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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!
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By:
Mary Cunningham,
on 5/1/2012
Blog:
Cynthia's Attic Blog
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Introducing Cynthia's Attic: The Legend of Lupin Woods!
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 -
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/InterviewMay 16, 2012-
Strands of Thought Blog -
InterviewMay 17, 2012 -
Manic Readers –
Excerpt: The Legend of Lupin Woods!May 18, 2012– Legend of Lupin Woods -
Jennifer Wylie BlogMay 19, 2012-
Stories For Children –Families Matter Blog;
Reading Vs. Writing -
May 21, 2012–
TheWriteChris Blog - –
InterviewMay 22, 2012 - Literary Asylum & Blog – Werewolves in Cynthia's Attic May 23, 2012–
The Writing Mama Blog -
Writing Tips by Mary CunninghamMay 24, 2012– Cheryl Malandrinos
Children's and Teens Book Connection;
Review May 25, 2012 - –Veronika Asks – Cynthia’s Attic: Legend of Lupinwold (Book Five)
At Saturday's GSHW meeting, I met Don D'Auria, editor of Samhain publishing's new horror line, Samhain Horror.
(Read more ...)
By:
Mary Cunningham,
on 8/31/2011
Blog:
Cynthia's Attic Blog
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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
By:
Mary Cunningham,
on 7/5/2011
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Cynthia's Attic Blog
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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."
0 Comments on Cynthia's Attic: # 5 - Excerpt as of 1/1/1900
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.
By:
Mary Cunningham,
on 4/7/2011
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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
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
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Fictionwise
Quake/Echelon Press
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, anal
Mary Cunningham is the author of the award-winning tween fantasy/mystery series, Cynthia's Attic, which 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. Four books have been published in the series: The Missing Locket, The Magic Medallion, Curse of the Bayou, and just recently The Magician's Castle. She is also co-writer of the humor-filled lifestyle book titled, Women Only Over Fifty (WOOF), along with a published short story, "Ghost Light," and a new "Cynthia's Attic" short story, "Christmas With Daisy."
Welcome to Blogcritics Magazine, Mary! It's a pleasure having you as my guest here again. Tell us, do you consider yourself to be a born writer?
Hmmm...born writer? I guess I inherited the genes, from my dad, to become a writer. He was a journalist for over 40 years and was also my role model. Not only was he a wonderful writer, he was the kindest, most non-judgmental, open-minded person I ever knew. Wish he'd been around to see the books!
I was told from 3rd grade on to "Never stop writing. You have a gift." And, sure enough...40 years later, my first book was published! I have written all my life, but never considered writing fiction until I got the idea for "Cynthia's Attic." The first story was prompted by a recurring dream I'd had for over 20 years about playing in a mysterious attic. Once I realized that the attic was in the home of my childhood best friend, Cynthia, the dreams stopped and the writing began.
Tell us about your recent release. What was your inspiration for it?
Cynthia's Attic: The Magician's Castle is the latest book release (DEC 1, 2009). All the books in the series are inspire
d by family stories and ancestors. The Magician's Castle was motivated by a magic show that Cynthia and I went to when we were about 7. I was chosen to be the magician's "assistant," and never forgot it. Neither did my mother after the magician gave me the rabbit I had helped pull out of his hat! I was thrilled, but a few days later, we took "Fluffy" to the farm of a friend.
I've also brought the Kistler side of my family into this story. The family tree has been researched back to late 1300s Switzerland, and since I've always been fascinated by genealogy, it was a perfect match.
Do you like to outline and plot ahead, or are you more of a stream-of-consciousness writer?
I've despised outlining since 7th grade, so I consider myself a seat-of-the-pants writer. I start with a basic idea, location and characters, but the storyline develops as it moves along. I'm a big believer in letting my characters determine where they want to go and what they want to do. I've actually had characters jump into my stories without any warning! LOL!
What was your favorite book as a child?
I adored sports biographies as a child and read them from A (Hank Aaron) to Z (Babe Didrikson Zahar
To celebrate the release of "The Magician's Castle," (Quake/Echelon Press, DEC 1, 2009), I'm guest blogging DEC 7-17 on some super blogs! Stop by each blog and leave a comment. A winner will be chosen on each blog stop to receive a copy of the "Cynthia's Attic" short story, "Christmas With Daisy!" So, be sure to make a comment!
