Posted, with much love to all my friends, who go at it, and at it again. And to myself, too.

"The Writer"
by Richard Wilbur

In her room at the prow of the house
Where light breaks, and the windows are tossed with linden,
My daughter is writing a story.

I pause in the stairwell, hearing
From her shut door a commotion of typewriter-keys
Like a chain hauled over a gunwale.

Young as she is, the stuff
Of her life is a great cargo, and some of it heavy:
I wish her a lucky passage.

But now it is she who pauses,
As if to reject my thought and its easy figure.
A stillness greatens, in which

The whole house seems to be thinking,
And then she is at it again with a bunched clamor
Of strokes, and again is silent.

I remember the dazed starling
Which was trapped in that very room, two years ago;
How we stole in, lifted a sash

And retreated, not to affright it;
And how for a helpless hour, through the crack of the door,
We watched the sleek, wild, dark

And iridescent creature
Batter against the brilliance, drop like a glove
To the hard floor, or the desk-top,

And wait then, humped and bloody,
For the wits to try it again; and how our spirits
Rose when, suddenly sure,

It lifted off from a chair-back,
Beating a smooth course for the right window
And clearing the sill of the world.

It is always a matter, my darling,
Of life or death, as I had forgotten. I wish
What I wished you before, but harder.

I know we have some people who are interested in writing young adult/children's literature, and I am fortunate to say I know Mary Cunningham, author of the Cynthia's Attic series. I thought it would be fun to interview her on No Name Writer because I have this book on my reading list for our upcoming trip to Ohio:



Description:Colorful pirates, SuRana--a shape-shifting puma--and an old Cajun guide named Mud Bug join Cynthia and Gus as they explore the Curse of the Bayou. The latest quest for the adventurous, twelve-year-old best friends finds them in a Louisiana bayou. There, they search for answers in the disappearance of Cynthia's great-grandfather, Beau Connor, who was on his way down the Mississippi River to sell a flatboat full of produce. With the help of a magic trunk in Cynthia's attic, this time-traveling duo venture back to 1914 New Orleans. The warm welcome and advice from old friend, Gabriella, is small comfort when Mud Bug warns them to stay away from Buzzard Jack LaBuse, the meanest, orneriest pirate this side of the Mississippi, his gang of misfits, Snags, Darby, and Salty Sam, their thieving parrot mascot. A trip to the Connor's Southern Indiana farm reveals a strange connection between Beau and Buzzard Jack, and a family curse that might be responsible for Cynthia's great-grandfather's disappearance. Returning to New Orleans, a harrowing ride on a roller coaster sends them farther back in time to 1844, straight into the clutches of the evil pirate, fighting for their lives. A mysterious treasure and heart-stopping adventure lead to a final confrontation in the girls' mission to save Great Granddaddy Beau.

Interview with Mary Cunningham, author.

What was the inspiration for Cynthia's attic?

The inspiration behind the series came from a recurring dream I'd had for more than 20 years about a mysterious attic. After finally telling a friend about the dream, I realized it took place in the attic of my childhood best friend, Cynthia. Unfortunately, I stopped having the dream after that, but decided to write a 5-page memoir that turned into 4 young reader books (so far!).

The time-travel element is very important because I regret not spending more time talking to my grandparents and finding out what life was like in their childhood years. So, I decided to write books that would allow Cynthia and me (Gus) to travel back in time and have adventures with our ancestors, including our twelve-year-old grandmothers.

Did you always envision that the initial book would become a series?

I wrote the first two books simultaneously, and wasn’t sure there would be a third. “The Missing Locket” and “The Magic Medallion” were signed as a two-book deal. I had an idea (in my head-nothing on paper!) for a third book when I was asked by the publisher to submit a synopsis. I believe it took me longer to write the synopsis for “Cynthia’s Attic: Curse of the Bayou” than the first two books!

To your mind, what are the advantages of writing a series?

I love writing series books because I get to know the characters more with each book. Cynthia and Gus have grown immensely in the first four books, along with their friendship. It’s fun sending them on further exciting adventures and watching them tackle more difficult challenges.

The challenges?

