Kasie West Discusses Writing Journey and New Novel

West describes herself as someone who draws energy from being with others but also values alone time. A mother of four and a graduate with a BA in elementary education, she enjoys chocolate and the creative process of storytelling.

Her passion for stories began in childhood, leading her to write her own. While she doesn't pinpoint a specific book as an inspiration, she credits her overall reading history with motivating her to tell her own stories.

Outside of writing, West enjoys binge-watching television, spending time at the beach or lake with her family, and indulging in good food.

For aspiring writers, West advises against comparing their work to others and emphasizes the importance of both reading widely and practicing writing.

Reflecting on her experience, she noted that she began writing at the age of 30 and continues to be her own motivator to focus on her own progress rather than others'.

Among her published works, West has a fondness for her debut novel, *Pivot Point*, which she recalls as a significant milestone in her career. In her latest book, *Fame, Fate, and the First Kiss*, she explores the story of a young woman navigating the challenges of becoming an actress and learning about the realities behind her dreams. The character Lacey, who originated from another of West's works, inspired this new narrative.

To write authentically about the film industry, West conducted research by visiting a short film set, which allowed her to gain firsthand experience of the filming process. She highlights that her research, while helpful, came with the challenge of ensuring accuracy in such a specific industry, balancing detail with storytelling.

A unique aspect of the book is the inclusion of screenplay snippets representing the fictional movie Lacey is acting in. West also shared that one of the characters, Donavan, is named after her son, which adds a personal touch to her writing.

Despite the challenges, West finds joy in the romantic elements of her stories and is excited about upcoming titles, recommending *I LOVE YOU SO MOCHI* by Sarah Kuhn for readers looking for a cute romance.