Tag Archive for: Mary Cunningham

Boning Up On Books

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The WOOFers, Mary (Milkbone) and Diana (d.d. dawg) have stopped by this weekend on their 2010 WOOF Blog Tour to promote reading for all ages. Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the newly released download, “Accentuate The Pawsitive.”

I’m pleased to report this WOOFer’s reaction to learning her granddaughter read Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. I did not go to that all-too-familiar place of feeling like a dinosaur. Instead, I was overwhelmed with excitement that she’d discovered Holden Caulfield.

I devoured the first-person narrative when I was about her age. I remember my daughter reading it when she too was around 15 or 16. A great age to be introduced to that icon of teenage rebellion while experiencing a master writer’s creative style.

As it turns out, my granddaughter inspired her mother to re-read the 1951 novel. My daughter related how she not only gained a new appreciation for the book, but more importantly, an opportunity to discuss its topics with her teenager.

So nothing would do but that I trek to the library and check out one of the worn copies lining the shelf, the one with the least amount of tape holding it together.

What a treat! How wonderfully the book has aged. It is truly timeless. The characters, the dialogue, the issues as relevant today as they were when the book was first published.

But the real joy of re-reading that book at this point in life has manifested in other ways:
• I appreciate that my granddaughter, my daughter and I shared the experience.
• I know I am still basically that same girl who first read those pages.
• I am grateful to authors who write books worth reading again and again.
• I am reminded that as we mature, we gain new insight and perspective.

Perhaps some books should be re-read every decade. Interestingly enough, I saw somewhere that a number of people feel guilty reading a book a second time. They say they feel like they’re wasting time. They believe they should always be reading something new. Exploring the unknown!

Well, I would argue I was exploring the unknown. I’d never read The Catcher in the Rye with +2.50 readers. I’d never read the classic after becoming a mother or being divorced or losing both of my parents.

And a waste of time? Did I mention the discussion with my “girls”?

So, if there is still anyone out there who thinks a re-read is frittering away precious hours, well, you can just give me back my hunting hat!

What are you reading now? In addition to WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty, that is. Leave a comment here and enter a drawing for “Accentuate the Pawsitive,” a WOOFers guide to realigning your life!

“Mind spinning? Mood Swinging? Middle sagging? Get used to it! When you reach 50, shift happens. But, you’re not alone. WOOFers to the rescue!”

Diana aka – d.d. dawg

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WOOF – Women Over Fifty – “Hilarious! Made me laugh out loud!” Blog Critics – Reviewed by Mayra Calvani

Like to laugh? You’ll discover more funny women stories, limericks and poems when you…

Buy WOOF – Women Over Fifty – Amazon

Buy WOOF – Women Over Fifty at Echelon Press

Check out the rest of the WOOFers Blog Tour!

WOOFers Club

WOOFers Club Blog

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Mary Cunningham is author of the award-winning, four-book ‘tween fantasy/mystery series Cynthia’s Attic (Quake) and two short stories Ghost Light, Christmas with Daisy, a Cynthia’s Attic Christmas story, and is co-author of WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty (Echelon Press). A member of the Georgia Reading Association and the Carrollton Creative Writers Club, she lives in the mountains of west Georgia.

Diana Black is the third author of the humor book WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty (Echelon Press). A published songwriter and cartoonist, her professional work also includes illustrating children’s books as well as graphic and cover design. Her project, Wendel Wordsworth: No Words for Wendel, a picture book, song and educational materials, is designed to encourage young readers. Black is a member of the SCBWI (Southern Breeze Chapter) and the Carrollton Creative Writers Club.

What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?

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What would you tell your younger self? That question was asked and answered by Gwen Carpenter Roland, author of Atchafalaya Houseboat, in a PBS special documenting her experiences living in the Louisiana Swamp with companion, Calvin Voisin.

I tuned in out of curiosity since Book Three of my Cynthia’s Attic series, Curse of the Bayou, was partially set in the Louisiana Swamp. But, thoughts turned quickly to the fact that she was asking a very important question to the “over-fifty” set. Not only was I completely hooked by her gentle, descriptive voice, I was transported through photos taken by C. C. Lockwood’s tranquil National Geographic pictures. I swear, my blood pressure dropped 30 points.

But, back to my point. Ms. Roland’s question. What would she tell her younger self? One thing was to stop thinking she’s fat. Which is quite funny because the young Gwen and the older Gwen are beautiful, inside and out. She’d also tell her younger self to stop worrying about what other people think. Oh, could I have used that advice as a teenager! And, as a forty-year-old!