DEC 7 - Mayra Calvani - Interview - Blog Critics (Link coming soon)
DEC 9 - Sandra Novack - Sandra Novack Blog - "Through the Looking Glass in Cynthia's Attic"
For a quartet of girlfriends known as The Pixie Chicks, life takes on a delicious new flavor when their normal Friday night walkabout through the Hobbitville Gardens reveals secrets and adventures previously unimagined. Who knew the statues were portals to similar, magical gardens around the world? Or that only a select few can travel by statue and fewer still can arrive at their desired point? These four will reach for the stars despite the risks of the unknown to embrace an adventure suitable only for the boldest of teens.
Lana's circle of friends, The Pixie Chicks, use the magic of Hobbitville, but, to her frustration, always leave her behind. Not this time, though. She is determined to find her own "touchstone" that will let her magically jump from the secret garden to places beyond her imagination.
But, a deep, mysterious voice disrupts her plans. Lana notices something very familiar about this tall, dark haired stranger who asks for her help, and she has a decision to make; help him break the curse that has trapped him in limbo for years at the risk of becoming stuck, herself. Will adventure win out over fear?
Regan Black's second Pixie Chicks, story, The Shadow Stone- A Hobbitville Halloween Adventure, is as exciting and beautifully crafted as the first. Young adults and old adults will enjoy the light-hearted and romantic journeys of Brianna, Austin, Lana and Claire, best high school buds. I'm already anticipating the third installment!
Buy on Kindle
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Regan's Realm Blog
Mary
And check out my latest short story, Ghost Light!
Ghost Light -
Amazon
Echelon Press:
I'm also proud to announce the release of Book Four in the award-winning series, "Cynthia's Attic" will be released by Quake (Echelon Imprint) DEC 2009! Buy the first three books on Amazon and pre-order "The Magician's Castle." Echelon Press
For a quartet of girlfriends known as the Pixie Chicks, life takes on a delicious new flavor when their normal Friday night walkabout through the Hobbitville Gardens reveals secrets and adventures previously unimagined. Who knew the statues were portals to similar, magical gardens around the world? Or that only a select few can travel by statue and fewer still can arrive at their desired point? These four will reach for the stars despite the risks of the unknown to embrace an adventure suitable only for the boldest of teens. "The Shadow Stone" is the second installment of the Hobbitville Saga.
Hey Gus and Cynthia! Thanks for having me here today. Regan's told me about your attic and your adventures with the trunk. Pretty cool that you've been jumping around history together.
I've got three really close girlfriends, they call us the Pixie Chicks because, well, I'm not sure how it got started, but it was our first summer of marching band camp. Probably it started because Brie looks like a fairy with her pale blonde curls and tiny, girly build and we all sort of stay in the same vicinity. Her sparkling personality must've rubbed off on us through the years. LOL
My friends can all use the magic in a nearby garden called Hobbitville, but for whatever reason, the magic doesn't cooperate for me like it does for them. They've tried to help me – like friends should – but so far, no real luck. Or magic. It's annoying really. And tough to watch your friends share an experience you can't relate to.
They're not mean about it, but who wants to miss this kind of action? Jumping through a garden statue here, into another garden somewhere – anywhere – else is just too cool. I love my town, but it's not the most happening sort of place. Except it's where my friends are (when they're not gallivanting around the world via magic).
You guys know how that is, right? When you're sort of afraid they'll have too much fun and forget about you. Really, after all we've been through, I know the Pixie Chicks wouldn't ditch me, but I confess to having moody moments about it.
Well, like Regan tells me, you two manage to succeed and you're as different as night and day – except for the part that you're inseparable friends! So I'll keep throwing myself at Hobbitville statues and hope for the best. If I make it – yay – if not, the Pixie Chicks will still be my friends and I'll keep the garden light on for them.
Lana Richmond, band geek, Pixie Chick, and Hobbitville magic seeker.
Author, Regan Black crafts her stories in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the rich history adds fire to her vivid imagination. Encouraged by her husband, children, retired greyhounds and numerous other pets, she savors the rare quiet moments when the words flow onto the page. A voracious reader, she's often found with a book in hand, or at least nearby, as she taxis children and dogs to their respective appointments. She's pleased to credit her friends and critique partners with her successful leap from her blissfully boring daily life into the action market.
