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!

Who Screams Louder: The Author or The Characters?

Hi everyone and welcome to the blog! The place where my scatterbrained thoughts are put on the page for you to read, and hopefully not think I'm a little nutsy kookoo. (But then again aren't we all a little?) Especially if you're a writer. I have a list of topics to write about saved in my email. However I don't want to go through them today. So, on that note we are just winging it for this post. 

I have been working on making sure I have all of my writing projects lined up in order, tied up in a neat little package with a pretty blue bow. (Said bow is blue because it's my favorite color.) Let's face it though we writers never really have those projects precisely as we would like them, now do we? There are those ideas that sneak up on us in the middle of the night. Those characters that slap you upside the head to say "Hey, you need to write my story so get busy." You tell those characters they have to wait they're turn only to hear them say "Fine, I'll just insert myself into your brain front and center so you can't focus on anything else. Or better yet I'll find a way to add myself to the story your working on, but you will listen to me!"

You silently think about what to do next. All the while thinking to yourself wow, this character is real pushy. Should they get their own story? When should it be written? Do I have a title, plot, anything at all to start with? Other than Mr. Pushy? The next thing you know you're plotting out a new story while trying to finish the current one. In all reality the winner of that showdown is the character that screams at you the loudest.

I am currently working on a story for an anthology, and at the same time plotting a new book. The anthology piece has to be finished by the deadline so it needs to come first, right? Right?! Yeah, that's what I thought. I am now working on one story on the laptop/phone and one on good old fashioned notebook paper. 

So I guess the answer is, and always will be, (Gasp!) the... Characters! Yep, it's the characters who rule the story, not the authors. We are merely their puppets to control. Whether we like it or not. We listen and obey their every demand. That's just how it is with being a writer. Let them take you where the story needs to go.

I guess that means I'll always be a complete mess when it comes to writing. Good thing we writers enjoy the chaos of our minds. 

Thank you for stopping by and until next time, Happy Writing!!!!

Helping Readers Interact With You and Helping Other Authors Too!

 Hi everyone and welcome to this week's blog!

Today I want to talk about all the things authors need to do to help their readers interact with them, and how we can help our fellow authors too! 

There's of course the website for readers to find all your work and maybe get to know things about you. There's also Facebook author pages and readers groups. They are great places to connect with readers. For instance in my reader group Cassandra's Place we have a weekly get to know the group question and also a writing/reading question. It's been interesting to get to know others.

There are also other social media platforms we can use such as Instagram, Threads, Pinterest, Tome and more. I'll share my links for all of them at the end of this post. 

What else can we do as authors to reach readers? Share about your work and yourself on social media. Make teasers for your books and share them with others. Share those reviews for your work. Make swag like bookmarks, pens, etc. 

Make sure you have an author brand and logo. Post about your newest WIP's and releases. Be friendly toward your readers and friends in the book community. Recommend not only your books, but those you have enjoyed. Don't be hateful just because another author seems to be doing better than you. It happens as sad as that may be. Happy reading and tell others about those books you love! And happy world book day as well!

https://linktr.ee/writergirl74

https://www.facebook.com/bleachfanforlife

https://www.facebook.com/cassandraswritingworld/

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1C6LATrYyC/

https://www.instagram.com/bookbaby78/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17151843.Cassandra_Jones

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/3907682069

https://www.pinterest.com/animefan78/

https://tomebooks.com/user/writergirl74

https://hinata7874.wixsite.com/mywritingworld

https://cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com/

https://writebetweenthewines.com/members/CassandraJones

The Boots Are Back!

 Today on the blog we have something special. A new book release written by a second grader. You heard that right, a second grader. How awesome is that? Nikolusha Kerner is back with The Adventures Of The Blue Boots 2. I haven't read this one yet, but the first was such a cute little story that any kid will love!

They're back!

2nd grader Nikolusha Kerner returns with another delightful tale in “The Adventures of the Blue Boots 2!”

Follow the trusty and lovable pair of Blue Boots as they step into another magical adventure through the whimsical world of Mr. Thumbs-up.

Full of charm, imagination, and heart, this story is proof that even the smallest authors can have the biggest adventures.

Written by a kid — perfect for kids.

Grab your copy today and support this incredible young storyteller!

https://a.co/d/4E39UsL

Check this out and happy reading!!!!

What's Keeping Me Busy This Week

 Welcome to this week's blog. How is everyone doing? I have been super busy catching up on things the last few days. Doing what you ask, well several things. LOL

First of all I have written nearly 4K on my latest WIP The Village Of Silent Screams. It's coming a long great. Once it's finished I will rereading the last few stories and editing. I also started another book called Letters To My Best Friend. It's letters I am writing to my bestie Tammy as a way to remember her and honor her memory. Because let's face it making her a character in a story wasn't enough. ;) 

I also updated my website and other social media pages. I have all of the links for my socials and books all in one place for easier access. I am plotting more on The Blake's series and even designed a couple of bookmarks and author logos. Made some new teasers for promo posts and am planning author takeovers as well. 

I have also written some poetry. Some for my book in memory of loved ones. (Still working on a title) And a couple others as well. It is National Poetry Month anyway, so it's time to write it.

I am hoping to have my current WIP finished by at least next week sometime. Still need 11K to hit the word count limit but it doesn't have to be that long. It's already 9k words. Now I am going to relax and read a bit. 

Later days and happy writing!

Musings From A Writer About Writerly Things

 Hi everyone and welcome to this weeks blog. A day late, but that's okay. I have been trying to decide what I wanted to write about this week (and fighting an earache). I am planning to make a list of ideas for blog posts to keep handy so I can plan them easier. Today I am going to give this one a try. I'm going to give you my opinions and advice on some things.

Characters Vs. Plot: What Inspires You First?

If I were to answer this honestly I would have to say it depends on the story I am working on. For instance sometimes I can think of character names a lot faster than I can the plot. Then at times the plot comes to me first. 

Favorite character ever written?

That would have to be Tammy Perdue from my novel The Hunt For Amanda. She is named after and loosely based on my best friend, so that makes her my favorite.

I do have other characters I've written that I love because of their never give up attitudes as well.

Have you ever created a character based on someone you know?

Haven't we all? 😉 Yes I have a couple characters. Tammy for example. Then there was one who was based on an ex friend of mine. 

Well that's all for this week. Happy writing and later days!

Getting To Know The Readers

 Hey everyone! Today on the blog I want to do something a little different. I want to get to you... the readers. I am going to ask some questions and you can answer in the comment section. I'll also give you my answers.

Question 1 How do organize your bookshelves?

I do it by genre or author

Question 2  How do you track the books you read?

I use Goodreads, Bookbub, Storygraph, and paper and pen.

Question 3 What are you favorite childhood books?

Mine are Poochie and the Four Seasons Fair, Danny and the Dinosaur, and The Boxcar Children series.

Question 4 What book would you most recommend to others?

Sugar Baby by Karen Young

Question 5: What is your favorite genre?

Romantic Suspense

Question 6  What genre do you refuse to read?

There aren't any I don't like.

Question 7  Who are your most recommended authors?

Karen Young, Delores Fossen, Sheila Kell, Debra Webb. Elle James. Elizabella Baker, Jane Blythe, Tina Hogan Grant, Natalie-Nicole Bates, just to name a few.

Question 8  What are your favorite book(s)?

Sugar Baby by Karen Young 

Question 9  What is your favorite book series?

The Lawmen of Silver Creek Ranch series by Delores Fossen.

Question 10  Where is your favorite place to read?

On my bed or at the library.

Until next time... Happy Reading!!!

Book Reviews of 2025 Part 2

 Here is the next round of book reviews for this year so far. You can probably see a pattern with a certain series that I have fallen in love with. ;) 

First up we have Secrets and Sunrises by DL Gallie

A wonderful story about second chances and finding your soul mate. I loved everything about Krista and Hunter's story!! Great characters and an amazing plot make this an excellent book!!! And let's not forget Harley, I just loved that little guy!!!

Second is Cold Case At Cardwell Ranch by BJ Daniels 

Ella and Waco's story is a nonstop thrill ride. Full of surprises this book won't disappoint. Family secrets, shocking twists, and amazing characters for an excellent story. A definite page-turner!! I loved every bit of it!!

Third we have Shadowed Lies by Jane Blythe

Book two in the Prey Security: Charlie Team is an emotional thrill ride from beginning to end. Wonderful characters, a terrific storyline, and lots of action make for an excellent book. A perfect edition to the series!!!

And then we have Finding You by DL Gallie

This book had me hooked from the first line! A definite page-turner! I loved the characters and the plot. A wonderful story!

Mine To Protect by Elizabella baker is up next.

What an amazing way to wrap up a series! Second chances, found family, surprise twists and plenty of action make for a perfect story. David and Kassandra were wonderful characters! I was hooked from the very first word of this book!!!

Next is one of my favorite manga, Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahasi 

I am a huge fan of this series! I love everything about Inuyasha. The characters, storyline, everything! One of my all time favorite manga and anime!!

And then we have a kids book because well, we have to read to the kiddos. Bluey Queens.

A cute little story!

For the next two books we are back to that certain series that I definitely recommend.

Tactical Lies by Jane Blythe

Another excellent installment to this amazing series! Connor and Becca's story is full of romance, suspense, and surprise twists. I loved every single second of this story!! Great characters and a terrific storyline made it a book I couldn't put down.

And last up we have Vengeful Lies by Jane Blythe

Cade Charleston is the oldest brother and takes his responsibility very seriously. With all the threats to his family his world is completely upended by the abduction of his daughter Essie and her nanny Gabriella. Cade does the only thing he can to get them back.

Gabriella has never been able to hide her true feelings towards her boss, his entire family has noticed it even if he hasn't. Once Cade realizes he might just lose the two most important people in his life he also realizes his true feelings for Gabby.

Filled with twists and surprises, danger and a happy ending this is the perfect addition to the Prey Security: Charlie Team series. I loved everything about this book and couldn't put it down. Can't wait to see what happens next!

Until next time... Happy Reading!!!!

Writing Update and other news

 Hey everyone! I know I normally don't post until Wednesdays, but this post is a day early. I wasn't sure I would make one at all since I caught the ickiness everyone else has had. Felling somewhat better so thought I would get this written.

I have some unfortunate news about the Hayrides and Bonfires Anthology that was due out later this year. It has been cancelled so the story won't be used in it. It will however still be used this year. The name has been changed from The Mystery of the Cornfield to Field Of Blood. It will also no longer be YA. It will still be horror and now be a part of the Ghostly Rites 2025 edition. What that means is it will be more gorier than originally planned. Not a lot, but some.  Here is the new graphic and cover for my story.

Also my story for the Terror Reigns Anthology is finished and only needs to be editing at a later date. I still have until July so plenty of time. I sent my story in for the Echoes Of The Mind Anthology and will be sure to update everyone with new information once it's available. Guess this means it's time to start plotting the next one though I may take a break from anthology stories for a bit since they aren't due until later this year and only have a couple left to write. Who knows with my mind lol.

Until next time Happy Writing!!!!

My Favorite Advice From Authors

 Hello and welcome to the blog this week! 

Today I want to share some writing advice from authors who have inspired me. I hope you can find inspiration in their words too!

Have faith in yourself and know you wrote something you are proud of. Follow your dreams to reach your goal, then keep climbing and never look back.  - Jennifer Lynn Roche

I think the best advice is to never give up. I have a mentor who always insists that when it comes to publishing persistence is more important than anything. - Barbara Solomon Josselsohn

Don't discount self-publishing. - Alannah Lawrence

Never give up. Keep writing and read a lot of the genre you are writing. - Tina Hogan Grant

You'll never be able to please everyone so write the story you want to. - Marsha Black

Finish the book before you start planning on publishing. Don't do anything until you have a finished product. That includes developmental edits. - Lori King

Find your tribe. Believe in yourself. Get a good editor. - R.L. Merrill

These are only a few of my favorite pieces of advice. I will do another post in the future about this as well. Maybe make it a monthly thing. 

Until next time... Happy Writing!!!

Book Reviews of 2025 so far...

 This will be a shorter post since a lot has happened since last week. I wasn't even sure I was going to post this week at all, but figured it would only take a few minutes to do so here goes. There are only 7 books so far. Here goes.

First up we have Bad Dreams by R.L. Stine (this one was a reread)

This is one of my all time favorite book series! I have always loved Fear Street! Maggie and Andrea move into a new house with a deadly secret. Now Maggie has to figure out what those dreams mean before it's too late. I am absolutely amazing story with great characters and an excellent plot twist!!!

Next we have Deceptive Lies by Jane Blythe

Action from beginning to end! This book was a definite page-turner. With a surprise twist i didn't see coming and wonderful characters, it's the perfect start to the Charlie Team series!!! I loved Cooper and Willow's story! A terrific book that will leave you wanting more!

Third up is Holidays With Her by Amber M. Kestner

A terrific story! I loved this story, even though it was a shorter one. It had wonderful characters and a great plot! Definitely worth the read!

Our fourth book for the year is Her by D.V. Fischer

This book contains trigger warnings that can be found on the author's website. This book touches on a dark subject that needs to be ended. I loved Charlie and Nix. This book is full of emotions and twists. I totally didn't see that ending coming. Even though it may be difficult for some readers, I enjoyed this story.

After that we have Midnight Magic by W.A. Ashes

I absolutely loved this story! Short but sweet! A terrific holiday story!!!

Then it's Cowboy Protector by Amelia Chase

I really enjoyed this story. A quick, fun read! A terrific book! Storm and Lily were awesome!

And the last book for this time is the Snowflakes & Sleigh Bells Anthology

A wonderful collection of stories for a terrific cause! All of the stories were amazing! I loved this anthology. The perfect blend of holiday stories!!!

That's all for now since I haven't finished any more books yet. ;) Until next time... Happy Reading!!!

Just a little update

 Hey ya'll! How's everyone doing this week? I am officially on meds for an ear infection. Third one in four months so not going out unless I have to. However, that means I can get more done for my writing and reading stuff. That's what I'm doing today. I am scheduling posts for my FB reader group, Cassandra's Place. I am also updating my profile on Tome. Just joined it yesterday so it's still a work in progress. I also scheduled posts for an author takeover tomorrow on FB. 

I wrote more last night on my stories for the Terror Reigns and Hayrides and Bonfires anthologies. I also got some reading done. 

Here are the details for the two stories I am currently working on.

and

Well that's about it for this week. Have a wonderful week and Happy Writing/Reading!!!

PS. I will be updating everyone on my reading challenges next week so stay tuned for that one.

What Am I Doing In The Snowy Weather?

 With the weather being crazy lately I haven't gone out much. I have however been doing the whole writing and reading thing. I have also been doing my Diamond Art my cousin got me for Christmas. 

I have been getting a lot accomplished with my writing. My story for the Doors of Darkness anthology is finished and sent in. Waiting to hear back if it will be accepted or not. That story is called Defend The Night and is my first werewolf story. I also finished my story for the Echoes Of The mind Anthology and sent it in. The title of that one is Breathe In, Breathe Out, and Let It Go. The Stranger In The Grave is currently being written and will be sent in for the Terror Reigns Anthology and I already have my story for the Hayrides & Bonfires Anthology plotted and started as well. Still deciding on a title for that one. That still leaves two stories for anthologies to plot and write once these two are finished. Have plenty of time to get to them.

So far I have read seven books this year. Sixty-eight more to go for the rest of the year. Not doing to bad so far. Working on an ARC ebook and then one more ARC to do after that and reading a paperback as well. 

I am not one who enjoys the cold weather since I get so cold so easily. I love to snuggle under a blanket with a good book and some hot chocolate. Makes the perfect winter evening. And now I'm off to get some more writing done. 

Later Days and Stay Warm!!!

Happy New Year! Let's Talk Reading Challenges!

 Happy 2025 fellow writers and readers!!!

As the title of the post says, let's talk about those reading challenges? Do you set a reading goal for the year? Do you participate in reading group challenges? What are some of your favorites? 

I love my reading challenges! I even created two for my reader group on Facebook for this year. 

I do monthly reading challenges in several Facebook groups I am a member of. They are always fun. I am also doing a few others this year.

The 2025 Alphabet Soup Challenge

The 12 Challenge for 12 books recommended by friends.

The Rainbow Reading Challenge 

Plus I set my reading goal to 75 for this year. Last year I set it at 100 and read 109 books. However I have more writing projects to work on this year so I decided I need a lower number. Let me know what your favorite reading challenges are. And what is your favorite way to keep track of those challenges?

Now I am off to get some writing done before I read some more. Until next time...

Happy reading!!!!

Later Days!!!!