Cynthia's Attic: Cast of Characters - My dad

My dad was my hero. Not surprising that he would be a character in my series, Cynthia's Attic. I inherited the desire to write from my dad, so I pretty much owe him for anything I am as a writer. He was a journalist for over 40 years and my inspiration and roll model. In fact, I'd go with him, on occasion, when he interviewed an interesting character for a story, then watch said story go from interview to edit to print.

Wish he'd been around to see my books. Every now and then, when the house is quiet except for the tap, tap, tap of my fingers on the keyboard, I feel him looking over my should as I write. I hope he approves.

His character, an 18-year-old cave guide in The Magic Medallion, saves Cynthia and Gus from certain death when they are swept into an underground river while searching a Southern Indiana cave for a lost medallion. Didn't I tell you he was my hero? Cynthia and Gus think so, too.

Read an excerpt:

I went flailing into the water the split second Cynthia reached out to grab me.  I couldn't see what happened to her, but the scream I heard and the following splash said it all.

The current seemed to be moving faster and faster.  I tried unsuccessfully to grab onto the rough ledge, but instead, I floated deeper and deeper into the cave.

I helplessly tumbled over and over in the blackness and thought about the irony of the swimming trophies and scout badges I'd collected over the past three summers.  Hmmmphh.  A lot of good that did me!

With every breath, I gulped more and more water.  A feeling that I probably wasn't going to get out of this alive swept over me, and at the same time I wondered if Cynthia was faring any better.  For some reason, it was comforting to know that she was probably going to drown with me.  Oh, that's a generous thought, Gus!  Here you are feeling good about the fact that your best friend is probably drowning, too!  I knew I didn't really feel that way.  I wanted her to make it out because…well just because.  Also, so she'd be able to tell someone where to find my lifeless, broken body.

Yep, I'm dying all right…there's the bright light I've heard about.  I was being pulled straight toward a small glow in the distance as a feeling of peace began to take over.  That peace didn't last long, though, as my ears picked up the deafening roar of a huge waterfall…a real one this time!  I started paddling backwards as fast as possible but couldn't fight the current and started falling and falling and falling.  Moments after I heard screams telling me that Cynthia was falling too, I landed face down in the water. Gathering the strength to look up, I couldn't believe my eyes.  We were in a river outside the cave.  If I could only swim to that bank, but my arms were like dead weights.

"Grab onto the rope!"

I turned in the direction of the voice and saw a splash in the water just in front of me.  I reached out and held onto the rope with all the energy I had left and was relieved to feel myself being pulled toward dry ground.  As I crawled to the bank, I heard the command repeated.

"Grab onto the rope!"

Soon, an equally exhausted Cynthia lay beside me.  "Are we dead?" I gasped.
"I…don't know," she said weakly.  "I think we're alive because every inch of my body hurts.  I don't think you hurt when you're dead."

"No, you're not dead…but you are lucky to be alive," a voice lectured.  As I painfully rolled over on my back, I saw a figure in green khaki pants standing beside me, but the glare of the sun hid his face.

"How in the world did you two get to the waterfall?  There's no way to reach it through the main entrance since it was blocked off years ago, and I know you didn't sneak into the cave the back way…and what in the world are you doing exploring caves in those old granny outfits?"  He laughed.

"Who are you to criticize our spelunking attire?" I asked, indignant.  "We just didn't have time to change and certainly didn't think we were going swimming today!"

"Whoa there, Nellie.  I don't care what you thought you were going to be doing…you look silly."

That did it!  I jumped up, in spite of my exhaustion, hands on hips, and spit out a withering comeback…"Oh yeah?"

That's all I managed to say because it hit me like a pan-full of my mother's burnt biscuits…I knew this person.  Although I'd seldom seen him in a hat, the faded green scout cap looked familiar.  It was identical to the one I'd found in the tent.  He had the same smile and unmistakable twinkling blue-gray eyes.  We had made it to 1934…and the young man who pulled us out of the river…was my dad.

 Click on my website for Buy links to all 5 Cynthia's Attic series books!

Talk Like A Pirate Day!

It's International Talk Like A Pirate Day!

 

AARRRGHH! The day snuck up on me! Captain Buzzard Jack LaBuse, herrre, mateys!

And, just in case you're not sure how to Talk Like a Pirate, here are some key words ye be 'wantin' ta r'memberrr.

Ahoy! - "Yo!"
Avast! - "Check it out!"
Aye! - "Yes."
Arrr! - "That's right!" (often confused with arrrgh...)
Arrrgh! - "I'm VERY miffed."

So, weigh anchor. Hoist the mizzen. It's a terrrrrific day!

