One of My Favorite Authors: Cinda Williams Chima

If you’re like me and love to read you’ve developed a certain preference for an author or a writer. Every time that author or writer comes out with a new story/book you almost immediately gravitate towards it. For me, I have several. But one of my favorite authors goes by the name of Cinda Williams Chima. You might have seen her Seven Realms’ novels and other series at bookstores like Barns & Nobel.

 

Cinda Williams Chima, in her own words, “came from a long line of fortune tellers, barn dancers, Musicians, tavern brawlers, and spinners of tales”. She started writing by giving intimate objects and animals a voice, like real people with their own distinct characteristics. Her first success in writing was when she was in 5^th grade when her poem, Science is a Wonderful Thing, was displayed at the 6^th grade elementary science fair. However, she didn’t pick up writing again (after leaving high school) until her children were born.

There are many things I like she does well. Her worlds feel alive and real. The characters have their own characteristics, motives, etc. and don’t get lost in the background. She can paint the scene with detail, switch and create multiple tones, and can connect/bring the characters together in a complex web without sacrificing their individual goals.

There are many things you can pick up to influence your own writing by reading (Cinda’s stories or other stories). If you’re interested in learning even more about her, please go here.