Tell us about yourself.:
When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming two things in life: a mother and an author. I am blessed to have done both. My family is extremely important to me. They support and inspire me, keep me busy and grounded. As for my writing, it's something I can't remember not wanting to do. Reading has been a part of my life since I was an infant and storytelling was a natural part of our family life. I hope my work inspires others, that it brings joy, laughter, and yes, even some other emotions as anger and sadness. I want my work to be memorable and not just run of the mill. I work hard to write the best that I can.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I was born in Newport News Va and moved to Leland, NC when I was eight. My father was from NC and always wanted to move back home. I remember well looking at maps of North Carolina, him showing us where he grew up, and the place he wanted us to move to. We visited NC a few times a year and I believed the state line began and ended at my Granddaddy's home. Love of my Granddaddy's farm, of my family, of everything that has surrounded me as a person has been my grace, my inspiration for all of my work. I draw heavily on family stories, memories and my own active imagination.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I take care of my three-year-old granddaughter, so I now write with a toddler close by. In the past I liked to get all alone with a good cup of coffee and become lost in my story. I took a long break from writing. I just published my most recent book Underneath the Honeysuckle Vine. Before that the last book I published was in 2015. I needed the break to gather myself, to be with my family and to become more inspired.
What authors have influenced you?
I was born in Newport News Va and moved to Leland, NC when I was eight. My father was from NC and always wanted to move back home. I remember well looking at maps of North Carolina, him showing us where he grew up, and the place he wanted us to move to. We visited NC a few times a year and I believed the state line began and ended at my Granddaddy's home. Love of my Granddaddy's farm, of my family, of everything that has surrounded me as a person has been my grace, my inspiration for all of my work. I draw heavily on family stories, memories and my own active imagination.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be yourself. Write your stories in your genres. Don't worry if it doesn't sound like anyone else. Be unique. Be you. And most of all don't give up.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
If it's what you enjoy, do it for you. Making money should not be the goal. Write what I want to write and be happy with it.
What are you reading now?
Barbara Daniels Dena's "For the Soul."
It's wonderful collection of short stories that I'm finding fascinating. I read slowly these days. I used to fly through books, but now I savor them.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Procrastination. I'm terrible about putting things off, at letting other things take over and my writing takes a back seat.
What is your favorite book of all time?
"A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith. Also "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.
I've read these books many times and each time is like the first. They never get old.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
Number one, spending time with my family. I love my relationships with all of my family, and I thank the Lord every day for all of them. I like to read and crochet too.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Oh wow. My parents read books to me when I was just a baby. I don't remember learning how to read. I just know books were always a part of me. "The Dolls House" by Rumer Godden was my favorite as a child. I so wanted to write a book like that.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
My family. We are a family of talkers, and as a child, I loved nothing more than being around the adults hearing stories of the past. I love my family history so much. I have a sign in my den that my daughter gave me. It says, "Don't Forget Your Roots." That is me entirely. My books are all inspired in some way by family, our history, and above all my faith and my relationship with Christ. I grew up in a Christian home so faith is always a part of my stories.
What are you working on now?
"The Broken Circle," Beyond Cedar Cove, Book Two.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Cat Lyon's Reading den. Cat has been invaluable as a friend and helper in promoting my books.
I also like doing interviews on Chat and Spin internet radio. These are free live interviews any author can take advantage of.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing. I would like to be more recognized locally. Hopefully, that will come sometime. I think I have something special to offer.
How well do you work under pressure?
It depends on the source of pressure. Sometimes I do ok and keep at it. Other times, I've found it best to put my work aside and concentrate on other more pressing issues in life.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
I just write what comes to me. My characters have a way of waking me in the middle of the night and I know I have to get back to work.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
I cannot express how much you all mean to me. So many times, I've felt like giving up. I've been invisible in my own eyes and your encouragement has motivated me numerous times. I love you all.
Cynthia Ulmer’s Author Websites and Profiles
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