Welcome

I’m Cynthia, an author, speaker, and longtime professor of creative writing.

A Writer at Heart

Writing has been my driving force since the day I cut through pine needles at Big Basin Campground, and a story about my Cracker Jack ring whirled to mind on what seemed like a magical paper plane.

Through elementary and high school, I grew enamored with words and cadence. Unfortunately, I let a “C” on a college essay dissuade me of my literary dreams. Instead I ventured into a psychology major until an English professor grabbed ahold of me and said, “You can write!”

Where Life and Writing Meet

A journalism masters from Wheaton College equipped me to teach college and to freelance. In 1990, I began my career as a writing professor, a career that immersed me in the luxury of being a student of writing for life.

One example of fruit from teaching is Creative Juices for Writers (2019, 2021). This book can fuel fiction and nonfiction writers with its collection of writing how-to’s.

Growing as a Writer

My other nonfiction contributions include over two hundred articles, chapters, and stories in books like Zondervan’s grief bible, Hope in the Mourning; textbook Media Ethics, and magazine The Writer’s Digest.

In 2014, I completed a delicious MFA in fiction writing. An MFA—with its emphasis on craft—supported me as I polished my novel, The Surface of Water.

I also freelance as a creativity coach and story editor

Writers can be glitchy creatures. Process glitches. Craft glitches. We want to write—and don’t. Writing coaching coaxes us through blocks, helps us devise process strategies, and equips us with tools to improve weak areas. Coaching facilitates growth.

Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and creative formation practices—akin to spiritual formation—can clear our creative arteries and help our writing stay fresh and green.

Since the mid-90s, I have led creativity groups and classes in Seattle and Grand Rapids. I was certified in spiritual direction and studied creativity coaching under guru Dr. Eric Maisel. Before Covid, I co-led the writing retreat Breathe Deeper with Sensible Shoes author Sharon Garlough Brown

In 2021, I was Christianity Today’s fiction judge for Best Book Awards. Fiction winners, Eden Mine by S. M. Hulse and God’s Liar by Thom Satterlee, were dazzling.

Now I’m working with Gary Schmidt (Okay for Now, The Wednesday Wars) 
to create Scriptoria,
a writing workshop in West Michigan with instruction and awards.

Looking to hone your skills and foster community with other Christian writers?

Scriptoria is the ultimate week-long writing retreat. Modeled after an MFA residency, Scriptoria features dedicated writing craft classes, workshop sessions, and one-on-ones with editors and agents.

Want to see more of my work?

Need a speaker for your next event?

As a speaker, I’m passionate about making my audience feel heard and understood. With a journalism masters and an MFA in fiction writing, I teach on a spectrum of writing topics, from story craft to effective processes.

To check out my press kit, click here.

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Want to book me for an event? Have any questions or comments?

Either way, I’d love to hear from you!