What is your purpose in writing Wind Warrior?
The first romance I ever read was a novel from Cassie Edward’s Savage series and instantly became hungry to read more. I tracked down every one of those babies; let me tell you, until I read them all. Every historical Indian romance I read from that point on was based on a Plains tribe. I wanted to focus on a tribe indigenous to my area and decided to write a series based on the five tribes that make up the Iroquois League of Nations.
What lessons will the readers pick up from your novel?
Never give up in the essence of who you are as a person & to believe in the strength of your convictions.
Why did you focus on visions?
I've been waiting for someone to pick up on that. Believe it or not, I married into a very "gifted" family. My husband's family was unbelievable. I would pick up the phone to call his mother and she would be on the line calling me. His grandfather was an actual psychic medium and my first induction was quite an eye opening experience let me tell you. I neverrrrrr doubted his ability after that day.
Can you tell us about the Iroquois?
They are a league of six tribes indigenous to eastern New York where I am from. Their warriors were the fiercest ever known to strike terror in the hearts of early settlers from Pennsylvania to Canada. They were referred to as "People of the Longhouse" because their families lived together in wooden structures upward of 40 feet long. They were an extremely powerful nation that were sadly torn apart by the American Revolution.
Was there a part of the novel that was hard to write?
No not really. Once the research was done, it just flowed from my finger tips.
How does your mood affect your writing?
Believe it or not, writing has a way of molding my mood. I really try to get into character so that the emotion can be felt and experienced first hand. Writing is so uplifting for me and helps me escape from life's pressures.
Is it important that you are in an ambience that you like when you write?
I created a play list of 70 songs ... my pure romance collection from Michael Buble', Peabo Bryson, Lionel Richie, Brian McKnight, Andy Williams, Perry Como, Tony Bennett ... I'm listening to it now. Can't write without my boys crooning to me.
What are you working on now?
You're probably gonna think me is crazy ... Book #3 of my series, a mainstream romance sci-fi adventure entitled Keeper's Watch, and a romantic comedy screenplay Lookin' For Love. I've got a lot of catching up to do, this late in the game. No stopping me now!
What tips can you give to aspiring writers (like me)?
Believe in yourself, believe in yourself, believe in yourself. Don't let any rejection stop you. Every one is a diamond in the rough. It just takes time, conviction and writing maturity to make it happen.
What would you like to say to the people who have included your novel in their wish lists and / or to-be-read piles?
Kisses and hugs from me to you and my heartfelt appreciation. I have only just begun and I hope you're in it for the long ride.
Thank you for dropping by, Cynthia!
For more info, go to Cynthia's Official Website.
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Wind Warrior will be available in bookstores on June 15, 2010.
Leslie Michaels is a visionary, and only those close to her know of her special gift and the visions that come when her mind and body surrender to sleep. Fate has a way of righting many wrongs, and for Leslie it is a destiny that changes her life dramatically. But not before she is forced to flee into the wilderness to escape a murderous trapper bent on claiming her for his very own. Faith and a strong will to survive are her only companions, until she encounters Winnokin, the handsome Seneca war chief who first came to her in her dreams. Not only does he prove to be her rescuer and protector, he teaches her that tragedy can breed happiness and the passion to live and love deeply once again.
Wind Warrior plunges readers into the intimate depths of a relationship that unfolds like a live drama before their eyes while painting an insightful and intriguing portrait of Native Indian life in the 1800s. It is a story of longing, of a wanton need to survive all odds, and a love so strong it conquers human evil. Wind Warrior expresses with cunning words the simple, raw human emotions that hold readers spellbound and captivates their hearts.
Want more? Read an excerpt from the book.
Great interview. It sounds like an intriguing book. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great interview! Both her and her book look great. I should definitly check it out when it comes out!
ReplyDeleteI have an award for you
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