And, in case yer hankerin' ta read about me mis-adventures, ye be a'clickin on this link to Cynthia's Attic: Curse of the Bayou! 

(Don't make me come after ya!)

Heeeerrr's one of me treacherous scenes from Curse of the Bayou!

 

Gasp! I was soaked and struggling for air, but there wasn't any! Coughing…that's a good sign. At least my lungs were trying to work. Had a huge wave come over the side during the night? I nudged Cynthia with my elbow.

"Ahhhh! Where did that water come from?" she cried.

"So, you're finally awake, eh?" Buzzard Jack's voice chilled the air even more. "Nice job, Snags." The shadow of the captain fell over us, blocking out the morning sun. His helper, Snags was grinning idiotically, holding a wooden bucket. An empty wooden bucket, I might add.

I spit out the remaining drops of water I'd ingested, and glared.

"Don't blame me," Snags laughed. If yer mouth hadn't been hanging open like a newborn guppy, you wouldn't a choked."

I felt a confirming nudge in my back, but Cynthia didn't laugh. Nothing was funny.

Captain Jack didn't think so, either. He leaned down until the brim of his black hat was inches from making contact with Cynthia's forehead. "You will tell me where to find the watch. It may be now. It may be later. But, I can assure you, the longer it takes, the more uncomfortable you will become." He stood up. "So, what's it going to be? I promise to untie you and your little friend, give you a good meal, some water, and send you back to land, unharmed."

Oh, sure. That'll happen. I may only be twelve, but I wasn't born yesterday.

Neither his threats nor his "promises" had any effect on Cynthia. "I told you last night. I don't have it."

I knew when Cynthia was telling the truth and…she was telling the truth. Thinking back to finding the watch in the Conners' barn, I remembered watching Cynthia put it in her pocket. What happened to it after that was a mystery. But, we'd better find out, and soon, because the captain was now standing over me.

And, in case this doesn't interest you, I hear there's a free doughnut to be had at Krispy Kreme Facebook! Free Doughnut!

Mary Cunningham Books

Super Fan!

I get asked on a regular basis whether writing for a living is worth the effort. First of all, I love it and can't think of my life without it.

But, more than anything, I love the young readers I have the privilege of talking to and (hopefully) inspiring to read and write.

One such "Super Fan" is Aubree Goff. After a recent visit to her Nebo Elementary (arranged by Super Media Specialist, Lisa Brown), Aubree sent an e-mail:

Dear Mrs. Cunningham,

"I'm very sorry I couldn't get this message to you sooner . I was so caught up in my thoughts about the book "The Curse of the Bayou" and it's ending. I was so very intrigued by the books end. For at least a couple days I was lost in my own little world thinking about it. I told almost everyone in my class about my thoughts on the end. Two of my thoughts were " OH MY GOSH!!!, YOU GUYS HAVE TO READ "CURSE OF THE BAYOU" BY MRS. CUNNINGHAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"  Also my other one is "You have to read the series of Cynthia's Attic, it's AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you soooooooooo much for sharing your gift!"

Your fan, Aubree

Tell me, what author wouldn't love to get an e-mail like this? My publisher (Quake) and I were so impressed, we decided to put a portion on the front of the latest Cynthia's Attic book, The Legend of Lupin Woods (Book Five).

I recently met Aubree, her mother, Cindee, and older sister, Ashlee, to thank the 5th grader for her fabulous e-mail, and to present her with a copy of the book. I was pleased to learn that Aubree not only loves to read, she loves to write! Her writing is a little dark sometimes, she explained, and doesn't always have a happy ending. I told her that was okay. Life doesn't always have a happy ending and she should write what inspires her. She went on to say that she likes to inject humor throughout her stories,  like I do in Cynthia's Attic.

After meeting Aubree and her family, I have no doubt that Aubree's out-going personality and obvious support system, will take her to the stars, or wherever she wants to go.

Cynthia's Attic: The Legend of Lupin Woods is available now! Buy Now!

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Cynthia's Attic: Legend of Lupin Woods Blog Tour 2012!

Introducing Cynthia's Attic: The Legend of Lupin Woods!

Cynthia's Attic: Legend of Lupin Woods (Book 5)

Cynthia and Gus have solved a lot of mysteries across time, but something is seriously wrong and things are beginning to unravel.

Aunt Belle is missing…again! Cynthia’s great-grandfather, Beau, was never found! And now they are wondering if Blackie is still making life miserable for Lilly and Annie.

This time, the twelve-year-old girls journey into a strange woods full of frightening creatures and dark secrets in search of answers.

From Aunt Belle's cottage to a small village in France, they meet new friends and discover a connection to New Orleans that may lead to the devious source behind these alarming developments. Or bigger trouble.

