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Cynthia Roemer is an inspirational writer from rural Illinois with a heart for scattering seeds of hope into the lives of others through her writing. She and her husband, Marvin, have been married for twenty-two years and have two teenage sons. They enjoy quiet living and God’s wondrous creation on their 300 acre grain farm. When she isn’t writing, Cynthia enjoys spending time with her family, taking walks in the country, 4-wheeling, biking, gardening, and of course, reading.
In June, 2014, her first novel was chosen as a Finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. In October 2014, it was named Historical/Historical Romance Category Winner in the Writers of the West Phoenix Rattler Contest. And more recently, she was named a Semi-Finalist in the 2015 Genesis Contest. She is also a regular contributor to the popular blog: Putting on the New.
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I’m SO excited to introduce this special lady to you all. I first met Cynthia at the ACFW Conference in 2014 and we’ve been friends ( and critique partners ) ever since! I’m so happy to have her join us here today. 🙂
Welcome to the blog, Cynthia! So tell us… When did you first start writing?
I wrote my first fictional story while in high school. A local college was holding a contest and my English teacher encouraged me to submit. So, I took the plunge and wound up winning first place in my category—which of course made me all the more eager to write. The bug had bitten!
What are you working on right now?
Currently, I’m working on an inspirational, historical romance series set on the Illinois prairie in the 1850’s. I call it my Prairie Skies Series. I have two books close to completion, with two more in the series yet to write.
Can you tell us about one of your favorite characters you’ve written so far?
I don’t know if I could narrow it down to one particular favorite. I enjoy creating strong female leads and gallant men who earn their love.
What’s something you love about your home state?
Illinois is such a diverse state. There’s a little bit of everything here. I live right in the heart of farm country where it’s flat and field after field as far as the eye can see. So I enjoy heading south to Shawnee National Forest or to a State Park to view the richness of the trees and lakes. I love drinking in the beauty of God’s creation, especially in the fall and spring.
Cynthia and her hubby, Marvin
I love visiting state parks. Maybe we can visit there together someday. 😉
What’s one of your favorite books?
My ultimate favorite is the Bible, my handbook for life. But if we’re talking fiction, one of my favorites is The Frontiersman’s Daughter. It’s so rich and powerful. I’m also partial to the WWI saga, Not by Sight. The story is absolutely alluring.
Oh, I love those too!! 🙂
What is one of your favorite Scripture verses?
I love the book of James and all its practical advice for living. I also love gleaning encouragement from the Psalms and the wisdom of Proverbs. One of my favorite verses is found in Jeremiah 29:11: “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.” I love the promise that God has my future in the palm of His hand.
Can you share with us a special moment from your writing journey so far?
Hmm. Probably when I became a finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest. That was truly an honor. But also the friendships I’ve formed over the years. I’m truly blessed.
That was so exciting. I remember that! Looking forward to seeing what memories you make this year at ACFW. 😉
What’s been one of the most challenging aspects of writing?
Oh, I’d have to say finding time to write and getting my manuscripts sharpened and ready for publication. Rewriting/editing is so time-consuming. Sometimes it feels I’ll never see the end! I’m always learning and trying to apply what I learn to my manuscripts.
Name a few authors who inspire you.
First and foremost would have to be Laura Frantz. She seems to have it all when it comes to drawing readers into the lives of her characters. I’m also inspired by Kate Breslin and Sandi Rog. They truly have a knack for weaving a story.
Can you share a word of advice to other writers out there on the road to publication?
Prayer and patience. Pray for God’s leading, that He’ll open the right doors and close the wrong ones. Don’t get in too big of hurry to be published. Enjoy the journey and all that the Lord is teaching you along the way. In His time, He’ll get you where you need to be.
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READERS, Cynthia has a question for you…
“What makes a book memorable to you?”
She’d love to hear from you in the COMMENTS below. 😉
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://cynthiaroemer.blogspot.com/ and http://cynthiaroemer.weebly.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/Cynthia-Roemer-921200614674767/ (Hop over and give her NEW author page a “like”.) 😉
Twitter: https://twitter.com/@cynthiaroemer
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Thank you so much for joining us today, Cynthia. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you! 😉
Thanks so much for hosting me, Savanna!
I’m thrilled to have you here, Cynthia. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. 🙂 Hope you’re having a blessed week!
When a book is memorable the characters stay with me, like Francine Rivers’ Hadassah in the “Mark of the Lion” series.
Yes. I totally agree, Margaret. Thanks for taking time to share. God bless!
Ohhh, I LOVED that series, Margaret. I still remember it after reading it several years ago. Just beautiful! I’m assuming you’ve read “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers too? If not, I definitely encourage you to check it out. 🙂
Oh, my friend–I love these posts of yours! *waves* Hi Cynthia. 😉 Great to “meet” you here via our dear Savanna. So enjoyed getting to know more about you AND your Prairie Skies series sounds SO intriguing! I cannot wait to read them someday.
Thanks so much, Meghan! I’m glad to meet you as well! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I’m eager to have you read my series too! LOL! Hopefully, in the Lord’s timing, you’ll have the chance. Blessings!
Hi Meghan! Thanks so much for stopping by and chatting with us. Your comments always brighten my day. I can’t wait for you to read Cynthia’s books too. 🙂 Hopefully that “someday” isn’t too far away either! 😉 Hugs!
What makes a novel truly memorable for me are strong, faithful, and virtuous characters that I want to be like! When a character’s faith inspires me, I will never forget it. Also, themes of redemption and faith keep a story in my heart long after I’ve finished the book!
Amen, Diana! Strong, faith-filled characters are crucial to a good story. And yes, I too find stories of redemption and faith the most memorable. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely! You just described every book I’ve ever loved. 😉 Thanks for joining us, Diana!