The Printed Page

Today it’s my pleasure to welcome Cyndia Depre to The Printed Page. Ms. Depre is the author of Amanda’s Rib and Oblivious. Ms. Depre graciously took time from her writing schedule to answer some questions.

TPP: When and why did you begin writing?
CD: I didn’t start until my mid-forties. It was something I’d always wanted to do, and it hit me that I better get started! I had no idea what I was getting into. Writing is much, much more than putting words on paper.

TPP: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
CD: I’m not sure I do even now. There’s so much to learn, so many ways to keep trying to be better. I was at a party recently and someone said, “Oh, the author!” I got excited and asked who? Where? She meant me! LOL

TPP: What inspired you to write your first book?
CD: Oprah. Or her show. I saw another victim being blamed by the audience for something they clearly didn’t understand or empathize with, and it made me kind of irritated. I’d seen and heard it all before, but this was the last straw, so to speak. So I decided to write a book about how difficult it is to be a victim and feel helpless to change your situation. We all deal with problems differently, so I chose one way and went with it.

TPP: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
CD: It’s very difficult putting emotions into words in a clear, concise way. I want readers to feel they hear and see the characters. To identify with them in some way. To care about them. Self-editing is extremely important because it’s easy to give useless information. Decide what matters and get rid of the rest. Learning the seemingly endless rules is another hurdle.

TPP: What do you see as the influences on your writing?
CD: I really care about people. When they hurt, I feel so bad for them. And when they’re happy, I am, too. If I see something I consider wrong, I like to address it. In Amanda’s Rib I did so in a serious way. In Oblivious I explored an issue in a humorous (I hope) way. I think it’s important to avoid judging people, because we’re all flawed. Seeing some kind of injustice or inequity inspires me to write a story about it.

TPP: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
CD: I really love Dennis Lehane. He writes characters I want to hug. Or slap. Or give a good talking to. Or make tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for. In other words, I love deep characters, good and bad, and he’s super at writing them.

TPP: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
CD: A woman is missing and everyone assumes she’s off on one of her frequent vacations. Everyone but Olivia and Amanda, characters from the first two books. They think she was murdered, and set about proving it. This is a stand-alone, even though it has characters from previous books. New protagonists are the focus in this one.

TPP: What book(s) are you reading now?
CD: The Brass Verdict, Michael Connelly’s newest. So far it’s super. He’s another favorite author.

TPP: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
CD: Funny you should ask. I just came across a great new one. New to me, at least. Chelsea Cain. I was in the mood to read a new author and saw Heartsick. It grabbed me right away, and when I finished I was delighted to see she has a new one out. Sweetheart. I ordered it immediately.

TPP: Do you have anything that you want to say to your readers?
CD: I love hearing from readers, and think most writers do. Never think dropping an author an email is bothering them. Heck, an email can be the most inspiring thing in my day!

**********
I recently read and reviewed Oblivious and now I’m giving away a signed copy to one of my readers.

All you have to do is follow the entry guidelines. You must answer a simple question for your entry to be included. If you don’t include the answer in your comment you will be excluded.

1~ Who is Cyndia’s newest ‘favorite’ author?

2 ~ Please include your answer and contact information in your comment. No answer, no entry.

3 ~ US and Canadian mailing addresses only please.

4 ~ Important dates: Giveaway closes Thursday, November 13th with winner announced Friday, November 14th.

**********

You can check Cyndia’s other tour stops by visiting Pump Up Your Book virtual tour page.

Thank you Tracee for setting up this tour stop.