Buy on Kindle
Buy on Echelon
Regan's Realm Blog
MaryI'm proud to announce the release of Book Four in the award-winning series, "Cynthia's Attic" will be released by Quake (Echelon Imprint) DEC 2009! Buy the first three books on Amazon and pre-order "The Magician's Castle." Echelon Press
By:
Mary Cunningham,
on 9/11/2009
Blog:
Cynthia's Attic Blog
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I'm thrilled! Pre-published copies of Cynthia's Attic: The Magician's Castle have arrived! The cover is magnificent, and don't all four books look great together? Wouldn't you love to own these books? (heh-heh)
The series is available for purchase on Amazon (click below), any online bookstore and through the publisher. Plus, pre-orders for "The Magician's Castle" can be made today! Contact, Echelon Press.
"Cynthia's Attic: The Magician's Castle" will be released by Quake (Echelon Imprint) DEC 2009!
Buy the first three books on Amazon
Mary
Like the main character in her Sadie Witt mystery series, Beth Solheim was born with a healthy dose of imagination and a hankering to solve a puzzle. She learned her reverence for reading from her mother, who was never without a book in her hand.
By day, Beth works in Human Resources. By night she morphs into a writer who frequents lake resorts and mortuaries and hosts a ghost or two in her humorous paranormal mysteries.
Raised and still living in Northern Minnesota, she resides in lake country with her husband and a menagerie of wildlife critters. She and her husband are blessed with two grown children and two grandsons.
The Beginning of an Incredible Journey
KS: Can you tell us a little bit about what is was like to get the word that a publisher wanted to publish your book?
BS: Shock. Absolute shock and joy. Several months had lapsed after Karen Syed, publisher of Echelon Press, requested my manuscript, so I thought she must not be interested. Then, as I do every morning, I opened my email and there it was. Karen said her editorial board expressed interest and would I like to look at a contract. Would I? Are you serious? Of course! Acting like an adult was out of the question as I raced from room to room. I realize the real work has just begun, but I’m still riding that cloud of debut-author bliss.
KS: How long have you been writing and what was the first thing you remember writing?
BS: I’ve been writing for about ten years, six seriously. My first attempt at writing was a mystery. I knew nothing about plotting, characterization, or pacing, but I plodded through and thought it was great. A best seller. It wasn’t. It was horrible. I’m mortified by that first attempt, but also thrilled with what I’ve learned over the past six years.
KS: What is a typical day like for you with regard to a day job and now a pending career as an author?
BS: My full-time day job is in Human Resources in a hospital. My evenings are spent doing typical household chores, writing and editing, and occasionally drawing floor plans and processing paperwork for my husband’s construction business. Signing a contract with Echelon Press added another dimension—marketing. Over the past year I read books and surfed websites to learn what I could about marketing. I’ll format a plan to stay current with trends in marketing and writing. KS: How do you think your life will change once your book is published and available for sale to readers?
BS: The pace will quicken, especially when both the eBook and print book are available to readers. Blog tours, book signings, speaking engagements and book fairs will be priority along with other marketing venues. I’ll keep my day job and most of all stay focused on writing and edits. KS: What kinds of things do you do to keep your focus when trying to write when life gets in the way? Do you use candles or music or meditation?
BS: I park my butt and write. I have a nasty chat with a certain lazy writer if I don’t meet my goal. And, no chocolate! I also use Goals for Guppies, a Sister’s in Crime support group. I set a goal each week and have to report in on weekends. Shame on me if I don’t achieve that writing or marketing goal. If I’m exhausted when I come home from work, I enjoy a meal with my husband and then walk a mile or two with Il Divo, Celine Dion, or Josh Groban serenading me. Music is stimulating and makes me feel whole again. It triggers ideas.
KS: Who in your life has been the most influential in your journey toward being an author?
BS: A friend of my sister’s, Stephanie Sorenson, who is a publicist for Penguin Putnam, took the time to read my manuscript and made suggestions out of the goodness of her heart. No one in the profession had ever validated my writing or made constructive comments. That honest critique coupled with encouragement and counsel was the best thing that happened.
KS: Tell us a little bit about book one of your upcoming series.
BS: At Witt’s End is a humorous, paranormal mystery. Witt’s End is a bustling resort in Northern Minnesota with clients vying for one of the few remaining rentals, except Cabin 14, where guests never leave alive.
Most sixty-four year old senior citizens aren’t expected to solve a murder while trying to prevent an unscrupulous sheriff’s deputy from shutting down their lakeside resort, but that’s exactly what Sadie Witt must do.
