The Story Behind the Story with Author Casey Shelley of Saint John, NB, Canada.

 

Someone new today on the Scribbler.

Let's welcome Casey and read about her newest novel.

 We met through a mutual author friend and I’m certain you will enjoy learning more about her and her writing.

We are pleased she accepted our invitation to be with us today.

She will also be participating at the GMRD Book Fair in April.

Read on my friends.

 

 

My name is Casey Shelley. I was born and raised in Rothesay, New Brunswick, Canada and currently make Saint John my home. I’ve had a passion for writing since early childhood (to the point that my mother bought me a typewriter at the age of ten).

After high school, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a Bachelor of Education from the University of New Brunswick. I then went on to earn a Master of Education in Literacy from Queen’s University.

I have worked as an elementary school teacher for almost ten years now. I absolutely love the ability to support my students with their writing skills. My passion for writing has never waned, and my short fiction and poetry have been published in various collections, both online and in print. My debut novel, Rexwood Rings, is a young adult fantasy being published with CSG Publishing House in the spring of 2025. A detailed publication history can be found at my author website linked below.

When I’m not writing, I can usually be found exploring the great outdoors with my wonderful husband, son and dog.

 

Title: Rexwood Rings

Synopsis: In a volcanic world hidden beneath Earth’s surface, Landon Rexwood lives an immortal life, protected by an ancient magic. But immortality comes at a deadly price. Every generation, the eldest son of the Rexwood bloodline must journey to the Outside—the human world—and provide a sacrifice before his eighteenth birthday. Failure of this mission means destruction of the Inside world Landon has always known.

Wexton, the eldest Rexwood brother, has already failed to complete his mission, placing the responsibility on Landon’s shoulders. Landon begins his journey, and time starts to run out as he struggles to find the perfect sacrifice. Along the way, he uncovers shocking truths about the human world, his family, and himself.

In a race against time, Landon must face impossible choices. Will he fulfill his family’s dark duty and save his world, or will uncovered truths change his mind?

The Story Behind the Story: My inspiration for this story started from a writing prompt I saw in a writing group online. The prompt was to create a story based on friendship and a ring. This simple idea ultimately led me to write a much bigger story.

I brought the short story to some beta readers for feedback. One suggested that the story seemed like it had the potential to be more—that the characters have a bigger story to tell. She suggested that I should try making the short piece into a novel. So, the current novel Rexwood Rings acts as a prequel to the initial short story. It features the two original characters, but many more layers have been added.

Website: Please go HERE.

A question before you go, Casey:

Scribbler: Where is your favourite spot to write? Are you messy or neat? Your beverage of choice?

Casey: My favourite spot to write is at the uptown library in Saint John. Something about being surrounded by other writers and readers, as well as so many wonderful books is inspiring. I find that I am much more motivated and productive when working outside of my home environment.

I have trouble focusing on my work if there is too much clutter around. If I have a clean desk, though, I can get the job done!

My beverage of choice is always iced coffee. I’m not picky about the brand if it contains enough caffeine to keep me writing!

Thank you for being our guest this week, Casey. We wish you continued success with your writing.

And a SPECIAL thank you to all our visitors and readers. 

We do it all for you!

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