Name  Cyndi Lord

Age

I’ll be sixty-years-old next month

Where are you from

I’m originally form southern California, but moved to Michigan with my husband in my early twenties. Ten years ago we moved to northeast Texas

A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc  

I studied for a wide-spectrum career, and received my Master’s Degree in criminal justice. After working in a few areas of law, I chose private investigation. For twenty-eight years, I owned and operated an agency with eleven employees.

Our nine children are grown up with their own families. My husband and I enjoy gardening, and traveling in our motor home.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news?

Earlier in the year, I accepted the position of Editor-in-Chief at E.C.M, a rapidly growing magazine for readers and writers


Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing in my early twenties. I had a number of journals detailing the rough patches in my teen years, and typed those out into story form. Within the pages, I found other stories, and captured those. The process hooked me on writing.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

During the period I previously told you about. I didn’t realize then how little I knew about writing. Later, when I took writing classes, then years afterward took advanced writing courses, I re-read what I had first written and cringed at the end of every sentence.

 

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

My first manuscript remains unpublished due to time elements. It needs extensive editing. I wrote the manuscript from the journals I mentioned, and it tells my personal story of troubled years. Later, I wrote They Call Me Murdered as a way to capture cases I’d handled over the years in a fictionalized book including exploration of the paranormal. This book was published traditionally, and set the course of the series, The Sandra Derringer Chronicles.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?

In both of my published series, The Sandra Derringer Chronicles, and The Plain Series (Amish theme) my style has always been to keep it real. Life happens, and situations are seldom predicable. I am earning the title, Queen of Plot Twist, from creating natural, unexpected events in my books.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

For the two, Sandra Derringer Chronicles, books, They Call Me Murdered, is a line from the book, and the same applies to They Call Me Missing.  The to-be-released, next title, They Call Me Avenged, is based on the storyline.

For, The Plain Series, I planned the first three titles based of the on-going series’ story line. A Plain Wish, is the “wish” of the main character. A Plain Adventure, is from the story foundation. The next book to be released in this series, A Plain Love, is based on two mismatched characters’ love, and how they deal with the issues.

My children’s book, Nick The Owlet’s Adventure, is the title my ten-year-old granddaughter gave the book she wanted me to writer for her. She also told me what the book outline was, and I wrote the short manuscript from her idea.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Absolutely. They Call Me Murdered, has numerous messages about life and the most important aspects the living miss.
A Plain Wish, addresses the destruction of family life and the devastating effects it has on children through the eyes of a troubled teen girl.


Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?

All of my books are realistic and capture life as it happens to most people. I’d have to say 98% is realistic.


Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Both. The combination of my experiences as a private investigator, child, mother, and grandmother are all utilized in my books.


Fiona: What books have most influenced your life? A mentor?

Number one is the Bible. As for secular books, I can’t really say which has the most influence as I enjoy reading fiction, and have enjoyed everything from Laura Ingall’s Wilder, to Stephen King.
Two people have been my greatest writing mentors, my youngest daughter, DaVeena, and my publisher at White Bird Publications, Evelyn. They both believed in me, and helped me become the best author I could be in my stages of growth.


Fiona: What book are you reading now?

I’m enjoying another of my favorite author, Linda Castillo’s, Kate Bucholder series books, After the Storm.


Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Ica Lova writes fascinating books. I recommend her to everyone.


Fiona: What are your current projects?

Writing wise, I am writing book three in The Plain Series, A Plain Love, and editing an old manuscript.


Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Northeast Texas Writers Organization has been ideal for critiquing my work and brainstorming new pieces. The annual conference afforded me the opportunity to meet and network with influential people in the industry.


Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, I do. I retired from my PI career due to medical reasons and to write and promote full time. Earlier in the year, I expanded to opening an editing service.


Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Probably the cover. It seemed like a good idea at the time. It has received mixed reviews.

 

Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?

Yes, I do. Last summer I went on a three month, five state book tour.

 

Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Learn the craft of writing and get a good editor before you submit for publication or self-publish.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

Yes! Charlotte’s Web. I was in second grade.

Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

I do. I love to paint in oil, watercolor, and acrylic. Gardening has been a joy to me for years. I love flowers, and I am a vegan – a vegetable garden is perfect for my lifestyle.

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I like reality shows, true crime, and got hooked on Tyler Perry’s, If Loving You is Wrong, last year.

Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

I’m heavily involved in animal rescue and a strong advocate against cruelty. I wish I had more time in the past to open a rescue and expand it to make a difference. I have three dogs, and two are rescues. A couple of months ago I rescued to tiny, abandoned, black kittens.   

Amazon Authors Page http://www.amazon.com/Cyndi-Lord/e/B00I1MPV1C/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1450990316&sr=8-1