Guest Author Interview with Rebecca Crunden
I recently had the opportunity to interview multi-genre author Rebecca Crunden about her writing process and some of her books. I hope you enjoy the Q&A! – AJ
Hi, Rebecca. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to interview you today. Can you introduce yourself and your book(s) to our readers?
I’m the worst at introducing myself but ah, here goes: I’ve been writing all my life, but started writing my books properly after I finished my undergrad. When I completed The Outlands Pentalogy in 2015/2016, I queried it for a year, but ultimately I opted to publish it myself in 2017. I loved the world and wanted to share it on my terms and on my time. I didn’t want to wait! I’ve since published the whole five book series as well as three standalone novels (Haze, A Game of Wings and Marks and These Violent Nights), a novella (Dust & Lightning) and a few short stories (including The Man and the Crow). Two others are published in the Indie Bites Anthology, which I learned about through Josie Jaffrey (a wonderful fantasy author and hugely inspiring).
Would you like to talk a little about your writing process?
I have the attention span of a rickety spoon at the best of times, so I can’t write anything in order. I tend to write whatever scenes interest me and then connect them through multiple rounds of editing. Which means I tend to go thousands of words in the wrong direction, but it’s the only way I stay interested in the story. I like working out the mystery as I go – if I know the ending, I tend not to want to write all the way to it. So I puzzle piece all my books.
I found the Suriias in These Violent Nights to be a really fascinating group of people. I liked the concept of their different powers and how they fit in seamlessly with a modern urban society. What was your process for creating that element in your story?
I really wanted to have a sci-fi/fantasy book that was actually both. I liked having a world with magic and technology. In my head the book was sort of tilting towards a cyberpunk theme for the first part, and a steampunk theme for the second, and then I just kept mashing them up. As for the Suriias, I like the idea of working out the how and the why of magic in everything. Why would a magical being have immortality but a mortal wouldn’t? Why would no one on Earth have magic? Could it come from elsewhere? And if it did, would that change anything? Where do magical legends come from? I like explanations for why some characters might want blood or might use earthly magic or might seek out souls. So I tried to reason it out from there and build a reasonable/believable backstory for each.
A portion of your paranormal book, Haze, focuses on Eliza’s battle with addiction (as well as her father’s). This is a topic that really hit home for me; I’ve witnessed what it can do to family/friends, and it can be absolutely heartbreaking. I think your book did a good job of describing what that cycle is like (and I’m glad Eliza was able to overcome it in the end). If it’s not too personal to answer, what was your motivation for writing this into Haze?
Oh this is a good question! Eliza and Erik’s story was very personal to me and I’m so glad that came across. I lost my dad when I was very young and struggled with loss and depression as a teenager, so it was a bit of a therapeutic experience writing Haze. (The Outlands, too, although for different reasons.) Having my characters confront their personal demons, losses and fears alongside the supernatural, and the afterlife, is one way I’ve walked myself through my own struggles.
You’ve written a number of books, in several different genres (fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, to name a few.) Which is your favorite genre to write in and why?
Definitely fantasy, although sci-fi is not far behind. I’ve been in love with creating other worlds in my head since I was seven. It was actually a huge help for me in dealing with my dad’s death. I had insomnia as a child and listening to The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia was one of the only ways I could fall asleep. I started to imagine other worlds in my head, and eventually fell in love with writing. Both magic and futuristic scenarios on other worlds hold such appeal for me. I just always hope for more adventure in all directions, I reckon. But I do ultimately want to write in as many genres as possible. Writing straight up contemporary is so hard for me, personally – they always become fantasy in the end! So I’d like to expand on my genres eventually. A comedy would be fun, too.
Do you have any upcoming releases you’d like to talk about?
Oh gosh, no release date yet, but I’ve got an urban fantasy duology coming along. Book one is finished, just working on book two now. I know roughly how the series ends, though, so once I have more time, it’ll be next up. Maybe. I’ve also got a novella about a second chance werewolf romance that’s ‘done’ but I’m not totally happy with it, so I’m waiting to see if a missing plot piece appears to me, ha! I’ve also got an alien abduction adventure wip ongoing, as well as my epic fantasy series (although this one is a few years off most likely).
What project(s) are you currently working on, and can you share anything about them?
Oh, I think I answered this one above! But yes, many many wips. Lots of drama and romance and angst. Other worlds, other beings. I can’t wait to share these with everyone once I get more time. (Ah, time!)
Besides being a writer, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m trying to finish my thesis, which is why I’m forever behind on everything. Studying, writing, reading and working all at the same time is definitely hard! I also loving hiking and backpacking, and am a big nature and history nerd. Put me in a forest or a museum and I’m a happy pumpkin.
Do you have any parting thoughts you’d like to share?
Support indie books! 😀
A huge thank you to Rebecca for taking the time out of her busy schedule (and thesis work!) to chat.
Her books are available on Amazon.com, or you can learn more on her website, rebeccacrunden.com.