"Mama? Papa! Where are you?"
The child turned in all directions, searching, calling, but no one called back. The sun was setting, swiftly behind the tall pines, and a late afternoon chill signaled a cold, life-threatening December night, unless the child found shelter, soon.
Her long cotton dress, and tattered wool coat, would help, but her teeth were already chattering from cold, or maybe from fear. At this point, it didn't matter which. Both could spell her death.
Their attempted escape had begun the night before from the rural Georgia plantation; the only home the girl had ever known. That much she could remember. Then sometime, just before sunup, they'd heard the dogs. Vicious sounding, braying madly, having caught scent of fully focused prey—a family trying, desperately, to distance itself from the oncoming battle between the North and the South.
Annabelle had panicked and run in the opposite direction of the fearsome howling, believing her mother, father, and younger sister were heading in the same direction.
She was wrong.
Her voice, barely audible from strain, she stumbled through the thick undergrowth for hours, calling, "Mama? Papa? Where are you?" She slumped to the ground beside the trunk of a Georgia Pine, nestled her exhausted, frightened body into a pile of dry leaves and closed her eyes,
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By: Mary Cunningham,
on 12/20/2014
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: slavery, mary cunningham, Civil War, Underground Railroad, middle-grade readers, The adventures of max and maddie, Saving Annabelle, Add a tag
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 9/26/2014
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: middle-grade, mary cunningham, Georgia authors, Cynthia's Attic book festivals, Irene Irwin Literary Festival, Add a tag
Unlike 112 years ago, when the Conyers Civic League was founded, the written word has fierce competition winning the hearts and attention spans of today's kiddos. With a unique roster of inter-active author presentations, the League aims to engage youth with a book's possibilities during The Irene Irwin Children's Literary Day on Sunday, Sept. 28, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the Olde Town Pavilion. The day will also serve as tribute to Irene Irwin, a former teacher and CCL member whose generous legacy continues to fund League endeavors today.
"We are excited about our slate of accomplished authors," said Event Chair Julie Rogers. "We've planned for it to be an engaging afternoon activity for families."
12:45 - 1:30 Chris Rumble, artist, musician and author of "The Adventures of Uncle Stinky" series
1:30 - 1:45 Susan Rosson Spain, author of "The Twelve Days of Christmas in Georgia," as well as "Deep Cut," a historical fiction work for middle-schoolers set against the back drop of the Civil War
1:45 - 2:30 Michael P. White, illustrator of many award-winning books including, "The Library Dragon," involves audiences in the illustration
2:30 - 2:45 Mary Cunningham, author of the award-winning five book 'tween series, "Cynthia's Attic"
2:45 - 3:30 Danny Schnitzlein, author of "The Monster Who Ate My Peas" and "The Monster Who Did My Math"
The event is free. Authors will have books on hand to sell and sign, cash or checks only accepted. Mellow Mushroom pizza will be available for $1 per slice. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please visit the Facebook page ~ Irene Irwin Children's Literary Day.
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 4/3/2014
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, memoirs, grandmothers, bingo, WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty, Rhubarb pie, Add a tag
My grandmother lived well into her 70’s, but in my family, that’s like being struck down in the prime of life. She should’ve lived at least ten more years, but a freak auto accident was responsible for her early decline in health. My main regret is that, because she died when I was in my teens ― I wasn’t able to truly appreciate and enjoy her company in my adult years. Still, I learned some valuable lessons. For instance, the best piecrust is made with vinegar. Yes…vinegar. And if we’re persistent, the true bingo professionals, like us, will beat the socks off the amateurs every time.
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 3/1/2014
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, author promotion, Reading Recommendations, Island in the clouds, IslandCatEditions, Susan M. Toy, The adventures of max and maddie, tween series, Add a tag
Buried Treasure: The Adventures of Max and Maddie, was recently showcased on Reading Recommendations Blog, created by Susan M. Toy, author, publisher, and overall champion to writers of all genres.
So, I decided to do a little promoting for Susan! Here's a little about Susan and her "many hats."
