Going Home Can Be Fun!

In case you can't read the sign, that's my name at the bottom!

Last month, I was asked to present Young Author writing awards at Corydon Intermediate School (4-5-6 grades) in Corydon, Indiana (Southern Indiana, in case you're wondering). Despite having a lot of fun going back to my hometown and being included in an event that is near and dear to my heart-young writers and readers-it was also a little strange because CIS used to be the old high school.

Hate to tell you how many times I attended basketball games, played volleyball, sat through boring school assemblies, or danced at post-basketball game sockhops in that same gym!

Never, in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd ever stand on that gym floor, in front of people-filled bleachers and have to talk! Yikes! Quite an experience.

I also had the privilege to speak to my dear friend, Barbara Smith's 4th grade class. I spent almost an hour answering questions about my series, writing in general and just having fun...in the same room where I sweated through (barely passed) Algebra I!

Barbara (we played together as kids and went to high school together) saw the irony, too. We had a good laugh over the strict atmosphere of that same class. In fact, she frequently mentions our old Algebra teacher to her students and tells them if they aren't quiet, Miss Eskew's spirit just might have some choice words for them!

I'll post more pictures of my visit in a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, "neener-neener-neeeeeeener, Miss Eskew! I spoke for an hour in your classroom, and lived to tell about it!

Mary

If you want to check out my series, go to Quake
or, my website: Mary Cunningham Books

"I just want you to know..."

At a recent school visit in Georgia, a bright, confident 5th grader came up to me after my presentation and said, "I just want you to know, I'm going to be a famous author." No qualification to her statement, no hesitation, no "maybe's." Just flat out, positive fact.

I think my answer back was, "I have no doubt." And, I didn't. Later, I tried to decide if in her statement, she was simply stating a fact; wanting to give me an "FYI," or if she was issuing a challenge. I'm kinda leaning toward the challenge. "Just wanted you to know, I'M going to be a famous author, so enjoy your time in the spotlight while you can."

I still smile when I think about her. When I was in the 5th grade, I was trying to figure out how to keep from showing a mouth full of teeth that were far too big for the rest of me! Or, wondering whether I'd be chosen to play in the elementary school's lunchtime softball game.

Although the enthusiastic young reader in the picture isn't my new-found competition, she is an avid reader of "Cynthia's" Attic". And, who knows? With her quiet confidence, I have no doubt she will grow up to be an author, doctor, inspiring educator or maybe even President.

To all the young authors out there. Bring it on! I love it. I love the fact that maybe...just maybe my books have inspired you to write. There is no higher compliment.


Quake Books - Inspiring young writers!