Read & Listen

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”
– Plato

Podcasts

The TufFish Show

Building an authentic brand with Cassie Sanchez

Writing Community Author Discussion

Fantasy Worlds and the Paranormal Realms of Magic and Myths

Run Mama, Run Podcast

Why Write a Book?

Susan Wingate, DIALOGUE Between the Lines

Writing the Romantic Fantasy Novel with Cassie Sanchez

Everything But the Book Podcast with Sarah and Less

Chasing the Darkness with Cassie Sanchez

The Merry Writer Podcast

What are Some Tips for Launching a Debut Book?

Myth & Magic Podcast

An interview with the New Mexico based fantasy author Cassie Sanchez. Cassie chats about writing love-scenes, creating tension and researching magic for her new novel, Chasing the Darkness, which features the angel of death.

Persistence U with Lizbeth Podcast

Cassie Sanchez knew she was lucky. She'd enjoyed two decades as a stay-at-home-mom, minding the family's details and having time to herself when the kids were at school. But kids grow up. And when Cassie's did, she questioned her purpose and her worth.

Go to Persistence U with Lizbeth poscast.

It Came From the Radio Podcast

Mark, Fishy Sarcasm's Dominic Sparano, and Jenny Feldy discuss the news, a new Jaybird and Lee segment, a new Bookworm Batson Segment, and Senior Correspondent Charlie Saladino interviews Author Cassie Sanchez.

Music

With raising two boys, having quiet in the home was rare, and is a luxury I now treasure. However, when I’m writing, I find the silence morphs into distraction. I’ve discovered that music sparks my creativity and sets the mood for the scene I’m working on.

On this page, you will find playlists that inspired a character or feeling. Also, I have a few of my favorite books listed below.

Chasing the Darkness

The Chasing the Darkness playlist is my go-to for writing and editing my current novel and plotting the sequel. It is full of titles from soundtracks of popular movies and video games to production music companies like Audiomachine and Instrumental Core.

Deep Focus

Sometimes a girl needs to focus as she sorts through grammar and plot issues, and the calming sounds of this playlist set the mood.

100 Greatest Piano Pieces

When I’m not writing about a battle or creating romantic tension, I often listen to this. I used to take piano lessons, so this playlist resonates with me.

Favorite Books

Fantasy Series

Harry Potter

Harry Potter (of course)

J.K. Rowling

I love escaping to the world Rowling created with magic, shifting staircases, and mysterious creatures. I’ve read and listened to this series more times than I care to admit. Rowling is a genius with how she tied everything together where love is the underlying current through the entire series.

A Court of Silver Flames
A Court of Thorns and Roses

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Sarah J. Maas

I love this series mostly because of the characters. Maas makes you love them, hate them, cry for them, and want to be a part of their world. I can’t tell you which one is my favorite as that’ll be a bit of a spoiler alert if you haven’t read these yet. (Mature content warning)

Six of Crows
Crooked Kingdom

Six of Crows Duology

Leigh Bardugo

These two books gripped me from the beginning with the anti-hero, Kaz Brekker and his gang of misfits. Bardugo has written a few series that take place in the same amazing world she created.

Favorite Romantic Comedy

Beach Read
The Friend Zone

Beach Read

Emily Henry

The Friend Zone

Abby Jimenez

These two books are light-hearted and fun to read. Sometimes a girl needs a break from mystical creatures, battles, and magic. Although, rom-coms can have a magic all their own.

Favorite Non-Fiction

Writing 21st Century Fiction

Writing 21st Century Fiction

Donald Maas

When learning the craft of writing, there are a multitude of books, websites, workshops – you name it. Honestly, it can be a bit overwhelming. Besides Stephen King’s memoir, the first book I read was Writing 21st Century Fiction by Donald Maass. A memorable quote from Maass’s book (2012) is, “To write high-impact 21st century fiction, you must start by becoming highly personal. Find your voice, yes, but more than that, challenge yourself to be unafraid, independent, open, aware, and true to your own heart. You must become your most authentic self.” (p.4)

Goliath Must Fall

Goliath Must Fall

Louie Giglio

Do you struggle with fear, rejection, addiction, anger, or comfort? I honestly could say yes to all of these which is why I really enjoyed Louie Giglio’s Goliath Must Fall. It’s all about winning the battle against your giants where Giglio gives you a new twist on the classic story of David and Goliath. One (of many) quotes I loved was “The opposite of fear is not being bold and courageous. The opposite of fear is faith. And faith begins by us saying ‘I have confidence in God that he is bigger than this giant.’” (p.56)