🖤 Where Fiction and Real Life Blur

🖤 Where Fiction and Real Life Blur

 

Hey there,


Between writing plot twists and chasing leads through dark alleys with Cassie Clearwater, I’ve been thinking a lot about strength—the kind we earn, not just the kind we’re born with. Cassie’s job demands a lot—especially her... let’s just call them late-night visits that require every ounce of agility, endurance, and power she can muster. So keeping her strong? Non-negotiable. Same goes for us in real life, too.

Recently, over breakfast with my mom, we had a real conversation about how much harder it’s gotten to build and maintain muscle as we get older. I thought I’d share what came out of that talk… and what I’m learning in my own journey.


💪 Cassie’s Strength File: Fitness After 40 (But really, any age)

The case file on midlife muscle reads like this:

  • Strength doesn’t come easy anymore—but it’s still possible.
  • What worked in our 20s might not work now.
  • We have to train smarter, eat wiser, and rest better.

And that’s not weakness—it’s adaptation, and it’s powerful.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
—Theodore Roosevelt (and probably Cassie)


🧰 Tips from the Field

Cassie’s Current Routine (inspired by real-life shifts):

  • Heavier weights, fewer reps – Stronger bones, stronger body.
  • Protein in every meal – Muscle doesn’t build itself.
  • Active rest – Walks, yoga, stretching… not just Netflix marathons.
  • Mind over mirror – Don’t chase the old version of yourself. Write a new chapter.

🍽️ Mystery Meal Planning (for Strong Bodies & Sharp Minds)

  • Breakfast: Power scramble (eggs, veggies, chicken sausage)
  • Lunch: Detective’s bowl (quinoa, roasted veggies, grilled salmon)
  • Dinner: One-pan stakeout stir-fry (lean beef, bell peppers, garlic)
  • Snacks: Greek yogurt + almonds, or Cassie’s go-to: protein coffee + dark chocolate square

🔍 Final Thought from the Desk of Cassie Clearwater:

No matter your age, background, or how long it’s been since you picked up a barbell or dumbbell—
You are not too late.
You are not too far gone.
You are not weak.

You’re just in a new chapter.
Let’s write it with strength.

Want more Cassie-fueled fitness inspiration? I’ll be sharing monthly Cassie’s Corner dispatches with workouts, reflections, and wellness ideas inspired by my favorite fictional vigilante.

Cassie's debut, Murder in a Dark Alley, launches soon on Kickstarter. If you like a dose of swag with your book, follow by clicking the image below to keep updated on Kickstarter:

 

Until the next clue,
🖤 – S.L.
Mystery Author | Creator of Cassie Clearwater
Cassie’s Corner: Where Fiction and Real Life Blur
📚 Murder in a Dark Alley – Launching soon on Kickstarter

🔎 Follow the clues: | [Instagram] | [Facebook] | [Kickstarter]

“Strong women write their own stories.”

Back to blog