Blog Archives
Inspired by a Dream
Harbinger follows a princess whose prophetic nightmares lead her to make a forbidden connection with an imperial rook. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It all started with a dream I had when I was 17. I knew that I didn’t have the writing experience or life experience to do the story justice, so I sat on the idea until I was 25. When I did sit down to write, I thought that, since this was inspired by a dream, having my MFC’s conflict start in dreams seemed appropriate. Sadly, her dreams were not as enjoyable as mine.
Were you able to relate to your characters while writing them?
I did! We have all had moments of fear that we have to overcome, and I personally believe all fear is a benchmark. Something to tell us what we need to overcome. Be it to improve a skill or recover from a trauma that we experienced, that is stopping us from moving forward. Keira doesn’t have the tools to combat her fears, but she has the determination to find them. I also resonated with the imperial family; they reminded me of how my own family rallies around each other when we are in need. Their love for one another is a mirror of the love I have for my family. Then there is Cyrus’s commitment to finding the truth, which made me determined that he would get his answers because I needed them too!
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
In the beginning, I had several possible villain choices, but it wasn’t until I wrote the Club Deviant scene that V appeared. As I wrote him, I was appalled by how callous and depraved he was but had to admit he was the perfect villain. His evolution from cunning strategist to obsessed deviate is a direct response to how many blood bonds he has had. With each bond, his need to have sex grows, and his obsession with Keira becomes twisted, as do his goals.
Can you give us a glimpse inside Book 2 of this series? Where will it take readers?
Lines will be crossed. Revelations will blow up preconceived notions of facts. And my 4 little female moiohs (children) will be hard at work influencing everyone. A little more will be revealed about the enemies from the stars, and everything will be decided by a desperate gamble. There will be some answers, but not all. The real revelations happen in book 3 (yes, it’s written).
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
The return of a particular imperial rook changes the tone of her dreams, providing her with much needed relief. But this too is perplexing, for he is a rook and she an elite. The law strictly forbids a union between the two.
Yet four little female moiohs scheme to bring them together, providing the path to secure their future, a future threatened by traitors who would use the princess as a way to steal her father’s throne.
Resistance as Inspiration
Defending Engagement follows two brothers and the woman they love in an unconventional polyamorous relationship as the trio navigates judgment from family, societal expectations, and their own emotional minefields. What was the initial idea behind this story, and how did that transform as you were writing the novel?
The initial spark for this story came from reader reactions to Overruling Judgment, Book One. Reader interest in the characters’ lives prompted some readers to want more, while others strongly objected to two brothers sharing one woman. I quickly realized I would not convince everyone to embrace the dynamic. Instead, I used that resistance as inspiration. I created side characters who embodied those critical voices, turning them into narrow-minded, often hypocritical figures within the story. It became a way to reflect real-world attitudes while still centering the story around love, complexity, and choice.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
What draws me to writing about the human condition, especially about love, is the emotional depth and delicious complexity of it all. I’m fascinated by polyamorous relationships because they push characters (and readers) to rethink what intimacy, trust, and commitment can really look like.
There’s something undeniably compelling about multiple hearts in motion and how people navigate desire, jealousy, vulnerability, and connection when the rules aren’t pre-written. It creates space for raw, honest emotion, and unique character arcs. I write these stories to expand the conversation around love and offer stories where passion and partnership don’t have to fit in a single box.
I want to write bold stories that are a little daring and rooted in the belief that love can be real, messy, and beautiful all at the same time.
What was one of the hardest parts in Defending Engagement for you to write?
It may come as a shock, but the hardest part wasn’t the family confrontation. I had powerful feelings about how Sasha, JD, and Ian would stand up to their family. I stepped back into my law student mindset when writing that scene. Each character’s voice rang out with confidence, love, and a refusal to be shamed for what they share.
The real challenge? Restraining myself from turning the novella into a full-blown novel. But I knew that Defending Engagement shouldn’t end with a glossy ten-years-later epilogue and a picket fence. They deserved something real, grounded, and just a little raw. Sasha, JD, and Ian didn’t need a fantasy ending.
What they have is sold. They faced judgment, fought for each other, and came out stronger. That’s the story I wanted to tell. Not a neat bow, but a fierce, ongoing choice to love boldly, live honestly, and keep showing up for each other, no matter what.
Where do you see your characters after the book ends?
They’re not just surviving, but thriving. By the time they reappear in Book Three, they’re more confident and connected than ever. What started behind closed doors is now something they’re willing to defend in daylight. You’ll see them out holding hands while skating in the middle of a Chicago public ice rink. No dodging glances. No hiding in the crowd. Just three people choosing each other, over and over, with the world watching.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
At the O’Malley family’s annual St. Patrick’s Day party, whispers turn to outright condemnation—immorality, illegality, and taboo desire. JD and Ian fear the scorn will drive Sasha away. They underestimate Sasha’s ability to eviscerate closed-minded arguments and fire to defend what’s hers.
