Cynthia has been our friend and neighbor for nearly two decades. In that time, we have been lucky to bear witness to her evolution and growth as a New York Times, Best Selling author. It was with deep gratitude that we welcomed the chance to read her recent novel, Anyone But Her. Set in our favorite decade, 1970s Denver is the backdrop for much of the book. From start to finish we were enthralled and felt a loss for the characters once we had finished. Cynthia was kind enough to indulge us in our inquiries about her writing process and notes on this latest piece.

We’ve introduced you a few times before in our magazine, but for any of our new readers, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m the Denver-based author of three psychological suspense novels: The Bookseller, which is set in Denver in the 1960s; The Glass Forest, also set in the 1960s but in Wisconsin and New York; and my newest title, Anyone But Her. I’m also the editor of and a contributor to the anthology Denver Noir, part of Akashic Books’ 120-volume series of anthologies set in cities all over the country and the world. Denver Noir features dark, morally ambiguous stories penned by 14 local mystery and literary authors. In addition to my own writing and editing, I’m a book coach, content editor, ghostwriter, and writing instructor. I’ve lived with my family in the Wash Park area for 22 years.

Cynthia, you’ve just published your third novel, Anyone But Her. Can you walk us through your process of moving from your initial concept for this story to completion?

Set in Denver in 1979 and 2004, Anyone But Her tells the story of Suzanne—named for the Leonard Cohen song, clairvoyant, and adored by her mother, Alex, who is killed during a robbery at Alex’s record store on East Colfax when Suzanne is 14. Both as a teen and later in adulthood, Suzanne searches for clues about unresolved circumstances around Alex’s death. Suzanne communicates with Alex’s ghost, but despite her clairvoyancy, she can’t foresee the repercussions as she tries to determine what really happened in 1979—and why, in 2004, she’s being followed by an unknown person…or presence.

I’ve long wanted to write a ghost story—not counting the ones I wrote as a kid, because what kid who wants to be a writer doesn’t write ghost stories? I also wanted to capture the 1970s Denver vibe. I didn’t grow up here, but so many of my friends did, and talking with them about their experiences truly enriched the story. 

The initial draft included only the 1979 timeline, which would have made for a fine YA book—but because I wanted the novel to be for adult readers, and because I didn’t want everything to resolve neatly in 1979, I added the 2004 narrative in a later revision, alternating chapters between the two timelines. That meant weaving an entire new plot and cast of characters into an already-completed book, as well as upending the 1979 story to increase the stakes. It also meant I had to be pretty merciless about deleting scenes, subplots, and characters. For instance, Suzanne went from having three siblings to having only one. And I had to cut many scenes, including one I love that’s set in the Cinderella City Mall. I plan to release that scene as bonus material someday…so keep an eye out for that.

Can you share a moment from your personal life that inspired a scene or character in the book?

Suzanne is about the same age as me, and while our personalities are different, we share many cultural references. I grew up listening to the same 1970s and 1980s music that she did, sported the same styles (those rainbow-striped sweaters and feathered haircuts, such fashion statements)—and, like Suzanne, did a lot of walking to get around, because my parents were working and unavailable to drive me everywhere I wanted to go. I was pretty free range, as most teens were in those days.

This is terribly self-interested, but in the 2004 timeline, I gave myself (and a couple of family members) a cameo. Those who know me can see if they recognize us in that particular scene!

If Anyone But Her were to be adapted into a film, who would be your dream cast for the main characters?

I’m always terrible with this question because I don’t watch a lot of movies. I have to just make my best guesses. How about Ever Anderson for a young Suzanne, with Katherine Heigl as Alex? And I could see Drew Barrymore as adult Suzanne. After that, I’ll let Hollywood figure it out.

Almost as an additional character in the book, you’ve accurately portrayed the city of Denver in the 70s and early 2000s. What research did you conduct, and did you uncover anything surprising?

I’m a fan of boots-on-the-ground research, so I did a lot of walking in the neighborhoods where the story takes place—Cap Hill, Congress Park, East Colfax, and Cheesman Park. I also went on a tour of East High via the Denver Architecture Foundation. Several key characters in the book—Suzanne, her father, James, his high school girlfriend, Peggy (who worms her way into the family after Alex’s death), and Suzanne’s daughter, Caitlin—are all East High students at one time or another. It was great to get inside the building. Several others on the tour (as well as Marcia Goldstein, our tour guide, who is also the treasurer of the 126-year-old Denver Woman’s Press Club) are East High grads, and they told stories as we toured. It’s an iconic place, filled with history and lore.

Are there any characters in the book that you relate to on a personal level?

Maybe not me, but my mother, were she still alive, would say she relates to Alex. That being said, my mother always claimed that in every story I wrote, I based the mother character on her. I categorically denied that, but in retrospect, she was probably right. If I were clairvoyant like Suzanne, perhaps my mother’s ghost and I could have a conversation about this. As it is, I’ll have to hope Mom knows on some level that she was, as always, right.

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Anyone But Her is about knowledge and what happens when we learn what we thought we wanted to know. It sounds simple—who doesn’t want to know it all, right? But sometimes, knowledge makes things more complicated, because once we have it, we have to determine what to do based on what we’ve learned. Knowledge is responsibility. That’s not a reason to avoid it, but it’s something we all should be aware of when we start to dig.

What projects are you currently working on, and can you offer any teasers for your upcoming work?

I’m working my way through the first draft of a mystery set in the late 1930s, partially in Denver and partially in a fictional mountain town. As with all my first drafts, I’m resisting doing extensive research until I’ve written a complete first draft. While writing a first draft, I only conduct enough research to get that initial draft hammered out. For me, research is the carrot on the stick—once I’ve completed a draft, I allow myself a deep dive into research. That sometimes changes the storyline and sends it on an unexpected path (that knowledge thing again). But research always makes the details better, and the process of discovery is a joy that I look forward to every time.

Thank you so much for sharing your time with us, Cynthia. We hope you check out her collection of novels and especially, Anyone But Her. We truly loved the story and nostalgic Denver setting. It is out this month and would make the perfect holiday gift! To learn more about her work, visit cynthiaswansonauthor.com.