Blending History, Romance, and the Supernatural
Blair M. Shadows discusses the inspiration behind Crystal Iris, her passion for art and history, the challenge of crafting slow-burn romance, and how she balances family life with writing.
Blair M. Shadows is a storyteller like no other—an author whose work pulses with history, art, and the mystical, seamlessly interwoven into narratives that linger in the imagination long after the last page is turned. With a background in film and television, she brings a cinematic depth to her writing, crafting vivid worlds where the supernatural brushes against the ordinary, and the past whispers its secrets to the present.
Her Crystal Iris series exemplifies this unique approach, blending art history with paranormal intrigue, creating a slow-burn romance wrapped in layers of mystery and enchantment. Through the journey of Professor Iris De Loughery, Blair invites readers into a world where knowledge and the unknown collide, where every piece of art holds a hidden story, and where love must transcend not just time, but the very fabric of reality itself.
Beyond her literary achievements, Blair is a woman who understands the delicate dance of creativity and family life. A devoted wife and mother, she balances the demands of her personal world with an unwavering commitment to her craft—proving that storytelling is not just her passion but an intrinsic part of who she is.
In this exclusive Reader’s House interview, Blair shares insights into her creative process, the inspirations behind Crystal Iris, and the ways in which art, history, and the supernatural shape her storytelling. A conversation with her is as enthralling as her novels—thoughtful, evocative, and rich with the magic of a mind that sees beyond the veil of the ordinary.
Blair M. Shadows masterfully weaves art, history, and the supernatural into immersive narratives that enchant, inspire, and linger in readers’ hearts.
How do your experiences living in New York City, Los Angeles, and Texas influence the settings and character development in your “Crystal Iris” series?
Living in these places helped shape the mix of fast-paced city life and quiet rural settings in *Crystal Iris*. It also helped me develop adaptable characters who grow with their environments.
In “Crystal Iris,” Professor Iris De Loughery’s journey intertwines art history with the supernatural. How do you balance these elements to create a compelling narrative?
By tying supernatural elements to art history, I created a natural balance. Art often intersects with the mysterious, so blending both adds depth, making the narrative more compelling and immersive.
Your website describes you as an “old soul with a wild heart.” How do these personal traits manifest in your writing style and character creation?
I love history and country life, which come through in my writing. My characters often share my appreciation for the past and the simple, authentic things in life.
Crystal Iris” has been praised for its slow-burn romance and complex relationships. What challenges do you face in developing these aspects within a magical realism framework?
The challenge was keeping the romance tension high while the characters couldn’t touch due to the magic. I had to reveal the solution slowly while maintaining emotional depth.
As a mother and wife, how do you manage the demands of family life with your writing career, and how does this balance reflect in your stories?
I manage time by waking up early to write during quiet moments. Like my main character, I juggle work and personal life, which I think a lot of people can relate to.
Given your passion for art and history, how do these interests influence the themes and settings in your books, particularly in the “Crystal Iris” series?
I’ve made my main character an art history professor, weaving lessons into the story. Art, history, and magic are key themes that build a rich backdrop for the mystery.
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors seeking to blend elements of art, history, and the supernatural into a cohesive and engaging narrative?
Ground the supernatural in real history to make it feel believable. Make sure the magic blends naturally into the story instead of feeling forced.