Please visit the following blogs for fun stories, interesting facts about the Cynthia's Attic Series and read an excerpt from the new book!

May 13, 2012 - Mayra Calvani, Children's Book Week Blog - Rescue Dogs in Cynthia's Attic

May 14, 2012 - Cynthia's Attic Blog - Meet Veronika, the new character in The Legend of Lupin Woods!

May 14, 2012- Laura Schaefer, The Teashop Girls Blog – Real Friendship in Cynthia's Attic 

May 15, 2012 – Interview: Princess Reviews – Summers in Cynthia's Attic/Interview

May 16, 2012–TheWriteChris Blog - – Interview

May 17, 2012 - Manic Readers – Excerpt: The Legend of Lupin Woods!

May 18, 2012– The Legend of Lupin Woods - Jennifer Wylie Blog

May 19, 2012- Stories For Children –Families Matter Blog; Reading Vs. Writing -

May 21, 2012 - –Veronika Asks – Cynthia’s Attic: The Legend of Lupin Woods (Book Five)

May 22, 2012 - Literary Asylum Blog – Werewolves in Cynthia's Attic

May 23, 2012– The Writing Mama Blog - Writing Tips by Mary Cunningham

May 23, 2012– Cheryl Malandrinos Children's and Teens Book Connection; Excerpt

May 24, 2012– Cheryl Malandrinos Children's and Teens Book Connection; Review

May 30, 2012- Strands of Thought Blog - Interview

Check back for buy links for The Legend of Lupin Woods! Meanwhile, Buy the first 4 books on Amazon!

 

Amazon Kindle
Smashwords
OmniLit

(check back for paperback buy links)

Meanwhile, Click on Mary Cunningham Books to BUY The Missing Locket, The Magic Medallion, Curse of the Bayou, and The Magician's Castle - paperback or ebook!

Check out the 2012 Blog Tour!

The Legend Of Lupin Woods: Meet Veronika!

Before writing The Legend of Lupin Woods, I decided to run a contest asking for readers' favorite characters. The winner would be introduced as a new characters in the book. Veronika Veren chose Molly, the little brown dog who helped Cynthia and Gus "dig up clues" in The Magician's Castle.

After getting a little information about Veronika's life, I was thrilled to learn that she grew up in France, where Cynthia and Gus visited Aunt Belle in the first book, The Missing Locket. It's no coincidence that the girls end up back in France where they meet the daughter of Amelia, proprietor of Amelia's Boulangerie…Veronika!

I had so much fun writing Veronika into the story and I know Cynthia and Gus enjoyed meeting her and consider her a friend forever. Now, to introduce you to the real Veronika!
  

When I was twelve, the same age as Cynthia's Attic time-traveling best friends, Cynthia and Gus, I lived in France and went to an impressive old school made of stone and creaking wood, that used to be a monastery in the 13th century. I Had very long blond hair, big green eyes and was the perfect miss Straight-A! The nose always in a book (and the hand in mid-air), like Hermione Granger. Guess my nickname back then?

I was very interested in divination, runes, ghosts and paranormal phenomenon and had a good friend who was persuaded me she was a werewolf and learned elven!?

My days were spent learning, reading (after a while, there was nothing left in the school library), and writing short stories and poems about incredible worlds. I  Also wrote letters to my favourite magazines (and got some of them published).

Now I'm traveling the world, still reading, still dreaming, still writing (expect an official e-release soon ;)

I'm still the "12-year old Veronika". Only taller.

Oh, and I got involved in the contest because I'm a Mary Cunningham fan, read her books and her blog, and have been following her writing career since the very beginning, on my blog Veronika Asks.  Plus, Molly is my fave!

Yes, I'm impatient to read the book and am very happy to be close friends with Cynthia and Gus.

Veronika Veren (Veronika Asks Author Interviews)

Veronika's New Website

Btw, Veronika is also an author and a very successful blogger and book reviewer!

So, now that you know more about the real Veronika, I know you'll love her character in The Legend of Lupin Woods (Book Five)!

Cynthia and Gus have solved a lot of mysteries across time, but something is seriously wrong and things are beginning to unravel.

Aunt Belle is missing…again! Cynthia’s great-grandfather, Beau, was never found! And now they are wondering if Blackie is still making life miserable for Lilly and Annie.

This time, the twelve-year-old girls journey into a strange woods full of frightening creatures and dark secrets in search of answers.

From Aunt Belle's cottage to a small village in France, they meet new friends and discover a connection to New Orleans that may lead to the devious source behind these alarming developments. Or bigger trouble.

Amazon Kindle
Smashwords
OmniLit

(check back for paperback buy links)
Meanwhile, Click on Mary Cunningham Books to BUY The Missing Locket, The Magic Medallion, Curse of the Bayou, and The Magician's Castle - paperback or ebook!

