Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing when I was looking a creative outlet I could pursue from bed, if it came to that. When I began my first novel, I had been struggling with a variety of perplexing symptoms and had already spent two years trying to find out what was wrong with me. It took 9 years and over 2 dozen doctors to learn that I had Late-stage Lyme disease. By that point, I had written five books and self-published one. Though I had 16 very difficult years, Lyme disease gave me the gift of writing. Being able to escape inside my head to a world of my own making saved my sanity, and maybe my life. At this point, I have written 9 books and self-published 7 of them. I’ve written fiction, mystery and memoir. Once Upon a Lyme… A Tale of Two Journeys is the story of how having a misdiagnosed illness led me to become a writer.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Finding Ruth. It was inspired by a photograph I discovered of my mother when she was 19 years old while I was preparing for her move into a skilled nursing facility. When I saw that stunning photo of my mom, with her head tilted, eyes narrowed, with dazzling smile on her face, so confident and happy, I realized I didn’t know who this person was, what her life had been like before I came along, before the all the heartaches and loss. Because my mother has Alzheimer’s and can no longer shed any light on her past, I reconstructed her life from photos, letters, public records and firsthand memories. What I had when it was finished is a portrait of a bright, beautiful woman who was propelled through decades of broken promises and heartache, who never gave up.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it’s unusual, but most of my writing is done in my head, when I’m away from my computer. Sitting at the computer can make my mind go blank. Only when my mind feels free can I create my stories. Walks on the beach or even cleaning around the house seem to be my most productive writing times.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
You’re probably not going to like this answer, but I have to say all of them. Even books I haven’t enjoyed have shown me mistakes that I don’t want to make. The good ones have always made me strive to write better.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the 3rd book in the Madeline Dawkins Mystery series I started a few years ago. The first book, Spouse Trap, was the prequel. It’s the story of how a Santa Barbara socialite/fundraiser became a detective – after I put her through pure hell!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew. I got on Twitter in January and I’ve had good interaction with readers and writers there. Goodreads has been a good place for my books. To be honest, I haven’t spent as much time as I know I need to in promoting my work. Which is the reason why I’m on your site. 🙂
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to write something that you don’t like. If you don’t like it, delete it and try again. Some days it takes a lot of that before anything decent happens. Just don’t get frustrated. Go do something else and give it a try later.
What are you reading now?
The Hollow Man by Paul Hollis and Twitter for Writers by Rayne Hall.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the third Madeline book and then see what inspires me next.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes; The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah; Any Human Heart by William Boyd; Music for Chameleons by Truman Capote
Author Websites and Profiles
Cynthia Hamilton Website
Cynthia Hamilton Amazon Profile
Cynthia Hamilton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account