Interview with Cyndia Rios-Myers

Published 2013-08-21.
What inspired you to start writing?
There were stories in my head and in my heart that were not in other books. Also, I've always been a daydreamer and an introvert; I loved playing the "What If" game in my head - what if I'd said yes, what if he'd said no, what if I had gone left instead of right... Writing allowed me to live out fantasies that had taken residence in my head. What was great about that was that once the stories were told, new ones would move in to take the spots of the old ones.
What is your favorite genre to write?
Women's fiction with a touch of romance. I love the road to recovery that women must walk once they've made a mistake or bad choice in life. There is so much to be learned from that journey! I also like writing about what happens to my protagonists once they've found love. I've been fortunate enough to find my happy ending with my husband, but the truth is that relationships keep moving and evolving. I love taking the reader on a trip through someone else's relationship and what makes them work.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up all over the place!! I was born in Boston, moved to Ohio, moved to Milwaukee, WI, moved to San Antonio, TX, and then moved to Arecibo, Puerto Rico - all before I turned 11. That taught me a lot about culture shock and the difference of people. Already a shy person, it taught me how to observe people from all walks of life and how to fantasize about what their lives might have been like.
When did you first start writing?
I wrote a very, very, very bad romance novel about teenaged groupies that go after their favorite hair band to find love. It was bad. I think that I was about 15 years old when I wrote that, a bored teenager who loved hair bands.
What's the story behind your latest book?
The last book I published was Razed by the Wolf: Book 7 of The Wolves. It was the final installment (in novella form) in a series on werewolves. It has more of a women's fiction bend to it than romance (although that certainly factors in) and has horror elements to it as well.

Here is the write up for it: Even with the complications of having a toddler, werewolf daughter declaring the fact that she has a mate, life is pretty good for Lana Bauer. She has a sweet, hardworking (and hot) husband, a good family, a great pack and a fulfilling home life. But sometimes, in life, everything is okay until it is not.

Wolf reminds Lana that she is not human by pulling her into werewolf disputes that she must adjudicate. Her judgments levy both life and death – but nothing compared to the punishment she will deliver for the individuals responsible from taking the thing that means the most to her. Old Lana returns, resulting in the wilds of Germany and Austria being Razed by the Wolf.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I tried the regular route! I sent query letter after query letter to prospective agents, but mostly got rejected. I did have one "maybe" if I would have reduced the content of my first novel (The Song of the Sleeping Grass) by half. I didn't do that. I got a "yes", but it was from a for-profit agent (wanted payment every month before landing a publishing contract), which made me skeptical.

This indie world of writing is unchartered territory. It is at times scary, disheartening, rewarding and even exciting. The stimulation I get from trying to market my books (I was a business major) is rewarding onto itself - especially me, being that I am a homeschooling/stay-at-home-mom/military spouse (as things can get monotonous with those roles).
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
It has exposed me to markets outside of Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and even America. It has made me perfect my work, and my methods.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Getting to know the fictional characters who take up residence in my head, and introducing them to the world! Also, I love the curve balls that the fictional characters throw at me. Sometimes I will start writing one book, but then it turns into something else altogether.
What do your fans mean to you?
I love hearing that people love my work. Love that! I don't have much of a fan club yet, but here's to hoping that that changes very soon.
What are you working on next?
I am currently writing a book (in longhand and in composition notebooks - no lie) about a true post-apocalyptic world - a world where the apocalypse has ended and old, regular life has resumed. The heroine (who met her hero and married him) has to adjust to life as a wife and mother and not a warrior (anymore), which is surprisingly difficult for her, as she was raised in a world full of wars. I am about 60% of the way through.
Who are your favorite authors?
Diana Gabaldon, Jean Auel, Jim Butcher, Carrie Vaughn...there are tons more that I know I am forgetting.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My husband, my awesome son, and writing! Also, I am an early riser/morning person, which helps.
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