When five guests arrive at Cabin 14, they’re stunned to learn that the flamboyant Sadie is their conduit to the hereafter. Clad in the latest fashion trends, fads that are typically reserved for those without sagging body parts and sporting hairdos that make bystanders want to look away but can’t, Sadie realizes one of the guests had been murdered and must work against the clock to untangle the web and prevent further mayhem.
By:
Jenny Turner,
on 7/16/2009
Blog:
Quake: Shakin' up Young Readers
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Tales of Courage and Inspiration in
The Heat of the Moment
Inspired by the heroes of the 2007 San Diego Wildfires
In a world filled with disasters and catastrophes, there always remains hope. In The Heat of the Moment, twenty-one authors came together with a showcase of short fiction.
Committed to aiding those who lost so much in the blink of an eye, we proudly offer this tribute to the true heroes of the San Diego wildfires, the survivors. We invite you to wear your own red ribbon in honor of their extraordinary "Courage and Inspiration."
Proceeds from the sale of this book will offer aid to those heroes through the support of the "Fire Safe Council of San Diego County."
Sam Morton
Moving On
A moving tribute to the Charleston Nine.
Amy Alessio
Treasures
A young mother discovers an unlikely secret after a fire.
Regan Black
From the Ashes
Jaden Michaels' relives her past in the great Chicago Fire history.
Carl Brookins
Firestorm
Flames of deception blow through the prairies of Minnesota.
Austin Camacho
Smoke and Mirrors
Hannibal Jones uncovers treachery from within the ashes.
Anne Carter
Angel of the Morning
Love reaches from beyond the grave to save a young widow and her son.
Norm Cowie
The 'Really Hot' Adventures of Guy:
Guy's life is one big party until destruction sparks too close to home.
Janelle Dakota
Devil's Breath
A struggling blended family finds a connection in the grasp of raging chaos.
JMG DeMarco
Scars
Scarred by fire, Elena seeks vengeance as a way to heal.
Robert Goldsborough
A Blaze in the Night
Snap Malek isn't looking to be a hero, but no one is going to die on his beat.
Kevin Helmold
A World Left Behind
Reality leaves its mark on a young boy's life when he looks into the flames.
C. Hyytinen
Where There's Smoke…
Maria Sanchez fears she's losing her son, but she won't let fire be the captor.
Heather S. Ingemar
Firedreams
When a truly hot stranger walks into Iri's life, it could mean the end for her.
Margot Justes
A Gallery in Chicago
Minola Grey is ready for a change, could a handsome fireman make it happen?
Alyssa Montgomery
9:53 P.M.
Melanie's house has a past, can it take the heat? Or will history repeat itself?
Kelle Z. Riley
Tinder House
Dreams turn to ash and memories to smoke, but can love survive when all else is lost?
Jeff Sherratt
A Slight Detour
Just looking for one big score, Johnny's life doesn't end up the way he plans.
Jackie Sylvan
Cait Sidhe
Trapped in a blazing inferno, Jessie searches for an elusive savior.
Dana Taylor
Meltdown
A mother's faith is reborn when her life goes up in flames.
Christine Verstraete
Fire and Magic
Sam's mom is in big trouble and even magic might not be able to save them.
Marc Vun Kannon
Bite Deep
It isn't blood that burns in his veins.
Available at:
Buy Now at Amazon.com
Buy Now at Fictionwise.com
Buy Now at Barnes & Noble
Also available for ordering from your local bookseller!
Quick Facts
ISBN: 978-1-59080-596-1
288 pages
5 x 8 Perfect Binding
$14.99 US $21.99 CAN
A great weight lifted off my shoulders when I listened to the announcement that the United States has finally agreed to a change in direction on global climate agreements.
Born and raised in Germany comes with a completely different outlook on our environment. Growing up, I was taught in school not to litter. We actually had classes on the subject.
I immigrated from Germany to the United States back in 1991, and remember driving down an Interstate when suddenly, a trash-filled bag from a well known fast food chain, came flying out from the car in front of me. I grabbed pencil and paper and wrote down the license plate number. When I later proudly presented the evidence to a policeman I was laughed at. When you toss as much as a cigarette butt in the country I was raised in, you end up with a hefty fine.
Throughout the years I've made extra efforts to stop some abuse against Mother Earth. I remember a friend asking me to assist him changing the oil and filter on his automobile. When all was finished, my friend carried a plastic bowl with five quarts of used motor oil to his bathroom.
No way! I thought, as he was about to unload the substance into his toilet. I explained to him that one drop of oil renders a bathtub full of drinking water useless, and I volunteered to take the used oil to the local parts store for recycling. Do the math; if my education changed how this person recycled his used motor oil, I saved many bathtubs worth of drinking water.
