About Cynthia J Stone:
Cynthia Stone believes she and Sting were twins separated at birth, because they share the same birthday and original last name. Since she’s a native Austinite, some complications in proving their kinship are sure to arise. All of which provides creative fodder for the family sagas she loves to write. Cynthia wrote her first story at age five and has continued to indulge that Muse ever since. Her checkered career includes magazine publishing, copywriting, professional fundraising for the fine arts, antiques importing, and interior decorating. She still lives in Austin with her ever-patient husband.
Also by Cynthia J Stone
Mason’s Daughter
Available in print and digital from Amazon.com
What inspires you to write?
Friends and acquaintances tell me personal stories, and my internal response usually is, “What if?” The stories take flight from there. The recent ones came from learning about family secrets. What family doesn’t have one? Then add a little crazy, toss in some addictions, and sit back and listen for your characters to talk to you.
Tell us about your writing process.
I start with a character in a family situation, usually emotionally painful. Then I work out the ending. The outline comes next, with general plot movement related to who, when, where. Each chapter has to leave the reader hanging, so unanswered questions result from what’s different at the end of the scene.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Oh, yes! My characters talk to me frequently. Sometimes I ask them questions, such as, “What do you say to that?” or “What are you going to do about it?” Often, I give them advice: “Don’t put up with that ____!”
What advice would you give other writers?
Use a dictionary/thesaurus constantly. Watch out for repetition, avoid adverbs, stick to the POV, leave out unnecessary words (the ones people don’t read anyway), make your dialogue realistic but spare, and make something happen.
Edit, polish, edit! Then when you can’t stand it anymore, abandon it and let it go. Get it published!
How did you decide how to publish your books?
Traditional publishing takes too long and doesn’t offer marketing services. Indie publishing is a quicker process, but watch out for the predators. Ask lots of questions about how your book will be produced, designed, distributed, and marketed.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
There will always be a place for agents and traditional publishers to offer certain genres (coffee-table books), and authors who want to go that route will find them. Most writers I know don’t want to wait that long, so indie is a better choice. The boutique bookstore will stay in business because it offers a personal experience (children’s programs, author signings, special events) and unique shopping for readers’ gift items other than books.
What do you use?: Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer, Beta Readers
What genres do you write?: women’s fiction, historical fiction, romantic comedy, family saga
What formats are your books in?: Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Cynthia J Stone Home Page Link
Link To Cynthia J Stone Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
Facebook
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit, to allow you, the reader, to hear the author in their own voice.
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