Day 17: Krystal Marquis

Krystal Marquis started off in premed but followed her writing dreams, penning the New York Times bestselling YA book series, THE DAVENPORTS. The historical fiction books about wealthy Black families in Chicago during the early 1900s are now in production to become a Prime Video television show. Can’t wait to see the glitz and glam of these addictive stories on the screen!

We’re thrilled to honor Krystal Marquis on Day 17 of our campaign.

KRYSTAL MARQUIS happily spends most of her time in libraries and used bookstores. She studied biology at Boston College and University of Connecticut and now works as an environmental, health, and safety manager for an online retailer. A lifelong reader, Krystal began researching and writing on a dare to complete the NaNoWriMo Challenge, resulting in the first partial draft of The Davenports. When not writing or planning trips to local bookstores to discover her next favorite romance, Krystal enjoys hiking, expanding her shoe collection, and plotting ways to create her own Jurassic Park. Learn more about Krystal at https://krystalmarquis.com

As a voracious reader, I picked up anything I could get my hands on. So when I got deep into a reading slump, looking for a novel to keep my attention, my brother suggested I write the story I wanted to read. And I did. It was a mix of all the things I loved about my favorite books: strong female main characters, diverse casts, found family, and a quest. It was heavily influenced by my favorite comics and movies and the pre-med classes that were still fresh in my mind. That first attempt at writing resulted in a YA science fiction novel that caught the attention of my now agent. Although that story has been shelved, I learned so much about writing. It was an experiment in storytelling that gave me the confidence to try my hand at the YA historical fiction that would later become THE DAVENPORTS.

I find inspiration in everything! I find inspiration in nature, in people watching, in the media I consume, and my loved ones. Authors whose work I admire include Jane Austen, Elizabeth Peters, Marie Lu, Angie Thomas, and so many more I could go on for ages.

I’ve always been interested in history. One of my favorite book series as a young reader was the DEAR AMERICA series, so when I came across an article about C.R. Patterson, I had to know more. I thought about Mr. Patterson and his family—his daughters. Few articles made mention of them, fewer still shared their names: Dorothea (Dollie), Mary, and Kate. I wondered, what was life like for women in their position? This question was my starting point for writing THE DAVENPORTS. I wanted this novel to hold up examples of representation I wish I’d had as a teen, to focus on young Black women discovering the courage to pursue their dreams—and loves—at a time when Jim Crow, fear, and distrust threatened both. It’s an incredible part of American history.

THE DAVENPORTS was the first manuscript I wrote from an outline–before that, I was a pantser. But it’s what the story needed to get the alternating points of view right. I used my research and the detailed notes for each of my characters to craft their chapters. Each girl had her own story arch that had to weave into the overall novel and the outline was critical to keeping me focused. When drafting, I picture the chapters like scenes in a movie and type them out as if I’m reading the scene out loud. Still, it’s the hardest part of the process for me. I much prefer editing to drafting. Sometimes, I give in and edit what I have so far, especially when I’m stuck. I wish the story in my mind would appear on the page, ready for editing. Instead, I put my notebook collection to good use and make lists and leave notes for myself to keep the momentum going. Then I dive back into research when it’s with my editor, read what I can to restore that well of creativity.