An Inspired Chat with Christy Cashman of Back Bay

Christy Cashman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Christy, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve found myself grateful more than once that I didn’t rush a decision. For example, when I was writing The Truth About Horses, it took nearly nine years from the initial seed of the idea to publication.

During that time the story shifted, deepened, got quieter in some ways, and if I’d forced it along for the sake of speed I know it wouldn’t have become what it did. I think a lot of the reason it took me so long to write is because I was finding myself while finding my characters in my story, and my personal development was key to who the characters shaped out to be. During those years I learned to trust the slow unfolding of what I really wanted to say, rather than throttle ahead for the sake of finishing fast. That waiting gave the characters space to breathe, gave me time to grow as a writer, and in hindsight I can see it saved the story from being diluted or superficial.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi everyone! My name is Christy Scott Cashman. I work across a few different creative worlds: author, actress, producer, mentor. I’ve been in over twenty films, and for the last several years I’ve focused much of my energy on writing, storytelling and building programs for young creators.

I’m especially proud of my brand as an author: I write with heart, in places I know or love, seeking to explore connection, identity, transformation particularly through characters who feel seen and unheard. My first novel, The Truth About Horses stemmed from my lifelong love of horses and that deep sense of longing I felt growing up.

What makes my work unique is that it weaves together different parts of who I am (the performer, the storyteller, the mentor, the equestrian) and places them in settings that blend real life with a touch of the unexpected. I also run a nonprofit mentorship program based in Ireland and Boston called YouthINK for teens (ages 13–18) focused on writing, storytelling and self-expression.

Right now I’m working on two major projects: my third children’s book (with Mascot Kids) slated for release in early 2026, and my second novel, Beulah (with She Writes Press) set for summer 2026. These projects give me room to explore new worlds — Beulah is set in the Smoky Mountains in the 1980s, with themes of belonging and disappearance.

In my free time, I’m also in the beginning stages of producing a reality TV show called Horsewives, which follows the lives of barrel racing girls, strong, determined women whose stories capture the grit, grace, and humor that come with chasing big dreams on horseback.

All of these projects are a love of stories that remind us how connected we really are, and how even the smallest acts of courage can change the course of a life.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
One of the relationships that most shaped how I see myself is the one I had with my mother. Losing her when I was just 17 taught me early on about impermanence and the importance of cherishing presence. It pushed me to honor her voice and now I carry that with me in the way I write and mentor, because I’ve felt both the absence and the legacy. That relationship helped me become someone who listens, someone who trusts the quiet urges, and someone who understands that holding space for someone (even when they’re no longer physically present) is a profound act of love.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I once believed that success was about getting it right the first time. I thought if I was passionate enough, if I worked hard enough, things would fall neatly into place. Then I failed hard, I stalled projects, went on wild detours, leaned into every distraction that came my way. In those years I realized the lesson: I needed to slow down, trust the process rather than just the outcome. I changed my mind about the notion of “fast success” and accepted that lasting work often rises from failure, waiting, revision, and a willingness to say: I don’t have it all figured out yet, but I’m showing up anyway.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
“If you’re talented, you will get discovered quickly.”
I used to believe that. I thought once I had the “right” idea, the “right” script, people would see it and the doors would open. But the truth is: you might wait, you might fail, you might be invisible for years. I’ve learned that being visible means showing up, day after day, when no one is watching. There are no shortcuts in life. It is going to take time to find success.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain would be the creative projects I have poured my life into -The Truth About Horses, Beulah, my children’s books, the scripts I’ve written, the films I’ve acted in, and the mentorship work I’ve built through YouthINK. Each of these carries a piece of who I am and what I value: connection, resilience, imagination, and empathy. They’re not just stories or performances to me. They’re living reflections of the people, places, and lessons that shaped me. Long after the titles or roles fade, I hope what remains are the worlds I helped bring into being and the people they might continue to reach.

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Image Credits
Lindsay Levin

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