Kevin M. Casin

I’m Kevin M. Casin, I currently live in Maryland.

Question 1: What inspired you to start writing?

Coming up with characters and situations were always natural to me so I decided to write them down one day. Reading also helped, by showing me how a person can build an entire world full of characters and magic, and I wanted to do exactly that.

Question 2: How have your past experiences influenced you as a writer?

By providing material for my stories. Every piece has some basis in a past experience. It might be a very short moment or feeling that I inflate, add some magic, and boom I have a story.

Question 3: What have you written that you're the most proud of?

“Of Ink and Blood” in 34 Orchard.

Question 4: What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you? 

When I just stare at a blank page and no words, nothing is coming, or worse only bad writing is coming through.

Question 5: When did you first call yourself a writer? 

Probably not until yesterday.

Question 6: What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?

100% a pantser. I tried to outline one day and that story turned into a poem. Nothing wrong with a poem it was just supposed to be a story.

Question 7: What is your kryptonite as a writer?

Tell me about a rule. I’m some one naturally inclined to follow rules. If you tell me there’s one, I will follow it thinking it will lead me to success. Sometimes it does but more often I get stuck trying to sharply abide by the rule.

Question 8: What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

Do multiple things at once. In one scene or few paragraphs do world building, characterization, plot development, etc. all at once. Don’t overwhelm but do it all at once.

Question 9: What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?

Reading. When you read, you how other writers do it. You see the things you are told not to do glaring up at you and you learn how to do it well. And you get to point at a resource to say, “you can do it. Neil Gaiman does it. So can I.”

Question 10: Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?

Haruki Murakami, JRR Tolkien, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez have been my biggest influences.