The only thing Cindy had in mind when she started writing her first book was finishing it. The issue of actually selling it came much later. Only after she made that life-altering first sale did she realize that one book would never be enough. Now, over 20 books and numerous awards later, Cindy laughingly admits that she can barely remember life before...well, was there life before writing?
Actually, yes there was, and still is. A professional career woman, Cindy is a trainer for the Iowa Department of Human Services, a position she states is both challenging and rewarding. "Human Services is a front-line, real-life event. Everything about the job is immediate, from serving families in crisis, to assisting staff with difficult situations, to meeting tension-fraught deadlines."
Cindy's career has taught her much about the human condition, its frailties, its strengths, and its spirit. The evocative emotions that pour from the pages of her books are a reflection of some of her work experiences. Her writing celebrates life's richness and trials, offering a wide range of emotions — hope and elation, anger and indecision, laughter and, of course, love. And, according to her readers, her powerful love scenes run the gamut from steamy to tender to lusty to just plain fun.
Cindy's writing has netted her spots on bestseller lists, numerous RT nominations and awards, the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a National Reader's Choice Award and two RITA nominations.
Between writing and working full time you wouldn't think Cindy would have much time for anything else. And while she does find her work and her writing rewarding, there does have to be more. Cindy has more. Much more. She is happily married to the perfect man. Tom's a cowboy, ladies!
Yes, even Iowa has its share of that saddle-straddling, Wrangler-wearing species who love their horses almost as much as they love their women. As a matter of fact, recently a whole herd of Texans gathered at the Gerard "Ranch" to treat their little ones to real horseback rides. Go figure.
Cindy has a passion for pink depression glass — she always has her eye out for the special piece to add to her collection. Cindy's down time often takes the form of the classic "busman's holiday." She loves to read and most of all, she loves to read at their summer place, a cabin in the woods on Lake Kabetogama in northern Minnesota.
Both Tom and Cindy enjoy gardening and have recently expanded their annual beds into a perennial garden. Cindy says she can hardly wait for spring and the promise of all that reawakening and the colorful blooms.
In addition to the horses, the Gerards have two dogs, Ellie and Boomer, who pretty much get anything they want. Tom and Cindy have one son, Kyle, who, after years of keeping them in suspense, found Eileen, the perfect woman.
Links: Website Goodreads Facebook Twitter
Interview
1. You work for the Iowa Department of Human Services, pardon my
ignorance what does that entail?
The Department of Human Services is the state agency
responsible for administering goverment aid programs such as medicaid, food
assistance and aid to families. I worked first as a case worker, then as
a policy specialist and finally as a trainer for new workers who were assigned
cases. It was a humbling, rewarding and often frustrating job as we
dealt with families in need and in crisis situations.
2. What was it about the idea of a bodyguard series that really held your
attention and kept you writing about them?
The Bodyguard series came about shortly after 9/11
and the ensuing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. I was in awe and in
debt to our military and found myself wondering what these highly trained
and specialized warriors did when they separated from the service. I
found that many of them ended up back in action either as private contractors,
in law enforcement positions or working for or establishing their own security
firms. All of these brave men and women sacrificed (and continue to
sacrifice) so much and the complexities of 'life' after combat was as
intriguing then as it is now. No one comes home from war unchanged, even
if they escape physical injury. It's these men and women who still
intrigue and inspire me and who I write about in the follow up to the
Bodyguard series, Black Ops, Inc. and my new series One-Eyed
Jacks.
3. How do you think your writing has changed over the years?
My roots are in category romance. I wrote for
the Loveswept line and for Silhouette Desire before stepping out on the
slippery slope of Single Title Romantic suspense. I learned to
delve deeply into my charactor's emotions writing category and brought that
skill set with me to single title. My books are bigger now, richer, and
the plots are more layered and complex but my category background has enabled
me to always remember that at the heart of every story - no matter how big it
is - are the hearts of the hero and heroine. Even the best story will
bomb if you don't give your readers an emotionally satisfying hero and
heroine to root for.
4. You have written many books, been on the best seller lists and won
awards, do you still get nervous when a new book comes out? Do you read the
reviews of your books?
Simple answer: Yes and Yes! I'm always nervous
when a new title is released. I'm particularly nervous about my October
release, THE WAY HOME, which is my first hardcover and deals with very
complex emotional issues as well as a suspenseful storyline. As for
reviews, I read them all. Good, bad and ugly. :o) They bouy me up
and keep me humble :o)
5. When you sit down to read a book, what genres do you like to
read? What are some of your favorite books and authors?
Unfortunately I don't have much time to read for
pleasure these days. When I do, I generally read thrillers - Lee Child,
Vince Flynn, Robert Gregory Browne, but I also love a good romance.
Debra Webb, Kylie Brant, Kristan Higgins, Laura Griffin ... those are
just a very few on my favorites list.
6. What is your favorite comfort food?
Can't limit it to just one: Chocolate, Cheetos,
Pizza and Watermelon. I could live happily forever on all 4
:o)
Books
Bodyguards Series
No assignment is too
big, too difficult, or too dangerous for E.D.E.N. Inc., a West Palm
Beach security firm. But in these novels of romance and suspense, when
it comes to their own personal relationships, the forces of E.D.E.N.,
Inc. soon find themselves in deep water and sinking fast. These
bodyguards will not only guard your body: they’ll steal your heart and
fulfill your deepest desires.
Black Ops Inc.
This series follows The Bodyguard series by Cindy Gerard
One Eyed Jacks Series
Outlaw Hearts Series
Northern Lights Series
Stand Alone
I am weak.
