Picture an Alabama-born storyteller who conjured up supernatural camps and heart-pounding romances—meet C.C. Hunter! Known for her New York Times bestselling Shadow Falls series, Hunter, the pen name of Christie Craig, has penned over thirty-five books, blending young adult fantasy with romantic suspense. Her journey from a dyslexic dreamer to a literary star is as captivating as her novels.
With a knack for weaving humor, heart, and mystery, Hunter’s stories have enchanted millions. Whether she’s writing about teen vampires or crafting witty romances under her real name, Christie Craig, her work resonates with readers craving escape and emotion. Let’s dive into her world!
The Making of C.C. Hunter
Born in Alabama, Christie Craig grew up chasing lightning bugs and dodging her brothers’ bullfrog pranks. Dyslexia posed a challenge, but her tenacity shone through. Initially, she didn’t dream of writing; instead, she explored photojournalism, with her work appearing in thousands of magazines. Her storytelling spark ignited when she penned a screenplay, To Remember Jenny, which won a contest but was shelved due to the tough screenplay market. Undeterred, Craig turned to novels, finding her groove in romantic suspense before embracing young adult fiction as C.C. Hunter.
Her pivot to writing wasn’t easy. After a decade of rejections, she sold her first novel, and years later, a four-book deal in one day marked her breakthrough. Craig’s Alabama roots and resilience shape her voice, infusing her stories with warmth and grit.
C.C. Hunter’s Unforgettable Stories
Hunter’s Shadow Falls series, starting with Born at Midnight (2011), is her crown jewel. This young adult fantasy follows Kylie Galen, a teen navigating a supernatural camp filled with vampires, werewolves, and witches while uncovering her own identity. The series’ blend of teen angst, romance, and paranormal thrills has sold over a million copies, earning rave reviews for its heartfelt characters and gripping plots.
The spin-off, Shadow Falls: After Dark, dives deeper into the camp’s mysteries, with novellas like Saved at Sunrise showcasing Hunter’s knack for fast-paced action. Her standalone This Heart of Mine (2018) marks a shift to contemporary young adult, exploring a teen’s life post-heart transplant with suspense and emotion. Under her real name, Christie Craig, she crafts humorous romantic suspense novels like Divorced, Desperate and Delicious, known for their sexy, witty tone.
Hunter’s style is a vibrant mix of humor, heart, and suspense, humanizing supernatural characters with real-world struggles like identity and self-esteem. Her settings, often inspired by her Texas home, feel alive, drawing readers into worlds where magic and emotion collide.
Why C.C. Hunter Matters
C.C. Hunter’s impact transcends her bestseller status. Her Shadow Falls series has inspired a generation of young adult readers, offering relatable characters who face universal challenges in fantast sobrenatural settings. Fans praise her for crafting escapes that blend laughter and tears, with emails thanking her for helping them through tough times. As a motivational speaker and writing coach, Craig empowers aspiring authors, sharing her dyslexia journey to prove perseverance pays off.
Her crossover appeal—60% of her young adult readers are adults—highlights her universal storytelling. Awards, including RWA contest finals and a Golden Heart nomination, underscore her influence in romance and young adult genres. Hunter’s legacy is one of connection, proving stories can heal and inspire.
- Born: Alabama, USA
- Key Works: Shadow Falls series, This Heart of Mine, Divorced, Desperate and Delicious (as Christie Craig)
- Awards: Golden Heart finalist, multiple RWA contest finalist
- Fun Fact: She lives in Texas with her husband and a dog named Lady.
Ready to get lost in a world of supernatural teens and sizzling romance? Snag Born at Midnight and dive into C.C. Hunter’s thrilling universe!