H.C. Cranston (she/her/ella) is the kid who got into trouble for reading a book hidden in their textbook during class. Thankfully, her extended family of voracious readers encouraged such behavior. Storytelling became a favorite activity at the tender age of six and never stopped. As a young adult, she decided reading really WAS life, and got her degree in English literature. Now, she continues her education in a masters program while working on her first novel. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her spouse, kids, and menagerie of animals.
About Me
Influences
My literary influences span centuries and genres, creating a rich tapestry that informs my own narrative voice. From Jane Austen's keen social observations and wit to Stephen King's masterful exploration of human nature through horror, from Amy Tan's poignant family sagas to Michael Crichton's blend of scientific invention and thrilling narrative, each author has contributed to my understanding of storytelling's vast possibilities. Contemporary voices like Silvia Moreno Garcia, Tananarive Due, and Stephen Graham Jones demonstrate how to successfully weave different genres and cultural perspectives into compelling narratives that challenge and expand readers' horizons.
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These influential authors share one crucial quality: the ability to transport readers completely into their fictional worlds. Whether it's the drawing rooms of Regency England, the sewers of Derry, Maine, or the vibrant pulse of Mexico City across different eras, their works demonstrate the power of literature to transcend physical and temporal boundaries. This transportation isn't merely about escapism – it's about creating a space where readers can safely explore different perspectives, challenge their assumptions, and grow in their understanding of themselves and others.
Research Interest
I enjoy analyzing texts across many genres, but I have a specific interest in marginalized voices in fiction, especially within the horror genre. I am drawn to the horror genre for its function as an avenue of cultural resistance; where marginalized voices can leverage the genre's conventions to share experiences of otherness, inherent dangers, and systemic violence.
