I am SO exited to introduce this next author to you all. I first met Cynthia through our local ACFW writer’s chapter in the Ozarks and she welcomed me to the group with open arms. She is such a sweet friend and I’m excited to let her tell you about her writing journey and some recent big news…. 😉
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Cynthia (Cindy) writes Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction from the beautiful Ozark Mountains.
She is a 2016 ACFW Genesis (Double) Semi-Finalist and a 2015 ACFW First Impressions Winner. Her short story, Words from the Heart, appears in The Story Anthology. (Karen Kingsbury/Family Fiction/Salem Publications-2014)
A hopeless romantic at heart, Cindy enjoys penning stories about ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances.
Cindy has a degree in psychology and a background in social work. She is a member of ACFW, ACFW MozArks, and RWA. Besides writing, she enjoys great coffee and old movie classics. She also has a fondness for gingerbread men, miniature teapots, and all things apple!
Please join Cindy at: authorcynthiaherron.com for her Wednesday/Friday blog love and be sure to sign up for her monthly newsletters (NO Downer Debbie content allowed!) 🙂
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Welcome to the blog, Cynthia! I’m so excited to have you join us today!
Thank you, Savanna, for having me as your guest today! I’m delighted to join you and your fabulous readers.
It’s been a crazy, fun month over our way, and I’m eager for normal. (Although…as a writer, my sense of normal may be a little skewed and—dare I say it? Overrated. *wink*)
Craziness aside, I’m enjoying this time with our last baby bird before she leaves for college. It’s a new season, and one I’m not quite prepared for, but I’m trusting God for direction and I’m enjoying the fragile, fleeting moments.
That’s such an exciting time, but bittersweet too. Thinking of you and sending you a hug! 😉
So tell us… When did you first start writing?
As a child, I realized I was different. While my friends and classmates actually played at recess, I was the odd duck in the pond. I preferred a good shade tree, and a notebook and pencil. From the age of about six on, I was fascinated with writing. I tucked the dream away for decades as a career, then marriage and motherhood, took precedence. After several stops, starts, and in-betweens, I actively started pursuing the craft again about six years ago.
What are you working on right now?
Currently, I’m finishing a story that’s part of an inspirational romance series. Think small-town community with quirky, loveable characters seeking second chances.
Can you tell us about one of your favorite characters you’ve written so far?
Oh, goodness! That’s hard because I have so many favorites. One secondary character (whose name I can’t mention because that story’s entered in a contest) is a treasured home-town deputy who dispenses wit and wisdom with as much finesse as a bull in a china closet…but his heart’s in the right place. Think Barney Fife with a twist. The twist being a physically larger, less inept, married version of the T.V. character we know and love.
He sounds adorable! 😉 What’s something you love about your home state?
I love the changing of the seasons, with fall my very favorite. I love the hills, hollows, and meadows ripe with glorious scents and color. I love the strength and heritage of these old Ozark Mountains, and I love the folks who live here—where a wave, nod, or “howdy” is the natural order of the day.
What’s one of your favorite books?
Only one?! While I have many, many keepers and treasured books I’ve read and loved, Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love changed me. It challenged my perception of sin and how I see and judge others. It also reminded of the vastness of God’s love for each of us.
Yes! That’s one of my absolute favorites too. 😉 What is one of your favorite Scripture verses?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Can you share with us a special moment from your writing journey so far?
A recent highlight would have to be semi-finaling in ACFW’s Genesis writing contest. I was thrilled when I got the first phone call notifying me one of my manuscripts had semi-finaled, but when I received the second call 10 minutes later? *happy sigh* I was stunned and elated! (And the icing on the cake? When a friend and fellow writer from our local MozArks group semi-finaled, too!)
Yay!! I was so excited to see two of my local writing friends on the list! 🙂
What’s been one of the most challenging aspects of writing?
Craft and mechanics are honed over time, but writers can do nothing about a sluggish market or slot availability. Where our stories are concerned, patience to “wait it out” is a must. I’m an upbeat, see-the-glass-half-full kind of gal, but even we Positive Pollys must develop thick skin. Yes. That. But it’s ohh so true.
Name a few authors who inspire you.
Jan Karon, Debbie Macomber, Francine Rivers, William Sirls, Beth Vogt. (And countless others!)
Can you share a word of advice to other writers out there on the road to publication?
Be prepared for anything! Since I’m still on the journey myself, this is purely subjective advice, but I’d also add: be receptive to new opportunities, develop a can-do attitude, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Also, there’s lots of well-meaning advice out there, but remember, one size doesn’t fit all. Listen to experts in the field, seek mentors and prayer warriors, and then pray about how God would use you and your stories to share your heart’s desire—His message.
Thank you so much for sharing with us, Cynthia. I’m so excited to read your work! 🙂 Have a blessed 2016!
