I met Cyndy Salzmann in Branson, Missouri, at a writer’s retreat in 2005. Cyndy is a friendly person, easy to talk to, bubbly and fun. We chatted about the path to publication and the journey each author takes to get there. My experience of waiting is the opposite of Cyndy’s. God’s plan is so unique for each of us!

Cyndy is a popular national speaker and the author of several Christian nonfiction books and a lighthearted mystery series published by Howard Books. Book one, Dying to Decorate, is currently available and book two, Crime & Clutter, is scheduled for release in April, 2007.

In her “spare” time, Cyndy loves to cook, read, and work on family scrapbooks. (Oh, me too!) She says this last pursuit allows her to permanently destroy any photos of herself she doesn’t consider flattering. (I never thought of that!)

Here’s the back cover blurb for Cyndy’s latest book Dying to Decorate: (Which, by the way, is a fun book.)

While juggling the responsibilities of carpool, laundry, and ballet lessons, this group of close friends finds time to act as sleuths, unraveling mysteries and gaining spiritual truths along the way. Readers will readily identify with these richly drawn characters caught in the chaos of raising a family, maintaining friendships, and sorting out the items of intrigue that draws them in.

You can find Dying to Decorate at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Christian Book Distributors. I had the privilege of reading Dying to Decorate several months ago, and it is a delightful story, a wonderful, light-hearted read!

I asked Cyndy to give us some insight into the calling behind her writing ~

Jill: When and how did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

Cyndy: I began writing books as an excuse to avoid laundry. Frankly, I wish I had a loftier reason for kick-starting a writing career. But I don’t. The simple truth is at the bottom of the laundry pile – probably under a pair of smelly socks.

Jill: Tell me a bit about what you write now and what you hope to write in the future.

Cyndy: I write both fiction and nonfiction – with five books on the shelves and one in the hopper. In April 2007, book two of my Friday Afternoon Club (FAC) mystery series will be released as part of Howard Books’ Motherhood Club line. The title is Crime & Clutter. It’s a lighthearted mystery with a mom lit feel – and since I’m also a cookbook author – I included 45 of my favorite recipes that go along with the story. The series is based on my own group of friends (also named FAC) that have gotten together on Friday afternoon for the last 15 years. No agenda. No crafts. No schedule. Just a time to relax and recharge with women who get me – and don’t care if I’ve shaved my legs.

As far as the future… I hope to continue writing both fiction and nonfiction. Since I’m a speaker, nonfiction helps build my platform – and writing fiction is like taking a vacation. Such fun! :)

Jill: If and when did you realize your writing was a calling?

Cyndy: When I couldn’t do it all – keep my PR business running, take care of my family – and meet my writing deadlines. I knew something had to go – and I also knew God didn’t want it to be the writing.

Jill: What means did God use to confirm in your heart that this is exactly what He has prepared for you to do for Him?

Cyndy: God brought all of my book contracts to my doorstep with very little effort on my part. He has also orchestrated many parts of my life to enable me to write.

Jill: When and how did you come to realize that writing meant more to you than a means to meet physical monetary needs or fulfill your dreams?

Cyndy: Number one – very few people are able to make a living from writing books. Being willing to give up my PR business to pursue writing and speaking fulltime was a huge monetary sacrifice. I also never really aspired to write books. It’s never been a dream – or even a goal. It’s just the job that God gave me to do. I’m hoping in heaven he allows me to be a cook.

Jill: How would you say that God has used writing to change you – to strengthen your faith and to make you more like Christ?

Cyndy: He’s taught me that it’s not about me – it’s about obedience. And if I am working for Him, I strive to hone my craft and produce the very best I can. For His glory.

Jill: Amen!

Jill: Has writing opened opportunities for you to give your testimony and witness for Christ or minister to fellow believers? If so, can you give one example?

Cyndy: My books have fueled an active speaking ministry which gives me the opportunity to connect with readers on a regular basis. I have the opportunity to share my testimony and provide encouragement and practical tips for deepening their relationship with God.

Cyndy’s current books are:
Dying to Decorate, Howard Books
Making Your Home a Haven, Horizon Books
>The Occasional Cook, Horizon Books
>Beyond Groundhogs and Gobblers, Horizon Books

(The Occasional Cook sounds intriguing. Baking I enjoy, cooking well…occasional sounds good!)

Upcoming release:
Crime & Clutter, Howard Books, April 2007. Book two in the Friday Afternoon Club Mystery series for those who cherish friendship and enjoy a bit of mystery.

If you’d like to get to know Cyndy better, you can visit her website here or visit her blog here.

I hope you have enjoyed this interview with author Cyndy Salzmann. Please click on over to one of the above online stores and look for Dying to Decorate.

Thanks Cyndy for joining us this month on Spotlight. (Cyndy’s website appears not to be up at this time – so check back later.)

And may you all have a joyous, blessed time as we celebrate our Savior’s birth.

Merry Christmas!