Interview with Cassie Greutman
Happy Tuesday, ya'll! Today, I'm here with YA urban fantasy author Cassie Greutman. I had a great time getting to know Cassie. She's an avid reader and has been her whole life. I guess it's safe to say that books are her lifeblood. As it does with many authors, her love of reading led to her love of writing. Cassie really enjoys getting to play pretend with magic, werewolves, dragons, and every other supernatural being you can think of. That's definitely something she and I have in common. You're never too old to play pretend. Cassie does more than just write though. During the day (and sometimes at night) she runs a horse-boarding facility. So she gets the best of both worlds, she gets her fill of playing with majestic creatures while getting to make up her own creatures at night. She's a lucky lady, for sure. Her book "Regen" resonated with me as her main character was a child of foster care like I was. Without spoiling anything, I must say the book was unique and refreshing to read for me. If you like supernatural worlds, read this book. By the end of the first chapter, you'll be sucked into a vivid, realistic fantasy that will beat out the real world any day.
How did your writing journey begin?
I was the kid who carried entire bags of books out of the library. Once I’d read everything I was interested in twice (and some things I wasn’t that interested in), I started writing my own stories.
What is the number one thing on your bucket list (or thing you want but haven’t done yet)?
I’d really love to go to Peru. I want to see the ruins there :)
When are you most inspired to write?
It really varies, but it seems like night is easiest for me to get in the groove, when everyone else is in bed.
What was the last book you read?
I’m re-reading through the Mercy Thompson books right now, and I’m most of the way through Iron Bound.
In your opinion, what makes a book successful?
If my books touch one person, bring them joy, then they are successful to me.
Is there any advice you’d give your younger self?
Don’t give up! Writing is a long process, and a lonely one. You’ll get there!
Is there any part of the writing process you like most?
Getting the first draft down and discovering the story is a lot of fun.
Do you like to try new things? What’s the most recent thing you’ve tried?
I do like to try new things. I had mango sticky rice at a local Thai restaurant this week, highly recommend.
Do you use your real-life experiences in your books or characters? Do you feel it helps your writing?
I don’t use exact experiences really, but I do use how I felt during different parts of my life. I think the story comes across more real.
How do you motivate yourself on those blah days?
I have a word-tracker, a hard goal of when things need done, and a to-do list. If I didn’t have those things, I’d never stay on track.
What have you learned throughout your writing and publishing journey?
To give myself a little grace when I don’t make deadlines. It’s not the end of the world like my perfectionist self has always thought.
Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
Find writer friends. It’s hard to go this alone. And just keep at it. If you think of your book in terms of 80,000 words, it feels huge. If you think of it as just a little at a time, it adds up quickly.
