Meet Cynthia Swanson | Storyteller, Author, and Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Swanson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Like most writers, I’ve had both successes and setbacks. On the happy-days side of things, I’ve written two bestselling novels and edited an award-winning anthology. I’ve seen my words translated into 18 languages and optioned for film. The flip side is projects that never took off. I have a file drawer full of manuscripts that will never again see the light of day.

What I’ve learned is to separate the success of an individual project from the success of my overall career. As an example, there was a time when I had to shelf a book I’d written when it was close to making its way into the world. This wasn’t a half-started project; it was a completed novel that I’d thrown my heart and soul into for years—working with an editor, collaborating with insightful beta readers, and gaining the interest of a publisher. For a variety of reasons, however, the situation wasn’t right, and I decided to walk away instead of moving forward with a publishing contract. This was one of the most painful experiences I’ve had as a writer, but in retrospect, it was the right thing for my career and even for that book.

Most importantly, after I set the project aside, there was never a question about whether I’d write another book. I knew I would, and in fact I started one almost immediately afterward.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For me, it all comes down to story. I am hopelessly, perpetually drawn to stories of all kinds.

In childhood, I was that kid huddled under the blankets with a flashlight, reading deep into the night. My mother (also a writer) gifted me my first typewriter at age 7—and since then, I’ve never looked back.

Even so, I started out in college majoring in Architecture, because I’ve always loved design, and while I figured I could write on the side, I thought I needed to pursue a “practical” career. (I can hear all the architects in the room laughing.) But after a few years, I returned to my first love—story—changing my major to English and becoming a technical and marketing writer.

I continued writing fiction, publishing stories and working on several novels. My focus is psychological suspense, often using historical settings. HarperCollins published my debut novel, The Bookseller, in 2015. This was followed by The Glass Forest (Simon & Schuster, 2018).

In the midst of the pandemic, I had a remarkable opportunity: I was asked to be the editor of an anthology, Denver Noir. Part of Akashic Books’ celebrated Noir series, Denver Noir features dark, morally ambiguous stories set in and around Denver, written by 14 notable literary and mystery authors. Curating the list of authors and editing their incredible stories has been one of the highlights of my career. Denver Noir won the 2023 Colorado Book Award, and I couldn’t be prouder—all the more so because the book was a collaborative effort with an amazingly talented team.

Like many writers, I still need that second career to make ends meet, so I also offer communications services to businesses and individuals. I provide developmental editing, ghostwriting, and business storytelling for a variety of clients. I love working with companies and individuals to help them tell their stories!

Another aspect of my work that I enjoy is meeting with book clubs to discuss my books. I’ve met with dozens of groups over the years, and I’m always astounded by the thoughtful, perceptive questions they ask. Connecting with readers is truly the biggest reward of being an author.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
With my love of history and all things just a bit unnerving, Cheesman Park (which did time as a cemetery before being transformed into a park in the late 1800s) is high on the list. Besides, it’s a beautiful setting in the middle of the city. The Botanic Gardens next door to Cheesman are well worth a visit, too.

One of my favorite things to do in Denver is simply to walk—in any neighborhood. This is, unfortunately, a city in which most of us travel from point A to point B in our cars. (I’m guilty of this, too.) But when time permits, I prefer to get around via my feet or my bike—so I’d make sure my visitor had a good pair of shoes, and we’d hit the pavement and/or rent them a bike.

I especially love walking on Broadway, Colfax, or Santa Fe—taking my time, poking around in shops, observing what I see around me, making eye contact and greeting those I pass. We don’t do enough of that anymore.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I call Shana Kelly my “fairy godsister.” (I’m older than her, so she can’t be my fairy godmother.) Shana was my developmental editor for my first novel, The Bookseller. Without her insight, support, and mentorship, I would not have the career I have today. She’s a brilliant editor, writer, and publishing consultant, as well as a wonderful friend.

Website: https://cynthiaswansonauthor.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynswanauthor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiaswansonauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CynthiaSwanson

Image Credits
Glenda Cebrian Photography