Check out the 2012 Blog Tour!

A Spooky Read For Halloween!

"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 passed him by.

Not only that, "old people," like his grandmother, take up too much of his precious practice time. He knows she's sick, but being dragged along to his her steamy apartment cuts into the afternoon 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, and inspires him to pursue his dreams."

Download today on Kindle or OmniLit
Mary Cunningham Books

Stanley Seagull in Cynthia's Attic!

Meet a young seagull named Stanley. Follow him as he wanders far from home and tries to find his way back. Join Stanley on his journey as he learns how humans affect the balance of nature.

Stanley Seagull thinks he’s found the perfect seaside “restaurant”, a huge garbage pile. He feeds and feeds, but fails to heed his cousin, Seymor’s warning to be prepared to fly away at a moment’s notice and Stanley finds himself far away from his beloved ocean.

Stanley Seagull, written by former librarian, Cathy Mazur, delivers a heartwarming, tightly-written story for the young reader. In addition to being entertained, however, the reader will learn valuable lessons along the way; For instance, when something looks too good to be true, it probably is, pay attention when someone warns you of possible danger, and friends can be found in the most unlikely places.

Colleen Gedrich brings Stanley, his friends, and this fast-paced story to life with vivid, energetic illustrations.




Born in Scranton, Pa., Cathy Mazur is the daughter of Gary and Catherine H. Errico. She received a bachelor’s degree in Library Science from Mansfield State College in 1975, and received a Reading Specialist Certificate from the University of Scranton in 1978. Cathy was employed as an elementary school librarian for the Mid Valley School District from 1975 until her retirement in 2010, where she instituted and coordinated the RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) program for 33 years helping students to develop a love of reading outside the classroom.

She resides in Dickson City, Pa. with Frank, her husband of 31 years. They are the parents of two children, Gary, 27 and Gia, 19. Now in her retirement, she is focused on writing books for children like Stanley Seagull.

Colleen Gedrich, a lifelong resident Throop, Pa., earned a BFA in illustration from Marywood University in 2002. She is a freelance illustrator specializing in animal-themed work.

She enjoys creating her art using mostly watercolor and pastel. As a dedicated animal rights activist and full-time program coordinator for International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR), Colleen lives her dream of joining her passions for animals and art to promote a more harmonious world with a touch of beauty. Colleen has also teamed up with her very talented artist mother, Kathy Holmes Gedrich, and paints murals for children’s nurseries.

 

 

 Hardcover buy link: ($16.95)

Paperback buy link: ($7.95)

Kindle buy link: ($2.99)

Nook buy link: ($4.95)

Cynthia's Attic 'Tween Series available in paperback and Ebook!

Mary Cunningham Books

Cynthia's Attic heads to Decatur Book Festival!

One of my all-time favorite events, The Decatur Book Festival, is this weekend. I'll sign my 'Tween book series, Cynthia's Attic, along with humor/lifestyle favorite, WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty.

Stop by booth # 110 (near the children's stage) and say "Hi"!

Mary Cunningham Books on Amazon

Friendship in Cynthia's Attic

Cynthia had an attic. Not just an ordinary attic. Cynthia's attic was magic.

Cynthia and I came into the world just three months apart. We grew up on the same quiet, sycamore-lined street, our friendship as close as our houses. Fifty years earlier, our grandmothers were best friends. However, we didn't realize the extent of their friendship until after our experience in Cynthia's attic. This is the story of one of our great adventures...the way I remember it.

Cynthia and I spent day after day playing in her attic, but, little did I know how much her friendship would mean decades later. We went all through school together, played with the neighborhood kids, and in high school, had slumber parties and double-dated. After graduation, we lost touch when she left for nursing school; a dream of hers from the time she could talk. Meanwhile, I got married, had a son and moved about 500 times. (Okay, maybe not that many, but a ‘nomadic’ feelings prevailed when the 9th moving van pulled up to the house!)

But, before you start feeling sorry for me, the last move has been the most rewarding because it brought me within an hour of Cynthia’s home for more than 15 years. We’d barely unpacked when I called to arrange dinner plans. I felt sorry for our husbands because Cynthia and I didn't shut up for four hours! It's like we were six-years-old again, still sitting on the floor of her attic playing with paper dolls and discovering magical treasures.

Some friends drift away and although you miss them, your life doesn't feel much different without their presence, but, Cynthia and I took up right where we left off all those years ago. I didn't realize how much I missed her until we came back into each other's lives. On a recent road trip together, we covered almost sixty years of fun, friends and family.

