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Cassandra Shrike

@cassandrashrike

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Fantasy & Horror Author 🔮
Archer 🏹
Parrot Mom 🦜

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It’s probably odd that I’m introducing my favorite writing companion before I officially introduce myself, but he’s too cute not to.

This is Oliver, my Eclectus parrot who sits on my shoulder while I write. His range of language includes “peakaboo”, “come here”, “he’s a good boy!” and many more wordless bings, bops, and boops. Unfortunately the other day he learned the low battery alert sound from our fire alarm and that shrill squeak has become one of his favorite noises. But that’s okay because he makes up for it by bringing me blocks (think 3 year old play blocks where you fit shapes into a bucket, his favorite one is neon green) and waiting until I throw them so he can fetch them like a dog.

He consistently reminds me that life is not that serious.

There are many times while I write that I am frustrated and unsure, stewing over a story with the blue light of the computer screen reflecting in my eyes. In those moments, I inevitably feel a little tap tap tap on my foot, which is Oliver’s way of saying, “May I please ride the elevator of your leg up?” his neon green block clutched in his beak.

Those moments break me from the trance of self doubt, and give me a little giggle so the writing can continue in full force.

That is why I say he’s my favorite little writing companion, he reminds me to lean into the joy! by @cassandrashrike

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5 months ago

Alright, I think it’s time for a formal introduction.

Hello! I’m Cassandra Shrike, a fantasy and horror author. Shocking, I know, to be in multiple genres but if Kingfisher can do it (big fan by the way) so can I.

I have been writing for most of my life. It started in middle school and high school where I would scribble imaginary scenes I couldn’t get out of my head into notebooks simply because they wouldn’t stop playing repeatedly in my mind until I did. I tried writing a few books during that time, but never really understood how to actually finish one.

Then in high school, I got my first professional writing job as a journalist.

My column in the weekly local newspaper was dedicated to highlighting businesses across town. I talked about why the owners started them, what they did, and what made them unique. Which meant I got to flex my writing skills, and my business skills all in one place, not to mention get paid (even if it was sometimes less than a couple dollars!) for my writing.

As an adult I went to college for business school and started writing short stories. I decided to submit them to a few places and was utterly shocked when they were awarded and published so I wrote 15 more. I also wrote a book during that time as well to see if I liked tackling a project that big. Turns out I did even though it was yet another story that (likely) won’t see the light of day anytime soon.

Professionally I grew as well, and started my own business as a ghostwriter. That is why I’ve begun using the pen name Cassandra Shrike, because my professional life is deeply tied to my actual name, and I’d prefer to not constantly be worried about how my personal, tension filled, fantasy and horror stories would reflect on my business (talk about a creative blocker).

Now I’m here, sharing a bit of myself with you. Thanks for being here for the journey, if anything else, it should at least be entertaining! by @cassandrashrike

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5 months ago

Eragon + Golden Compass = my current WIP

This story was noodling around in my brain for several years before I decided to tackle writing it. I had written other books (which likely won’t see the light of day anytime soon) and had won a few awards for my short stories before this project seemed like something I could actually bring to life in the way I envisioned it.

It is a fantasy novel which follows the story of Evelyn who becomes bound to a rare spirit (Outi), and gains access to a power that turns her into a target both the empire, and the rebellion, are determined to claim. She is forced into a conflict that threatens to decide the future of both, and she must figure out who to trust, and who to fight.

As beta readers have begun reading this project it’s been amazing to hear the passion and excitement they have for this story. And to hear others talk about the characters and drama that has only lived in my head for years.

I can’t wait to finish this WIP and get it into reader hands. I’m so grateful for everyone who has supported me in bringing it to life.

P.S. Peep my @mythulu cards helping me adjust some of the finer points. One of my favorite writing tools! by @cassandrashrike

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5 months ago

I will read pretty much anything T. Kingfisher writes at this point, and her new book Wolf Worm did not disappoint. The bug science is fascinating and horrifying in equal measure, and the wolf worm premise is nightmare fuel in the best way.

It also landed extra weird because after a trip to Bear Lake, a flamed tarantula-hawk wasp landed on my husband and we googled what the hell that was. Turns out it’s terrifying and you absolutely don’t want to get stung by it. Apparently insects have been following me on and off the page lately.

