Create Explore Read: A chat with...Cindy Loven + GIVEAWAY

Friday, January 30, 2015

A chat with...Cindy Loven + GIVEAWAY

Hey everyone, weclome to Thinking Thoughts. This morning I'm excited to introduce you to author Cindy Loven. So go ahead and sit down, grab a cup of coffee, and join the conversation. If you're lucky, maybe you've got this view >>>

Here's a little bit about Cindy...

A life long reader, it has always been my dream to write a book. It often seems surreal to realize this dream is materializing. I love to read and review books, and I love thinking of ideas for new stories. I greatly enjoy the fun of thinking up new ideas to write about.

Married for over 29 years to her husband, Dave, they are the parents to two sons, Jarrod who is 21 and John, who passed away in 2009 at age 14. Since his death I have tried to help educate parents against the dangers of the "choking game." I reside with my family in Arkansas which is my home state.

So, how did you get started with writing?
I have been writing things down all my life, I kept a diary as a teenager, I have notebooks all over the place with “stuff” wrote down in them. I started more seriously writing the year my son died, it was very therapeutic. What keeps me writing, is all the stories crowding around in my head wanting to come out.

I completely get that! I find comfort in writing as well. Do you have a favorite book that you've written?
That one is hard to answer, because they are all my favorite “children” so to speak, but I love Dianna's Wings since it is the first published children story.

I know you self published, but what was the hardest thing about publishing for you? The easiest?
I did self publish it. The hardest thing was getting the story to the point I was sure it was ready to go. I worked on this story for over two years from the start to finish. The easiest was the actual publishing. Create Space was very easy to work with.

That's good to hear! I know a lot of people are interested in self publishing and I myself have thought about it. Glad to hear you and a good experience.

So, tell us a little bit about Dianna's Wings. Why did you write it?
The book I am promoting today is a book about self acceptance. Learning that God creates us perfectly.

I started this story with a focus on Trevor Turtle. He is the problem solver, but I realized very quickly the star of the show, so to speak was Dianna. This is a concept all children and most adults need to know.

Ah ok, great premise! Do you have a favorite character in this work?
I love Trevor because he is a fixer, a lot like I try to be. :-) But as far as the artwork goes, I am over the moon in love with the pictures of Dianna, my illustrator was awesome.

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
That God created us each wonderfully and marvelously. And He created us in His image. We are made how He wants us.

I love that, Cindy! How did you find inspiration for this story? For your characters? Is it strictly from your imagination or do things in real life play a part too?
Both, most of my places come from combined names of neat places here in Arkansas. I have a series of children stories that I have based on my cousin's children and their antics.

From Pinterest

What are you hoping to create when you write?
A fun, happy story with a strong ethical moral lesson, without being preachy.

What would you tell aspiring authors about writing and publishing?
For writing, WRITE! For publishing, especially self publishing, learn to use the tools available to you by the publisher, it will make your life much easier.

What’s one thing you are looking forward to in 2015?
More stories that are rattling around that need to come out, and great sales for the books out.

I think an important aspect of getting to know other writers is what they have found useful in their learning process. Can you recommend a craft book that you've found helpful?
I write children's stories, so it would have to be The Children's Writer's Word Book. This is my Bible for writing my stories. LOL.

Do you prefer New Years fireworks or a bonfire to celebrate with? Or something else?
I don't really celebrate New Years too much, usually by Christmas I am so worn out from all the work and busyness, I am just resting on New Years.

Oh, I understand that! I'm usually pretty tired by New Year's too! Well, thank you so much for sharing with us Cindy! I'm excited to offer your sweet giveaway to my readers as well.