C.A. Mankin
About the Author
Cathy is a retired and disabled author who has built a full second life through creativity, compassion, and storytelling. She began writing in 2018, discovering that words gave her a way to stay connected, stay active, and stay purposeful. What started as a quiet personal outlet quickly grew into a daily practice and a heartfelt mission.
Cathy writes across many genres — children’s stories, her main focus and other books for adults, spiritual reflections, and gentle guides for those grieving the loss of a pet. No matter the audience, her work is rooted in honesty, comfort, and the simple belief that stories help people feel less alone. She has self‑published more than fifteen books and has over thirty more in the editing stage, each one shaped with care, patience, and a desire to reach readers where they are.
Writing is part of Cathy’s everyday rhythm. Even in retirement, she keeps busy by creating content, developing new ideas, and running two YouTube channels where she shares pieces of her world. Cathy's creativity is steady and down‑to‑earth — not rushed, not flashy, just real work done with heart.
Away from the keyboard, Cathy is easygoing and a little shy, someone who enjoys quiet moments and simple joys. She loves traveling, going on picnics, and spending time with her two dogs and a cat, who bring warmth and companionship to her days. Her life is peaceful, steady, and full of small adventures that inspire the stories he writes.
Beyond my books, I enjoy sharing the things that bring me joy — from my beloved pets, to creative projects, and special memories from my past.
🐾 My Pets: A Special Part of My Life
My home is never quiet thanks to my two dogs and my cat, who each bring their own personality into my daily routine. They’re a big part of my life and often keep me company while I write. One of the dogs likes to stay close by, always curious about what I’m working on, while the other has a more relaxed, easygoing nature that matches mine. My cat adds a little mischief and a lot of comfort, usually finding the warmest spot in the room and claiming it as his own.
Living with them brings a steady rhythm to my days — feeding, walking, playing, and sharing quiet moments. They remind me to slow down, enjoy simple things, and stay grounded. Their presence has shaped many of my stories, especially the ones about love, loss, and the deep connections we share with our animals.
I stay creative and connected through my two YouTube channels, each one sharing a different part of my life in retirement.
Shelter In Him is my faith‑based channel, where I share quiet reflections, gentle encouragement, and simple messages meant to bring comfort and hope. It’s a peaceful space built around honesty, spiritual grounding, and the belief that small moments of inspiration can make a big difference. The content is calm, steady, and heartfelt — just like the way I try to live each day.
Retirement In Motion focuses on the everyday rhythm of retired life. I share simple routines, reflections, and the small things that keep me moving forward. It’s down‑to‑earth and real — not flashy, not rushed, just the honest pace of life as it unfolds. Whether it’s a quiet moment, a walk, a thought, or a gentle update, the channel is about staying active and finding joy in simple things.
Running both channels gives me a way to stay connected, express myself, and share pieces of my world. Some days I write, some days I film, and some days I do a little of both. It’s all part of the steady, creative routine that brings purpose and connection to my life.
🏁 My Dirt Track Racing Journey
Before retirement, life moved a lot faster — literally. I spent years involved in dirt track racing, a world full of noise, dust, adrenaline, and unforgettable nights at the track. Racing was more than a hobby; it was a community, a challenge, and a thrill that shaped a big part of who I am.
Those days taught me teamwork, patience, and how to stay calm even when everything around me was loud and unpredictable. Whether it was working on the car, getting ready for a race, or standing under the lights waiting for the green flag, those moments stay with me. They were exciting, messy, and full of memories I still carry.
Even though life is quieter now, I still look back on those racing days with a smile. They remind me that I’ve lived a full life — fast at times, slow at others — and every chapter has its own story.
