About Cindy & Designed2Glow
Mission Statement
"My mission is to build brighter futures for children through imaginative story adventures that integrate SEL and STEM, inspiring both heart and mind."
Personal Bio, Short Version
Cindy Lynn Sawyer is a children’s author, speaker, and brand storyteller with over 400 published articles featured in Clubhouse, Clubhouse Jr., INMichiana, Write2Ignite, and other print and online outlets. With degrees in professional writing and liberal arts from Bethel University, she brings both heart and skill to every project. As a member of SCBWI and the Write2Ignite planning team, she stays actively involved in the writing community. Her two self-published picture books, The Wonder of Under and Remmy’s Sticky Situation, fill a unique space in children’s fiction by blending STEM and SEL themes into imaginative, character-building adventures.
Based in South Bend, Indiana, Cindy shares life with her husband, Jim, along with their two cats. When she’s not writing or visiting schools, she’s dreaming up story-based events or working on the second draft of her middle grade novel, Almost a Ghost.
Based in South Bend, Indiana, Cindy shares life with her husband, Jim, along with their two cats. When she’s not writing or visiting schools, she’s dreaming up story-based events or working on the second draft of her middle grade novel, Almost a Ghost.
Personal Bio, Long Version
With degrees in professional writing and liberal arts (communication concentration) from Bethel University, Cindy Lynn Sawyer has been a lifelong lover of story. Her earliest memories include toting home armfuls of library books. Those pages sparked her imagination and ignited a love for storytelling that would shape her life and career.
Cindy has worn many creative hats, all related to the art of storytelling—director of student media at Bethel University, marketing manager for a child abuse prevention organization, and communications manager at a nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities. Over the years, she has crafted hundreds of heartfelt stories for nonprofits and businesses, specializing in brand storytelling that moves people emotionally and inspires action.
Her publishing journey began with an article in Focus on the Family’s Single Parent Magazine and has since grown to include 400+ published works. Her writing has appeared in Clubhouse, Clubhouse Jr., INMichiana, Inside Granger, ezClocker, and Write2Ignite, as well as her own blog, Step into Story. She is a member of SCBWI, Michiana Authors, and serves on the planning team for Write2Ignite.
Cindy is both traditionally and self-published. Her two self-published fiction picture books, The Wonder of Under and Remmy’s Sticky Situation, weave SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) and STEM elements into creative adventures that inspire curiosity, character, and problem-solving in young readers.
In addition to writing, Cindy leads school visits, workshops, and speaking engagements for writers, educators, and faith-based communities. Whether sharing her creative journey or leading interactive story adventures, she encourages others to use the power of storytelling to shape brighter futures for children.
She lives in South Bend, Indiana, with her husband Jim, two playful cats, and is the proud mother of three and grandmother to five imaginative grandkids. When she’s not writing, Cindy enjoys traveling, solving mysteries, planning whimsical events, and dreaming up new ways to combine stories, snacks, and crafts into meaningful moments for families.
She is currently working on the second draft of her middle grade novel, Almost a Ghost.
Cindy has worn many creative hats, all related to the art of storytelling—director of student media at Bethel University, marketing manager for a child abuse prevention organization, and communications manager at a nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities. Over the years, she has crafted hundreds of heartfelt stories for nonprofits and businesses, specializing in brand storytelling that moves people emotionally and inspires action.
Her publishing journey began with an article in Focus on the Family’s Single Parent Magazine and has since grown to include 400+ published works. Her writing has appeared in Clubhouse, Clubhouse Jr., INMichiana, Inside Granger, ezClocker, and Write2Ignite, as well as her own blog, Step into Story. She is a member of SCBWI, Michiana Authors, and serves on the planning team for Write2Ignite.
Cindy is both traditionally and self-published. Her two self-published fiction picture books, The Wonder of Under and Remmy’s Sticky Situation, weave SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) and STEM elements into creative adventures that inspire curiosity, character, and problem-solving in young readers.
In addition to writing, Cindy leads school visits, workshops, and speaking engagements for writers, educators, and faith-based communities. Whether sharing her creative journey or leading interactive story adventures, she encourages others to use the power of storytelling to shape brighter futures for children.
She lives in South Bend, Indiana, with her husband Jim, two playful cats, and is the proud mother of three and grandmother to five imaginative grandkids. When she’s not writing, Cindy enjoys traveling, solving mysteries, planning whimsical events, and dreaming up new ways to combine stories, snacks, and crafts into meaningful moments for families.
