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!!!!