About Susan Toy: 
I have been a bookseller, an award-winning publishing sales representative, a literacy teacher, and a promoter of fellow authors and their books through my company, Alberta Books Canada. I am also an author and publisher, under my imprint, IslandCatEditions.
Through Alberta Books Canada, I have represented authors directly, helping them find promotion for themselves and their books, seeking out new readers, and assisting them in making wise career decisions. I champion Alberta authors in particular, singing their praises throughout the province and online to the rest of the world, and I have displayed books for authors and publishers at Alberta library conferences.
I created the writing contest, Coffee Shop Author, have sat on the Board of Directors of the Fernie Writers' Conference, served as a member of the Calgary Distinguished Writers Program steering committee, and was a member of the board of directors for the Writers' Guild of Alberta.
I have made the decision to temporarily suspend operations of Alberta Books Canada in order to concentrate on my own writing and publishing, but my friends know this is just a cunning plan to spend several months at my home in the Caribbean, avoiding yet another Calgary winter ... I promise to return to Calgary in the spring with even more ideas on how to promote and market Alberta books. Susan M. Toy
Also visit Susan's Blog, Books, Publishing, Reading, Writing.
Island in the Clouds: [Amazon] [Amazon CA]
And, don't forget to check out Buried Treasure on Reading Recommendations!
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 12/27/2012
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: family, friendship, adventure, mystery, mary cunningham, time-travel, Cynthia's Attic series, 'Tween books, The Missing Locket, Add a tag
How about a FREE READ?
Here's the perfect book for you!
From the award-winning series, Cynthia's Attic, The Missing Locket (Book One) is FREE on KINDLE now through DEC 30!
Begin your Cynthia's Attic Adventure TODAY!
Magical costumes, disappearing stairs and a spooky attic filled with dusty antiques–what more could two, adventurous, young girls ask for? Best friends, Cynthia and Gus as she prefers to be called, are as "different as bubble gum and broccoli." They are, however, equal in their ability to get into trouble without much effort.
In trying to escape the "boring summer" of 1964, the adventurous twelve-year-old girls stumble upon a trunk in Cynthia's attic that has been in her family for three generations. They discover its mystical qualities when they are swept into the trunk and whisked back to 1914, literally into the lives of their twelve-year-old grandmothers, Clara and Bess.
The mystery of a missing family locket is revealed. Their quest takes numerous twists and turns, including a life-and-death struggle on a large steamship traveling from England to America. Along with perilous escapades, they make important, sometimes humorous discoveries about their ancestors, and even manage to change history–for the better–along the way.
Check out all Cynthia's Attic Series Books!
By: Jennifer Wylie,
on 5/18/2012
Blog: Jennifer Wylie's Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, new release, Featured Authors, Add a tag
Author, Mary Cunningham, is excited to announce the release of the 5th and final book in the award-winning series, Cynthia’s Attic.
Cynthia’s Attic: The Legend of Lupin Woods (Book 5) Book Blurb.
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.
Read an excerpt from Cynthia’s Attic: The Legend of Lupin Woods
My back pressed against a small tree as I peered over one shoulder, then the other. More blackness. I pulled my knees tight to my chest to create as small a target as possible. If I could keep still until morning, this place might be less formidable.
Those eyes …did they just move? Hair stood straight up on my neck as a low growl inched ever closer. I sucked in one last breath and hid my face waiting for a fatal blow or bite.
“Well, well. What do we have here?” My head jerked skyward. Yellow eyes hovered over me. “Cat got your tongue?”
The creature bent down and poked my upper arm with a furry finger. I wanted so badly to run, but sheer terror kept me plastered to the tree.
The hulking figure straightened and chuckled. “I’m not planning to hurt you. What are you doing in Lupin?”
Lupin? I tried to answer, but dryness gripped my throat as if I’d swallowed an entire sandbox. Plus, an ominous word jumped into my brain. I’d heard something that sounded a lot like lupin once before. It was at the movies! Wolfman. Oh, no. Lupine is another name for wolf! Was I in a wolf forest?
