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Mary Cunningham Storytelling in the Attic |
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BEACONSTREETBOOKS .COM |
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BEACON STREET BOOKS Interviews |
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F E B 2008 |
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Virtual author tour |
ABOUTPOINT
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Hi Mary!
First, let me say I'm intrigued by your series, CYNTHIA'S ATTIC. And you already have three "episodes" in print! I'm impressed. Love the covers, the titles, the idea. You say the first story was inspired by a dream. Tell us about that. |
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You often visit schools, and even have teacher resources on your website. Share some of the feedback you get from the students.
Actually, I don't visit schools as often as I'd like. But, schools visit me in the form of e-mail interaction. Teachers read the books to the class and use them as learning guides. For instance: The teacher will ask review questions on each chapter, organizing skills such as making predictions, setting change, character development, realistic and unrealistic elements, and visualizing.
Then comes the fun part! Students will e-mail me with questions and comments. I answer everyone, personally, and I never tire of reading their brutally honest assessments of the books. In fact, over three pages of e-mails are in the front of "Curse of the Bayou." One of my favorites is, "I love Gus's attitude!" I wrote the character of Gus to have "an attitude," and the fact that a young reader, named Brandon, recognized that element, is priceless. Another favorite was from Kelsey. …"It's scary, funny, and mysterious all at the same time! ...I'm just so into it!"
Besides writing, promoting and personally marketing your books, what do you do for yourself? I heard a rumor you were a sports nut.
Sports nut? Some would categorize me as a fanatic. Especially when it comes to Indiana University basketball. I was born and raised in Indiana, so I generally go insane from November through the end of March (only a Hoosier can understand this). I also enjoy pro football, golf, NASCAR, and the Olympics. I used to be a participant, but age and a bad back limit me to bicycle riding, walking, and water aerobics.
Do you still practice ballet? :-)
(Blush) The real Cynthia and I were simply awful ballet dancers! I can still remember dance recitals when we'd try to follow the steps of the row of dancers in front of us because we had no clue what we were supposed to be doing. (Cynthia's older sister was a great dancer, and the ballet dress found in the magic trunk was patterned after one of her costumes.) After a year of misery, our parents switched us to piano lessons. Something I did for ten years.
About your writing habits; do you have set routine, daily ritual, or do you snatch and grab time at will? Also, do you write linearly, or out of order for your story?
I try to write every day. I don't like to force it, though. If the words aren't flowing, I do something else and then go back to it. I love writing when my brain is working so fast, my fingers can barely keep up. My only ritual is to have lots and lots of coffee!
Linearly, definitely. Otherwise, I'd confuse myself! I've never understood how anyone can write out of order, especially plot-driven stories. When I hear, "Oh, I moved chapter 12 to chapter 3," it just drives me crazy!
Has moving to the South influenced your writing? If so, how?
I wouldn't say that it has. But, most of the first three books were written before I moved from Florida to Georgia (I don't consider Florida the South!). I guess we'll see with book four.
Can you give us a sneak peak or title of the next CYNTHIA'S ATTIC novel? Also, please list for us where more information can be found about you and your books!
Gee. I was hoping someone would tell me! LOL! I don't have a working title, yet, and have done very little writing to this point. At the moment, I'm working on a co-written book titled "Women Only Over Fifty (WOOF)," a non-fiction, humor book about the trials and tribulations of the aging process. It's scheduled for release sometime this year.
Excerpts, background, and buy information about Cynthia's Attic, The Missing Locket, The Magic Medallion, and Curse of the Bayou, may be found on my website:
http://www.marycunninghambooks.com/
Amazon , most online book stores, and also Fictionwise E-books. Well, congratulations on the release of CYNTHIA'S ATTIC: CURSE OF THE BAYOU, just out from Quake. Thanks for dropping by Beacon Street!
Thank You, Anne! It was a pleasure.
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I'd just finished telling my best friend, Diana, about the recurring dream I'd had for almost 20 years, when I had a "light-bulb" moment. After all that time, I realized that the dream took place in the attic of my childhood friend, Cynthia. "Hmmm…" my friend said, "Cynthia's Attic. What a great title for a book!" The dreams stopped and the writing began.
I noticed your website is fully geared toward both children and teachers. What at what grade level(s) are the ATTIC books aimed? "Cynthia's Attic" is geared toward grades 4-6, although adults enjoy the books, too, because of the time-travel/historical element. I love it when parents and grandparents tell me that they've read the books alongside their kids and grandkids. |
