Tell us about your latest book, who are the main characters
and what we can expect when we pick it up. In my latest book, there are two
main characters—though if you consider the enchanting, tear-drop-shaped Block
Island a character, then there are three. From the very first pages, you'll
find yourself drawn to Jacqueline, our protagonist, as she embarks on a journey
toward a life she only dared to dream of. Her world shifts almost instantly
when a chance encounter with Michael, a local beachcomber whose presence on the
island seems serendipitous. What Jacqueline doesn’t realize yet is that this
fleeting moment is the spark that will set her transformation into motion.
Taking the story from a concept to
a published book is a long and involved process. How does that usually work for
you? I've
been fortunate—the journey from concept to published book has been a pleasure.
With both my debut work of fiction and my previous book, a memoir, the process
was not only exciting but surprisingly smooth. I found myself eagerly
anticipating each phase, from the first spark of an idea to the meticulous work
of editing. The creative energy and refinement that go into shaping a book have
been deeply rewarding, and I hope this positive experience continues as I
embark on my next project.
Which
of your books would you recommend for readers to choose first if they’re new to
you and your books? It
depends! My first published work, Last
Dog and Those Who Came Before, is a heartfelt memoir chronicling
life with our five beloved dogs over the course of 18 years. My latest book, Only
In September, a novella, takes inspiration from a mix of real and imagined
people and experiences—set against the backdrop of a very real island. And,
much like my memoir, dogs play a central role in the story.
If you're a dog lover, I
wholeheartedly recommend reading both. Which one to start with? That’s entirely
up to you—whether you prefer a deeply personal reflection on life with dogs or
a richly woven fictional tale where they take center stage.
We are very curious about your
writing process. What is a typical writing day like for you? Once a
story has had time to take shape in my imagination, I find that having at least
a working title helps set the creative process in motion. As a morning person,
I prefer to write early in the day, diving into the work until I’ve exhausted
my thoughts—or until my four-year-old Labrador, Eddie, reminds me it’s time for
a walk. There’s a rhythm to my routine, a balance between deep focus and
moments of reflection, and I find that stepping away—whether for a stroll with
Eddie or simply to reset—often brings fresh perspective when I return to the
page.
What trope have you not written yet but want to? That’s a great question. I’ve always been drawn to stories with a mystical or time-transcendent quality—something that lingers between reality and the unknown. When I drive through the countryside and pass old, abandoned farmhouses, I often find myself wondering what stories they’d tell if they could. The echoes of past lives, forgotten secrets, and shifting timelines feel like fertile ground for storytelling. It’s an idea I plan to explore further—perhaps during my long hikes with Eddie, where inspiration often finds me before I ever put pen to paper.
How do you approach character
development in your stories? That’s another great question. To be honest,
I don’t follow any specific techniques—though perhaps it’s something I should
explore more. For me, character development unfolds naturally through
interactions. The way characters connect, the roles they take on, and the
cause-and-effect moments within the story all help shape them organically.
Their relationships and choices guide my process, allowing their personalities
and arcs to evolve in ways that feel true to the narrative.
What
do you believe sets your writing apart from others in your genre, and why
should readers choose to read your books? I
haven’t read extensively within this genre, so I can’t say for certain how my
work compares—but I do know one thing: dogs will always be an integral part of my
storytelling. Whether they serve as a vehicle to shape the narrative, provide
support to the main characters, or take center stage themselves, their presence
is woven deeply into my work. That, I believe, is what sets my writing apart
and will continue to do so. For readers who appreciate the profound connection
between humans and dogs, my books offer a unique perspective that brings that
bond to life.
Can you discuss any upcoming
projects or books that you're currently working on? What can readers expect
from your future works? Since recently stepping into a new career as a
grant writer, much of my time and focus has been dedicated to mastering this
role. However, once I find my rhythm, I anticipate that my creative mind will
have the space to flourish again—allowing fresh story ideas to take shape.
While I may not have an upcoming project to announce just yet, I look forward
to seeing where inspiration leads me next.
When
Jacqueline follows her trusty Labrador Bailey down a hidden path to the beach,
she's unaware that her vacation plans on a small island off the New England
coast has already taken her life in a new direction. Running into an unassuming
local beach comber stirs new thoughts, desires, and a self-determination she
never knew she possessed. Jacqueline will need to trust her instincts and make
the most of what fate has in store if she wants the future that, until now, she
has only dared to dream of.
Excerpt One:
The ferry was
taking its sweet time making its way to Block Island.
Time is the
ultimate dictator. Where did I hear that? I couldn’t have just come up with
that one on my own.
Jacqueline
French grabbed one of the last outside seats on the Block Island Ferry. It had
only left Point Judith, RI, ten minutes ago, but for her, it seemed like ten
hours ago. This would be her fourth September visiting this tiny tear
drop-shaped island nestled between the south coast of Rhode Island and Montauk
Point, located at the eastern tip of the south fork of Long Island, New York.
Over the last
several years, both Montauk Point and Block Island had become popular and
expensive vacation destinations for well-to-do Manhattanites. They came seeking
a reprieve from the overly manicured crowds who flocked every summer to the
more fashionable vacation locale known collectively as the Hamptons.
She always
preferred visiting Block Island this time of year, after many of the Labor Day
vacation stragglers dispersed and the kids were back at school. Although there
were still a fair number of visitors, the din of racing mopeds was confined
mostly to the weekends. Thanks to Michael, who she met on her first trip to
Block Island, she came to know virtually every back road and trail on this
seven-mile-long by three-mile-wide island. Beyond its beauty, Jacqueline’s
deeper connection with the island was its shape. She shed many tears lately
over the fate of her marriage and the direction her life had taken.
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Cynthia Flowers, a recently retired advertising professional, now
grant writer, resides with her husband and four-year old Labrador named Eddie,
at their “sanctuary” in Upstate New York, Although previously published, this
is Cynthia's first book of fiction. Early on in grade school, Cynthia looked
forward to creative writing class and enjoyed reading her stories aloud to her
eager classmates.
