When Writing for Kids is Magic

An Interview With Mary Cunningham

 

 

Mary Cunningham, author of the popular Cynthia's Attic 'tween fantasy series, enjoys writing for kids, a job she never intentionally planned for, but comes as no surprise to those who know her.

"I began writing at an early age... mostly very bad poetry, and then graduated to short stories and family memoirs," she says "Every teacher from the third grade on told me to 'never stop writing.' I listened to them and, sure enough, 40 years later, my first book was published! Guess this just proves you should never give up on your dreams."

Her dream continues, with the release of her fourth book in the series, CYNTHIA'S ATTIC: THE MAGICIAN'S CASTLE. The Quake/Echelon Press series features best friends, Cynthia and Gus, who time travel via an old trunk, found in their attic in 1964.

In the latest book, magician Sebastien the Great vows revenge after his fiancée disappears through the magic trunk. If friends Cynthia and Gus don't find a missing page from the “Book of Spells,” Cynthia's family could face financial and personal ruin. The time-traveling pals travel to the Alps and make a shocking discovery 50 years in the future.

For this story, Cunningham combined her interest in family history, and recalled one of those perfect childhood memories-which she gave a twist.

"The book was inspired by a magic show I saw when I was about seven," she recalls. "I was asked to help the magician with his closing act; pulling a rabbit out of his hat. I was thrilled when he not only pulled out a fluffy, white bunny, but he gave it to me! My mother wasn't so thrilled. I was also inspired by stories about one side of my family, the Kistlers. My cousin traced them back to Switzerland in the late 1300s, so I wanted to include them in one of the books."

Cunningham also enjoys writing short stories that tie into her books. Her latest, "Christmas with Daisy," gives readers a peek into another aspect of her characters' lives. That's but one aspect of what keeps her writing.

"I love escaping into my stories and can't wait to read the next chapter of a w.i.p (work in progress)," she says. "I heard another writer say during a keynote address that he doesn't care how your writing makes you feel. It's only important how your writing makes the reader feel. I guess, as a writer, I enjoy reading my work as I'm writing it. Once it's published, though, I can't stand to read the book because I continue to wish I could rewrite."

The best part, though, is meeting her readers. Cunningham enjoys making presentations at schools and never fails to learn something new or find new inspiration.

"Young readers are so honest," she says. "They're not afraid to ask questions and keep me on my toes when it comes to character analysis and story consistency. You'd better not try to get anything past them. I also love inspiring them to not only read, but to write.

"As with most authors, my most memorable moment was holding my first published book, CYNTHIA'S ATTIC: THE MISSING LOCKET. But, I had another memorable moment recently after a school presentation. A fifth grader came up to me and said, 'You have so inspired me to write!'"

So, what's next? She doesn't have book five in the works—yet. But you never know…

"I always include a cliffhanger at the end of each book, and THE MAGICIAN'S CASTLE is no exception, but I also left some wiggle room," she admits. "I do plan a book five, but don't have the story, or even the main characters identified. Could there be a 'passing of the trunk?' You'll just have to check back!"

Excerpt, "CYNTHIA'S ATTIC: THE MAGICIAN'S CASTLE

She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah.

She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah…

"An-neeee!" I reached Cynthia's bedroom moments after the Beatles record began blaring.

"This is just like the gramophone I saw at the circus, Gus, only you don't have to crank it! What's it called?" Her face was lit up like a Christmas tree.

Gramophone? She sounds like my grandmother. "It's called a record player, Annie, but you're making too much noise! We can't let anyone know you're here. Not yet." I shut off the record.  Too late.

"Who are you?" A tall, frowning teenager, arms folded, stood tapping her foot in the doorway.

"She's with me, Danielle." This was bad. The last person I wanted to see was Cynthia's cranky older sister. "Her family is just visiting and, uh…Cynthia and I said she could hang around with us since she doesn't know anyone –" my voice cracked.

Fortunately, Danielle didn't care enough to stick around and ask more questions. "Whoever you are…no more noise! I'm trying to practice." She stormed out of the room. "Pests."

I slumped onto the bed, head in hands, knowing this was just a preview. How was I going to explain-away Annie's appearance? Or…make that, disappearance. Now, where did she go?

"Wow, Gus! Look at all these clothes!" Annie flew from the closet, arms piled high.

Oh, no. Cynthia will have a fit when…if she gets back from 1914. "Please put those back, Annie. Cynthia never lets anyone touch her clothes." How could I get through to her? Okay, this might work. "One day I got soaked in a rainstorm. Would she let me borrow a shirt and a pair of shorts? Nooo. I had to sit by the heat vent until I dried!"

Annie looked unimpressed with my lecture.

Cynthia could show up any minute and I, for one, didn't want to hear her screams at the sight of wrinkles in her "precious wardrobe." Deep down, I knew my friend's imminent return was wishful thinking because first Annie had to get back to the Connor's 1914 farm before Cynthia could hope to travel home.

** Mary Cunningham's website: http://www.marycunninghambooks.com

** Cynthia's Attic blog: http://www.cynthiasattic.blogspot.com

** Buy: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Cunningham/e/B002BLNEK4/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

** Check out the video!

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