Today I am sharing an interview with Cynthia Hilston. This interview was originally posted as part of a blog tour for the book Rocks and Flowers.
Links in this post may be affiliate links. Purchases made using these links will not cost you more but may pay me an affiliate fee. Check out my links at the end of this posts of things that I think may interest you. Thanks for using my links which help support this blog.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR – Cynthia Hilston
Cynthia Hilston is a stay-at-home mom of three young kids, happily married, and lives in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. Writing has always been like another child to her. After twenty years of waltzing in the world of fan fiction, she stepped away to do her debut dance with original works of fiction. Visit her website for more information.
In her spare time – what spare time? – she devours books, watches Supernatural and Outlander, pets her orange kitty, looks at the stars, drinks wine or coffee with good friends, and dreams of what other stories she wishes to tell.
CONNECT WITH CYNTHIA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon
AN INTERVIEW WITH CYNTHIA HILSTON
When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
I have enjoyed writing fan fiction since I was 15. When I was 26, I had an idea to write an original novel based off my late grandma’s life. It wasn’t until I was 35 that I finally sat down and wrote that novel.
When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?
I love reading! I also like to work out and occasionally draw. I enjoy meeting with friends for coffee or a glass of wine.
What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?
I read in most genres, but I’d have to say I have a soft spot for World War II historical fiction. I’ve written in this time period as well. I love this time period because it’s part of when the Greatest Generation lived, including my late grandma whose life inspired my first novel. I believe that generation who lived through both World Wars and the Great Depression had a lot of resilience and that the rest of us could learn a lot from them.
Where did the inspiration for this story come from?
It’s the second in a series, so it pretty much followed up on the first novel, Lorna versus Laura. I loved writing the main characters, Lorna and Tristan, in the first novel and knew that wouldn’t be the last time we see them. There’s a third (yet to be written) novel in the series. The biggest thing that sparked this novel came from a good writer friend asking the question: What if Chuck didn’t die in the first book?
Who did you have in mind as you wrote the book?
Those who love historical fiction, especially World War II. Also those who enjoy romance and inspirational or Christian fiction. I wanted the story to be wholesome and clean, yet also not be afraid to go deep with issues.
Which character did you enjoy writing most?
That’s a hard question. I love Lorna, Tristan, and Chuck (the main characters in this novel), and I pretty much feel like they all play so well off each other!
Because I am a K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?
Being a mom of three young kids, I’d have to say I Love You to the Moon and Back.
Every year I organize a Young Authors Day for the kids at our school. What advice would you give to a child who wants to be a writer?
Read a lot! Start writing stories, even if they seem silly or are based on someone else’s characters. Writing fan fiction for me (and lots of others) from a young age inspired me to write origina
Thanks Cynthia for sharing with us. I always enjoy getting to know a little bit about the person behind the book!
Library Lady has interviewed many authors. Read the interviews here.
I have a Teachers Pay Teachers store – Library to Classroom which has products of use to librarians and teachers. I also have an Etsy printables store – Plan Ponder Play which has products to help you plan, ponder, and play in all areas of your life.
