We chat with Megan Crane and Nicole Helm, the duo behind the pen name Hazel Beck, and their new release Big Little Spells!
Hi there! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hazel Beck is actually two people! Friends who spent a spooky day together in St. Charles, Missouri and were inspired to become cowriters when a story idea appeared to them, and they had to write it together!
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
We were both readers and writers from a very young age, and once we discovered we could publish those stories, we’ve both spent most of our adult lives spinning tales.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
Come over to our Instagram @hazelbeckauthor and tell us which half of Hazel you think these answers belong to.
Hazel #1:
- First book you remember reading: The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy
- First book that made you want to become an author: Stranger With my Face by Lois Duncan
- One book that you can’t stop thinking about: The Fourth Wing Rebecca Yarros
Hazel #2:
- First book you remember reading: Pudgy Pals
- First book that made you want to become an author: The Secret Circle series by L.J Smith
- One book that you can’t stop thinking about: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Your latest novel, Big Little Spells, is out August 29th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
He. Is. Really. Freaking. Hot. 😊
What can readers expect?
To start up right where SMALL TOWN, BIG MAGIC left off, this time in Rebekah’s POV and she and her coven take on the ruling Joywood…with the help of one seriously hot immortal!
Where did the inspiration for Big Little Spells come from?
The entire Witchlore series was inspired by a Midwestern fall road trip with writing friends, and a spooky day in St. Charles, Missouri where it felt like ghosts or witches could be around every misty corner!
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
We loved exploring the sisterly bond between Emerson and Rebekah, especially from Rebekah’s POV this time around, since the first book, SMALL TOWN, BIG MAGIC was written from Emerson’s POV.
This is your second Witchlore novel! What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned between writing the two?
Never turn your back on an immortal witch. Your familiar is always watching. Asking for help wont kill you. Probably.
What’s next for you?
Our third Witchlore Book, TRULY MADLY MAGICALLY, will come out next fall, and it’s already written so we can’t wait for readers to continue on the Witchlore journey!
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
- The Witches of Thistle Grove series by Lana Harper
- Three Sisters Island Trilogy by Nora Roberts
- The Witching Hour by Anne Rice
