Thank you, once again, Jane Porter for introducing me to Megan Crane, a wonderful writer and woman who has just completed a four book deal with 5 Spot books. I met her at Jane Porter's reading and was thrilled to be able to interview her for our 20 questions with an Author.  Be sure to enter to win a set of Megan's books in our contest section.

What color are you?
Today I am black and purple. Which I realize makes me sound bruised. But no, those are just the colors I'm wearing! I think that usually I default to something in the blue family.

What number are you?
According to numerology, I am an 8. However, I just read the description of an 8, and I don't really think it suits me. Maybe I'm numberless? I never was any good at math...

Red or black licorice?
Red Twizzlers. I think black licorice is an abomination! I feel the same way about Red Vines.

Saturday or Sunday?
Saturday--the weekend is still yours! Sunday evenings are very melancholy.

Early riser or a night owl?
Both, sadly. I stayed up very late last night reading, and was still up before 8. I can't sleep in any more, and I miss it. In college, I could sleep the day away--I once missed a 4:30pm class because I couldn't wake up in time. I can't imagine that now.

Cats or dogs?
Both! Literally. I have 2 dogs and 3 cats.

How long have you been writing?
My whole life. Long before I knew that I could make a living at it, and long before it occurred to me that ANYONE made a living at anything--it was just what I did.

Looking back on your five years in England, what stands out the most?
The rain. Does that sound like a cliche? What can I tell you--England is very wet. It makes a lasting impression.

Who is your favorite author?
I couldn't possibly choose. At the moment I'm deeply obsessed with Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy books and Karen Marie Moning's Fae books. As in, it's painful to have to wait for the next installment. Physically painful.

What book are you currently reading?
I'm currently reading Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I read it once before, a very long time ago, and am re-reading it for my book club. It's a good thing I'm re-reading it, because a) I remember absolutely nothing about except that cathedrals are cool and b) because it is unbelievably riveting, all 1000 pages of it. In fact, I may repair to my bed to keep reading it...

What is your favorite bookstore?
I like comfortable bookstores with huge selections of all kinds of fiction, cozy places to sit and read, and a cafe. The Tattered Cover in Denver probably ranks as my favorite of all time.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
All my closest friends, altogether. That would be fantastic!

Who/what inspires your writing?
Life. The world. My dreams. The people who make me laugh, hurt my feelings, challenge me, care for me. Everything and nothing.

What is your solution to writer's block?
I like to look at my bills. I find that very motivating. But seriously, writer's block is usually a sign that you're writing the book the wrong way. I usually hit a serious wall at about page 150, and have to stop and get my bearings. Sometimes it helps to clear the mind--I go for a drive, lose myself in a movie, read some books to see how other authors solve problems. Sometimes I just go back to the beginning of what I've written and go through it, looking for ways to make it better so I can move forward. Sometimes I have to throw everything out and start over. There's no one answer.

Describe a typical Megan day.
There really isn't a "typical" day, which is one reason I love my job! But generally, I start the day blogging and emailing and catching up with the world as I drink my tea. Then I work. Sometimes the work is more intense--such as when I'm in a deadline and have set myself daily word quotas to reach. If I have a quota, I work until I hit it. If I don't, I work until I feel I've hit a good stopping place. Alternatively, I might go and do errands, or see a friend--it all depends!

When and how do you write?
Last night I wrote until late at night. Sometimes I write all day. Sometimes I don't write at all, though there's a great deal of writing work that happens while I'm doing other things, or daydreaming. But I almost always write on my computer. Occasionally I write longhand, as I used to do all the time. These days that tends to be when I'm stuck.

What bit of advice do you give to new authors?
Try to finish what you start. And keep writing. Every word you write is a word you write better.

What is your favorite word?
According to the search function on my computer, "actually."

What is your next book?
My agent is going to shop my latest book around in the new year. It's a bit of a departure for me and I'm really excited about it-- a little more romantic than my books so far!

Catch up with Megan on her website and her blog.