Strong Heroines, Mythical Worlds, And Heart-Stopping Stories
Debbie Cassidy discusses her creative process, love for mythology, strong heroines, and the evolution of her storytelling, offering insights and advice for aspiring authors in the fantasy romance genre.
Debbie Cassidy, known to her readers as Debbie Cassidy, is a literary force to be reckoned with. A USA Today Bestselling Author, she has carved a niche for herself in the realms of paranormal and urban fantasy, captivating audiences with her vivid imagination and masterful storytelling. Born in the UK and raised in a quaint town, Debbie’s journey from a psychology graduate to a full-time author is as inspiring as the heroines she brings to life. Her works are a testament to her ability to weave intricate plots, create immersive worlds, and craft characters that linger in the hearts of readers long after the final page.
Drawing from her cultural heritage and a deep appreciation for Indian mythology, Debbie’s stories are a rich tapestry of magic, danger, and romance. Her books, brimming with action and emotional depth, feature strong, take-charge heroines who navigate supernatural worlds with courage and wit. Whether it’s the morally grey Anamaya from her upcoming romantasy Wicked Onyx or the unforgettable Quinn from her Wolves of Hawthorne Cove series, Debbie’s characters are as complex and compelling as the worlds they inhabit.
In this exclusive interview, Debbie shares insights into her creative process, her love for mythology, and the organic evolution of her storytelling. She also offers invaluable advice to aspiring authors and gives us a glimpse into the inspirations behind her beloved works. It’s a privilege to delve into the mind of an author who continues to redefine the fantasy romance genre with every book she writes.
“Debbie Cassidy is a masterful storyteller, blending vivid world-building, compelling characters, and emotional depth into unforgettable fantasy adventures.”
What inspired you to write in the urban fantasy and reverse harem genres?
I grew up reading urban fantasy books, and so it felt natural to write in that genre because I had such love for it. Writing reverse harem was never planned. It happened organically in my Chronicles of Midnight series. The characters demanded it, and so did the story. I was powerless to resist. I went with and loved it. More stories found me after that.
“Writing reverse harem was never planned. The characters demanded it, and so did the story. I was powerless to resist.” – Debbie Cassidy
You’re known for writing strong, take-charge heroines. Tell us a little about the heroine of your upcoming Romantasy Wicked Onyx?
Anamaya is one of my first morally grey heroines. She’s last of a disgraced sorcerer bloodline. Exiled and cursed, Anamaya has had it tough. She’s learned to rely solely on herself, and friendship might as well be a curse word in her book. When she discovers that her bloodline may not be guilty of the crime that they were punished for, she sets out to uncover the truth and get a little vengeance. Her journey takes her to Nightsbridge Academy, a place teaming with monstrous beings called horrors, and home to some of the most lethal supernal bloodlines.
I’ve had a blast writing Anamaya. She’s witty, smart and knows how to fend for herself. I’m so excited for readers to meet her.
Can you share your creative process for building the unique worlds in your books?
I don’t have a specific process. My worlds tend to come to me in dreams or bolts of inspiration. I then spend days and weeks thinking about them and making random notes on my phone until it’s time to write the books. At this point I usually spend a day or two typing up my random notes and filling out the details. For me, the world building continues throughout my work on any series as I often discover new aspects of the world that I didn’t know about to start with.
How do you balance action, romance, and character development in your novels?
I go with my gut. I can usually feel when something it off and figure out what is needed to fix the issue. I also have an amazing team of alpha and beta readers who aren’t afraid to give me constructive criticism.
“You should see the reference section of my home library. I do a lot of reading on all kinds of mythology.” – Debbie Cassidy
Are there any particular myths or legends that influence your storytelling?
So many! Where to start? You should see the reference section of my home library. I do a lot of reading on all kind of mythology. Norse, Celtic, Slavic, Greek, Hindu, I have it all. I often find myself going down rabbit holes filled with juicy information that spark ideas and stories. I like to put my own spin on things and go from there. Right now, I’m deep into Hindu mythology.
“If you plan on writing Fantasy Romance, make sure that you’re familiar with the genre. Research is key!” – Debbie Cassidy
What advice would you give to aspiring authors in the fantasy romance genre?
If you plan on writing Fantasy Romance, then makes sure that you’re familiar with the genre. Read the bestsellers so you can see why they are so loved. Read books on mythology to get your brain teaming with ideas. You can also do a deep dive on the internet where you’ll find blogs on various mythology topics. I would also highly recommend reading some contemporary and paranormal romance books. Once again find the bestsellers. You’ll learn how to write a gripping, emotive dynamic between characters. And finally, read a few popular fantasy books, so you can be inspired by the wonderful world-building. Research is key!
Which of your characters do you feel most connected to, and why?
There’s a little piece of me in each of my characters. Yep, even the villains. But if I had to choose, I would say, I was the most connected to Quinn, from my Wolves of Hawthorne Cove Series. I put way too much of myself into her, flaws included.