My eyes scanned the treetops. I might be saved if the sun rose soon, but light would have to pass through the dense canopy, and from where I sat, that seemed doubtful. The beast must’ve read my mind.
“If you’re waiting for sunrise, you’ll be disappointed.” It smiled–or made a weak attempt–revealing huge, pointy teeth. “Instead of night and day, around here we have night and black.”
I gulped and finally manufactured enough spit to choke out four words. “Why-am-I-here?”
Visit Cynthia’s Attic Blog for a schedule of The Legend of Lupin Woods Blog Tour!
Mary Cunningham, author
The Missing Locket
The Magic Medallion
Curse of the Bayou
The Magician’s Castle
The Legend of Lupin Woods
Bio: Like Cynthia and Gus, my childhood best friend, Cynthia and I grew up in a small, Southern Indiana town…the setting for the series. Not one summer day passed that we weren’t playing softball, hide and seek, badminton, or croquet with friends in the vacant lot behind Becky’s house.
In my attempt to grow
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By: Mary Cunningham,
on 5/1/2012
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: quake, 'tween series, cynthia and gus, magic, family, friendship, mystery, mary cunningham, time travel, cynthia's attic, echelon press, Add a tag
Introducing Cynthia's Attic: The Legend of Lupin Woods!
May 14, 2012- Laura Schaefer, The Teashop Girls Blog – Real Friendship in Cynthia's Attic
May 16, 2012- Strands of Thought Blog - Interview
May 17, 2012 - Manic Readers – Excerpt: The Legend of Lupin Woods!
May 18, 2012– Legend of Lupin Woods - Jennifer Wylie Blog
May 19, 2012- Stories For Children –Families Matter Blog; Reading Vs. Writing -
May 21, 2012–TheWriteChris Blog - – Interview
May 22, 2012 - Literary Asylum & Blog – Werewolves in Cynthia's Attic
May 23, 2012– The Writing Mama Blog - Writing Tips by Mary Cunningham
May 24, 2012– Cheryl Malandrinos Children's and Teens Book Connection; Review
May 25, 2012 - –Veronika Asks – Cynthia’s Attic: Legend of Lupinwold (Book Five)
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 4/24/2012
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mysteries, family, friendship, historical fiction, mary cunningham, time travel, Cynthia's Attic series, 'tween series, Add a tag
Leading up to the release of the final book in the series, Cynthia's Attic: The Legend of LupinWoods, I'm highlighting some of these colorful characters (my relatives!).
Excerpt:
Stepping outside the main tent, we spotted Papa Charles leading a procession consisting of two muscular men pulling a 4-wheel cart that held the organ. Bess and Clara followed sullenly behind.
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 11/27/2011
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: turkey leftovers, mary cunningham, Thanksgiving, cynthia's attic, turkey, Add a tag
Turkey sandwiches around 7:00PM (Yummy!!) Nature's sleeping pill!
Turkey dinner with all the fixin's (round 2) plus pie, ofcourse! (Next-day leftovers are even better, don't you think?)
Day 3.
Turkey salad sandwiches for lunch. (Lovin' me some turkeysalad!)
Turkey Caesar salad for dinner (Finally, something green that isn't soaked in Campbell's mushroom soup and French's onions!) and, oh yeah…pie.
Day 4.
Turkey salad sandwiches for lunch (Not lovin' the turkey salad so much and there's still half a bowl).
Btw, our furry daughter, Lucy, requested a 22-pounder next year because she doesn't feel she got her share.
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 11/21/2011
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: family, Courage, William Steig, mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, beginning reader, Shrek, Caldecott Medal, Farrar, Meryl Streep, Newberry Honor Book, Straus, Brave Irene, time travel series, and Giroux, Add a tag
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 8/16/2011
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, laura schaefer, the teashop girls, smashwords, Planet Explorers Disneyworld, Add a tag
Does Walt Disney World need an introduction? Probably not, but author, Laura Schaefer give us a super intro!
Planet Explorers: Walt Disney World 2011, a guide book for kids, has as many fun facts, trivia, and links as you need to create the perfect vacation to one of the most popular destinations on earth.
