Interview with Cynthia Witherspoon

Hello Author Cynthia Witherspoon! Welcome to Coffee Time Romance and More!

Let me start off by saying that I read your paranormal romance, The Sibyl, book one of The Oracle Series, and I absolutely loved it! It is so good! I can’t wait to read the next one! Where did you come up with the idea for this series?

Hello! I would like to say I came up with the idea of The Oracle Series on a whim. A dream. Something cool like that. But the truth is, I got the idea one night when I was trying to decide what to write after The Witchfinder Wars (my paranormal YA with the fantastic K.G. McAbee). I had never done a series on my own before, and I wanted to do something with paranormal investigators. The more I thought about it, the more it came together.

What was your favorite part of the book to write? Do you have a favorite character from this story?

My favorite part of the book to write was the scene where Eva encounters Kathy Carter (the Sibyl) for the first time. I’m a massive fan of action scenes, and I love the interaction between those two.

I have to say, my favorite character is Eva McRayne. She has so many parts of me written into her that I can’t help but love her.

You do a lot of collaborations with other authors. Congratulations on your first solo series! Is this the start of more to come?

Yes. When I started writing professionally in 2009, I focused on short stories to hone my craft. The more I wrote, the better I got, and the more comfortable I’ve become with doing a massive project solo.

Will you share with us a little about book 2 of The Oracle Series? Is it available yet? What other projects are you working on?

The Fanatic is book two of The Oracle Series, and it is available just about everywhere. You can find it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords—just about anywhere that e-books (and it’s in print, too) are sold.

As much as I loved writing The Sibyl, I have to admit that The Fanatic is my absolute favorite so far. I love the character interactions, the mystery, and the action scenes. They were almost too much fun to put on the page.
I have just released The Seer (March 1, 2015), which is book three of The Oracle Series, so I’m planning book four as well as an anthology of short stories based off the episodes filmed on Grave Messages (a TV show from the books). I will also be putting together an anthology of paranormal stories this year called Dark Visions. All proceeds of Dark Visions will go to the American Foundation of the Blind.

I’m also writing book two of the Gilded Cages Saga with K.G. McAbee. It’s a steampunk novel that has two of my favorite characters of all time in it.

That sounds like a busy schedule, Cynthia. What do you see as your biggest challenge as an author? What part of writing do you love the most?

My biggest challenge as an author is no different than most indie writers. Getting my name out there and convincing readers to give me a shot are, by far, the hardest parts.

I love everything about writing. I know every author will say that, but it’s true. There is something magical about seeing your imagination come alive on the page. And then, to see a reader fall in love with your story as much as you do? There is no greater feeling in the world.

Do you have a certain writing process you follow?

I sit down and write. If I’ve been away from a project for a few days, I’ll reread what I’ve already got down. But really? The most important part about writing is just that. Writing. You can’t edit something that isn’t already on the page.

What is the happiest or proudest moment of your writing career so far?

When my print copies of The Sibyl and The Fanatic came in the mail. I showed them off to everyone. Then, a few days later, K.G. sent me a print copy of our Gilded Cages Saga, and I was over the moon.

So, other than writing, what other hobbies do you have? What would it surprise readers to know about you?

I read. A lot. That’s pretty much the only other hobby I have.

What would surprise readers? Well, one thing that tends to surprise a lot of people is that I am legally blind in my left eye thanks to a sudden illness. This is why I am doing the anthology to benefit the American Foundation for the Blind. I know how a disability can be earth shattering, but with determination, you can use it to your advantage. This is what I hope to do with Dark Visions. If I can use my writing to benefit only one person going through what I have gone through, then what I do becomes so much more than a passion. It has become a responsibility I am happy to take on.

That sounds wonderful. I hope your anthology is a great success! Do you have a message you would like to share with readers?

Thank you for choosing to read my stories. Your time is valuable, and I am grateful that you have decided to share it with me.

Cynthia, thank you so much for visiting with us today!