Cassandra's Journey

The Benefits of a Writing Retreat

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:08:00 +0000

I’ve heard of writers’ retreats where people go to classes then meet up with publishers and agents at a shot of having their manuscript read and hopefully land a contract. I’ve never attended one because they never seemed to occur on a weekend where I had the time to spend at such an event.

However, in August 2023, I attended my first writing retreat. That appealed to me because I’d been in a writing slump for months and wanted the chance to break out of that to get back into a regular writing rhythm. And it worked. In one weekend, I went from writing zero words to over three thousand. I spent time in nature and wrote whatever came to mind. I wrote about a rainbow appearing in a water fountain and the cadence of songs of the various insects in the small sanctuary. The blue sky and cool breeze also enhanced my creative juices.

I left that weekend renewed and energized. But it wasn’t just about the writing. I taught the opening class and had the opportunity to spend quality time over meals with the other women joining me that weekend. We connected in a kind of sisterhood that is sure to last for many years to come.

We shared what we wrote with each other and offered critiques and encouragement where needed. When I read what I thought was a heart wrenching poem, they viewed it as a modern-day psalm. I’m glad I had the courage to share that one with them.

I look forward to being a part of this type of retreat in the future. I’m so glad the organizer is doing it again.

Pursuing Writing Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:05:00 +0000

Every year, I make a point to write down my writing goals: which book can be released, which stories will be actively edited, and what ideas should be fleshed out. Things start out rosy, but then life happens and causes detours for many, if not all, of my scheduled plans. When that happens, I’ve learned to pivot. Last year when four of my books won the International Impact Book Awards, it meant I needed to update covers, redo bookmarks, and prepare for an unexpected trip. I still released two books, but the editing I’d planned on doing for a handful of stories fell off to just a couple. Making any kind of progress in my writing projects had to be enough encouragement to spur me on to continue in my craft. I took pleasure in making a page better on a given day versus focusing on whether I got through the manuscript in less than a month. After all, this is a marathon, not a sprint. I still want to record my stories and land more reviews. I just have to be patient with myself and the adventures life hands me. “Keep on going” is my current motto.

Reminiscing About My Experience as a Kindle Vella Author

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 01:24:00 +0000

When I heard about Kindle Vella years ago, I recalled the time when weekly episodes of stories were aired on the radio. Before that, authors would submit weekly episodes of their stories to the newspapers. Now that we’re in a digital age, the idea of episodic releases had returned, this time to every handheld device.

Since I didn’t already have a story set up as episodes, I translated my then newest work-in-progress (WIP), Blood and Bullets: A Cop and Vampire Story, into an episodic format, making sure that the next episode was clear on whose POV it was in and dialogue tags to point out who spoke first in the scene. After a few tweaks, I set out to upload each one into the online tool.

The cover was a bit different, though. Only a small circular section of the cover was used for the Kindle Vella story, so I had to capture as many of the critical elements of the cover as possible.

The neat thing about Kindle Vella was that the author could leave notes about the episode, what inspired the scene, and hints about the next installment. In addition, the author could also create a fun questionnaire to encourage interaction with the readers.

Initially, the first three episodes are free, but the reader had to unlock the rest of the episodes with the appropriate number of tokens determined by the length of that episode. I am definitely glad I tried it and had intended on releasing the second part of my Cop and Vampire story. However, this adventure came to an end a year ago when Kindle Vella was discontinued.

Getting this story back out to the world is on my list of things to do. Stay tuned!

Award Winning Author

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:01:00 +0000

For years, I entered multiple competitions with no results. Of course, I started to think my stories weren’t good enough for this market. But then readers would say how much they enjoyed the characters who stayed in their minds for weeks or months after they’d finished the book. Other authors were impressed with the story idea. Still others left glowing reviews. So, when the opportunity to submit a book to the International Impact Book Awards presented itself, I hesitated, not because I didn’t think my books were worthy, but because I didn’t want to experience yet another rejection in a very particular world. I asked my fans whether I should try. When they said, “yes,” I asked for suggestions. I submitted four books. Months went by, and I’d forgotten about it, too busy releasing two more books to focus on anything else. Then, something amazing happened. One…two…three…four books won the award across the span of four weeks. I was elated, then I doubted, then I rejoiced. So many of my friends asked how I was going to celebrate. How does one celebrate the unexpected? I danced like Snoopy. Screamed for joy in my car. Allowed friends to treat me to lunch. But the tangible way I lived out my celebratory excitement was to travel to Phoenix, Arizona, to receive the trophy in person and meet others who’d won this prestigious award. I’m glad I didn’t shrink away from submitting my books. In fact, I submitted four more books to see whether they also measured up to the rubric used by the judges. Guess what, as of February 16, 2026, two more won this prestigious award, one of which is a collection of poetry.