She is currently working on the second draft of her middle grade novel, Almost a Ghost.
Blog
Check out Designed2Glow’s blog for fun ideas on how to create fun family reading adventures, updates on my books, and even some fun giveaways.
Connect
Join Cindy on Facebook for ideas on ways to enhance your family reading adventures, and share your own ideas as well. You’ll instantly be connected to a network of people who are dedicated to inspiring children around the globe.
Check out Designed2Glow’s blog for fun ideas on how to create fun family reading adventures, updates on my books, and even some fun giveaways.
Connect
Join Cindy on Facebook for ideas on ways to enhance your family reading adventures, and share your own ideas as well. You’ll instantly be connected to a network of people who are dedicated to inspiring children around the globe.
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Books
The Wonder of Under - Kids ages 3-8
In "The Wonder of Under," join Paxton as his curiosity leads him on an unforgettable adventure through the enchanting world of Under—a place where adventure waits in unexpected places, and the search for something thrilling unfolds.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Apple Books, and Fables Book in Goshen, Indiana.
Top Reviews
"Such a cute story! I love the repetition of certain phrases, so that little ones can join in the reading! It's fun to see what Paxton makes with the random objects he finds. So much creativity and imagination--check out the STEM activities included in this updated version of the book!" - Britney Charles, IN
"This book is a must have for little ones! The story is really cute, the character is so relatable, and the rhythm reads so well. Cindy Sawyer does a great job creating a story that is so true for so many little ones, and my almost 2 year old has not stopped asking me to read it to her. The illustrations are bright and colorful, which is an added bonus! I highly recommend for kids of all ages!" - Jenna E, MI
In "The Wonder of Under," join Paxton as his curiosity leads him on an unforgettable adventure through the enchanting world of Under—a place where adventure waits in unexpected places, and the search for something thrilling unfolds.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Apple Books, and Fables Book in Goshen, Indiana.
Top Reviews
"Such a cute story! I love the repetition of certain phrases, so that little ones can join in the reading! It's fun to see what Paxton makes with the random objects he finds. So much creativity and imagination--check out the STEM activities included in this updated version of the book!" - Britney Charles, IN
"This book is a must have for little ones! The story is really cute, the character is so relatable, and the rhythm reads so well. Cindy Sawyer does a great job creating a story that is so true for so many little ones, and my almost 2 year old has not stopped asking me to read it to her. The illustrations are bright and colorful, which is an added bonus! I highly recommend for kids of all ages!" - Jenna E, MI
Remmy's Sticky Situation - Kids ages 3-8
Remmy the raccoon is thrilled to find a sugary, fluffy cloud of cotton candy in the dumpster. But every time he tries to taste it—poof!—it’s gone! Certain that one of his friends is playing tricks on him, Remmy starts pointing fingers. As the mystery unravels, he learns the surprising truth—and a heartfelt lesson along the way.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Apple Books, and Fables Book in Goshen, Indiana.
Top Reviews
"Sawyer has a talent setting up age-appropriate ‘crime scenes’ and ushering preschoolers into an investigation of ‘who-dun-it!’ Along the way, they learn the value of friendship and the power of forgiveness." – Sally Matheny, NC
"Readers will have a science lesson on disappearing cotton candy and also learn life skills as Remmy finds out about true friendship. I highly recommend this book for anyone with children, grandchildren, or educators seeking a way to combine STEM and social/emotional skills for their classrooms." – Melanie Elrod, NC
Remmy the raccoon is thrilled to find a sugary, fluffy cloud of cotton candy in the dumpster. But every time he tries to taste it—poof!—it’s gone! Certain that one of his friends is playing tricks on him, Remmy starts pointing fingers. As the mystery unravels, he learns the surprising truth—and a heartfelt lesson along the way.
Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Apple Books, and Fables Book in Goshen, Indiana.
Top Reviews
"Sawyer has a talent setting up age-appropriate ‘crime scenes’ and ushering preschoolers into an investigation of ‘who-dun-it!’ Along the way, they learn the value of friendship and the power of forgiveness." – Sally Matheny, NC
"Readers will have a science lesson on disappearing cotton candy and also learn life skills as Remmy finds out about true friendship. I highly recommend this book for anyone with children, grandchildren, or educators seeking a way to combine STEM and social/emotional skills for their classrooms." – Melanie Elrod, NC
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