BIO
Author of the bestselling Shifting Tides series and finalist in 2007’s EPIC awards, Ms. Curtis is a former journalist and fine artist, who always loved reading tales of adventure, romance, mystery, and magic. Then one day decided to try her hand at fiction writing and never looked back.
Although she writes erotic romance under the pen name Cassandra Curtis, and romantic comedy as Cass Curtis, the common thread in all her books is fun.
Photo link: http://cassandracurtis.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/casscurtis.jpeg
FIVE FAST FACTS
1. I collect magical artifacts and my favourites are the ones that have been passed down in my family, like my grandmum’s black goblet for water scrying or her Italian gypsy tarot deck.
2. My favorite TV shows of all time are Dr. Who, Monty Python Flying Circus, and Absolutely Fabulous. I don’t watch a lot of TV, but a couple of the more recent offerings have caught my eye, shows like Grimm, Once Upon A Time, Being Human, and Lost Girl.
3. One of my favorite books is Stranger In A Strange Land by Robert Heinlein. The story influenced my dream to become a writer.
4. My favorite subject in college was World Mythology and I was lucky enough to attend a workshop by Joseph Campbell before he died.
5. My favorite films of all time are any films that makes me laugh.
FAQ
Where do you get your ideas?
I never know what will trigger the germination or spark of an idea. Sometimes a notion sounds great but once I begin a detailed outline of the general premise, I realize my great concept was just that—a thought with no wheels. It may start the engine but it won’t go anywhere. I also play the “what if” game a lot and ask why to every question I answer until I can’t go any further.
When you set out to write a book, do you start at the beginning or start at the end?
I write by scenes, not chapters, so I usually start with the scene that best encapsulates the concept that caught my attention and imagination in the first place. That scene could be in the first chapter, the twentieth, or could even be the end. I write outward from there, like spokes on a wagon wheel until I’m done, then rearrange the scenes as needed during my first draft editing pass. Not every scene makes it into the book.
What is your favorite genre?
I love to read and really don’t have one favorite I’d single out. But I will say that all my own stories, especially the romantic comedies and the erotic romances, have something in common, and that is the element of humor. It may not be as pronounced in some of my stories, for instance—Open Season, Deal Breaker, or The Midnight Effect, but if you look closely, you’ll find it hidden even in my darker tales.
Which character do you most want to revisit in a sequel?
I’d have to say Dixie from my story Shimmer. I’d planned to expand the story, sharing with readers the next chapter of her life, but I was sidelined with other projects, and with health and family issues. As it turns out, I hope to have it released sometime in 2012.
Who is your favorite hero from your books?
Not sure I can list just one. Each have qualities that make them unique and intriguing. But usually my favorite is the one I’m currently developing.
Links To Interviews
Off The Shelf Podcast Interview: http://thebookstacks.org/off-the-shelf/ (also available on iTunes)
Blog Interviews:
http://thebookstacks.org/2011/03/20/5questions-cassandra-curtis/
http://paranormalityuniverse.blogspot.com/2006/10/first-sale-stories-cassandra-curtis.html
Praise For Cassandra Curtis
Beneath A Midnight Sea—
“I found myself drawn into the plot and eager to find out what would come next.” —Marcy Arbitman, JERR
“The main characters quickly demand your empathy as you are pulled into their whirlwind romance.” —Anne Marie, Romances Divas
Soul Of The Sea—
“The world building is spectacular and all of the characters, both primary and secondary, are realistic. If you enjoy reading about magic and shape shifters mixed with love, then you do not want to miss this one!”
— Regina, Coffee Time Romance & More
Shifting Tides (paperback)—
“Ms. Curtis creates a story that is full of excitement and mystery. A very good read about a fairy tale romance and the pitfalls on the road to love.” –Delane, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
The Midnight Effect—
“Cassandra Curtis knows how to not only give her readers an erotic thrill but also send shivers down the spine.”
—Valerie, Loves Romances and More Cafe
I Put A Spell On You—
“Despite the presence of magic in the story, the romance feels most down-to-earth, real, and sensible. I find I Put A Spell On You most enchanting that way.”—Mrs. Giggles.com
“I Put A Spell On You is an enchanting novella that will surely bring a smile to your face – it sure did to mine.”
— Elizabeth, Fallen Angel Reviews
Cup Of Fate—
“This is an excellent little story which freely suspends belief and had this reader turning the pages as fast as possible to learn what would happen next! I highly recommend it and will be watching out for this author in the future!” –EuroReviews
