We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica A Kastle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica A, how do you think about risk?

Risk! It’s like, you’ll never know until you ask. Taking risks has played a significant role in my life and my career. If I hadn’t taken a risk, I never would have left my comfort zone, hometown, family, friends, and the stability those offered. Because I have, I’ve had the pleasure of living on both coastlines, have traveled extensively, and have met some incredible people all of which have influenced and enriched my writing. As far as my career, this is going to sound cliché, I quit a high profile job to follow my passion. That was a huge risk as it not only affected me, but my family. Then when I decided I was going to be an indie author, talk about risk. Suddenly I’m responsible for every detail, the editor, cover designer, formatting, and choosing the release day. Is it a good day? Bad day? Have I set up proper marketing? It’s crazy. But a good crazy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an indie author who writes urban fantasy and dark fantasy novels with a noir edge. I can’t tell a story to save my life, I can however, write you one. As a child, I remember watching a show or a movie and if I didn’t like the ending, I rewrote it. I loved that. Now I create my own worlds where powerful women and strong men face creatures of mythology, and myths and legends in the mountains of Northern California.

When I started out I was writing short horror stories, attempting to get them published and while some were, some were not. That was a lesson and it taught me I had to try again, and again, and there is always revision. It was part of writing, following my passion, and the need to continue to learn my craft. There’s nothing like seeing the finished book cover with my name on it, and then having the paperback in my hands.

I want my characters full of life and prepared to take the reader with them on their adventures.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since I live in the desert the first thing we would do is head out to watch a sunset, and then do some star gazing. We can’t forget the sunrises. I’m originally from Northern California, love the mountains, so we would head to June Lake or Mammoth Lakes. On the way back, in Lone Pine, there’s the Museum of Western Film History, and the Alabama Hills. Back in the desert there’s Route 66, and along its twists and turns are eclectic antique shops, diners, and tourist sights. I love cooking and hanging out in the backyard.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family. Besides their crazy stories, their support has given me a foundation of strength on which to stand.

Website: www.kastlenovels.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makastleauthor/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/monica-a-kastle-589b19175

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MAKastle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MAKastleAuthor%20/

Other: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8340066.M_A_Kastle

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.