The Challenges of Being an Indie Author

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 01:57:00 +0000

When I was an author with a co-publisher or for a traditional publisher, I had help to market, interact with social media, get interviews, and find bloggers who’d post about my stories. The publishers also found and hired the editors and proofreaders. As an Indie Author, all of that, in addition to creating the work, falls on me, and me alone. Over the years, I’ve had to learn how to do a lot involved in publishing a piece of work.

Once I’ve finished the first draft and have fixed it up, I find a Beta Reader to help me determine whether the story has wow potential. Then, I work with a critique group to tighten and incorporate those items which enhance that desired wow potential. Depending on the work, I may also hire an editor to ensure that the plot and character development are solid. Then, I ask someone to proofread the manuscript to catch any lingering or reader-halting errors. I also proofread the manuscript aloud to see whether I catch anything that the others missed. Finding a trusted editor has taken a lot of trial and error. This person has to be able to find issues and relay them back to me in a manner I could understand. The editor also must interact with the characters in the story enough to know which suggestions would work best. I don’t expect perfection because everyone approaches stories differently, but the editor needs to maintain an open mind.

Next, I format the manuscript. Over the years, I’ve developed a look and order that I like. I create a print version (with page numbers, headers, and table of contents) and another for the digital platform (no page numbers). For the digital format, I’ve had to learn what’s required to upload a copy that the tool will accept and how to understand and apply any fixes for issues that pop up.

While I’m working on the formatting, a vetted cover designer works on the cover. This is another relationship that must be based on trust and understanding as we discuss adjustments to the initial sketches. If I’m purchasing a full cover (front and back), the cover designer will need to know how many pages long the manuscript is which is why I wait until I’m formatting the manuscript to work on the cover.

The last thing needed is what the cost of the new book will be. I pay attention to the market and the cost of other books in the same genre. I also take the size or length of the book into consideration. I come up with a price for the paperback version and another for the digital one.

With the book uploaded, my attention now turns to heavily marketing the book. Now, this isn’t the first time the world would hear about this release. I tend to talk it up over the months I’d been bringing it closer to release. I prepare an advertisement to post the release date on social media. For fun, I’ll have a countdown via posts to attract future readers. Sometimes, I schedule an event for release day. For this, I prepare sections of the story I’ll read aloud.

However, my work doesn’t end with the release. While I’m focusing on the next manuscript, I must continue talking about the previous books. It’s a lot of effort, and when life gets in the way, the sales tend to fall.

Some authors hire a personal assistant, but with a small budget, this may not be possible.

At in-person events, I smile, speak, hand out bookmarks, and explain more details about the stories (without giving away the ending) for the readers who ask more questions.

Although challenging at times, I must admit that I enjoy the life of an Indie Author. The best part is when people tell me how much trouble they had putting down my books. Page-turners are always one of my goals with my main one being a story that can affect lives for the better.

Planning for Another Year

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 02:10:00 +0000

Now that 2026 is underway, my mind goes to the months ahead and all that’s possible. The past few years have been challenging, but with Nanowrimo 2025 behind me, I am ready to work on the newly created pieces and return to the yet unfinished anthologies and stories.

I would also like to pursue getting reviews for the many stories I’ve published. If you’ve read any of my books and have yet to leave a review for each one, please do so as soon as you finish this post. I would be very appreciative.

Over the holidays, I finished incorporating months of critiques that had lingered in file notes into a handful of manuscripts. I am grateful for those who took the time to relate how my stories could be improved, so I didn't want to forget about any of their input.

I'm praying for a productive 2026.

Additional Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 31 May 2025 23:54:00 +0000

Something mind-blowing happened. Billiard Buddies and Just Between Us are also 2025 International Impact Book Awards winners. Click on the pics to purchase copies.

Looking forward to a black tie award gala in July.

Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 21:50:00 +0000

I am thrilled to announce that Danny R.O.S.S. and A Beautiful Girl are 2025 International Impact Book Awards winners. Click on the pics to purchase copies.

That is all.

The Benefits of a Writers' Group

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 21:50:00 +0000

In a craft where spending a lot of time is the norm, writers need other writers for encouragement, help with honing the skills needed to produce solid plots or poems, and to share accomplishments. I am currently a part of three groups (Do What’s Write Writer's Group & Podcast, South Jersey Writers Group, The Village Authors), and each one offers something a little different that meets my needs for friendship, involvement, growth, and fun. I recommend joining at least one group if publishing is intended, but even if you’re just writing a memoir for the family, a writers’ group can be helpful with that endeavor as well.

Some activities include write-ins where a small number of writers get together to write whatever they like; retreats to get time focused on writing, attending classes, or meeting agents / publishers; participating in open mics to practice reading aloud to a group; and discussions regarding various topics, such as genres, POV, and show vs. tell.

Personally, I’ve benefited mostly from the critique group within the writers’ group where other writers / authors read my work and give me suggestions on how to make it better. Some of the suggestions fit what’s needed while others do not. There is no pressure to accept any of the suggestions, but it would be a shame to disregard all of them. My work has benefited and improved over time with my adapting and learning from other writers with different backgrounds and experiences.

Writers’ groups are also a great place to share those rejections. No writer likes to get a rejection letter from a publisher, but when a group of people cheer you on because you took the time to submit your creative work, the rejection letter spurs you on to try the next one and the next after that. Remember, some great authors in world history, even more recently, have received numerous rejections before landing that lucrative contract. Publishing one’s work, I believe, is all about the hope of affecting the lives of others in a positive way through the beauty of imagination.

Starting Again

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 21:15:00 +0000

I’ve been away for quite a while. I didn’t want to be, but grieving for more than a dozen people since the beginning of 2022 took its toll. And my sweet kitty cat died, too. I wasn’t inclined to write although that would have been the very thing to bring healing. I needed a break to allow myself some self-care. The losses continued into 2023, but after attending a grieving class (which I highly recommend), my disposition began to improve. Gradually, I eased back into the rhythm of planning a return to my writing projects. It’s interesting that even though I didn’t progress with the WIPs I had in 2021, I faithfully submitted work to a monthly critique group.

So, what happens now in 2025?

I am focusing on my poetry while I attempt to incorporate all the feedback I received from my critique partners. I am grateful for their patience as I take the time to recalibrate. I am encouraged that they enjoyed one of my short stories so much that they suggested I expand it into a novel or at least a novella. Time will tell, but I can already visualize a bit of what they said.

I am also waiting to hear about the results of my very first song submission to a publisher. How exciting! The process is a bit different than for a manuscript. A recording of the song is also required. It was so cool being present for the recording over two evenings. As usual, I had to wait a few weeks for news of whether the work will receive a contract. Since that didn’t pan out, the song was submitted to another publisher.

In November 2023 and 2024, I jumped back into writing during National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo for short, where the goal is to write 50K words in thirty days. I’d been gentle with myself both times. If I only managed one word, I was happy with that. At least I started writing again, which is more important.

I am definitely a different person on the other side of this experience. I look forward to seeing how my writing will change.

I Did It Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000

It's been a challenging thing, getting back into writing regularly after taking a break to grieve. However, I'm happy that I pushed through emotional pain to create a heartfelt story between a mother and daughter at a July 4th beach day for the Cat & Mouse Beach Holiday contest. I've been submitting short stories to this contest since 2018, but I haven't been successful since that first time at seeing my story among others in an award-winning anthology series. I've learned, though, that rejections aren't a bad thing for a writer. I use it to propel me to continue creating stories that I'd like to read. Besides, I already have a plan for any short story I write. One way or another, as I have breath, I will make them available for the world to enjoy.

Inclusion In Another Anthology

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 04:30:00 +0000

I recently got an email requesting my participation in an anthology about unexpected kindness I'd experienced from someone I didn't know beforehand. With the craziness of the current time, Matt Goldberg, an Inspirational Humorist, wanted to put together a collection of stories about kindness to inspire others.

