About Me

Sassy Cassie

Those close to me call me Sassy for a reason, I'm a no-nonsense type of gal. I've got opinions and my language can get colorful. I challenge the status quo for a reason - because individual goals don't fit in a one size fits all container.

Being a writer doesn't need to be a solo activity. I learned over the years, that I excel when it's not, and maybe you do too. I provide this for my clients and my subscriber community.

I have a knack for making things that are complex into simple tangible pieces when working with clients. I love when clients walk away with a-ha moments and are energized to work on their stories. My favorite part of coaching is idea generation and nailing down a story, its characters, genre, and outline; this is my superpower. Need to dial up the emotion and theme? I can help you get there.

I may not be the right fit for you, or you for me, but I can help you find alternatives. I'm not an editor, but I know some great ones depending on your needs.

How Did I Get Here?

I hired my first coach in 2016 to help me with my first novel. I needed an accountability partner, who would also review and coach me through the entire publishing process.

Knowing myself, I needed a financial push (skin in the game) to ensure that I would complete my story and hit that publish button. You see, I had written a novel and other stories before but they were never quite what I wanted to publish.

As I wrote more, I began seeking my tribe and community and became active in critique groups and other forums. It was then that I found my affinity for helping others with all that I had learned and continue to learn about; story, craft, and publishing.

Friends began asking me for help with their books, stories, and character challenges. This motivated me to turn my newfound passion into something more!

I feel anyone can write a book.

You don't have to be a brilliant wordsmith or lifelong writer or reader.

In my youth, I had a reading disability. It didn't stop my love of stories or later as an adult, my drive to become an author. If you're not ready for a coach but want tips and insight into writing, subscribe to my email list and join the community - it's all free! Lots of helpful tips and knowledge are departed in these forums.

If you want something more personalized to you and your story, keep reading to see if I'm your coach.

The Extra Deets

Wanting to learn more about me ?
I'm in a few other places because aren't we all more than one thing?

Podcaster

Current co-host to The Author Next Door. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned writer, you’ll find relatable discussions about the self-publishing journey, our personal experiences, and insightful conversations with expert guests and fellow authors.

Listen Now Watch Now

Fiction Author

I'm an award-winning multi-genre author who writes romance as C.K. Darling and young adult fantasy and poetry as C.M. Newell.

From quick, charming Southern romances to empowering YA fantasy featuring strong heroines, my work spans multiple genres and styles.

YA Fantasy & Poetry Romance

Coaching

My love and passion is around story development with expertise in pre & post-production of your story!

Ready to find that spark in order to start and finish your story?

My Services

Am I Your Coach?

You have an idea, a glimpse of a story that you've always wanted to tell, but you are not sure how to get there?

I'm your coach.

You've got a great story idea, you may know some of the characters and the plot, but there are gaps and it's not flowing the way you'd hope.

I'm your coach.

You are eager to self-publish or query for traditional publishing but aren't sure of the approach.
I'm your coach.

I'm not your coach if you're unable to try new exercises and look at your story from another perspective.

I'm not your coach if you are looking for an editor.

I'm not your coach if you don't like being pushed, sometimes in a sweet but sassy way, to re-write outline points or scenes.

I'm not your coach if you're just looking for a rubber stamp of approval to say your book/writing is brilliant (they could be, but I'll guide you to be better!).

It's push time - I'm a southern gal by heart and nature. I enjoy working with those who want to put in the work.

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