Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Malaysia but moved to England when I was still a baby. I grew up in the countryside in a small village outside of Brighton. After university in Manchester and a few years in Bradford, I moved to Northern Ireland with my family
I have always loved stories. My earliest memories are consumed by A.A Milne’s tales of 100-acre wood, which was just down the road from where I grew up. Eventually, those books gave way to Roald Dhal, C.S. Lewis and Tolkien. It felt like a natural progression from reading the stories of others to creating my own. Talking long walks along the Irish coastline, I would dream up stories to tells my children, they became my inspiration. Ariella and the Curse of Dawnhaven is my first book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called Ariella and the Curse of Dawnhaven. My children are my inspiration. I wanted to write stories for them, that would inspire them, encourage them and make them smile. My first child was a girl, and as I was thinking about the stories I loved from my childhood, I realised that there were not a lot of female characters. That is what inspired me to have Ariella as the main character in my book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so! I start by taking a lot of walks and dreaming up the plot. I try to have the big picture in place before I begin to write. I imagine the ending and then work back from there. I use a type of storyboard approach with a notepad and pencil, drawing out pictures of each pivotal scene. Once I have the basic plan worked out, then I start the first draft. I set my self a goal of writing 2500 words a week. It was hard work, and at times I was up late in the night trying to hit my target; however, it was vital to me actually finishing the first draft. Then came the edits which actually took longer than the first draft.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Roald Dhal! He is my absolute favourite of all time. I also love Tolkein and CS Lewis and JK Rowling. Frank Hebert’s Dune is absolutely captivating. My favourite book recently has been The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, it’s beautiful!
What are you working on now?
The sequel to Ariella and the Curse of Dawnhaven. It is year two of the journey and takes place in the mountain kingdom of Khan.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure yet, I’ve only just started. It seems the best thing to do is keep talking about it and asking for help, that seems to be working for me!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going! Be disciplined and keep writing, you’ll get there.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was given two exceptional pieces of advice that have helped me tremendously. The first was by Hemmingway who said to always finish writing when you know where you’re going to go. That way, when you come back to the page the next day you can start off immediately, this stops writer’s block.
The second bit of advice was from Bruce Springsteen who says you should always write for the bin. Meaning that the first draft is always bad, keep going and keep crafting.
What are you reading now?
A historical novel by Bernard Cornwell called Starbuck.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The second book!
What is your favorite book of all time?
Danny the champion of the world by Roald Dhal. It’s nostalgic and utterly beautiful!
Author Websites and Profiles
Owen Crane Amazon Profile
Owen Crane’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Pinterest Account