Q&A with Author, Cassandra R. D’Alessandro

Cassandra R. D’Alessandro – Author Bio

Cassandra R. D’Alessandro is a writer from a small town in Ontario. She writes short stories, poems, and novels across various genres such as fantasy, romantasy, thriller, and mystery. Her favourite subjects to write about include vampires, daring quests, werewolves, epic love stories, witches, magic, fae, and dragons. Outside of writing, Cassandra enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, trying out new wellness trends, socializing, and reading.

Q&A

What is it about dragons that you love so much?

I love dragons because they are beautiful creatures. I have always been an animal lover. When I was a child, I would nerd out on wildlife books and shows. I love all animals, but I have always been fascinated by predators. My dad bought me the book Nature’s Predators: Snakes, Birds of Prey, Crocodilians, Sharks-Secrets and Skills of Successful Hunters in the Wild, and I was completely obsessed with it as a child. I would spend hours sitting by my bookshelf reading about anacondas, hawks, great white sharks and crocs. I think once I discovered dragons, it was only fitting that I would love them. They are very similar to all the animals I was already obsessed with.

Another aspect that draws me to dragons is their mysterious nature. They are mythical beings that show up in different ancient legends from all over the world. I find them very curious, and learning about them sparks my imagination. Lastly, to me, dragons represent freedom, among other things. Freedom is probably the one thing I want more than anything in the world. I think the part of me that longs for freedom in every area of my life resonates with the giant, fire-breathing, flying creatures. 

Why do you enjoy writing about dragons?

I enjoy writing about dragons, because I like portraying them as the beautiful, mysterious, creatures that they are and not as the monsters a lot of myths paint them out to be. In the words of the great Rubeus Hagrid, the gamekeeper and Keeper of Keys and Grounds of Hogwarts, “[Dragons] are seriously misunderstood creatures.” I couldn’t agree more. Being able to write dragons the way I think they should be represented in literature is the biggest reason I love writing about them.

I also enjoy writing about dragons for the simple reason that I want to live in a world where dragons exist. Obviously, the lack of dragons here on earth makes that next to impossible, so I have opted for the next best thing. Creating new worlds in my mind where dragons are free to soar makes me very happy. 

What are some of your favorite books to read featuring dragons?

I absolutely love reading about dragons. Some of my favourite books that feature dragons are The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling, A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin, The Realm of the Elderlings Series by Robin Hobb, Flesh and Fire Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas. 

What got you into writing?

I fell in love with the art of storytelling and creative writing when I was 9 years old. I still remember the awe and excitement I felt after watching The Fellowship Of The Ring for the first time. After renting it over and over again from Blockbuster, I used my birthday money to purchase The Lord Of The Rings trilogy book set, as well as The Hobbit, and I devoured them. The books completely transported me. As I read, I felt like I was on my own journey in Middle Earth, fighting alongside my new friends to defeat Sauron and his dark forces. Like many, J. R. R. Tolkien’s, The Lord Of The Rings, ignited my imagination and sparked a lifelong passion for creative storytelling.

Growing up, I would write stories and poems. I would frequently brainstorm novel ideas and would create storyboards planning out my dynamic plots. I used writing as a tool to harness my creativity, while also processing my own emotions.

I stopped writing for most of my twenties. However, I am currently working on my first novel, which is very exciting. Inspiration for this novel came during the pandemic. I was overwhelmed by the state of the world. My OCD and anxiety were getting the better of me. Whenever I thought of the future, only dark, grim images filled my mind. To help me feel more positive, I started to write fantasy. Fiction has a beautiful way of soothing the soul. It can be an escape for when we need to forget reality and an inspiration when we need to face it. Working on building a world and characters helped me to escape while inspiring me to have hope for a better future. And thus, my love for creativity was reignited, and I began writing again.    

If there was one piece of advice you could give to other writers, what would it be?

If I could give other writers one piece of advice, I would tell them to follow their hearts and trust themselves during the writing process. There is no right or wrong way to write, and one of the best parts of any art form is getting to do it your way. I think a lot of new writers look to other writers and try to copy their style, or their process, and while I think that could be helpful at first, I think it is so important to carve your own path with your writing. No two writers are the same, and I believe as writers we should celebrate this more. Treat writing like the art form it is and create in a way that makes the most sense to you. 

Where can readers follow your writer platform?

Readers can follow me on Instagram. Please feel free to send me a message, I love connecting with readers and other writers. Visit my website and sign up for my newsletter. Readers can also visit my Wattpad page and enjoy my free stories. I currently have a short story series called The Lost Prince that I would love readers to experience. This three part short story series follows Lucean Favian Rosedane as he sets out to reclaim his throne and restore his kingdom. Hidden in a small port town, one Yule Eve, Lucean Favian Rosedane faces a choice that could reshape destiny itself. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, he must decide whether to emerge from his concealment and risk everything to reclaim the throne stolen from him. Will he find the courage to confront his past and reclaim his kingdom, or will he remain in the safety of anonymity, forever haunted by the echoes of a usurped legacy? Enjoy this exciting journey, as this short story series takes you on an epic quest.