Real life, real stories: Chuck Cascio shares his ‘Awakenings’

by Kaydence Smith, Staff Writer

Reston's own Chuck Cascio has published his latest work, a collection of short stories. He encourages everyone to share their own stories.

Chuck Cascio, award-winning journalist, author, and contributor to The Reston Letter, has just released “Awakenings,” a collection of short stories that blends everyday realism with emotional depth. This latest work follows his earlier books “The Fire Escape Stories, Never Ask ‘Why’” and “The Fire Escape Belongs in Brooklyn.”

Cascio says writing is “in my blood,” noting that his maternal grandfather founded the first Italian American newspaper. Cascio himself joined his high school paper, where he learned every aspect of the craft—from writing and editing to layout and production.

He continued writing for numerous newspapers throughout college and even earned an “A” in one class after his instructor promised the grade to anyone who got published in The Washington Post. Cascio’s article, about a local church that served as a hospital during the Civil War, appeared in the Post—and led to hundreds more published pieces for the paper over the years.

Along the way, Cascio turned his creative energy toward books, both fiction and nonfiction. That path has now led to “Awakenings.” Many of the stories in the collection trace their roots to years of accumulated notes and ideas—thoughts jotted down during his time as a student, journalist, and educator—that finally took shape as complete narratives.

Cascio writes with the reader’s experience in mind. “I love when a story leaves a little space for the reader,” he says. “Let them interpret. That’s when the story keeps living, even after it’s done.”

A longtime educator and storyteller, Cascio’s writing has always been grounded in realism. “Awakenings” continues that tradition, offering stories that feel both familiar and fresh—whether rediscovering friendship, experiencing quiet revelations, or exploring moments of change. Each reader is likely to find at least one story that resonates.

Although currently focused on “Awakenings,” Cascio has no shortage of future ideas. He’s developing two novel concepts, one about a mysterious “freelance terrorist” hiding in a beach town, and another about three lifelong friends navigating life’s complexities.

For now, though, his attention remains on sharing “Awakenings” and inspiring others to write. “If you don’t put something out there, nothing will happen,” he says. “You’re writing for yourself, yes, but also for someone you may never meet. That’s the beauty of it. So tell the story. Get it out there.”

“Awakenings” is available now on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats at https://a.co/d/hP9g4NA/ To explore more of Cascio’s work, visit www.chuckcascioauthor.com.