Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
All my life since the age of 5, I’ve been writing and telling stories. Family sagas, with a journey to discovery, are my favorites. Now working on my third novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
MASON’S KEEPER (historical fiction) – family secrets inspired it. I couldn’t find the answer in my own family, so I created a fictional one. It’s a prequel to MASON’S DAUGHTER (women’s fiction), where the heroine still have a lot to learn.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I first wake up, I wait for my character to talk to me. This one-sided conversation can last for at least 30 minutes. Finally I say I have to get up and write all this stuff down.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Barbara Kingsolver, Kathryn Stockett, Jane Austen, Anne Lamott, Christopher Vogler, Dwight Swain, Sol Stein, and several others
What are you working on now?
My third novel is romantic comedy, with a “mouseburger” protagonist whose humdrum life is turned upside down by a cheating husband and a British mega-rockstar (think cross between McCartney and Jagger), during the advent of MTV. Her job is problem-solving for others, but comic complications lead her to search for what got lost along the way: herself.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are several I use, but always like to be sure Awesome Gang is at the top of the mix. Vinny does a great job!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get a professional critique to guide you with the craft so you can learn HOW to write, and then remember your own creative voice. No one can teach you that, even if you need help with the usual (POV, sentence structure, word choice, etc.). NEVER GIVE UP!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Edit until you can’t stand to read it any longer, than abandon it. Tell yourself you’re finished.
What are you reading now?
Entertaining Judgment, by Greg Garrett, on how we learn more about heaven and hell, angels and demons, and the afterlife from popular culture than from sacred texts. Fascinating!
What’s next for you as a writer?
After the romantic comedy, I’ll wait to see which book chooses me: the one on revenge or the one on secret heroes. Hard to say now.
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?
Jane Austen — never get tired of her stories.
Author Websites and Profiles
Cynthia J Stone Website
Cynthia J Stone Amazon Profile
Cynthia J Stone’s Social Media Links
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