Cassandra O'Sullivan Sachar

Cassandra O’Sullivan Sachar is a Pennsylvania-based writer specializing in horror and suspense. She holds a Doctorate in Education with a focus on Literacy from the University of Delaware, alongside an MFA in Creative Writing from Wilkes University. In addition to her work as an associate professor of English, her creative writing has appeared in over forty literary publications, including journals, magazines, and anthologies. On this episode, Cassandra joins Vince to discuss her latest short story collection, Keeper of Corpses. The collection is divided into four sections based on the seasons, with each story exploring different themes and emotions tied to the changing times of year. During the conversation, she reveals the influence of Greek mythology on both her name and a character in one of the stories, as well as her use of body horror throughout the collection. The discussion also touches on her creative process and how real-life experiences have inspired several of her works. Cassandra shares her journey as a horror writer, discussing how she revisited and updated the haunted doll trope in her story “A Gift for Avery.” She also mentions her novel Darkness There Is Something More and her upcoming horror novella. In addition to her writing, Cassandra reflects on her experience as a tenured professor, emphasizing the importance of teaching, helping students see their progress, and applying their skills in the real world. She addresses the mental health challenges faced in academia and recounts her experiences with extreme events, such as participating in zombie 5Ks and enduring blizzards, alongside her methods for handling problem students. Overall, the conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the inspirations behind Cassandra’s horror stories and the rewards and challenges of being both a writer and an educator. Website: https://cassandraosullivansachar.com Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cassandra-OSullivan-Sachar/author/B0BNJNZZ3Y?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosachar/ #cassandraosullivansachar #keeperofcorpses #darknesstherebutsomethingmore