About Me and My Adventures in Publishing

Happily aboard the Explorer of the Seas

Welcome to my adventures in publishing, where I share my experiences as an independent author with all its frustrations and glory. I'm not a nurse who writes but a writer who happens to be a nurse. A lover of words and books, I dreamed of becoming an author when I grew up, but became a nurse to avoid poverty. I later brought my two passions together and write about the intricate lives of people struggling with health and family issues. My stories are considered "clean," which means they are free of overt, graphic sexuality, violence, and objectionable language. 

To keep my writing load to a minimum, I often host friends and fellow authors who are also trying to make it in the publishing world. Look for New Release Spotlights, Cover Reveals, Interviews, blog tours, and sales. Disclaimer: featured titles and authors may not follow the "clean"  fiction model. Buyer beware!

Everything I know about self-publishing I went out and learned on my own through reading books and blogs, joining writers' groups and attending writers' conferences. How I wish I'd had someone to take me by the hand  and show me the way. This led me to share my knowledge both online via this blog and my Facebook and Twitter accounts. I also teach classes at three colleges in the Hudson Valley. 

I am also a founding member of AlzAuthors, the blog for authors writing about the dementias. Our goal is to raise awareness of these diseases and to spotlight carefully vetted books and blogs recommended for caregivers and others looking for knowledge and support. Each week we feature an author/blogger and I cross-blog that post  here. In order to support the work of AlzAuthors,  I am an Amazon Affiliate.

My debut novel Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story is a Kindle bestseller, IndieReader Approved, a Library Journal Self-e Selection, and a BookWorks featured book. It's also available in paperback and audiobook on Amazon. 

My latest release Swim Season, is the fast-paced drama driven story of Olympic hopeful Aerin Keane, starting senior year in her third high school and trying NOT to win. But can she hide her natural talent and competitive streak? Especially with a 50,000-dollar scholarship on the line?  Swim Season was recently named an Official Selection in the 2017 New Apple Book Awards: Young Adult General Fiction, and is a 5-star Readers' Favorite and a BookWorks Featured Book of the Week. Young Adult fiction, available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook on Amazon. 

I've also published three short stories in Kindle and audio: Ino's Love, Collection, Daisy Hunter Story No. 1, and Birthday Party, Daisy Hunter Story No. 2. My fourth short story, Christmas at Blue Hydrangeas, a prequel to the novel, is due for release in 2018.

A native Bostonian, I live in New York’s Hudson Valley, and when not writing work as a campus nurse at a community college. I love books, the beach, and craft beer, and especially enjoy the three of them together.

Author Interrupted  

To learn how repetitive strain injuries and thoracic outlet syndrome interrupted my writing life please visit My TOS Life  or Broken, Not Bitter. An Author’s Life with Repetitive Strain Injuries

Bunky Press

One of the wonderful things about being an independent author is that I get to start my own imprint. Bunky Press is named after my father, Ted Kasica, who passed away in 1976 and is not forgotten by anyone who loved him. Here's my logo, and a brief article about my dad, the fisherman, written by my brother Kenn Kasica. Enjoy! It's a great read. 
The cast out, the bite, the reel in – 35 years later.

### 

Don't miss a word! Follow my Adventures in Publishing.

Subscribe now.