HomeFeaturesPeople › Cindy Zimmerman: A Leading Author in The Hermosa Inn's Artist-in-Residence Dinner Series - Page 2

 

AFM: Your book, A Woman of Interest: A Memoir in Letters, has an influence of you recognizing the positive friendships you maintained throughout a traumatic ordeal. What is something personal you'd like to share with us about your book?

CZ: Something that I am always thinking about is how this isn't just book to me—instead, I consider it the longest thank you note I will ever write. I remember every person who stood by me through the difficult time of losing my husband, the man who was the father of my three children.  The people who remained close to me helped me in overcoming the judgments of others when I became a woman of interest in my husband's murder investigation. Now, I have written my book as part of a focus towards the positive energy in my life—my three beautiful, healthy children and a chance to live my life to the fullest.

 

AFM: How does your love for handwritten notes influence A Woman of Interest?
CZ: When my friend Ken Rotcop told me 'Cindy, you need to write this story of what happened to you,' I would not have been able to communicate it through any other means except by the handwritten note. It was with Ken's help and encouragement that I was able to tell my story, and my love for the handwritten note helped me tremendously. I am more passionate than ever about their meaning and significance. In today's technology-filled world, handwritten notes bring value to messages that otherwise wouldn't shine through, say, in a text message. I discuss more about the power of the written word on my website, writinginstyle.com, and in my regular column featured in Pen World International.

 

AFM: How did you feel about writing and publishing this book?

CZ: I can honestly say that it was painful to write. My husband, Paul, was a beautiful man. He will always be the father of my children, and is missed dearly. At first I just wanted Ken to write the book for me, because I was unsure I could get through it. But he told me that this is my story, and no one can write it but me. Now I am traveling all around the United States and Canada on a book tour, and am humbled to be asked to speak at the Artist-in-Residence Dinner Series. I can also confirm that I am in negotiations with a producer and writer in Los Angeles over a potential movie production. Who knows what could happen! I am just grateful for the ability to move forward in my life. Focusing on the positive energy of how lucky you are, instead of what you've lost, is something that I focus on every day.

 

AFM: Tell us about the Artist-in-Residence Dinner Series you will be speaking at.

CZ: The Artist-in-Residence Dinner Series presented by the Hermosa Inn is an intimate evening of fine dining and conversation. The event will be held at LON's at the Hermosa on Jan. 23, and will begin with a wine reception before a four-course dinner, where I will share insights into my book and hold a book-signing afterwards. The Artist-in-Residence has had amazing speakers over the years, and I am incredibly honored to be offered a chance to present and share my work.

 

To learn more about the Artist-in-Residence Dinner Series event, click here.