Historical Christian fiction writer Cynthia Roemer talks about research and her love of writing.

Today I welcome Christian historical fiction writer Cynthia Roemer to my blog. Cynthia, tell us a little about yourself. 

I’m a farm wife of almost twenty-five years and mom to two college-aged sons. I work part-time as an elementary librarian. Much of the rest of the time, you’ll find me at my computer, tapping out stories. 

What books have you had published, and what are they about?

My Prairie Sky Series is set on the Illinois prairie in the mid-eighteen hundreds. Book One: Under This Same Sky is the story of Becky Hollister and how God uses tragedy and loss to woo her back to Him. It’s a story of friendship, overcoming loss, and unexpected love. 

Under Prairie Skies is Charlotte Stanton’s story. She’s Becky’s spoiled, headstrong cousin who meets her match in cattleman Chad Avery. Together, the Lord uses them to sharpen each other and bring healing and love to their hurting hearts.

Historical fiction is challenging to write because of the amount of research involved. What resources do you use?

I love research! Anyone who follows my blog will quickly see that. I completed a wealth of research while writing my first novel, Under This Same Sky, reading books about the time period and keeping notecards. I continue to research on an as-need basis, utilizing online information and library resources. 

Recently, my husband and I took a research trip for my third novel, Under Moonlit Skies. I wrote about our trip on my recent blog posts, “Discovering the First National Road,” https://cynthiaroemer.com/discovering-the-first-national-road/ and “The Old Statehouse ~ Novel Research Part 2,” https://cynthiaroemer.com/the-old-state-house-novel-research-part-2/.

I am assuming you enjoy reading historical fiction as well as writing it. What time period appeals to you the most?

It’s almost all I read. LOL! Of course, I love prairie fiction and Civil War novels but also enjoy novels which extend into the WWII era. I also enjoy Biblical fiction and split-time novels.

When did you first begin to write, and what has surprised you about the reality of writing and publishing as opposed to the idea of it, if anything?

I started writing short-stories while in high school. When one of my stories took First Place in a writing competition at a local college, I knew the Lord was calling me to write. I majored in English in college and actually wrote a rough draft of my first novel before I graduated. Then life happened. I got a job, married, and had my sons, and so set aside my dream of being a published novelist for quite a few years, though I continued to write Christian articles and short-stories for publication. 

Then in 2012, someone told me about the American Christian Fiction Writers’ group. That association changed how I wrote. I gained critique partners, took online courses, read numerous books on writing, and entered contests. 

What surprised me most about the reality of publication is how all-encompassing it can be. There is so much beyond just writing a good story. There’s editing, marketing, launch teams, interacting with readers through newsletters and blogs, etc. It is wonderful and exhausting at the same time! LOL!

Some writers listen to music while writing or have a designated work space. What about you? Do you have a particular routine that sets the creativity in motion?

I need quiet when I write—which can be a challenge since the computer I generally use to write with is in our living room. Thankfully, my boys are all but grown and have college and work to occupy them during the day. I also like to start my day in the Word and praying the Lord will allow the words to flow and be the guiding force behind them. I find early afternoon is my best time to write.

Are you a member of a local writers group? If so, how does it benefit you?

Unfortunately, I live out in rural America where there aren’t many other Christian writers. The closest Christian writing group is several hours away, but I have connected with some wonderful writers online who are a great support and encouragement to me.

What are your thoughts about conferences?

Conferenced are also a challenge to attend, since there are none close to home. But I have attended the ACFW Conference twice and hope to again in the future. They are a great way to meet others in the writing industry and increase your chances of gaining interest from an agent or publisher.

This may sound crazy, but sometimes my characters become almost real to me, and I catch myself thinking of them as people I know, if only for a moment. Do you ever experience that feeling?

Yes. They can be very real and often take me places in my writing I never dreamed of going. LOL!

What motivates you to write on those days that you would rather be doing something else?

Usually I have the opposite problem. I’m generally wishing I had the time to write instead of other obligations. But on days when words just won’t flow, I have to step away and pray or let my mind re-engage with the story.

Looking back on your writing journey, do you see something that you would do differently if you could do it over?

Not really. I’m actually thankful my boys were mostly grown before I became so deeply involved in writing. I wouldn’t trade that time with them for anything. Now though, as the empty nest approaches, I’m thankful the Lord has blessed me with something I thoroughly enjoy to occupy my time.

What are your hobbies and special interests?

When I’m not writing, I enjoy gardening, hiking, riding side-saddle with my husband in the combine, and riding motorcycles with my husband and sons. In the winter, I enjoy baking, reading, and watching movies with my family.

Please share any links we can access to be connected to you and your books.

Cynthia Roemer can be contacted at:

Website:  http://cynthiaroemer.com/

Author Newsletter: https://cynthiaroemer.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f265b224a5a776500a8fd3d17&id=f647853a44

Twitter:  https://twitter.com@cynthiaroemer  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCynthiaRoemer/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16785237.Cynthia_Roemer

Bookbub:  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cynthia-roemer

Thank you, Cynthia, for answering my questions. I look forward to reading more of your books in the future!

Thanks so much, Pam. It was my pleasure!