Warlock Asylum: This is a very exciting moment for the news page. Before we begin, I have to say thank you for putting together such a monumental work that reflects the struggles that Irish Americans had to endure in our country’s early history. For our readers who may not be familiar with your persona, please introduce yourself. Who is Jack Cashman?
Jack Cashman: I was born in Salem, Massachusetts, which is the main setting of the book. Both of my parents had Irish ancestry. The Cashman family came from Cork and my mother’s family {Grady} from Kilkenny. We moved to Maine when I was very young. After graduating from the University of Maine, I spent over 40 years in the real estate and insurance business while my wife Betty and I raised our two sons.
Warlock Asylum: Can you share with us a little bit about your background and life during your formative years?
Jack Cashman: Growing up in a large family with an entrepreneurial father is a good way to learn the value of work and the secure feeling that comes from a close family. I started working in the family restaurant at age 13 and joined with my parents and five siblings in making the business work. We worked and played together as a close family.
Warlock Asylum: Aside from being an author, you also worked in politics. How did your work as a politician shape your modern worldview?
Jack Cashman: My father raised us to believe that public service was a way to contribute in a positive way to our community. I served in elected office at both the state and local level as well as a commissioner in a Governor’s cabinet and took pride in the service.
Warlock Asylum: What inspired you to write An Irish Immigrant Story? Were there any obstacles that you had to overcome amid getting the text published?
Jack Cashman: The experiences of my own ancestors as they arrived in America were passed onto me over the years and served as part of the inspiration for the book. In addition, I have always felt that there should be a greater awareness of the great hunger and the devastating, long-lasting effect it had on generations of Irish people.
Warlock Asylum: How did your appreciation for Irish American history deepen after writing An Irish Immigrant Story?
Jack Cashman: I have always taken pride in my Irish ancestry so researching Irish history for the book was a labor of love. It has also inspired me to learn more about this history.
Warlock Asylum: Another text that you have authored is Three Steps To Making Of An Assassin. Can you share with us how this title came into being and its theme?
Jack. Cashman: I grew up in the Vietnam War era and saw firsthand how it shaped the lives of so many young people. Much of the early parts of the story are taken from the actual experiences of myself and my best friend.
Warlock Asylum: How has writing change your life and relationships with your family and friends?
Jack Cashman: I wanted to be an author way back in my college days but raising a family and paying the bills left me with little time to devote to a career in writing. Being semi-retired now, I find I have more time available. It’s a world that is difficult in which to establish oneself but I will continue to press forward.
Warlock Asylum: What can we expect to hear from Jack Cashman post-pandemic? Any final thoughts?
Jack Cashman: I will continue to write historical novels and have a new one ready for publication soon. I look forward to being able to once again make public appearances for book signings and readings.
*On behalf of Warlock Asylum International News, I would like to thank Jack Cashman for all his contributions to human society. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/Jack-Cashman-104613735002389
https://linkedin.com/company/jackcashman
https://pinterest.com/JackCashmanBooks
https://twitter.com/JackCashmanBook
https://instagram.com/jackcashmanbooks
