Hi Casi,
Tell us something about yourself.
Ha, be careful what you ask for. LOL. I had three names before I was three years old. How? I assume that would be your next question. I found out a few years ago my mother disappeared with my sister and I. She just took off with us in tow in the middle of the night. I don't remember, of course, because I was too young. I remember we moved all the time, though. I never had a chance to make friends before we packed up and moved again. I guess I thought everyone did that.
The hard part was not understanding why. My self-esteem dwindled. I believed my
biological father abandoned us––me––and if my own father didn't want
me, I must be worth very little. That premise dictated my childhood. My
mother wouldn't talk about my father, except to say, "You don't want to
know him, Casi. He's the kind of man who pulls wings off of
butterflies."
I
worked so hard to please people thinking if I could make them happy, I
would earn more value. In high school, I dated boys who wanted me, with
little concern about my own feelings. Note: It's worse to get dumped by someone you didn't choose. Most of my life I searched for validation in how others felt about me, always trying to please, bending my life around everyone close to me.
As an adult with two almost grown boys, I finally unraveled the secrets and lies in my past, and that changed my life. I realize now the bully reflected in my mirror validated my poor self-image; kept it thriving.
I was lucky though. A lot of people live that way a lifetime and never realize why. That's what fuels my fire––my passion. I guess you could say that's my brand, it's who I am. I challenge myself to help people realize their value and potential––to live their dreams.
My website is all about love: Romance Writing with HEAs and always a bit of inspiration and encouragement tucked into the pages. Authors Bare All is another segment that evolved from my passion.
I feature authors sharing life events that have changed them, and love
advice rooted in their lives, so they can encourage others too. The quotes I share throughout my website and on social media inspire too, and the tabs on my site all reach out to help others.
I guess I've taken up a lot of space on your first question. LOL. I'll try to be brief from now on.
Do you have a writing routine?
No. Except I try to carve out time every day. Not because I should, but because writing is a part of me.
Why do you write romance?
I think I answered that one, or maybe I live vicariously through my writing. Few people know I've written a memoir––with all 5-star reviews on Amazon. That was my first publication. I recently bought back the rights from the publisher and plan to update and re-release the journal soon. I also have some nonfiction books in the works and a course on my website, Directing Destiny, that addresses how people can change their lives.
But my real love is writing romantic suspense. Stories that have twist endings to stir readers imagination with oh my gosh, that's awesome or what if ...
How do you stay motivated?
It's odd, but I've never felt unmotivated. I guess I feel I'm making up for lost time since I started my writing career later than I would have, had I followed my early dreams. Or maybe I'm a neurotic type A personality. I just love what I do. :-)
Tell us about your current release.
Beneath The Lake is based on the eerie lore attached to a man-made lake just north of Atlanta GA. The ghost town submerged beneath Lake Lanier reportedly lures victims to a watery grave. In my story, Lacey Montgomery's car spins out of control and hurtles into the depths of the icy, black water. But she doesn't die. Instead, she awakens in the arms of a handsome stranger, in a place she’s never heard of –– 34 years before she was born.
When the 2012 lawyer tangles with the 1949 hunk, fire and ice swirl into a stream of sweltering desire.You'll have to read Beneath The Lake to find out if the couple discovers the key to the mysterious portal before time rips them apart. If they don't, their star-crossed spirits will wander forever through the ghost town buried beneath the lake, which would totally lead into book two in my three-book series. LOL.
I'd also like to share my Beneath The Lake book trailer, and my contact information:
Find me:
Website: casimclean.com
Twitter: @casimclean
Facebook: Casi McLean
FB Author Page: Casi McLean-Author
Goodreads: Casi McLean
Amazon Author Page: Casi McLean
Thank you so much, Katherine, for having me on your blogspot today. This was so much fun.
ReplyDeleteHi Casi,
DeleteThank you for being my guest. Glad you enjoyed your visit.
An amazing story, Casi--as well as a remarkable recovery from adversity. Much luck to you in your writing and your life.
ReplyDeleteNice blog, Katherine.
Veronica Lynch
Thank you, Veronica. It's important to me to reach out to others now.
DeleteMy favorite quote is:
ReplyDelete"In everyone’s life, at some point, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit" by Albert Schweitzer
Do any of you have a favorite quote?
What an amazing story, Casi. It speaks to your strength of character that you were able to change your mindset and change your life.
ReplyDeleteWhat a challenging life you've led and how you've triumphed over your circumstances! Very uplifting.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hebby
DeleteHi Jana, thank you for stopping by. I think we are all here to do something ... what separates us is how we handle it. Thanks for your kind words. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Casi, What an inspiring post! I enjoy your Authors Bare All series and look forward to reading Beneath the Lake. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joanne. Please let me know your thoughts about Beneath The Lake. I loved researching and writing the story and am deep into the sequel now. :-)
DeleteHi Casi, Thank you for sharing about your life. What a difficult journey. I'm glad you've fought to overcome such difficult obstacles. Your writing must be very deep and wonderful. I look forward to reading your book Beneath the Lake, it sounds terrific
ReplyDeleteAllison, thank you so much for stopping by today and for your kind words. I'm so glad you are interested in my story. I'm in the middle of the sequel now. Stories take on a life of their own sometimes and this series is so much fun! Please let me know what you think of my book when you read it :-0
DeleteYou have overcome tremendous difficulties, Casi. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story--and for challenging us fellow writers!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by, Barbara. We are all challenged in our own way.
ReplyDeleteO live on a lake w/trees, houses and streets way down below the waters. Your book sounds creepy and fun! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteHow cool to live on a lake like that. I live close by Lake Lanier but I'd love to be closer. Thank you, Susan. Let me know what you think when you get a chance to read it :-)
DeleteWhat an inspiring and touching story. I'm so impressed you were able to overcome the destructive aspects of your past and become such an enthusiastic, positive person. Thank you for sharing this. Best wishes on your book.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary. So glad you stopped by!
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible story, Casi. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Truly inspiring!
ReplyDeleteKK, thank you for stopping by. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Casi, what a traumatic thing to happen to you as a child, but it obviously made you the strong person you are now and gave you the inspiration to help and encourage others. I'm going to have to read 'Beneath The Lake' (When I finish NaNo) it reminds me of a village in North Wales, when I was growing up. Water was needed for the town of Liverpool in England, so the decision was made to drown a whole village and make a reservoir to provide the water for Liverpool. The people of the village were forced to leave and now the village lies submerged beneath the waters - but is still remembered.
ReplyDeleteWow. That story is very similar to what happened here in Atlanta. Thank you for your kindness. I guess our past molds who we all are. It's hard to say I'm glad my past was what it was, but I hold no animosity. I like who I am today and I needed to walk that path to arrive.
ReplyDeletePlease let me know how you like my book. :-)
That's an amazing story, Casi. I love how you share and inspire. We are all soaking up your optimism. Good luck with your wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nicci. You wrote an intimate and inspiring blog spot too that helped a lot of people. I hope we all continue to inspire each other :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for hosting me on your site, Katherine. I enjoyed chatting with everyone –– your site is so informative. :-)
ReplyDelete