Busy in the height of tax season, I put off thinking through what to submit until the beginning of May. However, days later, a memory that had stayed with me since my childhood came to mind. I proposed my idea via email, and Matt gave it a nod. Memorial weekend (U.S.) afforded me the couple hours I needed to write the story. I was so pleased when Matt accepted the piece and asked for my bio.

I look forward to reading the other authors' stories upon release.

Interested in participating? Check out Rings of Kindness (matthewjgoldberg.com). He's still accepting submissions. Good luck!

Behind the Scenes: Zach and Tosha in Just Between Us

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 07 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Just Between Us is a story about a pregnant single mom, Tosha, who is hesitant about giving love another chance after walking in on her daughter's father while he was with another woman. Tosha's friends assure her that blind date Zach is worth the leap, but she isn't sure this is the right move, especially now that she's pregnant with her cheating ex's baby.

Inspiration / Muse: One of the scenes in this story came to me during a weeklong bout with the flu back in 2012. High on fever, I dreamt up this drama-filled and sizzling romance novel. I was too sick to write notes as the scenes continued flashing through my mind. The story took on a life of its own. However, the pictures were so impactful, I never forgot what happened over the ten-year period it took me to prepare for its release.

Theme: Heartache happens to everyone at sometime during a lifetime. This story deals with how a person may respond to extreme betrayal and broken promises. Learning to trust again is not easy, even if the people around that individual can vouch beyond a doubt that this person is legit. Insecurities and doubts also play a part in how and whether the broken-hearted moves forward.

Journey: From 2012 to 2018, I'd worked on this story a little at a time. I read rough drafts to one of my older sisters as a bedtime story. She could hardly wait for me to finish the rest of it. When 2019 started, I focused on spending at least one hour per week building toward what I thought would be a novella. However, one some weekends, the characters wouldn't stop their chatter for hours. By mid-December of 2019, I finished the first draft of Zach and Tosha's story. I sent it to a Beta reader, but with the onslaught of the pandemic, it would take over a year before I received feedback. I'd missed the desired release date of January 20, 2021. Determined not to miss January 20, 2022, I pressed on to find an editor and a cover designer who could help me make that goal. In addition, I held a poll with fans to come up with the current title.

Meaning behind the cover: I asked the artistic, college-aged daughter of a work friend for help in designing a cover for Just Between Us. A swan sculpture plays a huge part in connecting Zach and Tosha, so both the Beta reader and I agreed that this symbol ought to be the focal point of the cover. I had so much fun fleshing out the idea during Zoom meetings and follow-up emails. Also, the purple color goes well with my icon pictured below.

Impact / Tribute: The special connection between devout siblings and close friends is the thread that flows throughout this novel. The value of these relationships revealed much during the past couple years. Many would not have made it through without them while others wished for such bonds. My heritage also played a huge part in this novel. I am a child of Kittitian immigrants. I found great pleasure in presenting what that is like through Zach's eyes.

Interested in purchasing a copy? Here's the link.

The fourteenth in the Behind the Scenes series is planned for a later date, so stay tuned.

Surprise Sales

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 02 Apr 2022 18:37:00 +0000

Just Between Us continues to take the world by storm. Even after casual conversations about my newest release, people have asked to purchase this story. Routine visits to a hair salon have led to at least two book sales. After being fortunate enough to speak with a female veteran for the first time, she asked for a shipment of five autographed books, including Just Between Us and Danny R.O.S.S. I can't wait to hear what she thinks about them.

These two books have been a part of my life for the better part of a decade. I am so thrilled that more and more readers are delving into these stories and others that I have written with sweat, determination, and a ton of heart.

Being a writer isn't trivial work. Hours of editing take a lot of time and effort and the right person to catch the things that can make or break a story. I am grateful for critique groups, open mics, and friends who continue to cheer me on.

As always, for those of you who've read anything I've written, please do leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. I greatly appreciate your honest feedback.

Best Sales Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Saturday, February 26, 2022, started out as any other vendor event day as I drove with a carful of books, a wagon, and a display case to my destination in Willingboro, NJ. Many other vehicles vied for position around me, quite busy for 8am traffic. A half-hour later, I pulled up to the curb in a space just vacated by another hopeful vendor. The crisp morning air didn't delay the flutter of helpers. Even check-in went without a hitch. I paced myself, not wanting to expend a lot of energy too soon. After all, I had nine hours ahead of me. I said a prayer and began to unpack the tablecloths, signage, bookmarks, mugs, and books. Hope welled up within me as the start time drew closer.