You’ll see inside the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, the water parks, Downtown Disney, and the resorts.
She even rates the rides and attractions with symbols throughout the book:
S = Scary
D = Dark
A = Awesome: don’t miss this attraction
T = Thrilling: think roller coasters
W = Wet: you might get soaked
Looking for tips on characters? The best food? Live shows? You'll find it all. She even offers tips on keeping your wait at the most popular attractions to a minimum.
A timeline, pictures and tons of details make this book a must read before you book your next trip to Disneyland. Whether your favorite is From Spaceship Earth, The Seas with Nemo and Friends, or one of my favorites, Big Thunder Mountain, this guide has all the information you need.
Author, Laura Schaefer, got her start as a contributor to the University of Wisconsin's student paper The Daily Cardinal and went on to write regularly for The Princeton Review and Match.com.
She is the author of The Secret Ingredient (Simon & Schuster 2011), Planet Explorers Chicago (Planet Explorers Publishing 2011), Planet Explorers Walt Disney World (Planet Explorers Publishing 2011), The Teashop Girls (Simon & Schuster 2008), and Man with Farm Seeks Woman with Tractor (Thunder's Mouth Press, 2005).
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 8/3/2011
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, 'tweens, laura schaefer, the teashop girls, Planet Explorers Chicago, Add a tag
But, in case you think this is simply a guide/travel book, you’ll also read facts and see pictures of some pretty notorious characters like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and even deep dish pizza! LOL!
Chicago boasts a famous resident, too. Barack Obama, our 44th President lived there, and his hero, Abraham Lincoln, was chosen as the Republican candidate for president in the country’s first national political convention in Chicago.
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 7/5/2011
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: friendship, mary cunningham, time travel, family mystery, cynthia's attic, echelon press, family stories, quake, 'tween series, 'Tween books, Add a tag
1964:
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 6/16/2011
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: humor, language, series, mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, 'Tween books, Add a tag
We'll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes, but the plural of ox becomes oxen, not oxes.
One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese, yet the plural of moose should never be meese.
You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice, yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.
If the plural of man is always called men, why shouldn't the plural of pan be called pen?
If I speak of my foot and show you my feet, and I give you a boot, would a pair be called beet?
If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth, Why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth?
Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England . We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square, and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
And why is it that writers write, but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham?
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the folks who grew up speaking English should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane.
In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? And how can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out, and in which an alarm goes off by going on.
And in closing, if Father is Pop, how come Mother's not Mop?
0 Comments on An ode to English Plurals as of 1/1/1900
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 5/9/2011
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: magic, family, friendship, mary cunningham, time travel, cynthia's attic, echelon press, 'tween series, Add a tag
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 4/27/2011
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Service Dogs, mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, Cerebral Palsy, 'tween series, A Dog Named Slugger, Leigh Brill, Add a tag
This touching "memoir will warm the hearts of dog lovers everywhere; Slugger is the heart and soul of the book, and his dedication, devotion, and love make him an unforgettable character. . . . will appeal equally to readers interested in coping or helping others cope with disabilities. . . This stirring, inspirational story will appeal to teen dog lovers, too.”~ Booklist
From the Publisher of A Dog Named Slugger:
“This is the true story of author Leigh Brill and her trained service dog, Slugger. With Slugger's help, Brill, though struggling with cerebral palsy, was able to complete college and earn a masters degree. Now a counselor and motivational speaker, Brill tells how Slugger's help and friendship changed her life.”
Leigh Brill Bio:
I was born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Growing up amid the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I developed a love of nature along with a passion for writing. I left the valley in 1988 to study at Roanoke College. In spite of the challenges posed by my congenital cerebral palsy, I graduated with honors.
With my first service dog, Slugger, by my side, I went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Counseling from James Madison University. I worked for several years as a therapist in community agencies and then for Ronald McDonald House Charities before deciding to embrace my writing career in earnest.
Now in the company of both my second service dog Kenda, and her working successor, Pato I am writing my next book; Miranda and Charlie and the Great Cupcake Caper is the first in a series of fictional juvenile stories featuring an energetic kid-detective and her service dog.
