of Frenemies.
- Caitlin discusses The Return of the Di Sione Wife with BookTrib.
- Video: My Process (as Megan and Caitlin, on Conversations with Cupid)
- Podcast: Action and Emotion (as Megan, with my husband Jeff, on the Nerd Out podcast)
- On Shame and the Romance Heroine (as Caitlin, on Dear Author)
- Falling in love with the Rodeo (as Megan, a guest on Jane Porter's blog)