The main drawbacks to writing a series are, keeping the stories and the characters fresh, and remembering who the heck people are! After the third book, I had one reviewer suggest I do a family tree in order to help the reader keep everyone straight. I’m in the process of submitting character descriptions with the 4th book, “The Magician’s Castle.”

What are some of the benefits and challenges of writing for younger readers?

I absolutely adore going to schools and talking to young readers, especially the ones who enjoy writing and are curious about the process. If you’ll excuse this rather tired expression, they feed my soul. 4th, 5th and 6th graders are so honest and enthusiastic, and it’s contagious, but you better check all your facts because they scrutinize every book.

What is your writing day like?

Totally and completely unorganized! I get out of bed with good intentions, but that usually falls apart after my first cup of coffee. Each morning I have to make a list of the things I want (need) to accomplish. Otherwise, I’m easily distracted. And, at this late date, I don't see myself changing.

I begin by answering/sending e-mails and then check my social networks. I contribute directly to 4 blogs that constantly need promotion. I usually spend 30-45 minutes doing “event” postings.

I also have a published, women’s humor book, WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty (DEC 2008) that requires marketing for a different target audience.

My ideal time to write is in the afternoon, which seems really weird! Most authors love writing in the morning or even late at night. Not me. I do my best writing from about 12-5PM. My husband says it’s because I get out of bed by 7:30, but I don’t wake up until 11:00.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

I've always admired Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird). It's beyond my comprehension how anyone writes just one book of such magnitude. And, wins a Pulitzer at that! I was a tomboy, so I love the voice of Scout. In fact, my POV, Augusta Lee (Gus), is an unapologetic tomboy and patterned after me. I also love the writing of YA author, Kerry Madden (Gentle's Holler), Georgia author, Terry Kay, (Taking Lottie Home), and am a huge Tolkien fan. Oh, and recently, I’ve become a fan of Sandra Novack! Love your characterizations in “Precious.” Very powerful read.

What are you working on now?

I’m trying my hand at an adult mystery and another time travel that will be either YA or adult. I purposely wrote the ending to the last “Cynthia’s Attic” book in such a way that I can, A. write book 5, or B. end the series with “The Magician’s Castle.” If I know me, a 5th book will be out in a year or two.

Do you have any advice for writers who wish to write for young readers?

Know your audience. Read books for whatever age group you’re targeting and pay close attention to how they relate to the reader. The worst thing you can do, especially if you’re writing for young readers, is to talk down to them. You’ll turn them off in an instant. Also, don’t preach, and for heaven’s sake, be subtle if conveying a lesson.

A little known fact about yourself?

I have a wicked sense of humor, but I'm not "quick on my feet." I'll think of the perfect comeback or joke…a day late. I'm also one of the least observant people on the face of the earth! Can you imagine? A writer being unobservant? My husband will say, "Wow! Did you see that woman by the side of the road with the purple cow on her head??" Uh, no…missed it.

I’ve truly enjoyed being a guest on your blog! Thanks!
Mary

Thanks for stopping by No Name Writer, Mary. Please visit Mary at the following locations!
http://www.marycunninghambooks.com
http://www.cynthiasattic.blogspot.com
http://www.woofersclub.com
http://www.amazon.com/Curse-Bayou-Cynthias-Mary-Cunningham/dp/1590805755


And drop by her blog (listed above, Cynthia's Attic Blogspot) on June 19th, when she'll be hosting Julianne Moore's blog tour for Freckleface Strawberry and the Dodgeball Bully

Thanks to Carrollton's Country Club for being so lovely and supportive today! And thanks to Carrollton's Creative Writing Club, for the same. Fun talks with both groups, and lots of great questions.

And speaking of the latter: for those of you who are interested in writing young adult fiction, keep an eye out: I have it on good faith that Mary Cunningham (author of Cynthia's Attic series) will be popping by No Name Writer to answer some questions about the challenges and benefits of writing for younger people, as well as information on how she got started, etc. Mary is starting a book blog tour (I hope I'm getting that right) with Julianne Moore, who did the book about the girl with the freckle-face. Title escapes me now (though I'll get it right when I "actually" post the interview and official information!). More next week!

