Author, Melissa Leanne Owen is a British author who lives in England with her partner, their two wonderful children, and much-loved dogs. A lifelong storyteller, she has been passionate about reading and writing since childhood, drawn to the art of creating characters, weaving suspense, and crafting stories that linger long after the final page.
Her latest book,
Book Description:
Jamie Williams thought his demons were confined to his past—until a flicker on his screen cracks reality itself. A voyeur of the dark web, Jamie stumbles into a chilling online realm where messages shock more than just the mind, and cryptic usernames seem to foretell death. As those around him begin to vanish, haunted by their deepest fears, Jamie finds himself tangled in a web of horrific visions, mysterious deaths, and a shadowy cult that reaches decades into his bloodline.
From 1980s beachside rituals to the eerie glow of modern screens, Crimson Spire unravels a terrifying legacy of sacrifice, possession, and identity buried beneath layers of forgotten memory. As malevolent forces cross from myth into flesh, Jamie must uncover the truth about who he is—and what he carries inside—before the final soul is claimed.
A darkly hypnotic tale of inherited evil, shattered identities, and the terrifying price of desire, where reality collides with horror, and where every fear has a face.
PWB Author Interview:
- What was the initial spark of inspiration for this book?
This story was born from a deeply personal and haunting experience, witnessing a suicide. The prologue gives readers a first-person glimpse into that moment, written from my own lived experience. The unnamed woman they meet there is drawn directly from my memories and emotions that day. It was a traumatic but transformative moment and writing about it felt like a way to process it and to connect authentically with readers. That experience was the spark that ignited the flame which became Crimson Spire.
- What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
Time. Without a doubt. My mind was constantly buzzing with ideas and plotlines, and I was forever jotting down thoughts on scraps of paper or my phone. But balancing my creative drive with the realities of life, raising two young children and managing a full-time role as a company director, was incredibly challenging. Writing is my passion, my outlet, and one day I hope I’ll have the privilege of calling it my full-time career.
- What kind of research did you do for this book, and what was the most surprising thing you learned?
I delved into everything from geographical research to local folklore and supernatural legends tied to my characters’ settings. Each bit of research opened up worlds I might never have encountered otherwise, eerie tales, forgotten rituals, and old myths that gave the story an extra layer of realism. The most surprising thing I learned was how deeply local folklore can reveal the fears, hopes, and beliefs of a community. It reminded me that stories, even dark ones, are how we make sense of the unknown.
- Are there any specific characters in the book that you felt particularly connected to, and why?
Once again, I return to the prologue. The unnamed character there embodies my own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Writing that section was deeply personal, raw and emotional, but it felt important to open that window into my own world. It’s a moment of vulnerability that I hope helps readers feel the story on a deeper, more human level.
- What themes or ideas were you hoping to explore through this story?
I wanted to explore the possibility that reality isn’t always what it seems. As children, we believe in wonder and the extraordinary, but as adults, we tend to lose that. Crimson Spire isn’t about magic in the fairy-tale sense, but it does ask readers to consider the what ifs. What if the impossible isn’t so impossible after all? What if the unseen forces shaping our lives are more real than we dare to believe?
- If you could have dinner with any character from your book, who would it be, and what would you talk about?
I’d love to share a meal with P.W. Scott. He’s such an intriguing and eccentric soul. I imagined him as a kind of John Hammond figure (Richard Attenborough in Jurassic Park), warm, generous, and a little misunderstood. I toyed with a few possible endings for him but ultimately wanted to preserve his inherent goodness. Over dinner, I think we’d talk about the mysteries of life, the balance between science and belief, and perhaps share a quiet laugh about the things people assume are coincidences.
- What do you hope readers will take away from reading your book?
I hope readers come away seeing the world a little differently, noticing the small, strange moments that might carry hidden meaning. Perhaps that chance encounter wasn’t just coincidence. Perhaps a flickering lightbulb or a shadow at the edge of vision means something more. The world is full of signs; not everyone can read them, but they’re there for those who look closely enough.
- What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Never give up, no matter how chaotic life gets. Time will always be scarce, but the reward of seeing your name on a book cover makes every late night and early morning worth it. Capture your ideas wherever you can: I live by my phone’s notepad, but many writers swear by apps like Notion for plotting and brainstorming. Write alternate versions of chapters. Borrow quirks and traits from people you know (with their permission!), especially those with unique personalities. And when your book is done, give those people a little nod in your acknowledgements, it makes your story even more personal and real.
- What are you working on now, or what’s next for you as an author?
I’m currently storyboarding my next novel, another supernatural thriller, filled with tension, emotion, and a major twist I can’t wait to reveal. It’s still early days, but I’m incredibly excited about where it’s heading. All I’ll say for now is: expect the unexpected.
- Where can readers find your book?
Crimson Spire is available now on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions:
Crimson Spire: Amazon.co.uk: Owen, Melissa Leanne: 9798294532529: Books
