Author Interview with Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar
1. When did you start writing?
I’ve been telling stories since before I could write—my mom would take dictation for me on paper she’d sew together into little books. My writing process became smoother with literacy, of course! I was fairly serious about writing while growing up but became jaded for a number of years after so many rejections. During the pandemic, though, my heart led me back to my passion. I enrolled in an MFA program and fully recommitted to my craft.
2. What was your journey towards becoming an author like?
Bumpy, to say the least! My first creative publication was an essay I wrote in high school, but it took 25 years before my second! In the meantime, I completed a great deal of academic writing, both research studies and practitioner pieces, but they were never as fulfilling for me as writing fiction has been. I’m glad I embraced the role of writing researcher for the years that I did, as it led me to many professional opportunities, but I don’t see myself going back to it at this point. I’m having too much fun writing horror.
3. What can you tell me about your latest book? (Feel free to include an excerpt.)
My most recently published book is the psychological horror novella Close the Door, which came out on January 17.
Natalie, a single mom, can’t afford medical treatment for the unexplained pain in her foot, so she tries to improve it on her own by quitting running and turning to yoga. During the meditation component of class one day, she follows the instructor’s prompt and envisions opening a door to a better future.
Instead, she unlocks something far more nefarious: a portal to another realm.
After she begins experiencing frequent blackouts, Natalie fears she will lose herself completely to the force controlling her body. Someone—something—has been waiting for this opportunity, and it won’t give up without a fight.
4. What sort of methods do you use for book promotion?
I’ve used Facebook and Instagram to announce new books and share information about them. I’ve also gone on a number of podcasts and done written interviews to talk about my books. However, my favorite method is face-to-face; I love interacting with readers in person, so I’ve found a number of events and venues, such as festivals and libraries, where I can do readings and sell books.
5. Where do you get your ideas for stories?
I am a very anxious person, so many of my ideas come from my own fears. A few of my short stories have been pretty autobiographical in nature except for the parts where the truly awful event happens! In general, though, my ideas start out as seeds and grow. I’ll begin with a single item—whether a character, setting, or even plot point—and build the rest of the story around it.
6. What are you working on right now?
I’m building my second collection of short horror stories. I have thirteen finished already and plan to reach at least twenty before I start looking for a publisher. I love writing short stories since they allow me to showcase my range as a writer, including everything from body horror to horror comedy to truly terrifying tales.
7. Any advice for other authors?
Don’t let the fear of rejection stop you from achieving your dreams. If you don’t submit your work, you won’t get anything published. Think of every rejection as a reminder that you’re persevering. You’re that much closer to publication.
ABOUT CASSANDRA:
Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar is a horror/mystery/suspense writer and associate English professor in Pennsylvania who teaches creative writing, composition, and composition theory classes. She holds a Doctorate of Education with a Literacy Specialization from the University of Delaware and an MFA in Creative Writing with a focus on horror fiction from Wilkes University. She is the author of the Regal Summit Book Award-winning dark suspense novel Darkness There but Something More (Wicked House Publishing, 2024), the short horror story collection Keeper of Corpses and Other Dark Tales (Velox Books, 2024), the middle-grade mystery The Hidden Diary (Baynam Books Press, 2024), the horror novella Close the Door (Baynam Books Press, 2025), and the YA thriller Lake of Secrets (Horrorsmith Publishing, 2025). She is also the editor (and a contributing author) of Wicked Universe: A Wicked House Publishing Anthology (Wicked House Publishing, 2024). A member of the Horror Writers Association, she has short creative work in more than fifty literary journals, magazines, and anthologies including The Horror Zine, Tales from the Moonlit Path, and The Stygian Lepus.
