How long did it take for you to get published and what was the journey like?

CE: I wrote my first story when I was 18. Um, it didn’t sell. Flash forward about nine years-I sold my first novel to ImaJinn Books, a small paranormal press. After my sale to ImaJinn, I finally gained the confidence that I needed-and, when I wasn’t at my teaching job, I devoted all my spare moments to writing. I sold several novellas after that, and, last year, I landed an agent (Laura Bradford) and made sells to Kensington Brava and Avon Red.

Tell us about your call story?

CE: The call I remember the most came from my agent. My son (he’s two now) and I were at the park. I was sweaty and tired because I’d just walked two miles. The phone rang, and I didn’t immediately recognize the number. When I answered and heard Laura’s voice, I think my heart almost stopped. Then, she told me that Kensington was interested in my novel-well, it did stop then. I think I shouted because I remember getting some weird looks from the other folks at the park. 

For those who aren’t familiar with your work, tell us what you write and who you write for?

CE: I write sexy paranormal suspense novels for Kensington Brava. I’ve also written erotic romances (generally with a paranormal flavor) for Avon Red and Red Sage. And, as I mentioned previously, my first sale was to ImaJinn Books-I published two paranormal romances with them.

How long does it take you complete a book, start to finish?

CE: It takes just under two months for the rough draft, and then anywhere from two weeks to four weeks for the re-writing. So, grand total: three months. I generally write every day during my rough draft process, and I have a minimum output goal of 10 pages a day. (So, yep, sometimes, I have some very late nights.)

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in your career?

CE: I think the biggest challenge was the rejections. When I started-so long ago-I really had so much to learn about the industry. And the rejections, well, they sting. It took me a bit to develop a thick skin, but once I developed that extra protection, I felt like I was writing and submitting with much more confidence.

Do you believe in muses?

CE: I do-even though mine can sometimes be stubbornly silent. And when she is silent, I write anyway. Usually the writing process itself will be enough to wake her up. (My philosophy is that it’s better to have pages I can re-write and re-shape later than to have nothing at all.)

What influences and inspires you? Any authors?

CE: There are so many things in the world that inspire me. Starry nights. Fog. The sound of waves hitting the beach. All of these things help me to get into a creative frame of mind.

Edgar Allan Poe is one of the authors who has influenced me since…well, Junior High. I love dark stories and after I read his work, I was hooked.

What’s your take on self promotion? What have you found to work the best for you?

CE: Self-promotion is a task that I think all authors have to perform. What works best for me? My website (www.cynthiaeden.com) and the page I have on MySpace (www.myspace.com/cynthiaeden). I also place advertisements in the Romance Writer’s Report and the Romantic Times-I think exposure in this industry is very important for a writer.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

CE: 1. Study the industry-learn everything you can about the publishers and the agents-and find the “fit” that is the best for you.

2. Also, develop a thick skin (and don’t let it take you as long as it took me!). Rejections are a fact of the publishing life-just don’t let them be the end of your publishing life.

3. Get a website. Whether published or pre-published, a website is an important marketing tool. Before my sales, editors told me that they visited my site to learn more about me. Websites work.

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