My thoughts:
I have to admit to knowing very little about the training and duties of service dogs, but after reading A Dog Named Slugger, I've received a valued education on the trials of those who rely on the performance of these wonderful animals.
From the author's, sometimes, heartbreaking childhood, to the discovery that she could find true companionship and independence with Slugger by her side, this book captures every emotion.
I was heartened to read that, although these dogs maintain a "working relationship" with their partners, they are also allowed to have fun and just be dogs. The sock game that Brill and Slugger played is a perfect example.
I look forward to reading Leigh Brill's new juvenile series, beginning with Miranda and Charlie and the Great Cupcake Caper.
Mary Cunningham Books Website
Buy Cynthia's Attic Series on Amazon
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 4/21/2011
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, recycle, quake, renewable energy, earth day 2011, Add a tag
Join Athletes For the Earth and do your part!
For over 40 years, Earth Day—April 22—has inspired and mobilized individuals and organizations worldwide to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. Take small steps to save our earth!
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 4/7/2011
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: magic, werewolves, mary cunningham, time travel, family mystery, cynthia's attic, echelon press, Twilight series, quake, stephanie meyer, the magician's castle, 'tween series, Add a tag
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
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 4/4/2011
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, pet adoption, pet shelters, the magician's castle, pet rescue, 'Tween books, Add a tag
It’s been two and a half years since we lost our 16-year-old terrier mix, Molly, and more than two years before we even considered adopting another dog. We’d casually talk about it but, just over a week ago, I announced to my husband that I was “putting the word out” to various pet rescue sites.
A few days later we saw the picture of a little black and white puff ball named Gigi. For whatever reason, her owner abandoned her at a Pets Mart. I choose to believe this person simply couldn’t take care of her and thought, what better place to leave a dog? Surely some kind soul would take care of her.
Lucky for Gigi and lucky for us, 1 Lucky Dog Rescue picked her up, got her shots up-to-date and groomed her for what might be a long adoption process. Not so. The moment we spotted the picture that a friend posted on my Facebook page, we knew she was the “daughter” we’d waited for.
Oh, but getting her wouldn’t be that easy. First, she was in South Florida! Logistics were against us, but fate intervened. A rescue transport volunteer just happened to be driving to the Atlanta area the next day! Within 48 hours of seeing her picture, we had a new member of the family. We decided that, although the name Gigi is cute, it just didn’t fit, so she is now, Lucy. Like the Beatles song, she’s our diamond. 
WOOF promotes adoptions and rescues. Please do your part and help dogs like Lucy find good homes. You won’t regret it. If you don’t believe me, just look at these pictures. Who could resist? And, please, if you're thinking of getting a furry friend for your family - ADOPT!
Mary Cunningham Books - Award-winning books for 'Tweens! 
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 3/7/2011
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, quake, cynthias's attic, Pump Up Your Book, Little Shepherd, Cheryl C. Malandrinos, The children's and Teens Book Connection, Add a tag
Who knew all those years ago that my love of books would turn into a fabulous and satisfying career?
After graduating from the Breaking into Print program (now called Break into Print) from Long Ridge Writers Group in 2005, I started blogging. Mostly it was about me, my articles for Writer2Writer, and my works in progress.
In the spring of 2007, Pump Up Your Book! (formerly Pump Up Your Book Promotion) opened its virtual doors and I began hosting authors at my blog. Being a tour host offered my readers interesting and regular content. Learning about all those good books made me realize how much I missed reading daily. Yes, I still read from time to time, but many months could pass between books. I wanted to carve out a career in writing and I didn’t feel I could do both well. One thing I kept hearing over and again, however, is the importance of reading what you wish to write. That made sense, so I decided if I wanted to be successful as a writer, I must make the time to read.
So I did.
The more authors I hosted, the more inspired I felt to keep plugging away at my works in progress. I began reviewing books at my blog, which is how I discovered the publisher who would eventually release Little Shepherd, my first children’s picture book.