This brings me to one reason the series, "Cynthia's Attic," has been so satisfying to write. I've had the fun of chronicling the friendship between Cynthia and Gus (I'm point-of-view character, Gus) and honoring my lifelong friendship with Cynthia.

"This wonderfully imaginative tale will delight readers. I wish I had a magic attic!" - Laura Schaefer, author of The Teashop Girls.

…”a good old fashioned family story, with all the sci-fi perks and jigs to light the imagination of today’s young reader.”- Real Reader Reviews

Mary Cunningham Books

Amazon

Cynthia's Attic: # 5 - Excerpt

1964:

A dog yapped in the distance. Molly? Is that you?

"Yow! Sam? What the heck are you doing, boy? Get off my chest!" I awoke to find my corgi-beagle-whatever dog sitting on my chest, and trust me, he was a load. "I can't breathe, Sammy. Move. A gentle shove coaxed him to the other side of the bed where he wagged furiously, panting for attention.

"Go get Mom. She'll let you out." Surely someone was up and moving around. I shaded my eyes from the sun shining full-fledged through the venetian blinds. It must be at least 9 AM. "Mom?" I yelled, "Will you let Sam out?"

No answer. Oh, yeah. She's working today. I sighed, but could never be mad at my short-legged, floppy-eared buddy waiting impatiently for me to get out of bed. I knew from experience that one slight twitch and I'd be toast. He would fly over my head, off the bed and down the stairs, expecting me to be right behind him. Oh, yeah. I knew the drill.

I shut my eyes in a vain attempt to go back to sleep when the pitiful whining began and I admitted defeat. "Okay, you miserable mongrel." I gave the top of his head a pat and hit the floor, running, but he easily beat me down the steps. I'd barely cracked open the door when he sprinted into the fenced back yard; a fence my dad was forced to build because of Sam's escapades around town. Wish I had a doughnut for all the phone calls we'd gotten from business owners.

"This is Drummad's Auto Parts. Your dog is guarding our front entrance and we haven't had a customer in more than an hour. Come over and get him or I'm calling the pound!"

Or, Flora’s Bakery. "Sam's at the back door begging for cookies. We've already given him three, but he won't leave."

The entire family's nerves frayed having to chase after him, day and night, especially with the added worry that one day, he wouldn’t be so lucky crossing a street during jaunts through town. I'm convinced that’s one event we’d never live through.

Preoccupied with every ant that moved, Sam wasn’t in one of his “running off moods, so I retreated to the kitchen pantry to dig for the other half of the blueberry muffin I'd stashed from yesterday's breakfast. During the winter, my mom refused to let me leave for school without a "good, healthy breakfast." Usually oatmeal, wheat toast or Cheerios and bananas. "How about some eggs, sausage, hash browns, biscuits and peach preserves for a change?" I'd complain.

"Chef's day off," she'd answer.

Sarcasm? Where do you think I get it? Back to breakfast. During the summer, it is every man for himself.

I stuffed the muffin in my mouth, and then moved outside to the back steps to watch Sam sniff every single blade of grass as if new and magical scents had drifted in from the night before. Heaven help a rogue squirrel or chipmunk who dared invade our yard!

Doggy duties finally occupied Sam while visions of the last few weeks occupied my brain. How many journeys through the trunk had Cynthia and I taken? Several into the past, and one interesting trip into the future. Processing discoveries from our last trip—not to mention meeting characters like Elly Elloway or our canine detective, Molly—would take a long time.

Bang, bang, bang. "Gus? Are you awake? Come here, quick!"

I left Sam to his duties, flung open the back screen door and ran to the front of the house toward the persistent yells. "I'm coming. I'm coming!"

 

All thoughts of chewing out my best friend for screaming loud enough to wake the dead stopped cold the moment I opened the door.

"We have visitors." Cynthia leaned against the front porch railing flanked by two girls our age. "They surprised me with an early morning visit.

Before I could open my mouth, scream or pass out, she shoved me inside.  "They know everything."

What color do you suggest for Book # 5?

Mary Cunningham Books

Excerpt: The Magician's Castle (Book Four)

In trying to break a spell put on Cynthia's family by a magician, Cynthia and Gus find themselves in a magical garden filled with frightening stone statues.

I jumped at the sight of more than a dozen hideous statues, faces frozen in fear. A contrast of white flowers, from Aron's description–edelweiss–surrounded them. We moved close to Molly for protection.

"Wh…what are they?" Cynthia gasped. "And, why do they look so afraid?"

I'd never been quite this unnerved in all our travels, even when staring down Jack LaBuse and his band of pirates. "C'mon, Molly," I urged. "Let's go." She didn't budge. I tugged her collar, but couldn't move her massive size. She did a little circle dance, stamping the ground to make a bed, and then laid down for the night. There had to be better places to sleep.

