We’re looking forward to introducing you to Monica A Kastle. Check out our conversation below.
Monica A, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Weather permitting, the desert is windy, I like to have my morning coffee outside and sitting in the sun. It’s a quiet time that allows me to go over notes, and I think about what I’m going to work on, like my work in progress, a book blurb, or graphics for social media. It’s especially easy to lose track of time when I’m caught up in a work in progress, and my imagination is running wild with characters, and the infinite things that could happen. During that time, in the quiet, is when I find myself and then it’s time to go the office.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I write urban fantasy and dark urban fantasy with strong female leads, twists of romance, with horror elements, supernatural creatures, and magic. The series includes Cascade Saga, Crimson Trilogy, Moonlight Territory, and the soon to be released Jaded Hearts, a crossover novel from Cascade Saga. Having grown up in Northern California and loving the mountains, the history rich gold mining towns, the myths, and unpredictable terrain that is where my novels take place.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I would say my family. Growing up in a small logging town I was surrounded by family who worked hard. Then my parents, I have two brothers and sister, so I watched them juggle work, sports, and family. When I married my husband he had been in the Marine Corps, and worked hard to achieve the career he wanted. Being surrounded by motivated, strong, and goal oriented people allows me to be just as strong. Over the years, I have tried to emulate their work ethic.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh yes. I had just quit my job, which was stressful enough, to become a full-time writer and I quickly faced questions and criticism for not having a real job. At the time I was writing horror, and submitting the stories to magazines, E-Zines, and anthologies for publication. Since I was writing and submitting some stories had been accepted while others had been rejected. Each rejection hadn’t been a lesson learned, rewrite the story, and move on. They served as proof I wasn’t good enough, was never going to make it, and I should give up my hobby and get a real job. It was rough and I seriously considered giving up. I didn’t. There is always a story that needs telling.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. I don’t know how to be any other way. I’m the writer, wanderer, photographer, desert sunsets are my favorite, chef, I love cooking, and wine enthusiast. I have attended the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books the last couple of years, and every year, I’m always nervous about talking about my books. I’m always telling myself not to say something stupid.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m writing. I’m in my office, surrounded by books, music is playing, and I’m creating worlds, using my imagination, and doing what I love to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kastlenovels.com
- Instagram: makastleauthor
- Twitter: makastle
- Facebook: makastleauthor