Once the flow of shoppers began, it hardly slowed down. I greeted many and gave the elevator pitch for the fourteen books stacked on the six-tier stand. The popular question, "You wrote all these books?" was met with something like, "Eleven, yes. I have short stories in two Chicken Soup for the Soul editions and one in a Cat & Mouse anthology." Jaws couldn't drop any lower. A handful of folks who'd heard me read a scene the previous week from Just Between Us picked up the book they'd thought about ever since I'd introduced them to Zach and Tosha. I kept signing books until after closing.

At the end of the day, I'd experienced my best sales day ever. These are the kinds of days every indie author dreams about. I'm so very grateful. Thank you to everyone who visited my table. You are much appreciated. Enjoy!

Celebrating the Release of "Just Between Us"

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 05 Feb 2022 21:58:00 +0000

I released Just Between Us on January 20, 2022, on Amazon (Kindle, Print) and held a book release party on Facebook on January 22, 2022. I was so thrilled to celebrate an older sister's birthday in this way. I wanted to publish this story a year ago, but so many things worked against that happening. In fact, the release almost didn't occur this year on the day I wanted. I spent the better part of the previous week applying proofreading corrections and formatting the manuscript for both eBook and paperback.

The party was a hit with over a dozen in attendance and numerous views afterwards. I read the first two chapters plus the beginning of the third in voices that match how I heard each character speaking as I wrote the story. Many of the viewers suggested I record audio books. More to come on that possibility.

In the meantime, please consider purchasing a copy of Just Between Us and do leave a review so others can read what you thought about it.

Consider joining the following pages on Facebook: Fan page Cassandra Ulrich, Author and private group Cassandra Ulrich's Journey as an Author to read about the latest updates.

Cover Reveal for "Just Between Us"

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 01 Jan 2022 19:37:00 +0000

Single mom Tosha has made a home with Chaz, her fiancé, and their toddler, Emily. She’d hoped that Chaz would have given her a wedding band after Emily’s birth, but he keeps dragging things out. During a visit to her friends’, Karida and Tevin, house, Tosha discovers she’s pregnant with Chaz’s second child. She figures he’d rush to the altar now. That is until she walks in on Chaz doing the nasty with another woman.

Young bachelor Zach is ready to commit to the right woman, but after the latest breakup, he’s grown hopeless that he’d find his match. His friends, Karida and Tevin, convince him to go on a blind date with a woman they are sure he’ll adore. Zach experiences an immediate connection to Tosha and takes her to visit a crystal statue of intertwined swans. She wins his heart when she gets the significance of the swan dance.

Tosha is amazed at how much she’s into Zach. The only problem: she bids him goodnight without telling him about her daughter and the baby on the way. He calls after the date as promised, but guilt over her secret prevents her from answering. Tosha’s not sure she’s ready to trust another man with her still healing heart.

***

A Romance novel

by Cassandra Ulrich

COMING SOON on Amazon.

***

For the latest info, visit

My Website.

Three New Short Stories in the Dark Fantasy Genre

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 04 Dec 2021 05:30:00 +0000

I did it! I wrote over 51K words during #nanowrimo2021 in a genre that is new to me--Dark Fantasy. My first story with a cop and a vampire debuted during #nanowrimo2020, and now it's been joined by the second part. So far, two critique groups have raved about the story. I can only hope part two lives up to the praise. I also wrote two other stories: one about a demon-spawned sixteen year old guy and the other about a prince who's been cursed to be bound to his castle for centures due to a witch's jealous rant. I have plans to include these stoies in a Dark Anthology and will let you know when its ready to be released. Editing will be the theme during 2022.

Dark Creations for NaNoWriMo 2021

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

It's day 6 of NaNoWriMo 2021, and I'm laboring away on some short stories for an upcoming Dark Anthology. Last year's attempt at short stories for an anthology featuring Zale, my merboy, went so well, I'm trying it again with a different genre. In fact, two non-fiction stories I typed during November 2020 were printed in two different Chicken Soup for the Soul books in 2021: "I'm Speaking Now" and "Tough Times Won't Last But Tough People Will." I excited to see what I create this month. I already know it'll be challenging with all of my commitments, but I am determined not to back down from this challenge. Wish me luck!

