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.
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Why do you write under a variety of names?
Megan Crane and Caitlin Crews: When I started writing Harlequin Presents my other writing was considered very different from category romance. And for a whole host of reasons, I thought it made sense to make a clear distinction between the two kinds of stories I was telling then.
M.M. Crane, of the Fortunes of Lost Lake series, uses the initials of my real name to signal to readers that this Alaska-set series is different from the Alaska Force series I wrote as Megan Crane.
Hazel Beck is the pen name my good friend Nicole Helm and I use when we write together. We’ve partnered up to write the 4-book paranormal Witchlore series about witches, magic, emotional romance, and world-in-peril shenanigans that will leave you wanting more. We hope. You can follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or check out Hazel’s website here.
Where do you get your ideas?
I wish I knew.
Ideas are the easy part. Ideas are all daydreams and what ifs and I wonders. Ideas are those shiny things dancing in my head as I drift off to sleep, and what happens when I hear a great song on a long stretch of good road.
Writing them down and making them into a book? Well. That’s a whole different thing.
Is it true that you’ve never written a virgin heroine?
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)