Let’s spread the love, reading friends! You can help encourage and support Cynthia’s writing by connecting with her on the following sites.
Website: http://authorcynthiaherron.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCynthiaHerron/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/C_Herronauthor
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GIVEAWAY!!
Cynthia is giving away a $15.00 Starbucks gift card and a fabulous ARC of William Sirls’ re-release of The Reason to one lucky winner. Enter below and it could be you!
Thanks for entering! Contest is open to US residents only and ends May 24, 2016. The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!
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As a reader, characters that hold the most appeal are ones that are either very strong in faith (like Hosea in Redeeming Love) or ones that by their mistakes grow nearer to the Lord (like Leana from Thorn in My Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs). They become people I want to know! 😉
Hi Diana! I’m a Francine Rivers fan, too! I was late to the party in reading Redeeming Love, and it’s easily become one of my keepers. I loved the gritty, raw emotion meshed with God’s unchanging love in Francine’s beautiful story.
So glad you could join us, Diana. You pointed out some of my favorite kind of characters too. 🙂 Thorn in My Heart has been on my TBR list for quite some time. Can’t wait to meet Leana. 😉
I love characters who are flawed, and through the circumstances in their lives, begin to see their errors and strive to change themselves. I really connect with characters who are overcoming difficulty, also.
P.S. Cynthia, Feathers From My Nest by Beth Moore is an excellent book to help with letting go of our kids and sending them into the world.
Thank you so much, Connie! I’ll definitely check out Beth’s book. When our oldest left, it was hard. With our youngest it’s difficult because she’s the “baby” and we’ll offically be “semi-empty nesters.” I won’t fib. I’m already feeling a wee bit weepy.
Hi Connie! I agree, I love those kind of characters! Thanks for visiting. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love characters who are intellectual & have a deep faith in GOD–(think Ann Silver in Dee Henderson’s books)
I agree. Those characters witness to us in deep, intrinsic ways.
I haven’t read that one yet, but I’ll have to check it out. Thanks, Barb!
Thanks for a chance to win.
Delighted, Kim! 🙂
Good luck! 😉
Good morning, Savanna, and friends! I wanted to pop in and say “hello.” Thank you, sweet Savanna, for having me as your guest today. 🙂 Here’s a coffee toast and a scripture: “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) *clink* ~ Blessings
Loved your morning greeting, Cynthia! 🙂 So sweet. I’m having so much fun having you here. Thanks for chatting with us in the comments too. 🙂
If the characters are supposed to be Christians, I like for them to live Godly lives — attend church, do not curse, smoke and drink! They can fail and ask for forgiveness but I want some evidence of God in their lives.
That’s why I’m drawn to inspirational fiction, too, Joan. There are ways we can show our characters’ fallibilities without having to use off-color words, etc. On the other hand, we don’t want to paint our Christian characters as “holier-than-thou” or above reproach, but there are ways we can humanize them without having to use coarse language or over-the-top imagery. The key, as you mentioned, is repentance and the attempt to turn away from those behaviors. Great point!
I know what you mean, Joan. I love Christian fiction and seeing how God works in the characters’ hearts and lives. 🙂 Happy Reading!
It’s such fun to see you featured on Savanna’s blog, Cindy. Two terrific ladies together.
Congratulations on your Genesis semi-final! I was so excited to see your name on the list.
Thank you for your kindness, Keli!
Hi Keli!! It’s such a delight to see you here. If I recall, my first time chatting with you on the phone you mentioned my local ACFW group and may have even mentioned Cindy. 🙂 How fun would it be to all get together some time?! Blessings on your day, friend!
Hmm. . I like characters that I can see a little bit of me in them. I realize no writer knows this. . but I do. 🙂 Or something that I hope to be . . . Becky
I think we all look for that, Becky. 🙂
I do too, Becky. I think that’s what authors hope for too… that their readers can relate to their characters. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Congrats, Cynthia, on your achievements with the Genesis. That’s great! I’m certain you’ve worked very hard to get there!
By the way, I love your name!! LOL!
Savanna, I still think this is awesome you’re hosting the up and coming group. God bless you, my friend.
Thanks so much, Cynthia! (BTW–love your name, too!) 😉
And I second your complement to Savanna.
Hi Cynthia!! So glad to see you here, my friend. Thank you for your sweet words. I can’t wait for my interview with you coming up soon! 😉 Have a great day!
As a reader, I think I probably enjoy characters that are a lot like me, but more exciting. =)
Haha! Yeah, if I find one too similar to me they seem boring! 😉 It’s great to have you here, Katy. Good luck in the drawing!
Savanna, thank you for introducing Cynthia to us! I enjoy characters that are strong yet vulnerable,on a faith journey and with quirky habits. 😉
Me too, Caryl! 😉 So glad you could stop by. Good luck in the giveaway!