Cindy Bonner was born in Corpus Christi, Texas. She attended University of Southern Mississippi (1971-73), and San Antonio College (1979). She won Honorable Mention, Roberts Awards, 1989, and third place for a short story, Byliners Contest, 1990. Her first novel, Lily (1992), was a finalist for the Western Writers of America's Pipe Bearer's Award. Her novels have been listed as "Best Books" by the American Library Association and have been translated into Spanish and German. Her most recent novel, Right from Wrong, won the Pen Texas Award in 1997.

In addition to raising two children, Ms. Bonner has worked in various professions, including as a yoga teacher, computer operator, real estate manager of a blues/rock band, and writer.