Children's Author Mary Cunningham

Time Travel Meets Genealogy in Cynthia's Attic

Apr 18, 2007 Mechele R. Dillard

Cynthia and her best friend, Gus, discover that Cynthia's attic is more than just your average dusty den of memories; it is a true gateway to their family histories.

Growing up, we often dream of having a magical hideaway, one that will transport us to other worlds, other realities, other times. Author Mary Cunningham brings time travel to the middle school set with her Echelon Press series, Cynthia’s Attic. Her current release, Cynthia’s Attic: The Magic Medallion (Echelon Press, 2006), is the second in the ongoing adventures of Cynthia and her best pal Gus, as they continue to create mischief and mystery in parallel times, and it all begins with a trip to the attic—Cynthia’s Attic.

MRD: You were recently a guest lecturer at the Blue Ridge Writer’s Conference, hosted by the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association in the mountains of North Georgia. Do you think events such as conferences and classes are truly helpful for beginning writers? Do you think writers come to such events with overly-raised expectations?

MC: I can't speak for everyone, but I think conferences and writers groups are crucial for the beginning writer as well as the experienced writer. The networking, alone, is vital. I believe you get as much as you expect from conferences. If you go with low expectations, you won't be disappointed. If you go, however, with an open mind, willing to accept and share knowledge, you'll have a positive experience. Not all conferences are alike, so do your research and find topics that blend with your writing interests. Oh, and I'd also like to add that the Blue Ridge Writer's Conference was superbly run, and was also in a magnificent location.

MRD: The third book of the Cynthia series, Curse of the Bayou, is in the works; when can readers be on the lookout for this new chapter of Cynthia’s time-travel adventures?

MC: Yikes! My deadline is fast approaching! This story finds Cynthia and Gus searching for clues in the Louisiana Bayou about the disappearance of Cynthia's great-grandfather. The manuscript is almost completed, and then will go through a thorough editing process. I believe it will be published, by Echelon Press, around November 1.

MRD: And, finally, I just have to ask: How in the world does one find her way from Indiana to Villa Rica, Georgia?

MC: By way of: Louisville, Kentucky - Columbus, Ohio - New Orleans, Louisiana - Pembroke Pines, Florida - Fort Myers, Florida (are you tired yet?) - South River, New Jersey - Fort Myers, Florida (again!) - And finally, Villa Rica, Georgia!

My husband's job has taken us to all these wonderful locations. I have to admit, I enjoy moving to new places and meeting new people. I do hate the packing and unpacking though. We have one more move in us…to a smaller home. We love the mountains and the temperate climate, so I don't believe we'll wander too far from North Central Georgia.

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Mary Cunningham’s books are available at bookstores everywhere, including online book retailers. Make friends with her at MySpace, where you can also sneak a peek at the book that launched Cynthia’s time-traveling adventures: Cynthia’s Attic: The Missing Locket (Echelon Press, 2005). Thanks, Mary! :)

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