I'm grateful for the new policy concerning our environment and for a new, more global geared administration. I must say however, an educational process must be in place along with the changes. I'm not sure how it's asked that we protect the earth, when it seems some people can't take care of their problems at home. Animals build soft nests, why can’t we!
Cynthia's Attic is thrilled to host author, M. K. Scott and the release of her 'Tween fantasy, Zamora's Ultimate Challenge.
About the Author:
M.K. Scott, a total book fiend and a horse lover extraordinaire, is both a children s book author and adult fiction author. She is currently writing two mystery series (the Wine Lovers Mysteries and the Horse Lovers Mysteries) for Berkeley Prime Crime. When she's not hanging out with her kids and trying to keep them in line, she teaches creative writing to middle school kids. Her love for horses keeps her busy, but not as busy as her writing. Right now she is juggling ideas for about 8,456,342 ideas for new stories to write. Her imagination often keeps her awake at night, but she doesn't mind as she is constantly meeting new people and "things" even if it is only in her mind. M.K. lives in San Diego, CA with her super-cool husband, and her equally cool three kids, two dogs, two cats, and two horses.
Synopsis:
Mason and Carter Clover only agree on two things--their baby sister Isabella is a royal pain and their favorite video game, Zamora s Ultimate Challenge, is totally awesome. But fantasy turns to reality when Zamora s evil face appears across the brothers television screen. Claiming to have kidnapped Isabella, the queen challenges the boys to a daring rescue before she takes over their
sister's soul. Zamora s plan is to use the baby as a human vessel to travel to Earth and dominate the world. Once the brothers figure out how to get inside the video game, they are hurled into the magical land of Boysen where they meet their helpful guides: a sage, a quirky mermaid, and a Pegasus (who flies them to each thrilling level of the video game).
Racing against time, the brothers search for their sister, encountering a myriad of dangerous enemies including stinging fairies, haunted Master Souls, and brutish, knife-wielding pirates. Can they beat each level of the game while being hunted by a fire-breathing dragon, stalked by a robotic shark, and terrorized by acid-poop-bombing pterodactyls? Driven by the powerful bonds that unite siblings, Mason and Carter are determined to face their fears and will stop at nothing to bring Isabella home...but first they must survive Zamora s Ultimate Challenge!
M. K. is giving away prizes! Check her site for more information.
M. K. Scott website
Quake (Echelon Imprint)
Discover the Magic in Cynthia's Attic
By:
Mary Cunningham,
on 3/30/2009
Blog:
Cynthia's Attic Blog
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Part Two of my interview with fascinating writer, Sandra Novack, author of the adult literary novel, "Precious."
Sandra Novack Bio:
I was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1972. When I was little, my brother used to hide me in his paper route bag and then come home and tell my mother he'd lost me somewhere in town. It was like a great secret the two of us shared, one only given away by an inevitable laughing spell.
My sisters and brothers were older than me by ten to fifteen years, and I spent much of my time tagging along after them, stealing their rock-and-roll albums, and imitating their every word and action. In some ways, I was as much raised by them as by my parents. Or, as I like to tell people, I was raised by a band of gypsies. They are my tribe, my family.
Precious is dedicated to my sister, Carole, who left home when I was seven.CA: I believe we all have "little pieces" of our own lives in our writing. You have been on a promotional tour for "Precious." How has it changed your life? Or, has it?
SN: It's gotten me outside myself a bit. Most writers are solitary, and my days are usually very quiet, which is good because my voice and writing spring from that silence. Meeting people is always a positive experience, though the downside is that I'm "off" my schedule and not writing lately, and writing is the thing that keeps me most level in life. I always take the advice of my friend, who says, "You've got to enjoy the excitement when it comes because it'll always end, too. Enjoy the moment." So I try to look at it like that. I don't think it's changed my life, no. I'm still Sandy. Always have been, always will be. There's not a lot that gives me a big head, and there's also not a lot that discourages me, either, from picking up the pen again and telling a new story.
CA: You seem so down to earth, and I can't imagine you'll ever change! Can you give a couple of tips to aspiring writers? Maybe some that made an impression with you when you were starting out.
