Who Are My Writing Heroes? A list of my top 20 authors!

 Who are your writing heroes? How can you answer that question as a writer if you don't as a reader? I have writing heroes for different reasons. Some I love their writing style, some of love the genre they write in, and some are just some of my favorite people who have come into my life for whatever reason. So today I want to share a list of 20 of my most favorite authors out in the world today. If you know me you can probably guess who will be at the top of this list ;) 

1. Karen Young

2.Sheila Kell

3. Stephen king

4. James Patterson

5. Jane Blythe

6. Elizabella Baker

7. W.A. Ashes

8. Amber M. Kestner

9. Rachel Van Dyken

10. D.L. Gallie

11. Natalie- Nicole Bates

12. Amgelina Kerner

13. Tina Hogan Grant

14. R.L. Stine

15.Lisa Regan

16. Katie Mettner

17.Debra Webb

18. Delores Fossen

19. Elle James

20. Tara Taylor Quinn

That's my list of 20, but it's not all my favorites of course. If I were to list all of them you would never finish reading this post. So let's just call this list 1 of my favorite book world people. Until next time... Happy Reading!

Later Days!

Cassandra's Ramblings

 Hi everyone! How are you doing today. I started this thing on my Tome page called Cassandra's Ramblings so that what todays post will be called. This is a post where I am just winging it and not planning my weekly post. Sometimes we need a break from lists and planned out things. This will basically be a post of random things I want to talk about today. Yes it will involve writing and reading.

So, what should we talk about first? Writing? Reading? The weather? See how random I feel today. I'm not even sure what story I want to work on. I have a few that need to be read through and edited. I am also working on the one for the Curse of the Sword Anthology later this year. It still has no title as of right now. I have also been going through stories and getting the ones about possessed, creepy dolls together for that collection I'm working on. 

As for author stuff I am getting things ready for the Soul Chaser release party in my FB reader group on June 23rd and the Echoes of the Mind release party on the 30th. Plus I am doing a couple other takeovers as well. Add to that trying to update all my social media sites and website, making teasers, plotting stories, and the list goes on and on lol.

We have had some issues with the internet this week due to bad weather so I have been catching up on my reading as well. I have finished four books in the last five days. That's most of my ARC's for the month (only 2 left). I am about halfway through my latest library book and already 25% into my next ARC. My book trees are looking so pretty.

How are you keeping track of your books for the year? Any cool ideas I can do next year? I am also trying to find more creative ways to post book reviews. I thought of doing videos, but it's way too noisy here for that. I'll eventually think of something I suppose, probably when I'm not trying.

Well I guess I should go and get some writing done, or editing, or something productive. Hahahaha!!!

Until next time....

Later Days from Cassandra's Writing World!!

The Story Behind The Story: Echoes Of The Mind Anthology

 Hi everybody and welcome to the blog.

Today I wanted to ell you a little about my story in the Echoes Of The Mind Anthology. (Coming June 30,2025) The anthology is to help raise awareness for mental health, and my story was a little rough on my mental state. While the characters have different names and the story isn't the same, there are elements from a personal experience I went through with an ex friend. 

Things that happened between the two of us that happen between the characters. Things that are an actual part of the story that were said by this ex friend. There is a line from the story that my so called friend actually said to me. The very first line of the story and that was the hardest part to write. It brought back all those painful memories and thoughts. 

When this friendship ended suddenly I had no clue why. I couldn't remember doing anything wrong. The worst part was she refused to tell me what I had done, or why she wanted nothing more to do with me. For the longest time I blamed myself. I must have done something for her to stop talking to me. I was the one in the wrong, wasn't I?

It took me a while and a lecture or two from another friend to realize I wasn't. It wasn't me who had the issue with our friendship. It wasn't me who refused to talk things over. It wasn't me who didn't want to try to fix the friendship. No, that was all her. I also realize just how things had been throughout the friendship. I was only ever needed when she had a problem or she needed something. If I had a problem she would give me one or two sentences of advice and the next sentence would be her latest issue.

So, where is this post going? Since this anthology is about mental health I wanted to share my story with all of you. I am hoping that other people can find inspiration through reading this story. I want to tell everyone that the troubles you face with friends may not be your fault. Don't let it get you down. Be the best you and forget the people who don't want to share your journey.

Until next time... Sending everyone who needs it the biggest virtual hug ever!!!

Echoes Of The Mind Anthology

https://books2read.com/u/3LQKe0

Soul Chaser Preorder Now!!!

