Now it’s time to learn more about the authors we read. . .
What drew you to the genre you write?
I love stories set in small towns with memorable characters and a puzzle at the heart of the story. Cozy mysteries let me explore community, justice, and clever heroines who aren’t afraid to ask questions. In my Cornwall Loom & Bark series, Penelope Penrose does just that—often with Jory, the town dog, close by.
How did you come up with your pseudonym?
I write under Cindy Kirk. Cindy is my real name, and Kirk is a family name.
Tell us how you got into writing?
I’ve been making up stories for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I was always imagining new plots or rewriting the endings of movies and television shows—especially if they didn’t end happily. I wrote my first book when I was fourteen and showed it to a teacher who was kind but clearly not impressed, so I promptly threw the manuscript away.
Years later, I decided to try again and began writing seriously. I entered a writing contest where the first prize was a full manuscript critique by an editor. Not only did she read the book—she bought it! Even better, all these years later, we’re working together again, and she’s now the editor for my cozy mysteries.
It feels a little like coming full circle—only now I’m writing the kinds of stories I’ve always loved to read: character-driven mysteries set in small towns where the truth eventually comes to light.
What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
Before becoming a full-time writer, I worked as a hospital discharge planner, a hospice coordinator, and a case manager. As you might guess from that list, I’m a former registered nurse. Nursing gave me a deep appreciation for people’s stories and resilience—something that still influences the way I write characters today.
How many books do you have published?
I’ve published 95 books so far, which still surprises me when I stop and count them. I’ve written across several genres over the years, but what they all have in common is a focus on memorable characters and stories that keep readers turning the pages.
Where do you write?
I write in an office in our home that’s filled with all the tools of the trade—and more books than I probably have room for. It’s my favorite place to settle in, focus on a story, and spend time with the characters in whatever town I’m writing about that day.
What’s your favorite genre to read?
I read widely, but I probably read more romance than any other genre. I love character-driven stories and relationships that feel real and earned. I also enjoy mysteries set in close-knit communities where the characters and the setting matter just as much as the puzzle.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I have a confession: I sometimes read the last few pages of a book before I start it. And if I’m watching a movie or series, I might check IMDb just to make sure there’s a happy ending. I still enjoy the journey—but I like knowing the destination isn’t heartbreak.
Who is an author you admire?
I admire many authors, but one who stands out is Louise Penny. I love the way she builds a strong sense of place and community while telling thoughtful, character-driven mysteries. Her books show how powerful a story can be when the setting and the people feel completely real.
Have you any advice for aspiring or beginning writers?
Read a lot in the genre you want to write so you understand what readers love about it. Then sit down and write an entire book. Finishing a manuscript teaches you far more than starting several stories and never completing them. You learn how to build characters, develop a plot, and carry a story all the way to a satisfying ending.
What is next for you?
Next up are the next three books in the Cornwall Loom & Bark cozy mystery series, which will be releasing this spring and summer. I’m excited for readers to return to Cornwall, spend more time with Penelope Penrose, and see what mysteries the town dog, Jory, uncovers next.
Where can we find you?
You can find me on my website at www.cindykirk.com where I share news about upcoming books and projects. I’m also on Facebook and Instagram, and I have a YouTube channel (@cindykirkauthor) where readers can listen to many of my books as free full-length audiobooks.
Now to have some fun . . .
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Breakfast
Fruits or vegetables
Fruits
Sweet or salty snacks
Sweet
Ice cream or cake
Ice cream
Cooking or baking
Baking
Dining in or dining out
Dining In
City life or country living
Country living
Beach or mountain
Beach
Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall
Fall
Extrovert or introvert
Extrovert
And even more fun . . .
What is your favorite movie?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I’ve always loved It’s A Wonderful Life. I’m drawn to stories about community, kindness, and the difference one person can make—so that movie has always stayed with me.
You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
A stack of books, a very loyal dog for company, and a fully stocked coffee supply.
My bio:
Cindy Kirk writes cozy mysteries and character-driven fiction set in small towns where community matters and the smallest details often reveal the biggest truths. She’s drawn to stories about connection, kindness, and the quiet moments that uncover what people try hardest to hide.
When she isn’t writing, Cindy can often be found researching local history, catering to her elderly cat, or imagining the kinds of towns readers wish they could visit—and maybe stay awhile. Her Cornwall Loom & Bark series brings readers to the small town of Cornwall, where the local dog often notices what others overlook.