But one of the other things that I loved was the watercolor thread in this book. Sonia is a skilled scientific illustrator who often thinks in color. Even if the imagery is horrifying. As someone who paints, I have felt that worry articulated so well in this story about capturing colors correctly and struggling with the amount of water added to a painting. (Quick way to ruin a good watercolor!)

This book was creepy, strange, and funny in exactly the right places. Another fantastic release! by @cassandrashrike

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24 days ago

I have always been inspired by bodies of water. Be it the ocean, lakes, rivers, and even little babbling brooks running past my tent. This is Bear Lake, a place near and dear to me and my family. I could watch the waves forever. What places inspire you most? by @cassandrashrike

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25 days ago

The only way I can describe this book is velvety. It touches on loneliness, guilt, heartache, and love in such beautiful ways.

Toadling is one of my favorite faerie perspectives I’ve read, and her conversations with Halim the knight give their unique relationship so much depth. Kingfisher approached this retelling of Sleeping Beauty with a focus on the faerie who put the princess asleep instead of the princess herself and in doing so gave us a window into the faerie world and the forces at work we humans don’t understand.

I love a good short book, and this one was one I could settle down and read within a few hours. It has certainly earned its way onto my shelf. If you get the chance to pick it up, I'd love to hear what you thought about it. by @cassandrashrike

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a month ago

✨Shoutout Sunday✨

I want to take a minute to highlight some of my favorite accounts here in the reading community. These are just a few incredibly talented authors, uplifting readers, and all around amazingly supportive human beings (and their furred and feathered sidekicks!) who make this creative space better. Take a minute to check out their pages. I promise you won’t be disappointed! 🎉

Listed:
@cassandrashrike
@hjabrwriter
@just.shalene.reading
@thereadingbeard
@1ce.upon.a.girl

Also! Pay it forward with some shoutout vibes. Drop a comment with YOUR favorite bookish accounts so I can check them out and give them a follow as well! 🤩

Until next time. ✨

#booksbooksbooks #authorsofinstagram #writersofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram by @cassandrashrike

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2 months ago

Where are my War of the World and Signs fans at?!

I adore all things alien, be it movies, books, or spooky stories told around a fire. So when I was greeted with this at the end of my hike I grinned like a kid at Christmas.

What are your favorite alien movies/books? by @cassandrashrike

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2 months ago

Have you read any of the books in my upcoming TBR? I’m debating which to read next, especially since @sidwell.logan's book The Human Countermove just won Speculative Fiction Notable read from the Utah Book Awards. Congrats my friend! Your hard work is paying off!! by @cassandrashrike

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2 months ago

For the past several days I've enjoyed coffee, connections, and a whole lot of writing discussion at #Quills2026!

Thank you to @calliegraphic and @lindsay_hiller_author for some amazing presentations and great conversations.

And thank you to Ron Gerber, @logansliterary @calliegraphic @ericjohnanderson @danyocom @talysatalysa, and Danielle Gremlich for making me laugh until I couldn't stop! 💜

Conferences like these truly fill my bucket. Can't wait for the next one! by @cassandrashrike

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2 months ago

Psst...check out this poem I made about the tarot reading in my pic.

Of Stars, Pentacles, and Fools

Fear cripples.
It blinds, gags,
and fills your mouth with stones.
It leans close and whispers,
"You cannot succeed."
"This is impossible."
"Turn back while you still can."
So often, we believe it.

But Fear softens beneath a steady gaze.
Walk around it,
study its shape,
and open your heart.
You will see,
you do not face an enemy.
Only a weary guardian
keeping vigil.

Brush the dust from its shoulders.
Ruffle its hair.
Tell it,
"Even if the path is uncertain,
I know I will find my way."
Fear shrinks and grumbles,
watching carefully
as you glide through dark.

It no longer blinds you,
or fills your mouth with stones.
Now, it walks beside you,
as faithful guardians do.
Some days it will bark
at shadows only it can see.
Smile, thank it for its concern.
Then keep walking.

It is no longer your compass. by @cassandrashrike

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3 months ago

For the past month, every time I felt inspired, I took a picture. It was a little experiment I ran on myself. I thought I would be collecting an album of beautiful photos, but now that I see these, I realize I was actually collecting small moments of presence.

Don’t get me wrong, some of these photos ARE beautiful, but most are almost laughably ordinary. Yet, every single one gave me a new idea or perspective around one of my current projects.

Maybe that’s what inspiration actually is…just paying close enough attention to the ordinary that it has a chance to spark something extraordinary. What do you think? by @cassandrashrike

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3 months ago