SN: Never be afraid to risk, and never be afraid to fail. Very few people (if any) start off being brilliant writers, or even competent writers, but you've got to keep at it to even get to those places. Rejection and even failure are both inevitable on the path to success. Successes are best measured one at a time, too. I remember when I started writing and finally had a story that had a sense of plot I felt that was a big success, since if I wrote one story that "worked" I could write another. Same with publishing. When I first published, it was in a very little journal that no one had ever heard of, but I thought, If I could do it once, I could do it again, and I could get even better at doing that. It's dangerous to be like, "I have to be brilliant right away and be noticed right away and be published in top venues right away." That kind of thinking can lead to disappointment, I believe. Finally: Read. Anyone you love! And learn from that fiction, and those stories.
CA: This is great advice, Sandra. It's all about prepration, isn't it.
Finally, is there something funny you can share about yourself that your fans might not know? Hmmmm??
SN:1) I once had two pet cows named Sirloin and Hamburger.
2) I once proudly announced to my mother that I could spell "relief" and then spelled Rolaids. I was very young--and very pleased with myself--and didn't understand WHY she laughed.
3) When my grammy was living with us and dying of cancer, I, in my ten-year-old wisdom thought it prudent to read to her from the Bible, and I picked (in my even more infinite wisdom) the Book of Job. I read to my dying grammy from Job everyday!!!! It's bad enough, I think now, that I picked JOB, but I don't even know if my grammy was very religious...I still feel very badly about this.
4) I love the smell of Vicks and also Scotch tape, and sometimes just smell both for the heck of it.
5) When I was four I named my pet cat "Linda" because I was smitten with the Good Witch in the Wizard of Oz. It took my brother, Jimmy, telling me that the witch's name was Glinda, not Linda, and that we should probably name the cat Morris because it was a boy, anyway.
CA: Sandra, I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed having you visit "The Attic!" This will definitely go down as one of my favorite interviews. Your generosity to your fans and readers shines through. Please come back again, soon!
In case you missed it, here's
Part One: Visit Sandra on her
Website Buy Precious at your local Independent Bookstore (Such as,
Horton's Books & Gifts)
(Watch for Sandra's short story collection! Random House 2010!) 
By:
Jenny Turner,
on 3/19/2009
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I know, my authors are groaning again as well, "You're sick." and "You need to rest." are their favorite sayings right now, but I have to tell you, a little bit of heart failure is not going to keep me from selling books and seeing old friends.I am excited about this weekend. It will be my first time at the VA Festival of the Book. Katie Hartlove (Erotiqué Press) and I will be heading in on Friday to get ready for a day of selling books on Saturday. You'll want to check us out; we will have some really AWESOME deals. I'm just saying.But I am mostly excited because I will get to see and chat with one of my favorite people again. I met Nikki Leigh online several years ago and she has become a bit of a role model for me. She is not only a great author, but an excellent business woman, a promotional guru, and a pretty neat gal. That's right, I said it.
Nikki does something that few can, she writes non-fiction that teaches and entertains at the same time. What she teaches is marketing and promotions for authors, as well as business techniques for everyone. I was fortunate enough to be featured, not once but twice in her book 365 Foolish Mistakes Smart Managers Make (w/a Shri Henkel).Nikki is one of those people who welcome you into her world and makes you want to stay and learn. I am currently reading an advanced copy of her upcoming book Book Promo 201. It is captivating. Not a word you usually hear where non-fiction business books are involved, but it truly is. My Palm T/X and I have bonded over the last couple nights with this book and we are both very happy. We love this book.If you are an author, or a business person, you need to look into Nikki's books. She makes learning ainless. None of like to admit that we don't know what we are doing, but I will say right now, that before I started reading Book Promo 201, I thought I had it all going on. But I have learned so much throughout the pages of this book.This isn't just for authors. If you have ANYTHING to promote, Nikki is your gal. Check back in a couple days for my official review. This was just random praise.If you are in the Charlottesville, VA area on Saturday March 21, 2009, you should look Nikki up and tell her I sent you. Then after you talk to her, come on over to the Echelon Press table and take advantage of our great deals.Karen Syed
By:
Jenny Turner,
on 2/21/2009
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Okay, let's talk about selling books. Hey, readers, don't click away, this is about you too. I want to make a few points and then ask a few questions.
I am a firm believer in authors selling their own books. I think it builds great name recognition and good relations between fan and author. I think that readers are more open to making purchases when they feel secure about it. Several things factor into this. Appearance and Attitude (those of the author) being the two most important, in my mind.