I shrugged and gave a resigned smile. "At least she still acts like a dog. Looks like we're here for the night."

"But, Gus! Look at this place. I won't shut my eyes with those things staring at us!"

"I agree, but let's face it, it's getting dark and cold, and Molly is warm and furry. I'm sleeping right here." I curled up next to her, my head resting in the scruff of her neck.

Cynthia stamped her foot. "Have you seen how much she sheds? My clothes will be a mess. And, who knows what she's rolled in recently." She sniffed. "Eww. She smells…doggy."

"She's a dog!" I was in no mood to argue. "Suit yourself. I'm comfy and warm. What about you?"

Cynthia settled in, her head resting on Molly's shoulder. She sighed and moments later, started to snore.

Rat-a-tat-tat. Ba-boom, ba-boom, ba-boom. Drumbeats? Band practice? I played the snare drum and Jimmy Mathews pounded steadily on the bass to the ‘Panther Fight Song.’ Hey! What the… My head came under attack by a felt-covered drum beater.

Molly's heartbeat pounded in my ear…faster and faster. She raised her head and stared to the left. No, I did not want to know what she sees! Nope, not gonna look! But, like anticipating a train wreck, I couldn't help myself.

Cynthia, too, must've felt Molly stir, because she peered over the dog's shoulder. "What is it?"

I shook my head. Molly focused on a huge rock formation down on one knee, with its chin resting on disfigured knuckles. My eyes locked on the frightening eyes staring back. A thin stream of moonlight landed directly on this fearsome creature.

Molly stood, quivering and faced the giant statue, and the rhyme we found in the metal box popped into my head. Search among the edelweiss. There was certainly enough of that around. Turning once, then turning twice. Molly turned, first in one direction then twice in the other.

In the moonlight you will see…that's it. Moonlight! The beam shining on the giant's face moved ever so slightly toward its knee. "Cynthia," I whispered, "the giant's knee. The one in the riddle."

Right on cue, Molly wriggled forward and we went with her. No way did we want to lose her protection. The statue didn't budge, and the dog did what dogs do: she (should She be capitalized?) dug a hole, right beside the giant's bended knee.

Search among the edelweiss,
Turning once, then turning twice.
In the moonlight you will see,
Yonder looms the giant's knee.

Molly dug furiously taking no time to rest. A dog on a mission. Then she sat, turned her head to one side–just as before–and looked into the hole.
I patted her dirt-splattered muzzle and reached inside the hole. "It's another metal box! Oh, please don't tell me we're going to have to figure out another riddle!"

"Just open it, Gus! Why do you always have to expect the worst?"
She's right. No need to ‘borrow trouble’ as Great-aunt Sally used to say. I opened the box, pulled out a frayed piece of paper the size of a book page, and read:

Travel forward. Travel back.
Only Time will tell.
Toss, you must, a lock of hair
Down the Wishing Well.

Travel forward. Travel back
With the missing page.
Only then will love return
To the magic stage.

"Is it the book page? Let me see it." Cynthia took the fragile piece of paper out of my hand. "There's a faint symbol at the top. I can't quite make it out."

"It's a coat of arms," I answered. "My grandfather told me how special symbols, going back for centuries, identified certain families."

"Wonder whose family this one represents? If the coat of arms belongs to the Kistler family, then this could be the missing page to the Book of Spells!" Cynthia did a silly dance waving the paper in the air.

I wanted to laugh and to believe we might be closer to an answer. "How do we find out for sure? Go back to the castle and talk to Eva, or should we go home, to 1964 and see if the book is still on Sebastien's kitchen table?"
Cynthia shoved the paper in my face. "Did you even read this? We're going to have to find this wishing well, and a lock of hair to throw into it. Pay attention, Gus!"

"You're right," I admitted. "I can't think. This place is really creeping me out." I scanned the dark, scary garden and saw Molly headed for a large pine tree. We could not lose her. "Molly's way over there. C'mon, let's go."

We walked as fast as we could without attracting the attention of the garden monsters. No sense waking them up. Too late. The smaller statues stayed motionless, but the stone giant moved, and then to my horror, groaned to its feet! He turned rigidly in my direction.

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Cynthia’s Attic, Vampires, and Werewolves

In 2004, fresh off the excitement of my first 2-book publishing contract for Cynthia’s Attic, I began establishing an online presence at my publisher’s request, uh…insistence.

One of my first tasks was to explore author websites and chat groups. Believe it or not, I didn’t find one blog! Blogging had not reached the manic stage of today, with most bloggers simply writing online journals; but networking sites were hot.

