Interview with women’s fiction author Cynthia Flowers

Novelist Cynthia Flowers chats with me today about her new women’s fiction, Only in September.

During her virtual book tour, Cynthia will be giving away a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn participant. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:
Cynthia Flowers, a recently retired advertising professional, now grant writer, resides with her husband and four-year old Labrador named Eddie, at their “sanctuary” in Upstate New York. Although previously published, this is Cynthia’s first book of fiction. Early on in grade school, Cynthia looked forward to creative writing class and enjoyed reading her stories aloud to her eager classmates.

Welcome, Cynthia. Please tell us about your current release.
This story delves into the unpredictable paths life unveils when you trust your instincts, relinquish control, and wholeheartedly embrace the journey, allowing it to unfold in ways you never imagined.

What inspired you to write this book?
The place itself, more than anything else. This teardrop-shaped island isn’t just a setting, it’s a living, breathing character within this tale of serendipity. Those who embrace its enchanting aura are the ones who truly experience its magic.

Excerpt from Only in September:
With the sun barely over the horizon, Jacqueline awoke to Bailey licking her face and the best morning smell ever. Michael had the coffee pot simmering over the fire pit.

Jacqueline wasn’t ready to give up the warmth of her sleeping bag, so she managed to sit up while still inside it.

“Looks like you’re in a cocoon. Did you sleep well?” he asked.

“Surprisingly, yes. I was snug as a bug,” she said with a yawn.

“Well, one of the other reasons for camping out is to see the first rays of the sunrise, so let’s get you up so you don’t miss it.” He helped Jacqueline to her feet while she was still inside the sleeping bag. To remain steady, Michael had to hold her. She was all right with that.

I hope this sunrise viewing lasts a while.

Consumed by the beauty of the moment, Jacqueline felt a swelling from inside that took her nearly to the brink of tears as she looked out at the bright yellow rays that made the ocean glisten.

“We have a few clouds, which is a good thing,” he said. “It helps make the sunrise a bit more dramatic.”

“I bet you’ve seen lots of these,” Jacqueline replied while trying to compose herself.

“Yes, but I never get tired of it. It’s like seeing it for the first time every time,” he shared.

They both grew silent and took in the beauty of the early morning sky, and the warm connection of being so physically close to one another.

What exciting project are you working on next?
I’m looking for inspiration in my protagonist, Jacqueline, letting her guide me through her journey and discovering where the story unfolds next.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve always felt drawn to writing, but it wasn’t until I completed and published my first nonfiction book—a memoir, Last Dog and All Who Came Before—that I truly saw myself as a writer, finally achieving my lifelong goal.

Do you write full-time? If so, what’s your workday like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
Yes, writing is a full-time endeavor for me—I work as a grant writer by day. When it comes to fiction and nonfiction, the process is slow and reflective, often unfolding over a couple of years as I develop ideas while hiking or trail running. Once the concept takes shape, I dedicate my mornings to writing, letting the words flow until inspiration wanes or my dog, Eddie, reminds me it’s time for a walk.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I must admit—I haven’t discovered a writing quirk yet, at least not one I’m aware of. But my writing journey is still unfolding, and there’s plenty of time to develop a quirk or two along the way. Who knows what unexpected rituals might take shape as my process continues to evolve!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I dreamed of being a journalist to make a living and a published author for the joy of storytelling. One out of two ain’t bad.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
My hope is that readers experience the same joy and sense of escape that Only in September gave me while writing it. Each time I returned to the manuscript, I found myself transported to Block Island, fully immersed in its atmosphere and Jacqueline’s journey. I’m eager to hear how readers connect with her—what emotions the story stirs in them, how they see themselves in her struggles, and, most intriguingly, how they might have navigated her choices if they were in her shoes.

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