Welcome

I’m Cynthia, an author, speaker, and longtime professor of creative writing.

A Writer at Heart

Writing has been my driving force since the day I cut through pine needles at Big Basin Campground, and a story about my Cracker Jack ring whirled to mind on what seemed like a magical paper plane.

Through elementary and high school, I grew enamored with words and cadence. Unfortunately, I let a “C” on a college essay dissuade me of my literary dreams. Instead I ventured into a psychology major until an English professor grabbed ahold of me and said, “You can write!”

Where Life and Writing Meet

A journalism masters from Wheaton College equipped me to teach college and to freelance. In 1990, I began my career as a writing professor, a career that immersed me in the luxury of being a student of writing for life.

One example of fruit from teaching is Creative Juices for Writers (2019, 2021). This book can fuel fiction and nonfiction writers with its collection of writing how-to’s.

Growing as a Writer

My nonfiction contributions include over two hundred articles, chapters, and stories in books like grief bible Hope in the Mourning, textbook Media Ethics, and magazine The Writer’s Digest.

In 2014, I completed a delicious MFA in fiction writing. An MFA—with its emphasis on craft—supported me as I polished my novel, The Surface of Water.

I also freelance as a writing coach and story editor

Writers can be glitchy creatures. Process glitches. Craft glitches. We want to write—and don’t. Writing coaching coaxes us through blocks, helps us devise process strategies, and equips us with tools to improve weak areas. Coaching facilitates growth.

Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and creative formation practices—akin to spiritual formation—clear our creative arteries and help our writing stay fresh and green.

Since the mid-90s, I have led creativity groups and classes in Seattle and Grand Rapids. I was certified in spiritual direction and studied creativity coaching under guru Dr. Eric Maisel. Before Covid, I co-led the writing retreat Breathe Deeper with Sensible Shoes author Sharon Garlough Brown.

And now in 2025?

I’m thrilled to be serving as the Artist in Residence at Gilfillan Memorial Church for two years in Dundee, Scotland. I will live here in Scotland’s fourth largest city for two years and write my fiction along with histories and grants for this grand historic church.

Newbery-winner Gary D. Schmidt (Okay for Now, The Wednesday Wars) and I created Scriptoria, a faith-based writing workshop. After offering it three times in West Michigan, we’re now taking it in 2026 to Scotland.

Check it Out

Looking to hone your skills and foster community with other Christian writers?

Scriptoria is the ultimate week-long writing retreat. Modeled after an MFA residency, Scriptoria features dedicated writing craft classes, workshop (feedback) sessions, and community building.

Learn More

Want to see more of my work?

Need a speaker for your next event?

As a speaker, I’m passionate about making my audience feel heard and understood. With a journalism masters and an MFA in fiction writing, I teach on a spectrum of writing topics, from story craft to effective processes.

Learn more

To check out my press kit, click here.

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