From acting to blogging to sound engineering, Cassandra Medcalf has always been a storyteller, even when life took her in every other direction first. It wasn’t until post-COVID shutdowns, when live events disappeared overnight, that Cass returned to the two creative loves that had always called her back: acting and writing. 

She dove into audiobook narration, collaborating with self-published women authors who were boldly publishing their stories. Seeing their bravery, and success, sparked something in her. “I used to write all the time,” she thought. “What if I wrote a novel?” 

When her friends read that first book and demanded to know when it would be published… she hit “publish.” Simple as that. 

Building Community Through Story

One of the most defining parts of Cass’s journey is the supportive network she’s built. First, as a narrator, then as a writer. Online groups led to friendships. Conferences turned into publishing opportunities. New genres introduced her to authors who shared her identity and values. Now she’s part of groups spanning Minnesota authors, LGBTQ+ authors, and genre-specific collectives, all cheering each other on. 

“We’re all helping each other every chance we get,” she says. “It makes us all stronger.” 

Why Monster Romance?

Cass’s first book was contemporary women’s fiction but marketing her bisexual characters into either straight or sapphic romance spaces felt impossible. The industry wasn’t built for fluidity. 

Meanwhile, monster romance, a genre rooted in metaphors of difference, otherness, and belonging. “There’s a whole history of monsters being code for queerness,” she explains. “Characters who never fit in finally find acceptance.” 

In fantastical settings deep under the sea, tangled in tentacles, wrapped in humor Cass creates stories of self-acceptance, transformation, and love that sees you as you really are. And readers love it.

Audiobooks: When to Hit Record

As both author and narrator, Cass has unique insight into audio publishing. Her biggest advice? Wait.

“Audio is part of your overall marketing plan. The best-selling audiobooks are the best-selling books.” 

If readers aren’t asking for audio yet? Focus on your ebook and print sales first. Build your audience. Then bring them along into listening formats.

She also breaks down budgeting, timelines, narrator selection, and red flags from lack of social presence to zero audiobook experience. 

Creativity With Courage

Cass encourages new authors to start small and start for yourself:

“If you love reading and writing, you’re allowed to do it for you. The worst that can happen is people don’t read it, and that’s no different than if you never share it.” 

Her journey is proof that your voice can take you places you never expected even beneath the waves into worlds full of monsters, humor, and heart.