MVSKOKE RESERVATION – Cassidy Osborn knew from a young age she would be a writer. The Mvskoke citizen even remembers telling her middle school librarian she would be an author some day. That drive came to fruition with the publication of Osborn’s first work, a children’s book titled “Why Farrah Fell,” which tells the story of a little bird eager to see the world.
Osborn always had an affinity to storytelling and reading, and knew from a young age it would be part of her life. As a parent, she created stories for her own children for years, but never wrote them down until a few years ago. It only took a little nudge and networking for “Why Farrah Fell” to come to be. “I mentioned them to my husband and he is the one who really encouraged me to publish. A few months later, I contacted a friend about doing the illustrations and ‘Why Farrah Fell’ was born.”
Inspiration began at home for Osborn, with life informing her work as a writer. The mother of five shared, “I think I was drawn to children’s literature because it’s what I know. I have five children and we have also fostered in the past, so I feel like I have a good grasp of what children want to read and what they need to hear from their caregivers.”
Osborn chose to self-publish through Kindle Direct Publishing and found the speed and ease of using the Amazon service, coupled with having ownership over her work, were huge advantages. She shared, “Independent publishing has really been on the rise the last few years and KDP is a big reason for that. For me, it was mostly about maintaining creative control and rights to the story. However, you are totally on your own for marketing, so be prepared to take on several roles if you choose to go that route.”
She has also got other books in the works. A children’s book titled “Someday” that will be coming out in a few months is about a young girl searching for future careers. Osborn shared, “It has fun rhymes and the cutest illustrations.” Osborn is also working on a middle grade historical fiction novel close to her Mvskoke roots about a Native American boarding school student in the early 1900s.
“This is definitely more of a challenge for me, but I am excited to have the opportunity to share a perspective not commonly shown in historical fiction,” Osborn said. “As a Muscogee citizen, I have family members who attended mission schools and while I wish I had gotten to hear those stories first hand, I have drawn on the accounts of others and hope to really give a taste of what those children might have experienced; both good and bad.”
Supporting local writers is vital to their success. The Okemah native also acknowledges the support it takes to become a published writer, she shared, “Supporting independent authors is as easy as sharing their posts, leaving reviews, and gifting their books for birthdays, baby showers, or even to local schools.”
Support also grows close to home just like her inspiration. “Growing up in a small town has been so pivotal in my book journey. My community has really stepped up with their support and it means the world to me.” Osborn related.
Interested in Osborn and her work? “Why Farrah Fell” can be found on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback. Other works are coming soon.