It is time to take a stand and defend their engagement.
A True Redemption
Affliction is a harrowing dark fantasy that follows a captive prince grappling with trauma, identity, and survival under the rule of a ruthless Alpha in a world where magic is a weapon of oppression. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story was inspired by the desire to write something different, where people of all walks of life could feel represented. I felt like there wasn’t much for options as far as a queer romantasy, and as cliche as it sounds, the story sort of wrote itself. I wanted a story that wasn’t a coming-out story, I wanted to write something where the characters just happened to have different preferences beyond the mainstream.
What inspired you to create such an emotionally raw and psychologically intense character in Nicolas?
Nicolas represents a lot of friends I had growing up who struggled with not only their sexuality but also their worth. Women and men can both struggle with feeling as though their worth ends with what they have to offer; some of them like the power their bodies hold, while some of them become slaves to it, and I wanted to shed light on that. I wanted Nicolas to have a true redemption, and I wanted to touch on the trauma that someone in a situation like this might have actually gone through. It’s not always pretty, and I hope people can enjoy him for what he is. A human.
How did you approach balancing the brutality of the world with moments of introspection and humanity?
I really wanted to try and add dark humor to break up the intensity. My own sense of humor can be dark, and I think when a topic like this comes up, it suited the story to keep up with the theme of, ‘these guys are having a really hard time, but they’re doing it together, even if they don’t want to.’ The villain isn’t always the villain in everyone’s story, and sometimes the good guy is the villain.
Affliction is book one of the Alpha Series. What can readers expect in book two?
The series has 9 books, with 8 finished and the 9th in the works. Book Two is sort of the ‘coming of age’ part of the story. It’s a bit more serious, a lot more magic, and a whole lot more drama.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Spirituality Behind True Love
Shilpa’s Blue Crayon follows a down-to-earth African American woman in her thirties who, while devoted to her art and deeply committed to those she holds dear, longs for the love of a husband and children she has never known. What inspired the setup of your story?
I wanted to write a love story that displayed lots of mystery and suspense that would include a surprise ending. Most love stories are extremely predictable and not always true to real life. I wanted to show the insecurities that many women have about their looks, careers, love life, etc. But I also wanted to show when it comes to those you love, most women would do whatever it takes to protect their family and friends with or without a man. That protecting those you care about comes first, even when your safety is at risk. Shilpa embodies many women that I know personally who are strong and successful even when they don’t realize it. And, I truly wanted the reader to take this roller coaster ride with Shilpa until she found love and family even when she wasn’t looking for it. Of course, I’m an African American woman myself, retired, and I’m able to provide the Black perspective of life’s challenges.
The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
My favorite characters are Jacob (Shilpa’s husband); and Winnie/Vida (Shilpa’s best friends) because they display their love, loyalty, and commitment even when hard truths have to be discussed. Jacob is in an interracial marriage with Shilpa and I wanted to show his love for his wife that transcends boundaries, cultures, and societies. How he truly loved his wife without condition, and how they were on the same page with raising their children. Jacob understood Shilpa’s insecurities and provided patience to help her work through them. He helped her find her strength. Winnie and Vida (from both worlds) are what best friends embody (loyalty, truth, compassion, kindness, trustworthiness, and honesty). I have life-long best friends like this so it was very easy to write about Winnie and Vida. The best way to do all this is for Shilpa to be trapped in two worlds until she found the truth about her life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
What love should be between a man and woman and the spirituality behind true love; love of friendship; the beauty of this world with explanations of the color blue and its importance in our lives; racism, diversity, and multiculturalism; passing for white and what that means; money is not important unless you can use it to serve others; and gaining your power and strength when you need it most.
What is the next novel that you are working on and when will that be available?
My first book, published in March 2024, is called “Kevin and KatheRINe in the Next Lifetime.” I believe it to be a beautiful love story. Personal and professional reviews are amazing. This book displays CC Lane’s brand demonstrating the color blue, love and its spirituality, interracial relationships (black woman/white man), and all that comes with it. And of course, that surprise ending. However, the two books are very different.
I’m currently working on my third book called, Munyori and Johannas, in 72 hours. This book also keeps with the brand of interracial love, the color blue, and lots of surprises that keep your heart pounding. I’m hopeful this book will be published by the end of the year. No writer’s block – the storyline keeps coming. Just have to find the time to finish it.
I would also like to note that Kevin Costner, the actor, is mentioned briefly in all my books. My female friends and I absolutely love him – we are all about the same age as Costner. I’ve used the personality of many of the characters he plays in movies for the love interests. My friends noticed it as well.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
New novel delivers a thrilling romance that explores courage, love and multicultural themes
CHICAGO – From the author of “Kevin and KatheRINe in the Next Lifetime” comes another stirring romance novel that will take readers on a journey that transcends boundaries, races and cultures. In “Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” (published by Archway Publishing), author Crystal Charlotte (CC) Lane invites readers to follow the life of Shilpa, a gifted African American artist whose unusual ocean-blue eyes set her apart in ways that both inspire and isolate her.