The picture here is Young Adult author Jacquelyn Sylvan (Surviving Serendipity, 2008, Echelon Press) at the Free Library Book Festival in Philadelphia, PA. Jackie spent the day wearing her Surviving Serendipity T-shirt and hat while passing out bookmarks and flyers to anyone who didn't run away. And since Jackie has a brilliant smile and is one of the most approachable people I know, she spent a lot of time talking to people--no one ran away.
This leads me to the questions below.
READERS:
If you are a reader and go into a store and see an author sitting behind a table reading a book, or scribbling notes, or staring off into space, what do you do?
1. Walk up and introduce yourself.
2. Walk up and wait for them to notice.
3. Walk away and go off to find something interesting.
If you go into a store and see an author smiling, greeting people, and passing out bookmarks, what do you do?
1. Smile back, take a bookmark, and let the author give you their pitch.
2. Smile and say no thanks.
3. Walk as far away as you can so they won't talk to you.
AUTHORS:
If you are preparing for an event, you would wear the following:
1. A nice casual outfit, neatly pressed and fresh with hair combed.
2. Jeans and a T-shirt.
3. Whatever you had on that day when you left the house.
If you are an author and you are at an event how do you handle the following? You are set up at the front of the store and your books are all stacked. You go in and do what?
1. Greet the manager, introduce yourself to each staff member and hand them some bookmarks, then go back to wander around your table greeting customers.
2. You wave at the staff, head straight for your chair, sit down, and wait for the customers to come to you.
3. Go to your table, sit down, and get out your notebook to plot your next book.
BOOKSELLERS:
An author approaches you about an event, what makes you decide for or against an event?
This is an open questions, because we really want to know.
To all you BOOKSELLERS, I would like to make a few points in our defense (publishers and authors). These are some of the obstacles we have run against in trying to set up events, along with my hardsell counterpoints.
1. You are an unknown author, no one will come.
Counterpoint: We are unknown because of the lack of opportunities to meet the public and promote our work effectively in a relaxed and conducive environment (bookstore/library.)
2. Too much risk involved with new authors and buying their books.
Counterpoint: Generally speaking, most books are returnable (though we hate it) and at Echelon (I can't speak for any others) we do a great deal of pre-promotion to ensure that people know about the event and will attend. While there are no guarantees, we will do whatever we can to drive traffic to your store, and if they do not buy our books, we may in fact sell other items in your inventory.
3. No one comes to book signings anymore.
Counterpoint: This is because they are just that. Book signings, we want to offer events, with conversation and interaction and maybe even some fun. An Echelon author is not allowed to, nor do they want to, sit behind a table and wait for customers to come up. Echelon authors do events to meet readers and sell books.
I would ask BOOKSELLERS at this point to take a moment and answer the poll in the sidebar to let us know what we can do to bring back the fun for readers and authors and book events.
I love to know what people think on this subject.
Warning: This is not my usual cheerful tone. My apologies in advance.Okay, I could not come up with a clever subject for my Blog today. So that is what you get. But I am in a challenge and I WILL Blog every day in January.Why does my face hurt? Because I have Sleep Apnea and they say it is bad to stop breathing 54 times in the span of an hour. Something about lack of oxygen. So I now get 14 pounds (or something) of pressure pumped into my nose as I (try to) sleep, wearing the clever little contraption to the left. What does this have to do with the price of tea in China? Not a darn thing. I just thought you might like to see what I might look like at night...but my eyes are hazel But this leads me to my question of the day. In ten words or less, what is the one thing you want more than anything in life? Here is my answer. All stomachs full, all head covered, all faces smiling.
The wonderful thing about Tiggers is Tiggers are wonderful things.Who has a better attitude than Tigger? There isn't anything he can't do, or even won't do. He is a determined and loyal friend to all.Imagine if Tigger were a writer. How far do you think he would go to market and promote his books? I can just see Tigger bouncing from bookstore to bookstore.
Consider his enthusiasm for everything he does. He's always smiling, he's always friendly and he's always happy.
Readers are very sensitive to the words we offer, and that includes in person. If you are at an event or developing advertising and marketing make certain that your enthusiasm shines through. You have to consider that while you put a tremendous amount of work into your books, the readers also put a lot into earning the money they will spend on your books. You are responsible for giving them the very best reason to spend their money on you.
So no matter where you are who you are talking to about your books, put your best foot forward and bounce your way to success.
