What Fuels Our Creativity

Cynthia Herron Writing 6 Comments

Last week I talked about research trips adding dimension to our writing. As writers, side trips away from our desks and computers aren’t just a fun way to “get away from it all.” These trips recharge our brains and fuel our creativity. When we see something besides the four walls of our offices or work spaces, we’re reminded that there is life …

The Day Integrity Died

Cynthia Herron Snippets of Life 4 Comments

 We’ve all heard them. The sliver-tongued salesman who could sell snow to an Eskimo. Eloquent Eddie whose cookware “will last for life.” Sunshine Sally promising “youth in a bottle.” Guarantees and declarations abound. No product or topic is off-limits. Anything goes. Even at the risk of telling little white lies. Sadly, sacrificing integrity has become a way of life. And worse, it seems …

Broaching Sex within Christian Fiction

Cynthia Herron Romance 10 Comments

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a hopeless romantic. I tear up at Hallmark commercials. I appreciate gallantry. I adore a handmade card with a heartfelt sentiment. I am also deeply moved by: that tender kiss between those in love, handpicked wildflowers on a summer day, iced ribbons of moonlight that paint the night sky. When I write, I immerse …

Research Trips Add Dimension

Cynthia Herron Writing 11 Comments

I spent a good part of yesterday out and about with my sister. It’s always fun when I can combine research, writing, flea markets, and tea rooms, and quality time with loved ones. Since I spend much of my time in front of a computer screen, I’ve become more conscientious of factoring in “me” time/free time throughout my week. It’s the healthy thing …

My 20 Favorite Things about Fall

Cynthia Herron Favorite Things 10 Comments

I love this time of year. I always have. While in some ways the season is bittersweet, in other ways, it’s a quiet reminder of beauty yet to come. In a burst of renewed energy, nature sheds her summer cloak in favor of a brief, but vibrant, mantle of color. Although I’ve lived in the Ozarks all my life, God’s …

A Short Drive to “Perfectville”

Cynthia Herron Writing 7 Comments

I grew up watching The Waltons and Andy Griffith re-runs. Life on Waltons Mountain and on the quiet streets of Mayberry seemed ideal. The folks there were friendly, faith-filled, and neighbor-oriented. As far back as I can recall, I knew those were towns I wanted to base my fictional series on. I wanted folks (readers) to be able to sit back, kick …

Is Now a Good Time to be an Author?

Cynthia Herron Writing 8 Comments

Last week I shared some of my favorite ACFW 2012 memories with you. For those who were unable to attend, Michael Hyatt was the keynote speaker at this year’s conference and so the atmosphere was super-charged with excitement. All year I’d looked forward to hearing Mike Hyatt speak. Like many, I’d read his bestselling book, Platform: How to Get Noticed in a Noisy World, and I …

What We Believe About Ourselves

Cynthia Herron Positive Thinking 12 Comments

We’re born into this world defined by someone else’s perception. From the moment we make our grand entrance, labels are thrust upon us based on who we are born to, and not who we actually are (a child of God). As we age, things shift a bit. Additional factors are thrown  into the success/failure pot. We become known as Sally Sue, the …

ACFW 2012: Part One

Cynthia Herron Writing Conferences 15 Comments

Moi and friend/agency-mate Jill Kemerer Re-entry after the ACFW conference is somewhat hard to describe. It’s a rollercoaster of emotion: exhaustion, elation, and bittersweet relief. The months leading up to conference time are full of barely contained excitement. We’re eager to see our friends and make new ones. We look forward to workshops, worship, and those “divine appointments” with editors, agents, …

ACFW Week 2012 Has Arrived!

Cynthia Herron Writing Conferences 2 Comments

After  months of preparation and planning, ACFW week is finally here! Officially, the American Christian Fiction Writers’ conference starts Thursday, but many of us are arriving a day ahead so we’ll be as fresh as a daisy come Thursday morning. For those attending the conference for the first time, you may have subscribed to the Newcomers’ Orientation Loop through ACFW if you are a member. …