Breaking Out of the Dry Spell

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 04:30:00 +0000

Sunny skies and a moderate temperature marked the start of a wonderful day. On September 25, 2021, I spent almost eight hours at the Westville Fall Festival, setting up, presenting my books and mugs to potential customers, and packing up for the day. My booth neigbor and fellow writing friend, Tom Minder, and I talked and joked between sales. Standing next to a small petting zoo didn't hurt in the least. In fact, the crowds that walked by our booths were a welcomed treat.

I featured my newest releases: the print versions of Love's Intensity, If It Kills Me, and Danny R.O.S.S. I published those novels in 2020 to make use of my extra time at home. Mugs decorated with pictures of all my book covers filled in the spaces, ready to serve as holiday gifts. I even had many copies of Chicken Soup for the Soul: I'm Speaking Now which includes a memoir of an event that happened to me many years ago.

Being able to sell my books at an outdoor event this year brought some relief after having every single vendor event cancel last year. So many of my readers had been waiting for new signed releases, but they had no choice but to wait another year.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my table to buy copies of my stories and poetry. I appreciate your patronage very much.

Now, I'm looking forward to doing this all over again at the Collingswood Book Festival from 10am to 4pm on October 2, 2021.

The Results Are In

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Remember the contest I mentioned in my July post? My latest submission didn't make the cut, but I did receive word from Chicken Soup for the Soul that they will be printing a second story of mine in November. I'm so thrilled.

The Podcast Life

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 07 Aug 2021 19:01:00 +0000

In celebration of a first year anniversary, Do What's Write: Writer's Group has made the leap into podcasts. It's been an amazing journey birthed after the shutdown in 2020 where one mutual friend (Amber) introduced the rest of us (Rachel, Ashley, and me) to each other. We spent Friday nights discussing comma usage, synonyms, word choices, and character development. Please listen to us on Buzzsprout, Spotify, and many others.

In addition, we've created a FaceBook page, a website, and a patreon account. Be sure to visit and interact with our sites.

I look forward to what the next year will bring with my writing pals.

It's All About the Waiting

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 01:12:00 +0000

So, what do I do while I wait on the results of a writing contest? Keep on writing, of course. The characters I've dreamed up don't take a break just because the results of a submission is pending.

This year, I didn't wait until the last week before the contest ended which meant I've had to endure a much longer period before hearing the results (around August 1st).

After pressing the send button in May, I've focused my attention on editing my first ever vampire story. I enjoy reading these types of stories and/or watching the movies spawned from them, dark and full of action. However, I avoided writing in this genre before because the market was oversaturated and I didn't want my story to get lost in the great ocean of authors who write about vampires.

I'm also continuing to tidy up the screenplay version of A Beautiful Girl. My thought became reality during NaNoWriMo2020, and, if I keep plugging away at it, I just might be able to complete it by the beginning of NaNoWriMo2021.

In addition to three other stories that are slowly closing in on the first draft, I am delving into the corrections received from two Beta readers for Just Between Us.

So, even though I'm waiting, I am not merely sitting around languishing. The world keeps turning and so do I.

Keep writing, my friends.

Chicken Soup for the Soup: I'm Speaking Now Book Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 04:30:00 +0000

Release day has finally arrived bringing 101 stories about the trials and triumphs of Black Women. I'm so happy that one of my stories was accepted as part of this anthology.

Click on the book cover for the buy link and the link below to see the book trailer.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: I'm Speaking Now - YouTube

Preparing My Creations

noreply@blogger.com (Cassandra) — Sat, 01 May 2021 04:30:00 +0000

After spending a successful Camp Nano fixing my screenplay and expanding my anthology, I continue to finetune these manuscripts. It will be some time before they are ready for release, but the act of creating, reorganizing, and editing has brought me some happiness in the midst of a time that's still heavy with challenges.

I also recorded a small bit for a book trailer Chicken Soup for the Soul will be posting for "I'm Speaking Now." I am so excited about this book's upcoming release on June 1, 2021.

In addition, I make time to write new scenes for three works in progress, novel-sized manuscripts that have required much research to develop. I will share more about these in future posts.

I'm super grateful that the act of writing has shown benefits by relieving stress built up during the day. 😀