Shilpa’s story unfolds within two worlds — reality and the vivid world of make-believe. The novel masterfully intertwines romance, suspense, passion, and societal commentary as Shilpa navigates the complexities of her identity, the expectations placed on her, and the danger that threatens her loved ones. As readers turn each page, they will witness Shilpa’s transformation from a shy, self-conscious young woman into a resilient force of nature determined to protect those she loves. The book’s unexpected twists will keep them engage until the very end.
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” weaves rich, multicultural themes with gripping narratives. It is a story about strength, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace one’s unique qualities. A hallmark of Lane’s storytelling is her portrayal of true beauty that goes beyond physical appearance. “When considering a person’s value in this world, ‘looks’ should not be the most important factor,” the author explains. “Qualities like personality, character, intelligence, kindness, and integrity are far more significant in building meaningful relationships and determining someone’s worth as an individual. It is one’s values that are important.”
The novel also features a special foreword written by four-time Grammy winner Deniece Williams, whose insight adds a layer of depth and meaning to the narrative.
When asked what she wants readers to take away from “Shilpa’s Blue Crayon,” Lane says, “It’s true that strong Black women can be stereotyped and characterized by strength, self-reliance, and caretaking; and strong Black women are often depicted as women who are able to withstand difficult circumstances and provide for others without regard to their own needs. To a point, this is true, but like any woman, Black women want love, joy, and respect in their lives as well; and some want families with a loving husband. And to fight for that is ok too.”
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon” is available now at Archway Publishing and other major online retailers.
“Shilpa’s Blue Crayon”
By Crystal Charlotte (CC) Lane
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766340
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766326
E-Book | 276 pages | ISBN 9781665766333
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Affliction
Affliction is far from a light or escapist read. It is emotionally intense, relentlessly brutal, and intricately woven with themes of politics, power, and suffering. The novel immerses the reader in a grim world where magic functions not only as a force of nature but also as a symbol of privilege, oppression, and weaponization. At its core is Nicolas, a reluctant prince turned captive, whose story begins with the violent fall of his father and evolves into a harrowing exploration of identity, guilt, and endurance under the control of a ruthless new Alpha. Blending the grit of war-torn fantasy with the depth of psychological introspection, this book is as emotionally draining as it is compelling.
What struck me most from the outset was the narrative voice; Nicolas’s tone is unmistakable. He is bitter, wounded, and acutely self-aware, with a restrained sarcasm that serves to temper the bleakness of his reality. His early reflections are laced with dread and resentment, yet beneath them lies a quiet yearning for something more. The prose is unflinching; it confronts the reader directly and unapologetically. One particularly harrowing example is Nicolas’s account of the lycan curse, how his father stripped werewolves of their identities and rendered them sterile to create a slave class. The depiction is visceral and deeply disturbing. There is no attempt to soften the horror, nor should there be. Jarnigan deliberately ensures the full weight of this world is felt, and in doing so, she succeeds with devastating clarity.
I appreciated how unflinching this book was about trauma and survival. Nicolas is no noble hero; he’s shattered, haunted, and, honestly, kind of a mess, and that makes him feel real. One moment that stuck with me was when he’s forced to bathe the Alpha who killed his family. The tension is unbearable. Not just because of the power dynamic, but because of what it reveals about Nicolas’s psyche, how much he’s endured, how much he’s internalized. It’s raw and uncomfortable, but that’s what made it brilliant. You want him to break free, but you also see why he can’t. The magic system and training he went through were so abusive that it redefined what “strength” even looks like for him.
At times, the emotional depth of the narrative becomes profoundly immersive, drawing the reader into Nicolas’s internal world with unrelenting intensity. The pacing in the middle of the book shifts to allow for extended introspection, offering a deeper understanding of the protagonist’s psychological landscape. These reflective passages provide a thoughtful pause amid the turmoil, enriching the character development and adding complexity to the unfolding drama. The novel is punctuated with arresting scenes, such as the haunting moment when Nicolas witnesses the burning of his father’s spellbooks, that reignite the story’s intensity. The character of the Alpha, Nicolas’s captor, emerges as a compelling figure: not merely a force of violence, but a layered antagonist whose motives and history unfold with careful precision. While he is far from likable, there is a magnetic, unsettling fascination in following his role in the narrative, testament to Jarnigan’s skill in crafting complex, morally ambiguous characters.
