Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a North Carolinian writer of the psychological thriller “The Admirer’s Secret,” “A Fatal Affair,” and my latest release, “A Secondhand Life.” Along with being a wife and mom of three rug rats, I’m a wannabe psychologist, though most people just think I need to see one. Along with delving into people’s minds–or being the subject of their research–I enjoy being a literary reviewer and riding her proud Arabian horse, when he lets me. I have a passion for adventure, and my hope is to keep earning enough from my writing to travel the world in search of more good story material. Grab a free book on my website at http://www.pamelacrane.com.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“A Secondhand Life” is my latest release, and it’s inspired by an organ transplant recipient friend of mine and his experiences with a scientific phenomenon called “organ memory.” In a nutshell, after receiving a heart transplant from a young murder victim, Mia Germaine is plagued by nightmares. Are they clues to solving a murder case, or grim phantasms leading her further into danger? More than a page-turning thriller, “A Secondhand Life” weaves a tale of second chances and reclaimed dreams as this taut, refreshing story ensnares and penetrates you.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Do you consider loading up on caffeine and writing for days on end unusual? As a mother of three (going on four) kids, I have resorted to camping out in our RV (for a visual, imagine Cousin Eddie’s RV from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”) to get the solitude needed to write. I start out with an endless supply of coffee, then write until the story has told itself.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Almost every book I’ve read has influenced me as a writer in some way. I’ll pick up on certain ways an author describes things, or character traits that impact me, and grab bits and pieces of inspiration here and there. I’m an eclectic reader and enjoy a bit of every genre and every writing style.
What are you working on now?
I am in the process of writing a companion novel for “A Secondhand Life” called “A Secondhand Lie,” which uncovers a framed murder and how a serial killer ends up solving the case as his last cry for redemption.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I offer a free novella or free sample to build a fan base, since readers are willing to take a risk on a freebie. If they like it, they usually end up purchasing my other books, and so far I’ve had steady sales using this method. In fact, if you’d like to see for yourself, pick up on of my free books at these sites:
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice, and I’m sure you’ve heard it a thousand times, is to keep writing. If you want to sell books, you have to keep writing books. Consider writing a companion novella if you don’t have a full book idea in mind. For example, my novella “A Fatal Affair” uncovers the secrets of one of the main characters, Allen Michaels, from my other book “The Admirer’s Secret.” Since I felt there was more to Allen than I could get into in “The Admirer’s Secret,” the novella shares another story that needed to be told while expanding my book backlist.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take it one day at a time. That truly is how I live, or else I’d be in a straightjacket (with three kids ages four and under)! I can only handle each moment and each day as it comes, and that gives me the hope that each day will bring new experiences, new ideas, and new energy to deal with what comes.
What are you reading now?
I’m actually reading several indie thrillers right now to expand my literary taste buds. I like trying out new authors who don’t get the same chances to reach a wider audience, so I’m in a process of picking random indie thrillers to enjoy.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing! I plan to put out about two books a year, since I don’t have a shortage of ideas crawling around in my head. 🙂 “A Secondhand Lie,” the sequel to “A Secondhand Life,” should be coming out this fall.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A how-to book on basic survival–like how to build a boat out of tree limbs and how to identify edible bugs that actually taste like chicken.
Author Websites and Profiles
Pamela Crane Website
Pamela Crane Amazon Profile
Pamela Crane’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile