We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cassidy Sutton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cassidy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

I always wanted to be a writer since I was little, but I thought that only lucky people were able to achieve such greatness. Instead, I opted for being a music teacher. The job was practical, had steady income, and would allow me to pursue something meaningful while checking off my “life to-do” list. You know the usual stuff- buy a house, get married, have kids, etc. I had it all planned out

But when I started college, I quickly learned that life was so much more than a to-do list. That yearn for something greater swelled within me. I was selling myself short and I knew it. Don’t get me wrong, becoming a teacher is one of the most honorable jobs to pursue- but it’s not what I truly wanted and I was afraid to admit it.

It’s no surprise that after two years of university, I dropped out. Everything in my life had fallen apart at this point. I took a trip to Alaska to put some distance between me and my problems, to gain perspective. The very least you can do, while your life crumbles around you, is be honest with yourself.

I messaged my friends and told them I wanted to be a writer. I wanted to write books, learn languages, and see the world. I couldn’t do any of it if I stayed in school.

How ironic. Quitting school to become a writer.

I knew I would succeed because the desire was too strong to ignore. How long would it take? Well, that was a mystery. And I was okay with it.

That was eight years ago.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Cassidy and I’m a children’s fiction and adult nonfiction writer. I started writing stories at a very early age for fun and continued to excel in writing as I grew. It wasn’t until my early twenties when I decided to pursue writing as a career.

I started with blogging and learned more about this new genre of writing, eventually earning a living as a freelance content writer specializing in plants and animals. This lead me to working for my local TV station KAKE, ABC where I helped write an award-winning documentary and eventually wrote my first children’s book.

It’s interesting writing both fiction and nonfiction. It’s a bit of a challenge, too. You have to get the marketing just right. I always thought I’d have to choose one or the other. Instead, I focus on writing compelling stories, be it real or fiction.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

That’s the nice thing about being a writer. You don’t need much money to get started. For me, I started in nonfiction with a simple email, Facebook page, and portfolio. I eventually found my first client and started making money as a writer.

My first children’s book was a different story. Fiction writers may need a little more money since they have editors, illustrators, and graphic designers to think about. I was able to find a local business to sponsor my first children’s book which covered all of the editing, publishing, and illustrating fees in exchange for their business logo to be featured in the book.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Definitely my business skills. I didn’t study business in college, but I read a few books about business basics and getting organized- and boy did they help. I learned how to sell myself as a great employee. I learned how to organize my life so I could accomplish my goals. I learned how to market my products and my work without feeling guilty about making money.
All of these lessons transferred into several areas of my life, refining me into an entrepreneur. When you’re a creative and understand business basics, you’re an unstoppable force.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cassidyjosutton.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassidyjowrites/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassidyJoWrites
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassidyjosutton/

Image Credits
The Cantrells