El Dorado Hills resident Cindy Sample is the author of the Laurel McKay books, a series of award-winning novels that explore the humorous side of the mystery genre. Her most recent offering is Dying for a Dude, the fourth book in the series, and Sample has no plans to stop any time soon. Yet she didn’t take the most conventional route to becoming a best-selling author—Sample loved mystery novels as a child, but for over 15 years she worked as the CEO of a national mortgage banking company. Working full-time as a CEO and mom of two didn’t leave much time for writing, so one day Sample decided enough was enough. She put down her briefcase, picked up a pen, and the rest is history.
When she isn’t writing, Sample is a popular motivational speaker, and many of her lectures address the importance of following one’s dreams. In addition, she often volunteers her time to speak at fund-raisers for local nonprofits, such as the Assistance League of Sierra Foothills. She’s an especially avid supporter of programs that support literacy throughout Northern California; she also participates in “Authors on the Move,” a gala that raises funds for the Sacramento Public Library. Sample knows firsthand the impact reading can have on a person’s life. “Books are a wonderful way for us to escape, to learn,” she explains. “People don’t always realize what a joy reading can be.”

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For more about Cindy Sample and other local happenings and information, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style – Folsom El Dorado Hills edition. Find your copy here.