A few months after I started hosting authors for Pump Up Your Book! I became a member of their staff. I’ve been coordinating virtual book tours for authors in a variety of genres for over three years now, and I love it more each day. I tend to work with clients who write in the genres I am interested in writing and reading most frequently: Christian fiction and non-fiction, mystery and crime, historical fiction, and books for children and teens.
Has this influenced my writing? Most definitely.
I learn from every author I work with. I discover what I love about my clients’ books, and sometimes, what I don’t like. I’ve seen how important it is when you’re writing a series to keep track of the major characters and the need to develop them as the series progresses. I’m learning how to sprinkle in just the right amount of backstory and details so that the reader gets to know my characters and feels like she is right there alongside them.
Can you name some authors who inspire you? How have they influenced your writing?
Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. A founding member of Musing Our Children, Ms. Malandrinos is also Editor in Chief of the group’s quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens.
She is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book!, a book reviewer, and blogger. Little Shepherd is her first children’s book. Ms. Malandrinos lives in
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 1/5/2011
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Of Thee I Sing, mary cunningham, barack obama, cynthia's attic, Helen Keller, Loren Long, Georgia O'Keefe, Knopf Books For Young Readers, Jackie Robinson, Add a tag
About the author:
Barack Obama is the forty-fourth president of the United States. Born in Hawaii to a mother from Kansas and a father from Kenya, he himself is now the father of two daughters, Malia and Sasha. It was spending time with them that inspired him to write Of Thee I Sing. After Barack Obama became president, he and his wife, Michelle, and their daughters moved into the White House in Washington, DC, where they currently live with their dog, Bo.
About the illustrator:
Loren Long is the bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator of many beloved books for children, including Drummer Boy and the New York Times bestseller Otis. Born in Missouri and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, he is also the illustrator of Watty Piper’s The Little Engine That Could, as well as Toy Boat, I Dream of Trains, and Wind Flyers. He lives in Ohio with his wife, Tracy, their two sons, Griffith and Graham, and their dogs, Elle and Moon.
About the book:
In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children. This book was written before Barack Obama become President. All proceeds from the book’s sales go to a scholarship fund for military children with a parent who was killed or disabled.
Buy on Amazon
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 11/15/2010
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: school visits, mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, early reader, diana black, wendel wordsworth, little bitty kitty, Add a tag
LBK: Meow.
Gus: Well, you’re gonna love it. Sure you’re just a little kitty, and it’ll be cold there, like really, really cold, but you have a winter coat, right?
LBK: Meow.
Gus: And this Gram person, the one in your story, is she coming along?
Gus: She seems like a nice lady. Your story is cute, too. The way you wiggle through that little…Well, guess I shouldn’t give away the ending.
LBK: Meow.
Gus And your book is interactive? It has coloring pages? That’s great. I love to color...especially outside the lines!
LBK: Meow.
Gus: Well, guess we ought to start packing for the trip. I’m visiting Corydon Intermediate School on Dec 3. What school are you going to?
LBK: Meow.
Gus: Oh, yeah, Corydon Elementary School. Those are some great students. Well, so long for now. See you in Indiana!
LBK: Meow!
Whew! Good thing Gus knows "kitty-speak"!
Cynthia's Attic Series on Amazon!
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 11/11/2010
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, echelon press, Savannah children's book festival, young readers 'tweens, live oak public library, qua, Add a tag
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!
Shannon Greenland and me
Signing books for happy readers! 
Mary Cunningham Books
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By: Mary Cunningham,
on 10/9/2010
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, Molly, pet adoption, humane society, shelter dogs, forever home, Add a tag
The pictures above document one of Molly's favorite trips to Maine. Perusing the lake and wildlife, and striking one of her best, dignified poses.
Unfortunately, she had one of her worst moments when she was "skunked" during that same trip.
By: Mary Cunningham,
on 9/10/2010
Blog: Cynthia's Attic Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: series, mary cunningham, cynthia's attic, quake, 'tweens, new characters, Add a tag
Molly mulling over her next role in "Cynthia's Attic" # 5!
