Author Spotlight: Cassie Alexandra

May 22, 2016 • News

1)      How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?

Along with being an avid reader growing up, I loved writing stories and it was always my dream to be an author. I never really pushed myself into writing an entire story, however, until I learned that you could self-publish on Amazon. I decided to go for it and write my first book, which was written mostly for fun. Since zombies were the craze, and my children were into them, I went that route and wrote my first book, Zombie Games (Origins). After learning that people actually enjoyed my writing and wanted to read more, I wrote four more books in that series and continued on from there.

2)      What hurdles have your overcome while striving towards your goals?

Mostly learning things related to publishing, like how first impressions of your book are almost as important as to what is behind the cover. In other words, a professionally designed cover is a must if you’re looking to increase visibility and get more readers. I made my first covers, thinking they were pretty good, but it wasn’t until I started using professionally created ones that my sales began to take off. You want to draw attention and investing in a cover now will be one of the best things that you can do for your writing career.

3)      Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?

I now write mostly romantic suspense, under my pen name of Cassie Alexandra, but my favorite series to write was the first one, Zombie Games (under Kristen Middleton). They say to write what you know and although I’d never met a zombie, I created a dark, humorous story, using some of my friends and family, for the plot. Not only was it thrilling to write such a series, but afterward… to get letters from some of my readers telling me that I’d inspired them to go after their own dreams of becoming an author. I still get those letters, many from teenagers, and for me, there is nothing more fulfilling in knowing that I sparked something inside of them.

4)      For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?

Most importantly, have your work edited by someone other than yourself. Even professional editors need someone else to go over their work to check for grammar issues. Also, as I stated before, your cover is the first impression and some readers will not even take a glance at your story if it looks unprofessional. You can even purchase pre-made covers that are reasonably priced. Finally, if becoming a full-time author is really your dream, know that it won’t happen overnight. You have to keep writing more books and eventually, if you do have a true talent for telling a story, don’t ever give up. If you want it bad enough, it will happen. But, it takes time and patience.

5)      Favorite motto?

(Henry Ford)

“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”

6)      In one word, how would you describe your writing style?

Spontaneous.

7)      Which author inspires you the most and why?

Shannon Mayer. She is such a fabulous Indie writer and inspired me from the very beginning. I read her books before ever publishing my own and was beyond thrilled when we were able to work together for an anthology called ‘Darlings of Darkness’.

8)      What is your writing process like?

To be honest, I just sit down and start typing. I usually have an idea of where I want my story to go, but my characters often change the outcome. Although I know that they are created by me, they most definitely have wants and needs of their own.  I sometimes feel like I’m following them around in my head, never knowing what’s going to happen next. I often shock myself when I go back and read what I’ve written.

9)      Goals for the remainder of the year?

I am finishing up the last book in my biker series, Loving the Biker, then I’m writing another book related to my Venom series (vampires). After that, I have a tattoo series that I’d like to start. I’m hoping to have about five more books finished and published by the end of the year.

10)   What new projects are you currently working on?

I am finishing up my witch series at the moment, Enchanted Spells. When I’m not writing that, I’m working on Loving The Biker. It’s a very busy spring!

11)   Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?

I just can’t emphasize enough how important a professional cover is, especially when you have an amazing photo on the front that is exclusively yours. It really does set your book apart from the others. I’m very picky now when it comes to the photos that I use and I have to say, I am inspired by CJC Photography’s images. Chris is very talented and I will keep coming back for more book cover photos.

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