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.
Didn’t I read somewhere that you write Young Adult?
You did!
(It was probably Wikipedia.)
I wrote six young adult novels and one young adult novella a while back. But these were all work-for-hire projects, which means my name isn’t on them and I can’t tell you what they are. I can tell you that the first one I wrote hit the New York Times bestseller list, which was fun, if secretive fun. And that I got to play around in worlds that I didn’t entirely build from scratch myself, which I found a fascinating sort of writing exercise.
Maybe someday I’ll write some books in this genre under my own name. You never know!
What’s the order of the Deacons of Bourbon Street series you wrote with other authors? Do I have to read them in order?
Book One by Megan Crane: Make You Burn
Book Two by Rachael Johns: Fire Me Up
Book Three by Jackie Ashenden: Hold Me Down
Book Four by Maisey Yates: Strip You Bare
And I think you could certainly read them out of order if you wanted to do that. I wouldn’t. There’s the little matter of a mystery to solve. But you could.
Is English as a Second Language autobiographical?
Yes and no.
I went to graduate school in England just as Alex did, but Alex’s adventures aren’t mine. My actual masters degree course was significantly less entertaining and involved many more hours of study, which I glossed over in the book. Not to mention, none of the things that happened in the book actually happened to me!
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)