Without further ado, the winner of the Choose the next character in Cynthia's Attic (Book # 5) is...Veronika for her passionate plea for Molly to be a recurring character!
I have a feeling Molly would approve too, Veronika since you described her as pretty, clever, funny, nice, etc. :) I'm sure she's excited to be in the next book since she had so much fun in "The Magician's Castle."
Anyway, gotta get busy writing Molly's scenes along with the NEW character, Veronika!
I'll keep you posted. Thanks, everyone who participated on my blog, the Quake blog and facebook!
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Thanks for having me as your guest today, Mary. I have to run out an volunteer at the library, but I'll be back before noon to chat with folks.
Cheryl
Ah another LR student. I finished the program around that time too. Maybe I saw you in the chat room with Mary and Speck. Isn't it funny where we draw our inspirations from.
Cheryl, this is an inspiring interview. I, too, found reading my genre was pivotal in honing the craft. Kudos to you for a from the heart interview!
You're always welcome here, Cheryl! I don't know how you wear so many "hats", but maybe you can share your method for getting so much accomplished!
Thanks for stopping by, Roseanne. Stick around because Cheryl will be back, soon, to chat.
Other writers inspire me too, Cheryl. Reading their books, learning of their struggles, their determination helps me to hang in there when the road gets bumpy.
Nice post.
Hello all,
How nice to come back to some comments. Ro, it's very possible we were in the chat room together from time to time. I knew your name sounded familiar prior to me getting involved in the Muse Group.
Nancy, you're such a sweetheart. Thanks for your kind words. And Bev, I know I can always count on your for support. It means the world to me.
Honestly, Mary, there are days I feel like I would love to pack my little bags and journey to a deserted island for a month; just me, some books, a big pad of paper and some pencils. There's never enough time in the day, and even when there is, I'm not always in the mood to write. But, the bills don't get paid that way and I don't get to submit anything if I don't write, so I plunk my behind down in the chair and get at it.
I created a schedule that takes advantage of my creative moments. I check email first thing in the morning, promote my clients' virtual book tour stops, do some networking or work on upcoming virtual book tours, then I write for a bit. Sometimes that's 5 minutes, sometimes it's longer. As long as I keep writing I am cool with that.
I work on virtual book tours after lunch and then take a break when the girls get home from school. I try not to go back to the PC until after they are in bed.
I make dinner every night and we read before bedtime, so I am spending quality time with the kids too.
It's not a perfect system, but it's one I can live with.
Thanks to all for stopping by.
Cheryl
Great way to incorporate time management to make your reading and writing time more efficient. I find the biggest problem is keeping my focus on something to see it through to the end. Thanks for sharing your tricks of the trade, Cheryl.
Thanks Bill. I struggle with getting to the end too. I pitched an idea to a publisher in October at the Muse Conference and I just got around to submitting everything at the end of February.
After our conversation, I revised the manuscript again, then needed to draft a cover letter and synopsis to go with it. It took time to put it all together in a way I was happy with. Let me tell you, being able to say that was done was a huge relief.
I'm also determined not to start anything major until my WIP is done.
Let me know if I can help you in any way.
Thanks for stopping by.
Cheryl
Great post Cheryl. And I love your "Little Shepherd." Finding inspiration is the key to wonderful stories.
Margot's Magic Carpet:
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Cheryl, I can see from your detailed comment that I need to work on discipline!!
You're my hero! :)
Cheryl, you're an inspiration to me.
Margot, thanks for stopping by mate. I'm glad you liked Little Shepherd. I enjoy your work too. Congrats on the new release.
Janet, thank you so much for that. All of my fellow angels inspire me in so many ways.
Mary, discipline helps. I'm the daughter of a marine, so I'm kind of use to that. :)
Thanks for all the comments.
Cheryl
Cheryl,
I enjoyed reading your interview. Thanks for sharing.
Nicole Weaver
htp://marieandherfriendtheseaturtle.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping by Nicole. I'm sure it's a busy time with your book coming out soon.
All my best,
Cheryl