I joined a children’s chat group in order to schmooze with other young reader (‘Tween) authors and immediately related to one particular author. Both of us had first-time multi-book contracts, the idea for our series’ sprang from recurring dreams, and our stories were fantasy/fiction. A perfect networking match.

We chatted, online, for several months, and then lost touch. I can’t quite remember why, but I’d guess it was because I was in the middle of editing my first book, The Missing Locket, deadlines approached, and time management was crucial. I’m sure it had nothing to do with Stephanie Meyer’s schedule. Wonder what ever happened to her? I do hope she had some success with her series about…vampires, I think.

Speaking of vampires, I was recently asked why I chose to write books for ‘Tweens that are lighter; vampire-less, werewolf-less, zombie-less…you get the drift. I can’t really say. It just happened. Cynthia’s Attic does delve into magic and spells and such, but the scariest monster, so far, is Stony, a rock monster who attacks twelve-year-old Gus, in an enchanted garden in The Magician’s Castle. Other than that, a nasty, bad-breathed clown, a sinister stranger on horseback and a friendly alligator are as menacing as Cynthia’s Attic gets.
Until Book # 5.

Yes, I’m crumbling. In the next book (title TBD), a werewolf pops into the lives of best friends, Cynthia and Gus. Not your typical werewolf, mind you…a more congenial, helpful type, but a werewolf to be sure. Stay tuned!


Cynthia's Attic Series
The Missing Locket
The Magic Medallion
Curse of the Bayou
The Magician's Castle

Blurb: The Magician’s Castle

In trying to escape the boring summer of 1964, the adventurous twelve-year-old girls discover a trunk in Cynthia’s attic that her family has possessed for three generations.

Cynthia’s Attic: The Magician’s Castle (Book Four): Sebastien the Great, a magician whose fiancée, Kathryn, disappears through the magic trunk, vows revenge. If Cynthia and Gus don't find a missing page from the “Book of Spells,” Cynthia’s family could face financial and personal ruin.

The twelve-year-old best friends walk through miles of tree tunnels, stumble on an enchanted garden ruled by a cranky rock monster, and receive clues from an eccentric fairy named Eloise Elloway. They get the surprise of their lives when they're sent fifty years into the future, have a shocking encounter with another set of best friends, and gather a fresh set of clues that could lead to breaking the magician’s spell.

Mary Cunningham Books

YouTube code for video: Cynthia’s Attic Series

Cynthia's Attic: The Magician's Castle - 2011 Blog Tour

Feb 23, 2011 - Talent Tuesday - Quake Blog

Feb. 28, 2011 – The Magician's Castle promo -Jennifer Wylie Blog

Mar 2, 2011 - Interview - Writer J. A. Campbell Blog

March 2, 2011 – Inspiring Young Readers and Writers - The Writing Mama Blog

March 3, 2011 – Brick by Brick - The Children's & Teens Book Connection - TC & TBC

March 4, 2011 – Cynthia’s Attic, Werewolves and Vampires – The Candid Canine Blog

March 8, 2011 – Cynthia’s Attic: Legend of Lupinwold (Book Five) – A sneak peek! Veronika Asks Blog

March 9, 2011 - Interview - Sweet On Books Website

March 10, 2011 - History Meets Mystery - Omnimystery News Blog

Featured Author Interview-Summer 2011 issue of Stories for Children Magazine

***

Cynthia’s Attic: The Magician’s Castle (Book Four) by Mary Cunningham

In trying to escape the boring summer of 1964, the adventurous twelve-year-old girls discover a trunk in Cynthia’s attic that her family has possessed for three generations.

Sebastien the Great, a magician whose fiancée, Kathryn, disappears through the magic trunk, vows revenge. If Cynthia and Gus don't find a missing page from the “Book of Spells,” Cynthia’s family could face financial and personal ruin.

The twelve-year-old best friends walk through miles of tree tunnels, stumble on an enchanted garden ruled by a cranky rock monster, and receive clues from an eccentric fairy named Eloise Elloway. They get the surprise of their lives when they're sent fifty years into the future, have a shocking encounter with another set of best friends, and gather a fresh set of clues that could break the magician’s spell.

Mary Cunningham Books
Quake:
Amazon The Magician's Castle
OmniLit

Savannah Children's Book Festival

I'm thrilled to be returning to the Savannah Children's Book Festival after a 3-year absence! The last time I was there, I had 2 Cynthia's Attic books. This year, I'll be signing 4 books in the series and writing Book # 5!

If you're in the area, stop by Forsyth Park from 10:00AM-4:00PM. The weather is going to be fantastic!

Here are a few pics from the past.

Shannon Greenland and me

Signing books for happy readers!

Mary Cunningham Books
Amazon
Kindle
Fictionwise
Quake/Echelon Press

I love Fall Festivals!

