1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
Reporting on business during the early days of the internet was one of my first writing jobs. I loved the fast pace, and soon transitioned into TV as a producer at a popular news outlet. I wrote broadcast copy for newscasts, and thrilled at paring back long sentences into crisp one-liners.
Journalism was already under fire way back then, and I made the switch to PR, where I’ve worked in corporate communications for 20 years. While many think business is boring, it’s full of invention and progress, driven by fascinating personalities.
Then, late last year, after years of telling other people’s stories, I wanted to tell one of my own.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
When I started the Serenity Acres Series, I planned five volumes, with a strong idea about volumes three, four and five. I was stumped on how to progress from Dinked until…
I fell prey to an age-old publishing scam, backed by a slick overseas operation.
When I discovered the duplicity, I was shocked. I went through all of the typical emotional stages of fraud.
I also laughed at the irony. Dinked already contained an Amazon phishing subplot. Life imitating art.
And what domestic thriller writer wouldn’t dream of taking revenge on the very people who burned her?
The more I learned about the people behind my fraud, the more I questioned their true identities. I don’t know who the real John Eden or Jordan Delgado is, or where they live. Certain things they said resonated when I read articles about people in Southeast Asia swept up into call centres and forced labour.
Was I catfished by prisoners? I don’t know and never will. But I got my frustrations out in Shafted.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
There are no takeaways of values in Serenity Acres! Everyone’s a hot mess with a secret. I do think the residents might benefit from self-reflection.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I grew up watching staples like Colombo and Murder She Wrote, where every camera zoom or lingering shot hinted at a clue to be placed into an orderly conclusion.
That, and a heavy dose of daytime soaps, which my Mom loved while ironing! I loved the absurd twists; double-lives, dramatic affairs and anything but domestic bliss.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
Daphne! I would love to know why she shops so much! She seems to have it all but is intent on throwing it away. Irwin is devoted to her and they have two great kids, but she’s focused on everything but, including her pet costume biz.
Oh, and Clara. But I might be afraid to get too into her head.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Facebook. I’ve shared character cards and reels with great engagement. I know I should use TikTok but haven’t gotten to it yet. I sort of hate the idea of another platform.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Stay true to your story; you know the way you want to tell it.
Most of my characters are quantifiable jerks, but with redeeming qualities. Much like real life: faulted, vulnerable and complex. Have a plan and move it forward with clarity. Keep details relevant and tied together at the end. No one cares what kind of cookie a character likes, unless they’re going to kill someone with it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With over twenty years of spinning stories in corporate communications, Dinked: Serenity Acres. Where Secrets Barely Stay Hidden is Crystal Quast’s debut novel. When she’s not writing, Crystal loves playing pickleball and tennis, paddleboarding, hiking, and spending time with her family.
