Posts Tagged ‘ Mary Cunningham ’

Cynthia’s Attic – Inspiring Young Readers and Writers

Writers love to write. It’s a passion. But, another benefit of writing for children is getting to visit schools and interact with my target audience. I have several slide presentations that are fun for the kids, but the question/answer session is usually the most entertaining part of the event. I’m always amazed at the number of elementary and middle-school students who not only love to read, but also want to know what it takes to become a published author.

One of my favorite moments came when a 5th grader approached me and stated, “I’m going to be a famous author. I just want you to know that.” She gave her head a little toss, turned and walked away. I took it as a challenge. Enjoy the limelight, lady, because I’m coming after you! I have no doubt she will be successful on whatever path she takes.

Although inspiring young readers is my ultimate goal, it’s also my wish to encourage young readers and writers to explore their own family history. One of the main reasons that compelled me to write the “Cynthia’s Attic Series” is my regret at not listening to stories my grandparents told about their lives and childhood experiences.  If I can encourage just one child to spend time with a relative such as a grandparent, great aunt, or their mother and dad – and write about them, I will have accomplished my goal.

Christmas With Daisy (A Cynthia’s Attic short story)

Christmas 1964, brings a mysterious visitor to Cynthia’s house; a reclusive great-aunt nicknamed, “Crazy Daisy.” Is she really crazy or just eccentric? Cynthia and Gus are determined to find out, but a stray ember and a flaming nightgown take the girls on an unexpected trip through time, back to 1914, where compassion and friendship gives new meaning to the spirit of Christmas. 

 Mary Cunningham is the author of the award-winning ‘Tween fantasy/mystery series, Cynthia’s Attic. She is proud to announce book four, The Magician’s Castle, is due for release in December 2009. Her children’s mystery series was inspired by a recurring dream about a mysterious attic. After realizing that the dream took place in the home of her childhood friend, Cynthia, the dreams stopped and the writing began.

She is also co-writer of the humor-filled lifestyle book titled, Women Only Over Fifty (WOOF), along with published short story, “Ghost Light.”

BUY CHRISTMAS WITH DAISY NOW!

Visit Cynthia’s blog by clicking here.

2009
12/03
CATEGORY
General
New Releases
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Ghost Light – Mary Cunningham

Every teacher from third grade on said, “Don’t stop writing.”  Those words came back to me when I signed my first publishing contract with Echelon Press. “Why,” I ask myself, “did it only take 40+ years to appreciate the fact that, maybe, just maybe, I did have a knack for writing. Better late than never. 

My life as a published author began with a young reader series, “Cynthia’s Attic.” Four books later, it’s still going strong. The Magician’s Castle (Book Four) will be out DEC 2009.  I’m also co-author of a women’s humor book, “WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty.”

 My first love, however, was writing short stories – family memoirs, fantasy/fiction –  a love I probably picked up from my dad. He was a journalist for a large newspaper and wrGhost Light coverote stories about practically every interesting, odd or notorious character in Kentuckiana (translation: Northern Kentucky/Southern Indiana). I kinda feel like I’m honoring his memory when I write.

My first published short story, with Echelon is “Ghost Light.” Having grown up in Indiana, my love of basketball inspired me to write a story that is loosely based on one of my husband’s most vivid childhood memories of his grandmother.

11-year-old Jake McMillen wants, more than anything in the world, to play varsity basketball for the Panthers,  just like his late, Grandpa Max. One big problem. While Jake inherits his grandfather’s love for the game, the McMillen height passes him by.

Not only that, “old people” like his grandmother, keep taking up too much of his precious practice time. He knows she’s sick, but being dragged along to her steamy apartment  by his mom, cuts into that afternoon’s pick-up game at the Island basketball court.

After getting totally humiliated during the game by star player, Quinn Parker, Jake gets a ghostly message that changes his outlook  toward his grandmother’s illness and inspires him to pursue his dreams.

 Buy Ghost Light today!

Kindle

Echelon Shorts

Mary Cunningham Books

Cynthia’s Attic Blog

 

Mary Cunningham

2009
10/29
CATEGORY
General
Leave a comment

Ghost Light – Mary Cunningham

Ghost Light - Mary CunninghamEvery teacher from third grade on said, “Don’t stop writing.”  Those words came back to me when I signed my first publishing contract with Echelon Press. “Why,” I ask myself, “did it only take 40+ years to appreciate the fact that, maybe, just maybe, I did have a knack for writing. Better late than never. 

My life as a published author began with a young reader series, “Cynthia’s Attic.” Four books later, it’s still going strong. The Magician’s Castle (Book Four) will be out DEC 2009.  I’m also co-author of a women’s humor book, “WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty.”

 My first love, however, is writing short stories – family memoirs, fantasy/fiction –  a love I probably picked up from my dad. He was a journalist for a large newspaper and wrote stories about practically every interesting, odd or notorious character in Kentuckiana (translation: Northern Kentucky/Southern Indiana). I kinda feel like I’m honoring his memory when I write.

 My first published short story, with Echelon is “Ghost Light.” Having grown up in Indiana, my love of basketball inspired me to write a story that is loosely based on one of my husband’s most vivid childhood memories.

 11-year-old Jake McMillen wants, more than anything in the world, to play varsity basketball for the Panthers,  just like his late, Grandpa Max. One big problem. While Jake inherits his grandfather’s love for the game, the McMillen height passes him by.

Not only that, “old people” like his grandmother, keep taking up too much of his precious practice time. He knows she’s sick, but being dragged along to her steamy apartment  by his mom, cuts into that afternoon’s pick-up game at the Island basketball court.

After getting totally humiliated during the game by star player, Quinn Parker, Jake gets a ghostly message that changes his outlook  toward his grandmother’s illness and inspires him to pursue his dreams.

 Buy Ghost Light today!

Kindle

Echelon Shorts

Mary Cunningham Books

Cynthia’s Attic Blog

2009
09/09
CATEGORY
New Releases
Leave a comment
Contact Echelon Shorts here!
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