Interview With Cynthia Roemer
Hi Cynthia and congratulations on the recent release of "Beyond Shattered Dreams." Let's jump right in.
When did you know you were going to be a writer?
My love for writing began my junior year in high school. My English teacher encouraged me to write a story for a contest at a local college. I wrote two. My regency short story won First Place. I knew then I was hooked.
What books are on your to-read stack right now?
Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer
The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz
Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette
Three keys to the craft of fiction writing that you turn to when writing (can cover plotting, characterization, setting, metaphor, etc, etc).
Tap into readers' emotions.
Make characters real and true-to-life
Demonstrate spiritual growth within characters
How do you schedule time for writing/editing?
I try to write a little each day. My favorite time is early afternoon. That's when my creativity seems to come alive. My husband is a farmer, so I write more during his busy seasons and less during his off season. I'm a slow writer, and with my current health issues, have taken on a more casual approach to writing--writing more at my leisure without a signed contract or deadline.
What makes your writing voice unique and how did you discover that?
I try never to compare my writing style with others. It's best to write in a way that comes natural to you. I strive to create characters that will appeal to readers--ones that are flawed and relatable--and surround them with a plot that is engaging and keeps readers turning pages. The faith element is also an essential part of my writing. If the Lord can use what I write to deepen someone's faith, then I count it a win!
Tell us something about yourself that is not on your website.
I've been battling breast cancer for the past four years. Stage IV since 2022. I'm counting each day as a blessing. And while we continue to pray for a miracle, we know the Lord is in control and has a plan no matter what the outcome.
What has had the biggest impact on your success?
To me, success means using my God-given talent to fulfill His purpose for me. So, I would say my greatest success comes from interacting with readers who've been blessed by my writing and feeling the support of fellow writers. Both are such an encouragement.
What message do you hope to convey to your readers through your writing?
That God uses flawed and imperfect people to carry out His plans in this life. I love creating characters that demonstrate how the Lord works to mature faith through trials and difficulties.
What message do you hope readers get when they read “Beyond Shattered Dreams.”
Both my hero and heroine in Beyond Shattered Dreams deal with needing to let go of their own wants and wishes and entrusting them to the Lord. In His time. In His way, The theme verse is Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek Me and you will find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." My prayer is that readers will be challenged and uplifted in their faith as they walk alongside Will and Lydia in their attempt to give the Lord full control of their lives.
Where did you find the inspiration for this book?
My main inspiration comes through Scripture and how the Lord is speaking into my heart ways that I need to grow and change. So I'm learning right along with my characters and fellow readers.
______________________________________________________________________________
Terri Thompson is an author, foodie, nature lover and philanthropist. She loves walks along the beach at sunset, dancing in the living room with her grandchildren, the beauty of flavors expertly combined, and the joy of words creatively knit together to bring truth to life. She blogs about writing, life and inspiration at www.terrilynnthompson.com To learn about the non-profits supported by the H. G. Clay Foundation go to https://www.hgclayfoundation.org.
When did you know you were going to be a writer?
My love for writing began my junior year in high school. My English teacher encouraged me to write a story for a contest at a local college. I wrote two. My regency short story won First Place. I knew then I was hooked.
What books are on your to-read stack right now?
Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer
The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz
Shelter of the Most High by Connilyn Cossette
Three keys to the craft of fiction writing that you turn to when writing (can cover plotting, characterization, setting, metaphor, etc, etc).
Tap into readers' emotions.
Make characters real and true-to-life
Demonstrate spiritual growth within characters
How do you schedule time for writing/editing?
I try to write a little each day. My favorite time is early afternoon. That's when my creativity seems to come alive. My husband is a farmer, so I write more during his busy seasons and less during his off season. I'm a slow writer, and with my current health issues, have taken on a more casual approach to writing--writing more at my leisure without a signed contract or deadline.
What makes your writing voice unique and how did you discover that?
I try never to compare my writing style with others. It's best to write in a way that comes natural to you. I strive to create characters that will appeal to readers--ones that are flawed and relatable--and surround them with a plot that is engaging and keeps readers turning pages. The faith element is also an essential part of my writing. If the Lord can use what I write to deepen someone's faith, then I count it a win!
Tell us something about yourself that is not on your website.
I've been battling breast cancer for the past four years. Stage IV since 2022. I'm counting each day as a blessing. And while we continue to pray for a miracle, we know the Lord is in control and has a plan no matter what the outcome.
What has had the biggest impact on your success?
To me, success means using my God-given talent to fulfill His purpose for me. So, I would say my greatest success comes from interacting with readers who've been blessed by my writing and feeling the support of fellow writers. Both are such an encouragement.
What message do you hope to convey to your readers through your writing?
That God uses flawed and imperfect people to carry out His plans in this life. I love creating characters that demonstrate how the Lord works to mature faith through trials and difficulties.
What message do you hope readers get when they read “Beyond Shattered Dreams.”
Both my hero and heroine in Beyond Shattered Dreams deal with needing to let go of their own wants and wishes and entrusting them to the Lord. In His time. In His way, The theme verse is Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek Me and you will find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." My prayer is that readers will be challenged and uplifted in their faith as they walk alongside Will and Lydia in their attempt to give the Lord full control of their lives.
Where did you find the inspiration for this book?
My main inspiration comes through Scripture and how the Lord is speaking into my heart ways that I need to grow and change. So I'm learning right along with my characters and fellow readers.
______________________________________________________________________________
Terri Thompson is an author, foodie, nature lover and philanthropist. She loves walks along the beach at sunset, dancing in the living room with her grandchildren, the beauty of flavors expertly combined, and the joy of words creatively knit together to bring truth to life. She blogs about writing, life and inspiration at www.terrilynnthompson.com To learn about the non-profits supported by the H. G. Clay Foundation go to https://www.hgclayfoundation.org.
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