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. A follower of Christ, Cindy writes with a purpose—to spark imagination, build character, and reflect truth through story. 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, ACFW, ACFW KidLit, and the Write2Ignite planning team, she stays actively engaged in the Christian 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, and 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.
As a member of SCBWI, ACFW, ACFW KidLit, and the Write2Ignite planning team, she stays actively engaged in the Christian 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, and 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 walking out of the library with armfuls of books—each one planting seeds of creativity and purpose. Today, as a Christian author, she sees storytelling as both a calling and a ministry.
Cindy has worn many creative hats—director of student media at Bethel University, marketing manager for a child abuse prevention nonprofit, and communications manager for an organization serving individuals with disabilities. Throughout her 20+ year career in nonprofit work, she’s written hundreds of heartfelt stories that connect with audiences and inspire action.
Her publishing journey began with an article in Focus on the Family’s Single Parent Magazine, and since then her work has appeared in Clubhouse, Clubhouse Jr., INMichiana, Inside Granger, Write2Ignite, and on her blog, Step into Story. She is a member of SCBWI, ACFW, ACFW KidLit, Michiana Writers, and the Write2Ignite conference planning team.
Cindy is both traditionally and self-published. Her picture books, The Wonder of Under and Remmy’s Sticky Situation, uniquely combine SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) and STEM concepts with character-building themes—all from a biblical worldview. Her goal is to create stories that not only entertain but also encourage families to have meaningful conversations about kindness, truth, and faith.
In addition to writing, Cindy leads school visits, workshops, and speaking engagements for writers, educators, and Christian communities. Whether sharing her creative journey or leading interactive story adventures, she loves encouraging others to use storytelling as a tool for growth, healing, and gospel impact.
She lives in South Bend, Indiana, with her husband, Jim, and their two playful cats. She’s a proud mother of three and grandmother to five imaginative grandkids. When she’s not writing, Cindy enjoys traveling, solving cozy mysteries, planning whimsical events, and combining stories, snacks, and crafts into memorable experiences for children and families.
Cindy has worn many creative hats—director of student media at Bethel University, marketing manager for a child abuse prevention nonprofit, and communications manager for an organization serving individuals with disabilities. Throughout her 20+ year career in nonprofit work, she’s written hundreds of heartfelt stories that connect with audiences and inspire action.
Her publishing journey began with an article in Focus on the Family’s Single Parent Magazine, and since then her work has appeared in Clubhouse, Clubhouse Jr., INMichiana, Inside Granger, Write2Ignite, and on her blog, Step into Story. She is a member of SCBWI, ACFW, ACFW KidLit, Michiana Writers, and the Write2Ignite conference planning team.
Cindy is both traditionally and self-published. Her picture books, The Wonder of Under and Remmy’s Sticky Situation, uniquely combine SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) and STEM concepts with character-building themes—all from a biblical worldview. Her goal is to create stories that not only entertain but also encourage families to have meaningful conversations about kindness, truth, and faith.
In addition to writing, Cindy leads school visits, workshops, and speaking engagements for writers, educators, and Christian communities. Whether sharing her creative journey or leading interactive story adventures, she loves encouraging others to use storytelling as a tool for growth, healing, and gospel impact.
She lives in South Bend, Indiana, with her husband, Jim, and their two playful cats. She’s a proud mother of three and grandmother to five imaginative grandkids. When she’s not writing, Cindy enjoys traveling, solving cozy mysteries, planning whimsical events, and combining stories, snacks, and crafts into memorable experiences for children and families.
Statement of Faith
Blog
Check out the Step into Story blog for fun ideas on how to create fun family reading adventures, reviews on adventurous picture books that weave together STEM and SEL elelments (includes links to activities), updates on my latest books and events, and giveaways.
Connect
Join Cindy on Facebook for ideas on ways to on how to create your own STEM + SEL adventures with your favorite picture books and to share your ideas.
Check out the Step into Story blog for fun ideas on how to create fun family reading adventures, reviews on adventurous picture books that weave together STEM and SEL elelments (includes links to activities), updates on my latest books and events, and giveaways.
Connect
Join Cindy on Facebook for ideas on ways to on how to create your own STEM + SEL adventures with your favorite picture books and to share your ideas.
Photos
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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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