In today's episode, we're diving into the realities of indie publishing, breaking genre expectations in fantasy, and what it looks like to build a creative career while balancing motherhood and storytelling.

Fantasy author Cassie Evans joins the podcast to share her journey from first discovering her love of writing to publishing her novel Blood and Pixies. We talk about creating a fantasy world filled with original creatures, why she chose to center a 32-year-old mother as her main character, and how she blends escapism with deeply relatable, real-life emotions. She also opens up about documenting her writing journey online, navigating indie publishing, and using Kickstarter as a launch platform—all while raising and homeschooling three kids.

In this episode, we cover:

• When she first realized she wanted to be a writer
• An introduction to Blood and Pixies and the fantasy world readers can expect
• Why she chose a mother in her 30's as her FMC and how readers have responded
• Her process for creating unique creatures and non-human characters
• What surprised her most about sharing her writing journey publicly on Bookstagram
• What a realistic writing schedule looks like as a homeschooling mom of three
• The biggest challenges and rewards of indie publishing
• Why she chose Kickstarter for her book launch and tips for other indie authors
• How ADHD influences her creativity and the systems that help her stay focused
• Encouragement for writers who feel overwhelmed, behind, or stuck

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassieevansbooks

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@cassieevansbooks

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CassieEvansBooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cassie-Evans-Books/61579777217194/#

⭐ Don't forget to rate and review the show so I can continue bringing on amazing guests! If you'd like to be a guest or know someone who would be a perfect fit, email me at catdeanwrites@gmail.com.

Follow me for behind-the-scenes and the latest episode updates:

https://instagram.com/authorcatdean

https://www.instagram.com/thestorytellingsirenspod