Welcome author Destini Crane to our blog today!
Please tell us about your latest book.
My latest book, Darkness Awakens is about a horror novelist who is experiencing the supernatural phenomena that she writes about in her story.
What can we expect from you in the future?
You can expect more psychological thrillers and maybe some horror from me. I have a deep love for those genres; I have since I was younger. I want to keep exploring them and coming up with new ideas.
How do we find out about you and your books?
I am very active on social media. You can find me on Instagram @booksbycrane, TikTok @authordestinicrane, Lemon8 @authordestinicrane, Facebook at Destini Crane or my author website at destini-crane.mailchimpsites.com. You can also find out about me and my books on my publishers website. My publisher is Solstice Publishing.
How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?
I put a lot of myself into my writing. I have a lot of ghosts stories and life experiences that I have trickled into my writing. It helps me connect with my character better and understand their motivations and triggers. I love taking parts of my personality and experiences and placing them into the writing. It makes it more personal.
When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?
I have always written stories. Since a young age I was avid about writing and reading. I was an English major in my early college days. I wrote a short story for my class, and my teacher gave me the feed back of “Save this for creative writing.” He did not put an actual grade on it. I thought that was funny. But that was my sign that I was on the right path. I loved telling stories that creeped people out or explored the emotions of humanity.
I was prompted to submit my first manuscript when I realized that I could actually pursue writing as a career. I am passionate about writing and storytelling. I knew that pursuing this career path would have challenges, but I was up for it. This is the career I have dreamed of since I was young. And now I am able to do it. I am beyond grateful for the support I have received from those who told me I could do this.
Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I don’t have a set schedule. I write when I have the chance. Most days during the week, I wake up at 6am. Get my kids off to school then write between 9am and 2pm. Then I write from 8pm to 10pm after I have spent time with my family and put my kids to bed. Not every day but most
days. On Tuesday’s I have a writing group I am apart of and we do writing sprints for an hour, from 8pm to 9pm. I am a full time grad student so not all the time between 9am and 2pm during the week I am writing because I have to dedicate time for my studies. But I do write for a few hours between that time. On weekends I wake up at 6am just as I do during the week. I write from 6am until my kids and husband wake up, which is usually around 9am.
What about your family, do they know not to bother you when you are writing - or are there constant interruptions?
My kids are keen on coming over to my computer when I am writing lol, they are curious to what I am working on. So I try to do my work when they sleep or are at school. My husband doesn’t mind when I am writing in the evenings. He usually watches TV while I sit on the couch with my laptop or I am at my desk. We do chat while I work.
What do you do to relax and recharge your batteries?
I read. I love reading. It helps me unwind and get my head right. I also draw. Or I am playing with my kids. They always want mom to play with them, and I am happy to do so. My husband and I try to have quiet nights to ourselves but with three kids it is hard to find time for us. So some nights we just sit and talk while other’s he watches his anime, and I write.
Where do your ideas come from?
I come up with my ideas by thinking of the dark side of humanity. I think of what if’s a lot. Like what if our emotions became living entities? Or what if there was a nationwide blackout that triggered a serial killer cult? Things like that inspire me to come up with new ideas.
Do you feel humor is important in books and why?
Humor is important to a certain degree. You don’t have to have humor to have a good book but if you have a good joke to add then go ahead and do it. I enjoy good humor and dark humor in books.
What kind of research do you do?
I do research on how police handle cases and things like that. Most of my research is done around darker themes since I write thrillers. I have to know how a murder investigation can go or how does a trial go. Those things are important for me to know.
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Please tell us about yourself.
I have been married for 6 years to my lovely husband Joey. We have three daughters. We live in North Georgia. I am currently a grad student at Southern New Hampshire University. I am
pursuing my master’s degree in digital marketing. I hold a B.A. in Graphic Design and Media Arts from Southern New Hampshire University. I graduated in 2024.
What are some of your favorite things to do?
My favorite things are reading, spending time with family, traveling back home to Michigan to see friends, working on tattoo drawings and listening to music. I am a fan of heavy metal and smooth jazz. And of course, writing.
Who are some of your other favorite authors to read?
Stephan King, Jeneva Rose, Lisa Jewell, Freida McFadden, and Riley Sager.
What do you think of critique groups in general?
I love critique groups. They are useful.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself pursuing writing full-time as my career. I do it part-time right now, but I am hoping I can become a full-time author.
How many books have you written, how many have been published?
I have written a total of 9 books but have four published. 2 have been self-published and another two will be published with Solstice Publishing.
After you've written your book and it's been published, do you ever buy it and/or read it?
I love reading my work. I enjoy reading through the story with fresh eyes and having the same experience as a reader.
Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
My very first book, All Will Fall, is probably my favorite book. It is about a girl named Danni whose anger and frustration becomes a demonic entity that haunts her. After that is my book Darkness Awakens. I love dark themes and settings.
What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
Being able to share my stories with readers. I love the writing community I have built online and sharing my work with them.
If you weren't writing, what would you be doing?
I would be a freelance graphic designer. Since that is what I went to school for. Or a digital marketer since that is what my graduate studies are in.
What is your greatest desire?
My greatest desire is to become a full-time author. Where I get to spend my time writing books for a living instead of working a day job.
Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Your first draft is going to be messy. The edits will make it a piece of art. Keep going, even when things get hard. Never give up on your passion.
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