Name: Cassandra Jones
Age: 36

Where are you from: Clarksburg, West Virginia

A little about yourself: I put my education on hold to help take care of my grandparents. I am currently taking my GED classes and planning to go to college. I currently live with my sister. And I am a member of the local book discussion group. When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading and drawing.

 

 

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

I just recently submitted tow poems to an anthology to raise awareness against bullying.

 

 
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing when I was 13. I had always enjoyed reading and I wanted to create my own stories.

 

 

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I have considered myself a writer since my first short story at the age of thirteen. I had never written poetry until 2003.

 

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My best friend passed away suddenly in 2012 and she wanted me to get something published. So I did it for her.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

I think every writer has their own unique writing style.

 

 
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I made a list of different titles and then picked the one I liked the best.It’s still a working title that may be changed.

 

 
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

You can never give up on those you love.

 

 
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

The female protagonist is named after and based on my best friend.

 

 
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Not that I’m aware of.

 

 
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life?

That’s a hard one. There are so many great books out there. I would have to say the one that influences me the most would be A Child Called “IT” by Dave Pelzer.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Stephen King. I just love his work.

 

 
Fiona: What book are you reading now?

The Monster Within by Kelly Hashway

 

 
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Kelly Hashway, Angi Morgan, Lynn Rush, Tawny Weber, and Elizabeth Heiter

 

 
Fiona: What are your current projects?

I am currently editing my first novel, writing a second novel, working on a couple short stories,and putting together a book of poetry.

 

 
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside your family?

My best friend Tammy.

 

 

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

I hope I can make a career out of it.

 

 
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No

 

 
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I tried to try journalism as an elective in high school and got hooked on writing.

 

 
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
The loud crash made her jerk awake. What could it have been? Getting out of bed, she took a deep breath. Could someone be in the house?
Going across the hall Tammy Perdue opened her daughter’s bedroom door. Four-year-old Amanda was sound asleep. How could she sleep through that noise?
Another crash from the kitchen. Someone was inside. Tammy picked her daughter up. They had to get out of here. They had to get help.
They were trapped. Whoever was in the kitchen would see them if they tried to leave. She needed to get to her phone. Which meant going back to her room.
She slowly opened the door, looking down the hall. It was clear. Holding Amanda against her, she hurried back across the hall.
A third crash, this one from the living room. Were they looking for something? Or someone? She had to do something.
Frowning, Tammy looked around. They needed a place to hide. Grabbing her cell phone, she went over to the closet. Laying her daughter against the wall, she closed the door.
Dialing the sheriff’s office, she swallowed hard. Why weren’t they answering? After the fifth ring, she hung up. She had to keep trying.
Listening, she leaned against the wall. They were getting closer. Dialing the phone again, she bit her lip.
“Come on, answer” Still nothing. They couldn’t stay in this closet forever. She had to get her little girl someplace safe. Opening the door, she took a deep breath. The room was empty. She needed to lock the door.
Then they could go out the window. It was their only option.
Tammy walked slowly to the door. They could be outside the door, waiting. Or were they in Amanda’s room? Reaching for the lock, she froze. Someone was turning the knob.
She took a step back as the door opened. Running to the closet, she shut the door. She had to keep her baby safe. Holding onto the door knob with one hand, she tried to grab her phone.
“Mommy.”
“It’s okay, sweetie.” Tammy smiled at her daughter.” Get mommy’s phone.”
She watched her grab the phone. The little girl handed it to her.
“Thank you, baby.” She dialed the sheriff again. “Stay back there, okay?” “Okay mommy.” She sat against the wall.
“Hello.”
Finally, taking a deep breath, she told them what was going on. Help was on the way. Closing the phone, she sighed. It would be okay now.
Tammy looked at her daughter as the door was jerked open. Someone grabbed her hair.
“No, let go.” She tried to get away. They pulled her from the closet, throwing her on the bed. What were they planning to do? She heard her baby crying. She had to get away from this maniac.
He grabbed her hair again. She twisted her body trying to escape. She had to fight. He punched her in the stomach, causing her to stop. She looked at him in time to see his hand come down across her face.
She heard the sirens getting closer. He looked at her before taking off out the window. She went to the closet, grabbing her daughter.
“It’s okay, baby.” Tammy kissed her forehead. “He’s gone.”

 

 

 
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Finding the time to actually do the writing.

 

 
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Karen Young. She is an amazing storyteller. Her novels catch you from the first line.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

Not yet, but we’ll see what happens after the book is published.

 

 
Fiona: Who designed the covers?

I haven’t had one designed yet.

 

 
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Making my female protagonist someone who resembled my best friend.

 

 
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned that it’s okay to let others read the unfinished product. It took me years to let anyone actually read anything I’d written.I also learned to take constructive criticism.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Never give up on your dreams. If you want something you have to go for it and not give up.And of course WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!!!!

 

 
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I hope the readers can get as much joy from reading the book as I got from writing it. Happy reading to anyone who reads anything I write!

 

 

 

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Oh wow! Honestly, that’s been so long ago. I’ve been reading since first grade.But I think Charlotte’s Web was the one that got me hooked.

 

 
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
Is reading a hobby? I’m an avid reader. I also draw and make pillows and bags by hand. Oh, and I love baking!!

 

 
Fiona: What tv shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I am a huge fan of anime, especially Dragon Ball Z. My favorite tv shows are Supernatural, Bones, Criminal Minds, NCIS, and Ghost Hunters. I love the Underworld and Resident Evil films.

 

 
Fiona: Favorite foods/color/music?

My favorite foods are pizza, fried potatoes,and turkey burgers. I love blue and black. I listen to various genres of music. my favorite artist is Martina McBride, and my favorite band is Linkin Park.

 

 
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

I would like to be a professional singer, however, my shyness shot that one down.

 

 
Fiona: Do you have a blog or website? If so what is it?

Yes, i have a blog called Cassandra’s Writing World http://www.cassandra-mywritingworld.blogspot.com
And a Facebook writing page with the same name. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=651484511599166
Thanks for wanting to interview me!
❤
Cassandra

 

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