We were lucky to catch up with Cassie Sanchez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cassie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe to be successful in the world, no matter what you do, you need discipline, ambition, a teachable attitude, and to not be afraid to fail, because we all will.

When I first started on my writing journey, I realized very quickly that I didn’t know much about how to create a complete story with likable characters who transform, nor how to make up an imaginative world and magic system. So, I jumped into the deep end of the “How to Write” pool and learned as much as I could, whether through books, webinars, or other authors. But I did this while still writing. There were many days I didn’t feel like writing or struggled with imposter syndrome, and that’s where the discipline comes in. Sometimes, you have to fake it until you make it and get to work.

Cassie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello from New Mexico! I’m a wife, for twenty-eight years, and a mom of two men-children. I also have two labs, who are constantly under foot. I’m an avid coffee drinker and nap taker, which doesn’t seem to go hand-in-hand, but works out pretty well. I enjoy playing golf and have become addicted to Pickleball. It really is like a cult. For those who play, you know what I mean.

I was a stay-at-home mom for twenty plus years and as my kids started to fly the coop, I experienced an identity crisis. I struggled with my purpose and not knowing what to do with myself. My younger son challenged me to write a book since I loved reading so much. I took a creative writing class at UNM Continued Education and fell in love with writing. I finally had something that lit my fire and was all mine.

Five years later, I have two books published with the third in the trilogy releasing December 5th, 2023. Currently those books have won a combined eighteen awards, which is something I’m very proud of but also blows me away at the same time.

I read to escape and be entertained, and that’s what I write as well. My trilogy, starting with Chasing the Darkness, is a romantic fantasy that takes place in a medieval-type world. If you like a morally gray assassin and an enemies to lovers romance, with lots of action, then I think you’ll enjoy my series.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For someone who has spent a large part of their life taking care of and supporting others, to have something that is all mine is very rewarding. When I hold my books, I know the hard work that went into creating those characters and that story and I say to myself, “I did that!” Being an author is my job and my new purpose and I love it.

Even though my writing is all mine, I also don’t think I could’ve been as successful without the support and encouragement from my family. They have been there every step of the way, and I’m very thankful for them. My husband is my biggest fan and also funds this journey I’m on. My older son is my magic consultant and keeps me on track with all things magical. My younger son helps me with ideas and with the events I go to. And lastly, my mom, who is alway in my corner, cheering me on.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Attending events my fans go to has been the best way to find new readers. I first started with local Comic-Cons and was pleasantly surprised at how well I did. Then I tried Renaissance Fairs and was blown away by the new readers I found and the success I experienced. I’m currently looking into more events, even in other states, to test those markets as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cassiesanchez.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassiesanchezauthor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cassiesanchezauthor
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-sanchez-2a7279234/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CSanchez_author
• Other: TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@cassiesanchezauthor?lang=en