 The Soul Chaser Anthology is up for preorder now! This anthology includes 5 of my poems inspired by the betrayal of an ex friend. And it has such a pretty cover too! ;)  Coming June 23, 2025

Poetry; a unique and beautiful way to express feelings and ideas. Weaving words into perfect poetic prose, these authors remind you of your childhood, bring comfort from the hardships of life, fiercely spur emotions, and tell tales of old. All lovers of poetry will find a favorite here!

Featuring the following authors: Lee Clark Zumpe, Nick Armbrister, Anna Ross, Toastingfork, K.J. Watson, LindaAnn LoSchiavo, David J. Vowell, Roxana Negut, Vanessa Bane, Cassandra Jones, Andrea Tillmanns, Mathew Anderson, Fariel Shafee, Davion Moore, Afshan Q, Korede Badmus, Cara Hartley, Tanya Fillbrook, and J.E. Feldman.

http://books2read.com/DSPChaser

Writers Write, But Not Always. What I Do When Not Writing

 Hi everyone and welcome to this week's blog. Today I want to talk about something besides writing. Ooohhhh...but wait, isn't this a writing blog? Of course it is however everyone knows we can't write all the time. Writing 24/7, 365 days a year would really cause some serious burnout. Not only that it would be super boring. 

Obviously as writers we are also most likely reading a book here and there. We were readers first and old habits are hard to break, right? So my question to you today is what do you do in your spare time? What are your hobbies that bring you peace and relaxion? 

Reading is definitely one of my favorite hobbies. (You knew I was going to say that!) However most people have no idea what I do when I'm not writing. It's no wonder I love to do research for stories. I have been working on the family history for a while now. It's an interesting hobby for sure. Though it's not my only hobby. I also love to draw and do diamond painting. And did I mention reading?! ;) 

One of my favorite ways to spend my time when not writing is to make crafts. I especially love to make my creepy dolls. They started as a way to make some new Halloween decorations, but it became an obsession.  Here is one my most recent ones. 

What hobbies do you spend the most time doing? Why do they make you happy? Until next time...

Happy Creating!

1001 Dark Nights: Sparks And Surrender

 Check out this new arrival! 1001 Dark Nights: Sparks And Surrender. Featuring some pretty amazing authors!

𝓞𝓤𝓣 𝓝𝓞𝓦

When sparks fly, passion ignites. Sparks and Surrender is packed with fiery romances where enemies become lovers. From bitter rivals to the people they least expected, these characters discover that the line between hate and love is dangerously thin.

Includes:

Kayden/Simon by Laura Wright and Alexandra Ivy
Unchained by Elisabeth Naughton
Twist of Fate by Jill Shalvis
and
The Anti-Fan and The Idol by Rachel Van Dyken

Link (available in KU!): https://amzn.to/3PBiB4G

As a bonus, there is a Goodreads giveaway happening now until 5/19.

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/412728-sparks-and-surrender-collection

#rvdelite #rvdinfluencers #bloodinnoout #EnemiesToLovers #bookbundles #1001DarkNights

Get it now and happy reading!!

Research Can Be Fun, Even If It's Time Consuming!

 Hi everyone and welcome to Cassandra's Writing World!

Today I want to talk about a project I am working on and researching. The book is about my hometown, Four States. A very small town in West Virginia. It has been quite an endeavor to work on this project.

(The original sign for the town)

 

I started off doing research on my own by simply using Google and hoping for the best. It helped a little, but then I thought of a better way to do research. A more interactive and fun way. I created a group on Facebook called Four States, WV History. It started as a way to keep in touch with people who grew up there. It quickly became a friendly community where everyone shared stories about the town. 

(Four States Mine circa 1980's)

I have been able to get a lot of information from the people in this group. Not too mention some great photos to use in the book. 

(Four States Tabernacle, I spent a lot of time in this little church)

I have also found information in books as well. There aren't many books that feature my tiny little town and that's the main reason I want to get this book out. It's a great way to not only tell people about our coal mining town back in a hollow, but to share stories and photos as well. 

(Four States Post office, and yes it is super small)

It has been a very fun project to work on, though it is time consuming. That's why it's a side project until I finish these other books. I have been getting my notes in order and saving the images to use. I plan to start writing the book very soon.

(Four States circa 1995. In the distance is the old company store)

This has been one of my favorite writing projects to ever work on. I hope you enjoyed a peek into my research. Until next time... Happy Writing!