So, I was all excited to get Mary Gaitskill's collection Don't Cry in from Amazon.

And then I opened the book. Guess what? The press made a huge error and the collection starts not with a cover page and table of contents and publisher information, but with the first story. And the story is printed upside down! And the title, content page, etc. are also upside down, and they appear on page 20-some instead of one. Ha! How many suckers were printed like this? And how much do you think it cost the house? I was going to send my copy back, but I rather like it as a goof. A major, major house goof.

Friday, May 29, 6:39 a.m.

I feel as though it has been so long since I've posted anything new, so here is what's up and on tap for summer!

1) Travel!

2) Moving! Yes, folks, after five long (long, long, long) years in very rural Whitesburg, GA, we are finally moving. To a city! To Chicago! Just thinking about the food gives me a certain measure of giddiness. We are officially looking to move to Oak Park, the Frank Lloyd Wright district. Wish us luck here. And to my friends: You know how understated I'm being about all this, and what I really want to say about the past five years...S-A-N-I-T-Y is restored! BALANCE. Rest assured, I am never ever coming back.

3) Selling our house and packing. This makes me very exhausted just thinking about both. But whatever. No pain, no gain. We have officially dropped the house to our rock bottom price, and we have no intention of going lower, for ANYTHING. As is, Baby. Pay your own damn Realtor fees. Fuckers.

AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY...

Did I mention how much I love my fabulous, fantastic agent? Well, I do. I am back on deadlines, People! August 15 the story collection is due, and February 1 a novel draft is due. I know you might all be like, "My God, that's a lot to do in a short time" but I am actually pretty happy to be on a schedule again, because it helps me focus. Go figure.

So, what are your plans this summer? Goals? Intentional "No Goal" setting (it IS summer after all...)

BLOG TOUR: Please pass along to friends, and visit the sites and comment! Blog tour will include Q&A, Interviews, Reviews of Precious, Guest Blog Postings, and Book Giveaways!

Monday, May 4, 2009:
Fizzy Thoughts
http://www.fizzythoughts.com/
REVIEW OF PRECIOUS IS UP: Thanks FIZZY THOUGHTS!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Book, Line, and Sinker
http://booklineandsinker.wordpress.com/
REVIEW OF PRECIOUS IS UP: Thanks BOOK, LINE, AND SINKER!

Thursday, May 7, 2009
Redlady’s Reading Room
http://redladysreadingroom-redlady.blogspot.com/
REVIEW OF PRECIOUS IS UP: Thanks, REDLADY!

Monday, May 11, 2009
Musings of a Bookish Kitty
http://www.literaryfeline.com/
REVIEW OF PRECIOUS IS UP: Thanks, BOOKISH KITTY!


Please stop by:

Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Bookworm with a View
http://bookwormwithaview.blogspot.com/
REVIEW OF PRECIOUS IS UP: Thanks, BOOKWORM WITH A VIEW!

Thursday, May 14, 2009
Pop Culture Junkie
http://aleapopculture.blogspot.com/
REVIEW OF PRECIOUS IS UP: Thanks, POP CULTURE JUNKIE!

Monday, May 18, 2009
Literate Housewife
http://literatehousewife.com/
REVIEW OF PRECIOUS IS UP: Thanks, LITERATE HOUSEWIFE!

Friday, May 22, 2009
Booking Mama
http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/
REVIEW OF PRECIOUS IS UP: Thanks, BOOKING MAMA!

Monday, May 25, 2009
Shhh, I'm Reading
http://shhhimreading.blogspot.com/
REVIEW OF PRECIOUS IS UP: Thanks, SHHH, I'M READING!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Book Addiction
http://heatherlo.wordpress.com/
REVIEW OF PRECIOUS IS UP: Thanks, BOOK ADDICTION!

Friday, May 29, 2009
Diary of an Eccentric
http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com/
REVIEW OF PRECIOUS IS UP: Thanks, DIARY OF AN ECCENTRIC!
Other Events in May:

May 26, 2009
Talk and Discussion
10 a.m. - noon
Carrollton Cultural Arts Center
Carrollton, GA

More in June!