Greetings from Sarah Sundin in California! Today I have the joy of interviewing Cynthia L. Simmons, nonfiction author, novelist, and speaker! Cynthia is sharing today about her latest novel.
Welcome, Cynthia! Please tell us about your book, Reflecting Gold.
Peter and Mary Beth Chandler kept their Confederate bank on the gold standard. However, a Confederate officer asked for a loan and insisted on repaying in Confederate bank notes not backed by gold. If they refuse, he will label them traitors. Should the Chandlers change their loan requirements and risk losing the bank?
What is the primary focus of your book?
The couple who own a Confederate bank face numerous challenges, but they learn to reflect the love of God despite the hardships.
Intriguing! What surprised you the most during the research or writing of your book?
The Constitution stated that only gold or silver should be used for buying/selling. The Union almost went bankrupt during the Civil War, and Lincoln suggested going to paper/legal tender. Several cases had to pass the Supreme Court to make that legal.
The facts we unearth in researching! But of course, history is so much more than facts. Why is history—and portraying it through fiction—important to you?
I want people to learn history since it helps us understand the world we live in. People who ignore history are bound to repeat it. Also, I want people to understand every generation faces challenges. Considering that, we need to find ways to love people despite our circumstances.
So true! And how do you share Christ in your writing?
Stories communicate a Christian world view without being preachy. My main characters struggle with a topic and turn to the Lord for solutions. In addition, I often write a short Bible study to accompany my novels. It’s free to download on my website.
What a wonderful bonus for your readers!
So, why do you love writing?
I have always loved words and hated numbers. My husband works in accounting, so he manages numbers for me. I’m an avid reader and researcher, and I find great joy in putting stories on paper.
What is one thing about writing that you wish non-writers knew?
I embraced writing as a lifestyle, not to be a personality or make money. I minister to others through writing, speaking, podcasting, and making videos. It takes hours of work rewriting, editing, and promoting.
Besides storytelling, what talents do you have?
I enjoy jewelry making with my disabled son. When I speak, I take jewelry with me to sell. I also enjoy growing orchids, flower arranging, and sewing.
Visual beauty as well as verbal—I love it! Do you have a “day job” or a previous career? Does it influence what or how you write?
I worked as an RN before I had children, and my training permeated my life. I love researching medicine in history so usually I have medical topics in all my stories.
Characters do have a tendency to get sick and injured, don’t they?As for other characters in your life…do you have pets and do they inspire your writing or hinder it?
I have two ragdoll cats, and their antics often inspire devotions. The older one loves to sit in my lap. Sometimes he prefers me to pay attention to him rather than write. When working, I often have a cat sitting beside me or nearby.
With cats to “help” you, how do you stay disciplined and meet your deadlines?
Deadlines motivate me, and I’ll leave dishes in the sink or a spill in my refrigerator to meet them.
That means more stories! Please tell us about your next project.
A Moment in Time – A photographer attempted to open a studio in Marietta, GA, after the Civil War. However, various citizens sabotaged his goals. He must unearth the problem to stay in town.
Sounds interesting! Thank you for sharing with us today, Cynthia!
To learn more about Cynthia’s books and speaking, please visit Cynthia’s website and Cynthia’s blog.
Writing for Him,
Sarah Sundin