Kudos to Daphne and all at Ithica Elementary and the P.T.S.O. for their fantastic Fall Festival! I was fortunate enough to be asked to sponsor a booth.


The weather was still a little warm, but the enthusiasm was even warmer. The festival had a variety of vendors; food, jewelry, crafts, sports and educational. Oh, and books! I signed quite a few "Cynthia's Attic" books, and passed out tons of bookmarks.

I was continually impressed with the organization and dedication on all levels; faculty, parents and students.

I'll look forward to next year...if I'm asked!

And...I took care of my little four-legged friends, too!

Mary Cunningham Books
Amazon
Kindle
Fictionwise
Quake/Echelon Press

Not Just "One Of the Guys!" Iris Black, author

I'm thrilled to welcome one of my favorite young authors, Iris Black. When you meet Iris, it's impossible not to feed off her energy and enthusiasm. Enjoy the interview!

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you always imagined.” - Henry David Thoreau

Iris Black is a young adult author and a young adult! Juggling school projects and college applications with her laptop full of bright characters and fun stories guarantees she will have an eventful senior year.

Your character, Sam, has tons of friends, but is no longer content with being "Just One Of The Guys." What inspired you to write Sam's story?

I guess the inspiration was in my own experiences. Most of my close, longtime friends are guys and they range from all types: computer nerds, science and math geeks, athletes, and especially band kids. We’ve had some fun adventures - and misadventures. Being the only girl in the group put me in the interesting position of having to keep up while being the go-to guru for relationship advice. Despite the fact that they all had girlfriends before a guy ever asked me out. So Sam is the product of some of the things girls like me go through. I just hadn’t found a young adult book that dealt with the issues - the romance and the adventure and the conflicts - that can and often do happen to real girls.

You're a young author trying to balance school with writing. Do you see a career in writing, or will it be your "secondary passion?"

I am going to keep writing and I hope to make it a big part of my life and not let it slip into a hobby. Still, I enjoy the more academic side of life. I plan to pursue a full career apart from writing, but I’m willing to adapt those plans if my writing situation changes.

E-books are booming and you're reaching a huge audience. To what do you attribute your success? Any marketing tools you'd care to share with other authors?

Honestly, I have to lay my success at the feet of my readers. I think there’s a big demand for young adult e-books - most teenagers have access to a computer or even iPhones and iPods that are equipped with e-readers. Being able to read a book on the same device that plays your music or lets you check Facebook is a big draw for teen readers. The best tip I can give on marketing is to find a need and fill it - but fill it with what you know and like. I was in the marching band at my old school and we had a ton of fun adventures, so I knew exactly what my characters needed to experience to make the story feel real. Add a touch of imagination and you have a realistic escape - something that appeals to most teen readers.

Any plans to expand Sam's story? Are you working on any other writing projects?

I am writing a sequel to Sam’s story and plan to continue chronicling the adventures of her and her friends. Like you mentioned before, I’m balancing school and writing. I started at a new, more rigorous school this past year and it’s been a bit of an adjustment digging out some time to hang out with Sam, but I’ve got a better handle on things now. I’ve also been playing with urban fantasies and even a historical fantasy. I hope to have at least one of those bigger projects completed sometime next summer.

What one piece of advice would you give young writers starting out?

Don’t lose your imagination, loose it. In school, the focus is going to be on academic writing - analyze this book, analyze this old dead writer’s style, analyze your biology lab results, etc. Don’t let the analysis bury your creativity. Try not to write fairytales on the backs of you English essays, but keep finding time to jot down the bits and pieces that pop into your head when you let yourself daydream.

What is your favorite subject in school? Your least favorite?

Hmm, this is a tough one. I think I like history the most. It is the most epic story that hasn’t been finished yet and I really enjoy finding connections between, say, the Black Death and Hitler’s invasion of Poland in WWII. My least favorite is probably chemistry. I had a really tough time in the class this past year and it was really difficult for met to wrap my brain around schizophrenic electrons (they’re waves and particles).

If you could spend time with one character from a favorite childhood book, who would it be?

Ahh! Another hard one, I have lots of favorite books. However, I’d have to say Canth from Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern series. He was a brown dragon and F’lon was his rider. I loved the dragons and Canth was always full of good humor while being just as brave and impressive as the more prestigious bronze dragons. Plus, who wouldn’t want to ride dragonback?

Thanks for a great interview, Iris! And, after reading all about this talented author, I'm sure you'll want to check out her work!

Buy links - Just One Of the Guys:
Amazon
Omnilit

'Tween time-travel series, Cynthia's Attic.

Download the series on Kindle today!

Mary Cunningham Books
Amazon
Kindle
Fictionwise
Quake/Echelon Press