“If I were stranded on a deserted island, I would like to have every nonfiction book written by Anne Lamott to keep me upbeat, positive, hopeful, and writing.”
–Cynthia Bowen
A member of the Writers’ League of Texas for several years, Cynthia Bowen lives in Round Rock, Texas.
Scribe: In what genre(s) do you write?
Cynthia Bowen: I began writing poetry and short stories. As a result of a life changing event, I published my memoir, Proud Flesh: The Resurrection of Baby B. I am currently working on a novel.
Scribe: What author would you most like to have a drink with, and what’s the first question you would ask them?
CB: Were he still alive, I would love to have a drink with Alex Haley, and the first question would be, “What gave you the courage and confidence to be the first black American writer to trace his origins back to his roots?” Then I would absolutely have to follow-up with a second question: “Did you have any idea The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Roots would speak to generations of Americans?”
Scribe: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what book would you want to have with you to keep you sane?
CB: If I were stranded on a deserted island, I would like to have every nonfiction book written by Anne Lamott to keep me upbeat, positive, hopeful, and writing.
Scribe: What have you learned from your association with the Writers’ League?
CB: From my association with the Writers’ League I have learned how invaluable associations with other writers can be and what a wonderful resource Writers’ League for the novice as well as the veteran writer. Whether you’re in the process of writing your first book or completing your latest, the Writers’ League has something to offer with not only workshops and friendships, but also the promotion of your book.
Scribe: Where do you see your writing taking you (or you taking it) in the future?
CB: I see my writing taking me into multiple areas of public speaking, education, and advocacy.
Scribe: Here at the Writers’ League, we love sharing book recommendations. What’s one Texas-related book that has come out within the past year that you couldn’t put down?
CB: My Texas-related book recommendation: Barbara Jordan: American Hero by Mary Beth Rogers. It’s been longer than a year since publication, but legends are timeless.
Scribe: Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with the world? An opportunity for blatant self-promotion!
CB: Here’s something to share with the world and writers about contradictions: I am perhaps the most private person you’ll ever meet who wrote a memoir!
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Thanks, Cynthia!
If you’re a Writers’ League member and you’d be interested in being interviewed for our Meet the Members feature, email us at member@writersleague.org for more information. It’s a great way for other members to get to know you and for you to share a bit about what you’re working on!
