by Cynthia Hickey
I’ve enjoyed mysteries from a young age, devouring every Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Hardy Boys book I could find. There’s something irresistible about pitting your wits against a thief or killer that kept me turning pages long past bedtime. Now, mysteries have given me the joy of staying home and writing what I’ve always loved to read.
In 2007, I heard about a mystery line opening up, though at the time I was deep into writing romantic suspense — another great love of mine. A friend dared me to submit, convinced my style was a perfect fit. I took the challenge, wrote my first cozy, Fudge-Laced Felonies, won first place in a contest, acquired an agent, and the rest, as they say, is history.
One thing you’ll always find in my mysteries is a thread of romance, a dash of humor, and a cast of characters you won’t want to leave. I’m drawn to the Ozark mountains where I grew up — the hills and hollows hold their own quiet mysteries — though my newest series trades those winding back roads for the glitter and grit of Hollywood, California. My thrillers, while clean, are anything but soft. They’re fast, they’re tense, and they don’t pull punches.
Do I plan on stopping anytime soon? Not a chance. I intend to write mysteries and suspense until God calls me home, and I’ve got more ideas than hours in the day.
In 2015, life handed me an unexpected gift. My literary agent at the time had developed a publishing line for his clients’ backlist titles, and he passed it along to me. That’s how Winged Publications was born. We launched with ten authors and have since grown to over 100, with more than 4,000 titles across our imprints. Running a press while continuing to write wasn’t something I planned, but it’s become one of the greatest privileges of my career — giving other authors the chance to see their stories come to life.
My word to you is simply this: never give up, even when life throws a curveball. You have a dream for a reason. God may take you down a path you never envisioned to get you there, but trust the journey. I’m living proof that the detour can turn out to be the destination.
Cynthia Hickey is a multi-published and best-selling author of cozy mysteries and romantic suspense/thrillers. She has taught writing at many conferences and small writing retreats. She and her husband run the publishing press, Winged Publications. They live in Arizona and Arkansas, becoming snowbirds with three dogs. They have ten grandchildren who keep them busy and tell everyone they know that “Nana is a writer.” Learn more on her website at https://cynthiahickey.com
Comments 2
I’m lucky to be on of Cynthia’s authors. I enjoyed learning more about her writining journey. Thanks for sharing.
Nice post Cynthia. I’m also a Winged author. I met her at ACFW & my debut novel is a reality. Dreams do come true.