Welcome back to the blog, Cynthia. I’m so excited to have you join us today as a PUBLISHED author. I’m so happy for you, my friend. Let’s talk about your newly-released story!
I’m honored to be here, Savanna. Thanks so much for having me!
How long did it take you to write Under This Same Sky?
How long? That’s a difficult question. I actually researched and wrote a rough draft of it while in college. Then it sat idle for a good many years as I married and raised my two sons. In 2012, the Lord revived my dream of novel writing when I joined the ACFW. With the help of gifted writers and critique partners, I began honing my writing skills and entering contests. Over the next four years, the storyline for Under This Same Sky developed and changed along with my writing until it found its publishing home.
How did writing this story change you?
For one thing, it deepened my appreciation for writers! I never realized how intricate and fine-tuned the writing profession is. Secondly, I’ve been impacted by the way God teaches me life lessons through my characters. As they grow so do I! It’s truly amazing how life-like they become.
What part of this story did you enjoy researching the most?
The time period. I dearly love learning about the 1800s and how life was “in the good old days”. We have so much to learn from the salt-of-the-earth folks who loved God, extended a helping hand to their neighbors, gave their word on just a handshake, and knew what their priorities were. The most challenging part of research was bringing the town of St. Louis to life. I’m a country gal and the big city is something that’s foreign to me…especially one from 160+ years ago! There was so much to consider, the sights, smells, sounds, street names, buildings, transportation, even lighting. It was an eye-opening experience for me as well as Becky, my main character.
You did it so well, Cynthia. I felt like I was there when I was reading it. I too love that time period!
You had your first book signing recently. What was your favorite part about the day?
I’m so glad you asked this, Savanna. There were a lot of special moments, but the most memorable was when a young girl gingerly approached me, book in hand. It turned out her father lived not too far from us and had driven her by my house to show her where “the author” lived. I chuckled inwardly at the thought.
Once I’d signed her book, she clutched it to her chest like her most prized possession. The look in her dark eyes was one of awe, one that will stick with me for a very long time. It was then I realized what an awesome privilege and responsibility inspirational writers have to speak truth and hope into the hearts of readers. Her expression made every grueling edit and deadline worth the effort. It was a God-ordained snapshot of what the Lord can do when we’re faithful to use the gifts He’s given us.
I shared this story in my blog recently. I’ll include the link for those who wish to read the entire story. http://cynthiaroemer.com/the-most-memorable-book-signing-moment/
I love hearing about this. What a special gift. Wish you’d been able to get a picture of you and the sweet girl! 🙂
What do you hope readers take away the most from this novel?
What I seek to accomplish most with Under This Same Sky is to assure readers that God can take our deepest hurts and bring about blessing if we allow them to draw us closer to Him. And that no matter what they are going through in life, the Lord is there with us, cheering us on and offering strength and comfort. God is bigger than our hardships.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
I’m currently working on Book Two in my Prairie Sky Series, Under Prairie Skies, which is set to release sometime in 2018. It starts just days after Under This Same Sky ends and is the story of Charlotte Stanton, Becky’s spoiled cousin who finds her match in cattleman, Chad Avery. I’ll be giving snippets about it in my upcoming Author Newsletters. To sign up, visit either my website or my FB Author Page at the links provided.
Where can readers find out more about you?
Website: http://cynthiaroemer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCynthiaRoemer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com@cynthiaroemer
FictionFinder: http://www.fictionfinder.com/author/detail/1405
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16785237.Cynthia_Roemer
Amazon Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Under-This-Same-Cynthia-Roemer-ebook/dp/B06XZNPSRR/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492640140&sr=8-1&keywords=under+this+same+sky
Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Cynthia. Love you and your stories! 🙂
GIVEAWAY!!
Cynthia has graciously offered to give away a signed copy of “Under This Same Sky” to one lucky reader. Enter below and it could be YOU!
Thanks for entering! Contest ends June 13, 2017. The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!
Thanks so much for having me, Savanna! I so enjoyed being interviewed by you. God bless, my friend!
It thrills me to have you here, Cynthia! So excited to share in your writing journey.
The last book I read dealt with a deep friendship.
Friendship provides a wonderful basis to speak into someone’s life, Melanie. Thanks for commenting.
I love those books that feature a deep friendship that goes beyond the surface of the page. What book was it, Melanie? 🙂
What I took from the last book I read was that lies beget lies and it truly is a sin to lie. Even the omission of something is considered a lie, something I never really thought about before. Made me really think.
Amen, Debbie. Thanks for sharing!
Great point, Debbie. I love how books bring out treasures like this to hold on to.
My last book showed me how I really need to forgive especially to family and close friends.
Enjoyed your interview.
Great insight, Barbara and tough to do! Thanks!
Thanks for joining us, Barbara. That’s an important lesson for sure, but hard at times. We’re blessed to know such a forgiving God who gives us an example to live by.
A really good first book for Cynthia, i will be reading the next one, she is also a very lovely lady.
So glad you enjoyed it too, Ann. Yes, Cynthia is a very sweet lady. I’m blessed to call her my friend. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so blessed to call you friend too, Savanna! You’ve been such a blessing!!
Thanks so much, Ann. You’re a real sweetheart. God bless you!
the last book I read was The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers. I took away from it that no matter what happens in life, when we rely on Him, and have faith that He will take care of us, He will do just that.
Amen, Lori! God is with us no matter what life throws at us.
I love hearing these lessons you all have taken away from your books. And I LOVE Francine Rivers’ stories. Thanks for stopping by, Lori!
Recently, I finished reading Wings of the Wind by Connilyn Cossette. Although it’s Biblical fiction, it impressed upon me that God is righteous. I’m not sure how she did it, but I just walked away with a supreme grip on the idea of God’s righteousness.
I’m eager to read Connilyn’s newest novel! It sounds wonderful just hearing you describe its message, Barbara. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Barbara. I loved how you described that. I’m actually diving into that very book this weekend. Can’t wait! 🙂
The last book I read was Encore for Estelle by Kimberly Rose Johnson. I was impressed by how Estelle had changed from a spoiled, mean-spirited actress in the first book to a caring Christian in this book.
I’m in the midst of such a transformation with my heroine in the second book I’m writing, Under Prairie Skies, sequel to Under This Same Sky due to release in 2018. Such a blessing to watch one’s heroine grow and change!
I love seeing characters change and grow through a book or series. Love witnessing God’s grace transform them. Thanks for visiting, Joan!
Not to lie–because then one lie will be told to cover up the 1st lie—
So true! Thanks for stopping by, Barb.
Aww, yes, very true. Good luck in the giveaway, Barb!
The last book I read dealt with trusting others, and relying on them. Not to try and do everything yourself.
Thanks for the giveaway! This book looks and sounds amazing!
Thanks, Megan! I hope you get the chance to read it. Blessings!
Hi Megan! I think it’s neat when the reader can learn such things by “walking alongside” the character. It’s a sign of a good writer in my opinion, letting us share in the lesson learned. 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
The last book I read “Amelia” proved that material things and social standing are not the most important things.
Marion
A very valuable lesson. Thanks for sharing, Marion.
Hi Marion. Who is the author of that book? Sounds familiar. Good luck in the drawing!
The last book I read showed how the characters had spiritual growth and how much more relaxed and happier they were. We can all do a little growing in our spiritual lives.
Amen, Deanne. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, always! Thanks for visiting, Deanne.