Why do you write the genre that you write?
I’ve always been a huge Stephen King fan, so when I started writing, I wanted to o be the black Stephen King. But I also loved Terri McMillan and her stories of family drama. So I’ve combined the two to write dark family dramas.

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
I have a character in my novel Fat Chance who is a total jerk, but he collects the most beautiful glass ballerina figurines and loves them more than he loves in human.

How did you come up with your pseudonym?
It’s my maiden name, which I hope to go back to very soon.

Tell us how you got into writing?
Pain. I was going through an absolute terrible time in my life and felt utterly lost. Then I just started writing and sharing my work with a small group. It ended up being the light out of the darkness.

What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
I was an Airforce Airman for 10 years. Then I did computer repair. Then, somehow ended up in the claims world, where I’ve been for the last almost 20 years. But in between there, I did have 1 stellar year as a bookseller for Joseph Beth Booksellers. Best job of my life.

Where do you write?
After years of writing in my living room after my son goes to sleep, I have my own little office space at home.

What is your favorite deadline snack?
I haven’t had a deadline yet, since I just got my first publishing deal, but I’m guessing it’ll be something with cheese.

Who is an author you admire?
Stephen King, Kellye Garrett, Catriona McPherson

What’s your favorite genre to read?
Crime fiction, family drama

What are you reading now?
Her Name is Knight by Yasmin Angoe. Currently reading Scot in a Trap by Catriona McPherson

What is your favorite beverage to end the day?
A glass of red wine

What is next for you?
The release of Cleveland Noir by Akashic Books, where I have a short story, Bitter, in August 2023. Followed by the release of my first traditionally published novel, Hurt Mountain, in April 2024.

Where can we find you?
On Facebook @AngelaCrookAuthor,  Twitter @navah74, IG Angela__Crook

Now to have some fun . . .

Chocolate or vanilla
Vanilla

Cake or ice cream
Ice cream

Fruits or vegetables
Vegetables

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Dinner

Dining in or dining out
Both

City life or country living
City life

Beach or mountain
Beach

Summer or winter
Winter

Short story or full-length novel
Novel

Extrovert or introvert
Introvert

Early bird or night owl
Night Owl

And even more fun . . .

What’s your favorite movie?
The Color Purple

You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
music, books, wine

My bio:
Angela Crook is a novelist and mother, loves writing stories that often involve the exploration of the inner workings of family relationships. She grew up splitting her time between Cleveland, Ohio and Selma, Alabama. She currently lives in Cleveland, Ohio. There, with the support of her writer’s group of three other fabulous up and comers (the Literary Llamas) she is always working on her next great story.