Rising Stars: Meet Kassandra Keator of Northern Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kassandra Keator

Hi Kassandra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I knew the arts– drawing, painting, and creative writing mostly– would be my passion from a young age. Growing up in South Florida, I thankfully had many opportunities to participate in my hobbies and showcase them. I was also raised with both American and Cuban cultures, which helped to broaden my understanding of diversity, culture, and language in my youth, especially with both English and Spanish being spoken in my home daily.

As the years went on, picture books turned into short stories, which then turned into fully fledged novel ideas in high school. The inspiration for my debut novel, “Orchard of the Fox,” the first story within The Absorbism Series, came to me in 2012. I was about 15 at the time, and going through a lot. I sadly cannot recall the exact way I came up with the idea for the story. I just know that it became my escape from many years of hard times that would follow. Eventually, in 2016, I was able to leave Florida and begin my new life in Northern Michigan. Long story short, I am much happier here, and have fallen in love with the state– both halves! This is the reason for the location of the book: a rural town near the Mackinac Bridge of Michigan.

Living in such an environment gave me further muse for my writing. Finally, in 2023, I self-published it as an eBook, then in paperback in 2024. I had a wonderful illustrator, alongside my partner and several friends, work with me for years to proofread and edit my manuscript while also creating the beautiful cover that it has now. When I kept being rejected by agents and editors, I decided to take my success into my own hands. The road to learning how to properly promote your product has been bumpy, but also a blast. I have sold a fair amount now in such little time, which excites me. I can’t wait to learn more and publish more.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Referencing from my last answer– no, it was not smooth at all. I dealt with illness in the home from the age of nine. I grieved the loss of a parent at thirteen. My teen years were filled with emotional abuse and manipulation. After moving out on my own, it became impossible to live in Florida with my partner, not only because of financial reasons, but also because of familial strain. Thankfully, my partner’s family in Michigan was willing to have us move up there to be with them. We stayed in a basement for a time, then moved a few more times over the years between an apartment, a trailer, and now our first house. I worked a very stressful social work job for four years, which was providing me no work-life balance whatsoever– not to mention a major health scare. I remain in that field, but with an overall, much more doable position. All of these factors have affected the amount of time and energy in which I was able to work toward my biggest goal: publishing a book.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Having a Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Creative Writing, I like to put together stories that focus on raw human emotions and struggles. Personal experiences, along with the use of many literary devices, helped to mix fantasy and realistic fiction together. I like to refer to it as “Magical Realism.” Many say that they enjoy my extensive imagery and sensory descriptions. I definitely have a weak spot for that in my writing.

I think I am most proud of my ability to have pulled off this entire book at all. Between a chaotic childhood and fluctuating muse, at times, I felt I would never achieve my goal. It is more difficult than some may think to create a book, or at least a book of high quality, with layers upon layers of careful consideration, hours of critiques and edits.

I think what sets me apart from others is perhaps how much of my own experiences and feelings have been bled into every page I write. These stories are catharsis for me. My characters mean quite a lot to me. A lot of thought and love is put into every single one. Many have told me that this aspect of my writing has made my stories more authentic, especially in the way of character thoughts and dialogue. It feels more real to them, something that one might find their own solace in while reading.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I have created several social media accounts in an attempt to get more attention for my work, even though I’m not the best at using them sometimes. I have not used many resources in helping with my writing other than from college classes, online articles, or gaining inspiration from works I have read along the way.

Pricing:

• $15.99 for paperback, which I find more affordable than most books I see.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/kkeator_books
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/Orchard-Fox-Kassandra-Keator/dp/B0DB7FC22Z/