1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
In addition to being a full-time mom to a wonderfully goofy and energetic 7-year-old boy, Elijah, I am also an accounting analyst. My husband, Monte, have been married for nearly 15 years. He has always told me being married to me is an adventure; I have yet to prove him wrong. I’ve also become involved with groups and local charities within my community that spread love and support for the LGBTQIA+ community through visibility, resources, education and conversation.
2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Sticks and Stones”?
My son, Elijah – you know how kids are – they are always asking questions about everything. And the way they see things? It really makes you think. So when he told me other kinds were making fun of him at school, I shared with him something I had learned from my own journey.
3. When did you realize you want to be an author?
A part of me has always wanted to be an author. I’ve loved writing poetry and fanfiction since I was young and even was involved in a local writer’s group. A few years ago, I started to plot out a young adult trilogy novel and kind of fell down a rabbit whole. It turned my world upside-down and led to where I am now, writing children’s stories inspired by everyday life with my son.
4. Please tell us something about your book “I See the Moon and the Moon Sees Me”?
This is the 2nd book that is going to be part of the Magick in Me series that I am working on. In this story, something is bothering Elijah, and while we don’t identify what that is, his mom reminds him that he is never alone.
5. For which age group is your book suitable for?
It mostly is suitable for children between the ages 4 – 9.
6. What is your favorite Quote?
“If you cannot be the poet, be the poem.” – David Carradine
7. What do you like the most about your country?
Naturally, I love our freedoms as a country, but we are a melting pot of culture and diversity. No matter the struggles we have as a nation, we are a diverse people intermingled with so many heritages. Of course, this also means we have some great food too!
8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Make it a routine with them. It can be reading a story with them each night at bedtime or finding a time to read a story throughout the day, but if you start this early with them, you will remember these moments as much as they will.
9. What does literary success look like to you?
Making a difference in someone’s life… Ideally, every author wants their stories to become bestsellers or to be recognized, but success to me is seeing it impact someone’s life.
10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
There are a few people that hold this spot for my inspiration. First and most importantly, it is my son, who inspires me every day. He is full of life and always teaches me something. He’s also the main character featured in each one of my children’s books. My husband is part of my ongoing inspiration and has pushed me to follow my dreams. And my biggest support and inspiration came from an unlikely friend that I met on my writing journey. Kyrja is a wildly creative, imaginative and larger than life author that has become a treasured friend. She has shared her stories with me and helped encourage me through every step of my own journey. I am not sure I would have found myself where I am without all their support.
Cassie Brooks – Author’s profile on Amazon
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