Author to Author Q and A: Crystal Grant:
- Where did you grow up? Did your childhood have any impact on your writing?
I grew up (and still live) in Potosi, MO, where my mother homeschooled me until graduation. As a kid, I was always reading. My parents were also big readers, so reading was a normal part of my childhood. Over time, that transitioned into me writing my own stories.
2. Tell us about the first story you ever wrote, published or not?
Oh goodness, that’s going so far back, I can’t really remember the very first one. But I do know that one of my first stories was a story set in the 1800s about the trials and relationships of four sisters.
3. What are you currently working on?
I am working on final edits for book 3 in The Gateway Trilogy, due to be released September 2025. I’m also plotting out a new stand-alone project. It’s sort of a sci-fi dystopian with some supernatural elements. I’m excited about it!
4. What is your favorite character you have ever created and why?
I have so many characters I love dearly, but one who stands out is Braylee Wright, a knight in my current series. Braylee is the prince’s right-hand man, a faithful, skilled soldier with years of experience. He’s mild in nature but strong in character. But he’s also not someone you want to cross. Especially in the morning. LOL!
5. Do you have to write/draw in order or do your ideas just come to you and you put them in order later?
I can write scenes out of order, especially if I’m stuck in the plot. Sometimes writing about scenes I’m excited about help me to push through the hard parts.
6. What was your path like until you found writing?
I was pretty young when I first started dreaming about being a writer, but obtaining that dream took some time. I went to college and started teaching first grade. In 2021, I took a step of faith and quit my job so that I could more seriously pursue writing. It was during that timeframe that I got a contract for the trilogy. Since then, I’ve started teaching at a private school, but the schedule and pace is much more conducive to me continuing my writing path.
7. How is your relationship with your publishing company? If you are self-published, what tasks do you have to do to get your project completed?
My publishing company is great! It’s still a new company, so there has definitely been a learning curve and growing pains. But the people behind the scenes at Quill and Flame Publishing are supportive and hard-working. I’m free to ask lots of questions and offer my own feedback and concerns.
8. Tell us about your covers.
I love my covers! Emily Haney designed both Shadowcast and Lightshed, and will be working on Book 3 soon. In fact, I’m getting ready to start filling out the cover form so she knows what my vision is. I’m so excited! I love how she managed to take my ideas and run away with them to design these covers that were PERFECT for my stories.
9. What inspires you to create?
Music, walks in the woods, journaling, other books and movies with incredible stories and characters, and praying about my own stories
10. How do you get reviews?
I ask for them! Sometimes over and over, it seems. Lol. It’s sometimes hard to get the number of reviews up. All you can really do is ask, but also don’t be afraid to remind readers or even explain why reviews are so important. I am working on a possible giveaway for when my reviews reach a certain number.
11. What is harder: writing, drawing, editing, or marketing?
Well, I can’t draw, so maybe that one. Lol. Marketing is really difficult for me. It’s not as much fun (for me) and takes time out of what I’d rather be doing. Writing the first draft is not my favorite part of the writing process, but I love brainstorming and editing.
12. If you could publish every book/comic/art idea you’ve ever had, how many would you have out right now?
Oh, SO many. I don’t even know for sure. Just the books I’ve drafted and completed alone would be about fourteen, not counting short stories, kids’ books, and incomplete ideas.
13. Have you ever considered co-writing a series with another creator?
Yes, actually I have a project in the works with a co-writer, who happens to be my brother. 🙂 It’s a genre mash of fantasy and science-fiction with lots of complex characters and intense plots.
14. What do you do to relax?
Read, light a candle, watch a good movie, do a jigsaw puzzle. But not all at the same time. LOL
15. If you could tell your 14-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
Don’t worry! Your time is coming. Just enjoy this season that you’re in and learn all you can.
16. What advice would you have for this upcoming generation?
Work hard and keep trying. Success doesn’t happen without some measure of effort on our part. It’s also important to note that success can look very different from person to person.
17. Have you ever read a book/series that changed your outlook on life?
I’ve had a lot of books that inspired me, but the only one that comes to mind that has literally changed my outlook on life is the Bible.
Although “Let’s Roll” by one of the widows of 9/11 really made me stop and take a look at my life and what really mattered.
18. Do you have a classic piece of literature or a classic author you are fond of?
I love Pride and Prejudice and Anne of Green Gables.
19. Any type of music that gets your writing juices flowing?
I listen to a lot of movie scores, like LOTR or Narni. I also love Celtic Woman.
20. If you could pick three people who are your heroes or role models, who would they be and why?
Sue Thomas, a deaf motivational speaker/author (who has since passed on). She spoke and read lips and even worked for the FBI for a brief time. Because of my own hearing impairment, I found her courage and faith so inspiring.
Nadie Brandes, a YA author. She’s a few years younger than me, but her character is so sweet and encouraging. I love her attitude and the way she boldly talks about her walk with the Lord. She’s also an incredible storyteller!
21. Dog or cat person?
Dog, but I do love cats too!
22. What do you want to eat right now?
Maybe some chips. Lol.
23. If you could be in any movie that has already been made, which one would it be?
LOTR, so I could live in the Shire. 🙂
24. What is your favorite holiday or time of year?
The fall season and Christmas holiday combined is my absolute favorite time of year!
25. Anything else you would like to add?
Thank you so much for having me!
BIO:
Crystal Grant is the author of the fantasy series, The Gateway Trilogy. The first book, Shadowcast was a 2024 Christy finalist. As a hearing-impaired, home-school graduate, she found her voice in writing about characters fighting to overcome their obstacles. A self-described daydreamer who adores freshly baked cookies and anything with fur or feathers, she strives to instill a love of books and learning within her young students. When she’s not reading or writing stories that sweep her away to another time and place, she watches classic movies and TV shows that do the same. Or she works on jigsaw puzzles. Crystal currently resides in small-town Missouri, where she is always looking for space for another book or scented candle.
LINKS/URLS:
Instagram: @crystalgrantauthor