For Crystal Bell, the writing process is not always a linear progression. Shaped by collective feedback and meaningful revisions, her latest title, The Lamplighter, was the culmination of rigorous creative effort and commitment to storytelling.
Bell’s effort was not without reward as The Lamplighter was recognized with a Gold Medal in the 2024 Moonbeam Awards in the Young Adult Fiction – Horror/Mystery category.
We had the opportunity to connect with Bell and discuss her writing and revision process, what receiving a Moonbeam award means to the author, and how crafting a darker story grounded in reality still leaves room for hope and inspiration.
What Winning a Moonbeam Award Means
As with many authors, for Bell, publishing a book was its own form of acknowledgment. “Being published has been such a dream of mine, I never really looked past that for anything else,” she writes. Being recognized with a Moonbeam Award has been all the more rewarding. “I was absolutely thrilled!” she says. “To receive an award for my debut was the cherry on top for me.”
Besides the joy of recognition, receiving the award has also been an affirming experience for the importance of writing and creative work. “Receiving this award was a lovely confirmation that my book was not only reaching readers, but had been embraced and believed in,” she says. Along with being aligned with her readership, Bell notes that the recent Moonbeam award has also heightened the publication’s profile. “This award made me feel noticed. Professionally, more readers have found my book because of this award, and I am so very grateful for that.”
Inspiration for The Lamplighter
The inspiration for The Lamplighter was born from a familiar setting and a love for history and water, with some added artistic license. “My husband is from Connecticut,” she says, “and every time we fly out to visit his folks, we enjoy visiting Mystic Seaport Museum.” Her and her husband’s love for history, along with Bell’s fascination with the ocean and maritime lifestyle, were primary influences for her new work. “I know I wanted to write another one [book], but in a new setting,” she says. “I immediately thought of Mystic and what I could do to give an old whaling seaport a horrific facelift!” Though Bell is tight-lipped to prevent any spoilers, she adds that there was plenty of inspiration for her new title floating around the harbor.
The Writing Process
For Bell, the shaping of a book can differ from title to title. The Lamplighter took on a highly collaborative process, taking into account the editorial comments of Bell’s peers. “My writing group and I would meet every month or so to go over finished chapters together, and I would apply their critiques to my edits before moving on with drafting new chapters,” she says. “It was exactly what my story needed and wasn’t an issue for me creatively.” Being open to feedback and also allowing the writing to take on a voice of its own led Bell to the correct ending for the book. “The original ending didn’t feel right to me and so after listening to my gut, I completely rewrote it. The new ending was the right one and honored the heart of my book,” she says.
Themes of Reality, Acceptance, & Persevering
Bell is quick to acknowledge that the nature of The Lamplighter trends toward the darker side of literature. “The Lamplighter is a dark book, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I think it’s important for books to reflect reality,” she says. She notes that while she does enjoy a good light-hearted read from time to time (who doesn’t she quips), she was tired of stories wrapping up in a neat bow, which doesn’t always reflect life and current reality.
But not all is doom and gloom! Bell highlights that even if things do not work out, the effort of trying is not a futile endeavor. “I want to be real with readers and hope that when they put my book down, they realize that yes, things don’t always work out,” she says, “BUT, even if things seem hopeless, if you reach out to others for help or continue to try one more thing, there is power in that.” She concludes with a note on the importance of persevering, even when faced with an uncertain result. “A good outcome isn’t always guaranteed, but it’s better than not even trying. It may just be the light our loved ones or the next generation need to get through the dark.”
Go For It – Turn Your Book Into an Award Winner
When asked about whether other authors should submit for a Moonbeam Award, Bell’s answer is an enthusiastic yes. “Why wouldn’t you?” she asks. “Shoot your shot! It’s a lovely award run by kind people who want to celebrate literature and provide exposure to authors and their books!”
Bell’s story and publication go to show that concerted effort, perseverance, and conveying real expectations can be an authentic experience that resonates with readers. Despite the dark nature of the horror and mystery genre, there are inspiring themes that others can align with and be inspired by!
Think you have a touching story worth sharing? Consider submitting it to the Moonbeam Awards! You never know how your story may connect, inspire, and resonate with those looking for a touch of grounded reality.