Affliction is not a story about redemption; it’s about reckoning. It’s about surviving the worst parts of yourself and others, and still daring to hope there’s more. I’d recommend this to fans of dark fantasy who don’t mind sitting with discomfort. If you’re into morally gray characters, messy emotions, and plots that don’t flinch from cruelty or complexity, you’ll find a lot to admire here.
Pages: 590 | ASIN: B0F3DPNJ19
Emotional Free Fall
The Scald Crow follows a Canadian news anchor who loses her job and the last of her family, leading her to move to Ireland to claim an inheritance from a man she has never met. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I knew I wanted the story to be set in Ireland—it’s a place that pulses with history, myth, and an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. But I also wanted a protagonist who had a compelling reason to go there and never look back. That’s where Calla came in. She’s a Canadian news anchor who loses not just her job, but the last of her family. That kind of emotional free fall gave her the perfect motivation to uproot her life and start fresh. The idea of her inheriting something mysterious from a stranger in Ireland just clicked—it opened the door to secrets, magic, and self-discovery. It was the setup I needed to launch her into a world where reality and myth collide.
In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
Absolutely. I spent ten days in Ireland with my family, and every location mentioned in The Scald Crow is a place I actually stood. The cliffs, the pubs, the winding roads—all of it left an imprint on me. But it wasn’t just the landscape. It was the people. Bits and pieces of the locals—their warmth, wit, and mystery—found their way into my characters and dialogue. So yes, there’s quite a bit of me in this story. It’s woven with real moments, real places, and the kind of magic you can only feel when you’re truly present somewhere that stirs your soul.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the most important themes for me was bringing to life the magic of the land, the folklore, and the people. Ireland is rich with stories that feel older than time, and I wanted that deep-rooted sense of myth and wonder to pulse through every page. I was drawn to the idea that the land itself holds memory and mystery and that the people—whether mortal or magical—are deeply connected to it. Exploring how place shapes identity, and how folklore can both haunt and heal, was at the heart of writing The Scald Crow.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
In the next book, Resurrection, Calla journeys into the otherworld and meets the magical family she never knew she had—including twin sisters who are opposites in every way and a father with a dangerous glint in his eye. As old powers awaken and a ruthless prince threatens the realm, Calla discovers abilities she never imagined—shifting into other beings in moments of fear. Meanwhile, Colm must reach back through bloodlines and legend to save her, even if it costs him everything.
The future of the series? Let’s just say the veil between worlds is growing thinner… and not everyone who crosses it will return the same.
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Colm fled from Clonmara seven long years ago, but now it’s his father’s birthday, and the clan has gathered to celebrate the ould one. Each day brings back the memories that ruined him.
Saoirse dwells in the shadows of a lost love, unwilling to move on and unable to forget. The crystals say one thing, but the cold, hard truth tells another.
Ciarán walked away from the woman he loved for the fun, for the craic. He didn’t realize that one rash decision would impact the lives of so many, least of all his own.
Four broken hearts, brought together by the thread of love.
The Third Act
Kathleen Brehony’s The Third Act is a heartfelt novel that chronicles the emotional journey of Shannon O’Connell, a woman navigating love, loss, and self-discovery in her sixties. Shannon faces a series of seismic shifts—her partner of thirty years has left her, her mother is fading into dementia, and her best friend Linda has succumbed to cancer. Despite the darkness, a reunion with her late friend’s close-knit group and a rekindled connection with an old flame, Elizabeth Matthews, sets the stage for Shannon to embrace the possibility of renewal and love.
The writing is deeply evocative. Brehony brings the reader right into Shannon’s grief with vivid details. The opening scene, where Shannon witnesses her friend Linda’s final moments, is wrenching. You feel the weight of Shannon’s sorrow as she observes the “brutal knowledge” of Linda’s death. Brehony captures the painful minutiae of loss—like the absence of the familiar sound of medical equipment—and uses them to craft an intimate portrait of her protagonist’s suffering. This attention to emotional and sensory detail made me feel like I was standing beside Shannon as she grappled with her pain.
The dynamics between characters, particularly among Shannon, Elizabeth, and their shared “Tribe,” are a standout feature. I loved how Brehony weaves humor into the grief, like the playful teasing about lavender sweatpants when Elizabeth’s luggage gets lost. The chemistry between Shannon and Elizabeth is electric, especially when their shared past and unresolved feelings bubble to the surface. Elizabeth’s reflection on their 30-year friendship, tinged with longing, brings an obvious tension to their story. The text makes you root for them, not just as lovers but as two people rediscovering hope.
The Third Act is a novel about second chances and the courage to embrace them. It’s a story for anyone who has felt lost and wondered if it’s too late to start again. With its lush writing, complex characters, and honest exploration of aging, love, and grief, I recommend it to readers of women’s fiction and fans of deeply emotional storytelling. Shannon and Elizabeth’s journey reminds us that life’s third act might just be the most beautiful.
Pages: 239 | ASIN: B0DHNV83SH
