What is your most recent book and what is it about?
“The Admirer’s Secret” is my debut thriller, loosely based on my own experience with a mental disorder called erotomania—a delusional belief of being in love. Haley Montgomery is emotionally crippled by death that hovers over her, until her solitary life is upended by the man of her dreams. Propelled by a secret admirer’s threatening letters, Haley's past haunts her, throwing her life into a devastating tailspin. Can she conquer her demons and find love? I won’t tell you if it was me who had the mental illness—you have to read the book yourself to find out. But writing was very therapeutic for me.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Since the book was largely written about true events, I didn’t want to stray too far from the original storyline. However, since writing “The Admirer’s Secret” my writing style has matured, so sometimes I wish I could rewrite it as a better writer. J
How did you come up with the title?
The title reflects the secrets hidden within the lives of the characters…and touches on the obsession that drives the secrets.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and if so what was it?
I learned that I have much to learn about writing, lol. Some specifics: I learned how to organize a plot outline, create character profiles to ensure character consistency, and how to work more twists into my story. I love a good twist and red herrings, and writing “The Admirer’s Secret” helped me refine that craft.
What are your current projects?
I just finished “A Fatal Affair,” a free novella I decided to write to uncover what happened in one of the characters’ pasts. His wife was missing and the loose end was driving me (and many of my readers) crazy, so I wrote that to appease the masses. Haha It’s a freebie on OmniLit.com, so it’ll give readers a taste of the characters.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I wrote my first novel when I was 8 years old—about a group of talking dogs on an adventure. It never got published though.
What inspired you to write your first book?
The inspiration was to get through my own trauma, since the book was based on real events and real psychological disorders that I lived through. The reality is that so many people suffer from mental illness and don’t know it, but there is hope and there are treatment options out there, and writing my book was one such treatment.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
Where to begin? One of my favorite thriller writers is Steven James. He is eloquent yet digs into the psyche of the characters, which I truly enjoy. I can’t put his books down!
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I’m always picking up new reads, but when I like a challenge I like to read Haven Kimmel. Her writing is incredibly visual, and while some people struggle with her prose, I find it inspiring.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Give your characters life, breath, and depth. If possible, base them on real people you know, because that will help give you a better idea of how to create their mannerisms, their appearances, their personalities. My characters are so important to me, and I can easily flash an image of each one in my head because they are real people in my life. The more real they are to you, the more real they will be to your readers. After all, it’s the characters who sell the story. If we don’t feel connected to them, we won’t feel a connection to the story.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
A hearty thanks to all of my readers who have made my writing aspirations a dream come true. As a wife and mother, it’s hard to juggle writing too, but I’m so glad I didn’t give up. “The Admirer’s Secret” has been consistently in the top 100 books on Amazon in the UK, and I owe my readers all the credit! Thank you!
Where is the best place for readers to find your book?
You can purchase it on my website at www.pamelacrane.com. Note that “A Fatal Affair” is a freebie, so take advantage and download a copy! My books are available at almost all online retailers, but here’s a few links for you:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Admirers-Secret-Pamela-Crane-ebook/dp/B00FNVM30G
http://www.amazon.com/Admirers-Secret-Pamela-Crane-ebook/dp/B00FNVM30G
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fatal-Affair-Pamela-Crane-ebook/dp/B00GPU7MRI
https://www.omnilit.com/product-afatalaffair-1400078-247.html
Do you have a website?
Sure do—it’s an author necessity these days. J Check me out at www.pamelacrane.com. Stay posted for contests and freebies!
Warm regards,
Pamela Crane
Author of The Admirer's Secret
www.pamelacrane.com
www.facebook.com/pamela.crane.52
"Mea culpa, Ms. Crane... If you like a suspenseful thriller that completely shocks you with its plot twists, this is the one foryou."
"Engaging plot, relatable characters, credible motive, unique twist ending-it's got all of the components I'm looking for in a captivating thriller."
Thanks again to Ms. Crane for that truly insightful interview about her work and the true experience that inspired her to share the thrilling and bone chilling story with us through her books. Please leave your comments below and please pick up a copy of Ms. Cranes A Fatal Affair and The Admirer's Secret. The last of which you can find by clicking on the photo below.