Cassie Greutman

 Interview with Cassie Greutman

Author of the Penchant for Trouble Series

 

Please tell me a little about your current work in progress.

 Right now I’m working on several things, but the story I can talk about the most is book four in the Penchant for Trouble series. The main character Trish has gone through a lot and learned so much in the last three books, and it really starts to come to a head in book four! So I’m not giving away too many spoilers, I’ll just say book one is about a fae girl being raised in the human foster care system who is blackmailed by the Faerie Council to help capture an escaped fae fugitive. And things only get more crazy from there!

Where did you get the idea for this book or series?

My parents were foster parents even before I was born, so I had many foster siblings over the years. When I got old enough to notice how foster parents are portrayed in movies, books, and TV, I was annoyed. Most foster parents are amazing people trying to help kids. So I decided to write a story where the foster parents are the good guys! But I also love the fantasy genre, and wanted to blend the two things. So that’s how Penchant for Trouble was born!

Do you write in more than one genre?

I mostly write YA urban fantasy with strong themes about the importance of family, whether that’s blood related or not, but I also have a portal series started, which will crossover with the Penchant for Trouble world. It’s called the Arnath Chronicles. I dabble in epic fantasy a bit, with a dragon story coming out soon in an anthology called Dracos.

Tell me about something that you believe makes your writing unique or worthy of attention.

Being a foster sister growing up has given me unique perspectives into relationships. If you like stories with great characters, then you should give my books a try!

Is there anything about your personal history or personality that manifests strongly in your writing?

As well as the foster family aspect, I’ve also been in EMS for fifteen years. The emotion that goes with the trauma of some of those runs has made me empathetic to others pain, and has also helped me flesh out my characters.

What else would be helpful for readers to know about you?

Hmmm… I’m extremely into horses. I love everything about them. I like to rescue when I have the time and funds. They are my happy place when I’m not writing.

Excluding your own work, what underrated author or book would you recommend that more people read? Why?

The Enchanted Forest Chronicles are amazing books that I don’t often hear mentioned. I love them, they are magical and humorous, and one of the few series that I continue to read over and over.

Which of your books do you most highly recommend? Why?

I would definitely start with Regen. It’s the first book in Penchant for Trouble. I love the monsters, I love how Trish is learning it’s okay to love and be loved by her foster family even though she has abandonment issues.

Which break, event, decision, or fortuitous circumstance has helped you or your writing career the most?

I attended a couple small writing conferences as a teen, and I’m not sure that I would have had the confidence to continue writing without them. For anyone who wants to write, finding even a small local conference can be so encouraging.

What question do you wish you would get asked more often?

How many books are you going to have in your series? If people are asking that, they have probably read through what’s there and want more!

Do you have a catch-phrase or quote that you like? What is it? And why do you choose it?

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.
It’s so true, for every aspect of life. Just keep on keeping on, and eventually you’ll get there, even if it isn’t in the time frame you would like.

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Thanks to Cassie for participating.

Road Trippin' is available now in ebook and paperback. Anthology of both fiction and nonfiction travel stories. My nonfiction story about someone's motorcycle trip back in the 50s is the second story in the book. Enjoy it while you can.

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