And if you're looking for a great read to get you bouncing through the day, check out
Operation: Stiletto at Amazon.com
©Karen L. Syed
What the heck is a wall of gratitude? If you don't know the answer to that, you aren't listening to enough Zig Ziglar. This is something I have become very fond of. As Zig explains, this is a place of honor for the people who have influenced you in your goals and dreams and accomplishments. In his seminars and books he names many of the people that have made it to his wall of gratitude. The count as of the publication of Better than Good is 26 people.Over the course of the next few months, I will be periodically slipping in the names of those people who have earned a place on my wall of gratitude. I will also explain why. I will be listing them in no particular order.The first person I want to recognize is Luisa Buehler. Luisa is an author with Echelon Press, but she has become a dear friend to me for so many reasons.First of all is her character. Luisa truly is a kind person. She is extremely giving of her time, both personally and professionally. She is what Zig would refer to as a beautifully passionate person. Luisa is passionate about her work at The Hire Solution, a temporary placement agency that she owns and operates. She is extremely passionate about her causes and civic organizations. I honestly don't know anyone who gives more freely of their time to others in the community. I recall something about the Kiwanis, an early morning traffic rush, and peanuts. You'll have to ask her about that, I can't remember the details.But the one thing that has impressed me the most is her passion for her writing and publishing career. In spite of all her other activities, Luisa has published five books, soon to be six, and two short stories with us. She tirelessly works to promote and sell those books, and she does every bit of it with a wide smile across her beautiful face.When I met Luisa several years ago, I knew, and I said to someone else, that I wanted to be just like Luisa when I grew up. For more than five years now, she has listened to me, she has guided me through a few business crisis', and she has held my hand through prsonal crisis (most recently, Luisa was there for me with Mary Welk when I had an "episode" at Love is Murder in 2008--that episode was soon discovered to be heart failure). She is unfailing in her support.Most importantly, Luisa has supported and encouraged me with total honesty. If I come up with something and she's not sure it is in my best interest, she tells me. When that something is a great thing, she is always there to cheer me on, and usually works with me to make it happen.There is no better role model or friend than Luisa Buehler. For that she will always have a place of honor on my wall of gratitude.
More about Luisa Buehler
Web Site
Deadly Duo Blog
Twitter
FaceBook
LinkedIn
Books by Luisa Buehler
The Rosary Bride
The Lion Tamer
The Station Master
The Scout Master
The Lighthouse Keeper
The Inn Keeper
Tuscan Tall and Too Close for Comfort
Missing: Harry's Fall from Grace (Short Story)
© Karen L. Syed
It's one of those things you always dream of. At some point in time, everyone wants to be the star of something. I used to want to be the star of the ballet. Then I wanted to be the star of the symphony (yup, I played clarinet).
One day it occurred to me that I wanted to be an author. I wanted to write stories that touched the hearts of readers. That, I accomplished. I wrote several romance novels that earned wonderful reviews. I received letters from readers who loved my characters and my vivid description. I even had two stalkers for a bit. Is that stardom? You can actually still get some of them in print or in eBook formats. You should check me out, I am really am quite good.
After becoming an author, it occurred to me that I might be good at something else. So I became a publisher. Some say I am really good at that. There are days when I sit and wonder if that is even remotely true. Then I look at the stacks of books on the shelves around me, and I visit the Echelon Press warehouse, and I do Google searches on some of the authors affiliated with Echelon Press. Luisa Buehler, Robert Goldsborough, J.A. Konrath, Mary Cunningham, Mary Welk, Tim Broderick, the list goes on. These are exceptional authors and each of them has a unique talent.
Then I get to Jeff Sherratt. Just when I am having one of those days when I wonder why, I get the most simple of e-mails that speaks to me of the relationships that you build when you work with people. The star above was in that e-mail, sent to me by Jeff.
It was a small gesture, but it meant more than all the words in the world could. But this isn't just about Jeff. This is about every author who submits to Echelon. It is about every author who signs a contract with Echelon. And more than that, it is about every reader who picks up an Echelon book from a library or bookstore or even borrows from a friend.
Each of you are the stars on the horizon and I would personally like to thank each of you for lighting up my skies.
©Karen L. Syed
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Great interview Mary and Iris!
Can't wait to read more about Sam and the other characters you bring to life, Iris.
Good luck!
Regan
http://www.reganblack.com
Hey guys!
Thanks for the interview Mary. For any of you readers out there who still have some more questions, I will be checking in periodically to answer them.
Iris
Thanks for visiting Cynthia's Attic, Iris!
You're welcome, Mary! Thanks for having me!