On today’s edition of Fiction Friday I had the pleasure of interviewing Casey L. Bond who is one of my many favorite authors. It was an honor to have her here in my space and get to know a little more about her. Let’s get started shall we.

1). Thank you for joining us today Casey, tell us a little about yourself and the genre you write in.

C). Thanks so much for the interview! I write Fantasy Romance (YA & NA) with “phoenix” characters – ones who rise from the ashes of their circumstances. I like my female main characters fierce, the love interests morally gray, and the worlds I build to be unique and atmospheric. 

The Lovely Casey, her crown and some of her work xxx

2). How long have you been writing for? What is your favorite part about being an author?

C). I’ve been writing for twelve years and have been published for nearly ten! My favorite part about being an author is seeing how my stories impact and entertain others. Story is a powerful magic.

3). Where do you find inspiration for your books?

C). I draw inspiration from music, dreams, life experiences, and observations – anything really. 

4). Are you a planner or a fly by the seat of your pants when ideas and stories come to you? What can’t you live without in your writing space while writing?

C). I can’t plot or plan to save my life. I’m what some call a ‘discovery writer,’ and typically just sit down and write and let the story and characters flow. I do think that those who are like me generally sort of plot mentally. I know the main story points and the ending. I just let the characters take me to each one. 

In my writing space, I love having books around me. Maybe they inspire story. But I love the view out my window. It’s peaceful and West Virginia is a beautiful state. 

5). What do you find is the hardest part of the process? And is there anything you know now that you wish you would’ve known when starting out?

C). I think the hardest part is finding time to do everything. But this job isn’t simply penning a book and then washing your hands of it. There is a lot of coordination and marketing takes up a huge chunk of an author’s day. After all, who knows the book better than the one who wrote it, right? 

6). For new readers to you, which of your books would you recommend as a starting point?

C). That’s such a hard question! I would say that if you’re into witchy romance – When Wishes Bleed is a good place to start. If you’re more into Egyptian mythology – House of Eclipses would be your jam. And if you love a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers – Where Oceans Burn is where to begin. 

It’s sooooo pretty

7). I’m a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity/arranged marriage trope. Do you have a favorite?

C). Enemies-to-lovers all day long. It’s my favorite because the dynamic has to change and watching that unfold is really exciting. 

8). Do you have favorite authors? Name your top 3 I know that’ll be tough and have they influenced your writing career in any way?

C). I do have favorites. Holly Black, Sarah J. Maas, and Adrienne Young. 

9). When you’re not writing what would we find you doing?

C). I love to walk and swim depending on the time of year, but my favorite thing to do is spend time with my family.

10). What has been the most memorable moment for you in your career thus far?

C). There have been so many, but the first that comes to mind was getting to sit on a panel with Jennifer L. Armentrout. I might have been mentally shrieking in fangirl the entire time. 

11). Do you write full-time or have a day job? Do you have any advice for writers struggling to find balance in their work/ writing/ family life?

C). I write full-time now. I would say that it can definitely be difficult. Family always comes first for me. But when my kids were little, I would get up early or stay up late and write when I could (during naps, etc). And even if you write in little chunks, it’s progress and you will finish the book. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone deserves grace.  

12). Do you have a favorite hero/ protagonist and/or villain/antagonist you’ve written thus far? What makes them special to you?

C). I think Elira from Where Oceans Burn might be my favorite because I’ve written outcasts before but Elira is the top warrior in her kingdom, but that comes with loneliness, too. She was very fun to write because she was so headstrong, so her arc is broad and interesting. Conversely, I think that Anubis in House of Wolves was fun to write. I LOVE Egyptian mythology so bringing him into the world (or should I say unleashing him into it) was incredibly satisfying. 

13). Do you celebrate after you finish writing each book? How do you celebrate?

C). Usually by taking a little time off to do whatever I need to catch up on and whatever I’d like!!! It helps me refocus and reset. 

14). What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? What is the worst?

C). The best piece of advice I’ve received is to keep my head down and write (avoid drama, work hard, and keep producing the best books you possibly can). I’m not sure what the worst piece was, but it may be the opposite of that sentiment. 

15). If you could live in any world from your books, which one would it be and why? Would you be the hero or villain of your own story? And if you could bring 3 of your characters, who would it be and why?

C). I would choose Where Oceans Burn because I have a deep and abiding love for the ocean. I would prefer to be the hero, though I love a good villain! LOL! I’d bring Elira, Crest, and Koa.

16). Have you ever suffered from imposter syndrome? How do you work through it?

C). I really don’t think I have. I understand the sentiment, but I also know that I work very hard so if any of that work pays off, I feel like it’s been earned and isn’t undeserved necessarily. That’s not to say I feel like I deserve more than anyone else, only that I am grateful if my hard work succeeds. 

17). What are you currently working on? Do you have any upcoming events where readers can come meet you and have their books signed?

C). I am about to release the third book in the When Wishes Bleed trilogy (August 18th)! And I just started a fantasy duology retelling I can’t reveal too much about just yet. But I hope to release book one in the fall or early 2024 and book two a few months later so that people don’t have to wait long to read through the whole story. 

18). Is there anything you’d like to add? 

C). I appreciate you so much! And thank you to anyone who takes the time to read and enjoy the characters, stories, and worlds that live rent-free in my head.

Thank you so much to Casey for stopping by and letting us get to know her and about her books. For anyone looking to check out her work here are all her socials:

@authorcaseybond on IG, Twitter, Facebook

@authorcaseylbond on TikTok 

I’m diving into Where Oceans burn by Casey so till next time,

Love, a fantasy loving Magnolia xx