Interview questions for Cyndia Depre, author of Oblivious
Oblivious Fiction Cyndia Depre Mundania Press
Q: Tell us a little about your newest novel, Oblivious.
A: Oblivious began as a way for me to vent. It was never meant for others to see. It was part therapy, part writing exercise, and helped make me giggle after writing a dark scene in _Amanda’s Rib, my first book. Through a series of bizarre accidents, others saw it and laughed. I never thought anyone else shared my sense of humor. It seems I was wrong, and that’s when I began taking the book seriously.
Q: Where did the idea for the novel come from?
A: The infamous ‘what if?’ question made me dream up Olivia Chatham. What if a female came at every problem from an angle different than most people, but was almost always right? She has her own logic, but it is logic, and does make sense if you think the way she does.
Q: You have written another novel prior to Oblivious. What is that about and is it still available for purchase?
A: Amanda’s Rib was my first novel. It’s a dark mystery/romance and is available online. I’m not sure if bookstores order it these days. It’s several years old.
Q: Do you write full time? Describe your writing schedule for our readers.
A: I only write when I feel like it. When I tried a schedule, or so many pages a day, or any other practice which works well for others, my brain shut down. It made me feel guilty, like I hadn’t gotten anything done. Which I hadn’t. So I didn’t set a goal, and that has helped because if the mood hits, I write to my heart’s content and feel an enormous sense of accomplishment.
Q: How did you come to be published by Mundania Press?
It was really a matter of never giving up. I’d had an agent, but everything with her was so slow. I decided to try sending it out on my own, and parted ways on friendly terms with my agent. One publisher had the book for nearly a year exclusively, then rejected. I’d never give anyone exclusive rights for that long again. When Mundania wanted Amanda’s Rib, I was thrilled.
Q: Tell us a little about Mundania Press.
A: It’s a small press based in Ohio. They started with Piers Anthony, then added other authors. Because they are small, they often get lumped with the less savory publishers, ones I won’t name, but we all know who I mean. Mundania is legitimate, doesn’t charge authors, supplies editors and artists, works with authors, and, in general, is a great publisher. All small presses, good and bad, fight the same battle for recognition Mundania does. It can be frustrating, but with larger houses taking fewer and fewer new authors, a small press is often the best option.
Q: Do you have an agent? Do you believe it would be beneficial for an author working with Mundania Press to have an agent?
A: I don’t have one now, and there isn’t any need for one with Mundania. If I have a question or request, I email the owners, and they get back to me quickly. No middleman works quite well in this instance.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
A: Learn the mechanics so if you violate a rule, you know you’re doing it. Don’t expect an editor to fix your mistakes. Submit the smoothest, most polished manuscript you can. Don’t let rejections get you down. They mean you tried. Never give up.
Q: Thousands of books are published each year. What sets Oblivious apart from those other books?
A: Oblivious has a unique heroine. She’s kind, giving, daffy, and sincerely cares for others. As a result, they care for her. During a time that can be trying for most of us, it’s nice to believe in the basic goodness of people. To see them helping one another expecting nothing in return. Laughter is a fabulous remedy for stress, and my goal with Oblivious is to get a chuckle from readers.
Q: You have a background in Accounting and Finance, yet you are a writer. How did that happen?
A: Like so many, I’ve always loved reading and wanted to write. Around my 45th birthday, I began wondering when I planned on writing that novel that was noodling in my head for years. After discussing it with my husband, I closed my business and began writing. Unfortunately, I didn’t know what I was doing. The first draft of Amanda’s Rib was so dreadful I’d be embarrassed to read it now. I rolled up my sleeves, took classes, joined critique groups, rewrote the novel something like seven times, and it finally found a home. Writing is hard work, and I learn more about it every day.
Q: You live in Minnesota and Oblivious is set in Wisconsin (the two states are similar in many ways). Why did you choose a Wisconsin verses Minnesota setting?
A: Our families live in Illinois, so we drive through Wisconsin several times a year. It’s beautiful. I love the live-and-let-live attitude of the people. Since I know Minnesota, it would be harder to make things up about life here. I’ve never lived in Wisconsin, so I can create whatever I want.
Q: You’re writing another novel. Could you share a little bit about it, without giving anything away?
A: Olivia is back. She’s convinced someone has been murdered, but everyone else thinks the missing woman just took a vacation. Amanda from Amanda’s Rib will make an appearance, too. But it will be able to stand alone and has two new protagonists.
Q: Tell our aspiring author’s why an author’s website is necessary.
A: With so many authors out there, you want to be accessible. You want readers to get to know you, to know something about your life. It’s important they feel comfortable contacting you. I love hearing from readers. If you want to share samples of your work, your own site is the perfect way to do so. I can’t think of one good reason not to have a web site. It’s your door to readers, and their pathway to you. CyndiaD@aol.com
Cyndia Depre’s website is: http://www.CyndiaDepre.com