That’s a pretty universal feeling with women over fifty, isn’t it? What I’d tell my younger self is to stop worrying about not being the most popular (or prettiest) girl in school. I’d tell my younger self that, no matter how I try, I’ll never please my mother. Don’t take it to heart. She’s doing the best she can. I’d also tell my younger self to be myself. I was, and still am, a pretty darned good person, but it’s only been in the last 10 years that I’ve realized I can’t be something I’m not.

As one WOOFer said at a recent Book Festival, “Being 50 is very freeing.” Can’t argue with that.

So, what would you tell your younger self?

Gwen Roland’s book, Atchafalaya House: My Years in the Louisiana Swamp, available on Amazon, or from your favorite bookstore.

Mary Cunningham
(Milkbone)
Mary Cunningham Books
Cynthia’s Attic Blog
WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty
WOOFers Club Blog

Introduction to the WOOF Pack

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From Oprah to Ellen to our water aerobics instructor, it’s All about the joys of aging! How 50 is the new 30!

Whatever!

Some of us are hounded by middle-age. We’re dog-tired, Wrinkled as a Sharpei and barking like a bitch. Enter: WOOF: For the over-50 woman itching to howl at The aging process.

From issues of graying hair, expanding waistlines and Wrinkling tattoos, to embracing triumph over personal Tragedy, WOOF raises four paws to our past Accomplishments, present realizations and future dreams.

Are you up to it…dogtrotting alongside this sisterhood Taking the second half of life by the tail? We know you Are. After all, the past 50 years you’ve gained freedom! You’ve gained power! You’ve gained wisdom!

(Don’t tell us you think weight is the only thing you’ve Gained. Oh, you so need WOOF…)

“A howl a day keeps the scowl away!”

d.d. dawg, Milkbone, Mad Dog
(Diana Black, Mary Cunningham, Melinda Richarz Bailey)

[Note from the Stiletto Gang – Join us all weekend for new posts from the WOOF Pack!]

Exploring Cynthia’s Attic

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Children’s fantasy author, Mary Cunningham, makes her home in the beautiful mountains of West Georgia. The idea for the series, Cynthia’s Attic, came about through a recurring dream. Upon realizing that the setting for the dream was in the attic of her childhood friend, Cynthia, the dreams stopped and the writing began.
Tell us who Mary Cunningham is – I’m a wife, mother and grandmother with an off-the wall imagination. I’m a loyal friend and am crushed when that loyalty isn’t returned. I adore writing and loathe marketing. Perhaps my favorite saying sums it up. “I live in my own little world, but, it’s okay…they know me here.

When did you start writing? – I began writing in elementary school. I was told, at an early age, that I had a “gift,” but I didn’t know exactly what that gift was, or how to use it. But, being a quick study, it only took another 45 years to figure out!

Why children’s books? – I have such vivid memories of my childhood, and loved the simple time in my life between ages 8-12. When I wasn’t playing baseball, golf, swimming, or generally having fun with a neighborhood full of friends, I was immersed in a fantasy world … imagining I was Alice In Wonderland. So, I quite naturally gravitated toward children’s books. I also love the innocence and, sometimes, brutal honesty of children. If you want a true gauge of your work, ask a young reader.

How is writing children’s mysteries different from writing adult mysteries?Would you ever consider writing an adult mystery? – I don’t think there is a difference. A mystery is a mystery is a mystery. I recently had a reviewer say she loved the fact that I didn’t “talk down to kids.” Also, you’d better have your facts straight for young readers, because they’ll find any and all discrepancies. Of course I’d consider writing an adult mystery. I’m kinda working on (translation: have shoved it aside for almost a year!) an adult time-travel/mystery.

When is your next book coming out? – My next project is a co-written (with Diana Black, Melinda Richarz Bailey), non-fiction titled, Women Only Over Fifty (WOOF), a humor book targeted toward the over-fifty woman itching to howl at the aging process. It will be published by Echelon Press, LLC., and is set for release in May, 2008. I’m also several chapters into Cynthia’s Attic: The Magician’s Castle, Book Four (2009).

Tell us a little more about WOOF? – Women Only Over Fifty (WOOF)…who are still puppies at heart. From Oprah to Ellen to our water aerobics instructor, it’s all about the joys of aging! How 50 is the new 30! Whatever! Some of us are hounded by middle-age. We’re dog-tired, wrinkled as a Sharpei and barking like a bitch. Enter WOOF: For the over-fifty woman itching to howl at the aging process. From issues of graying hair, expanding waistlines, and wrinkling tattoos, to embracing triumph over personal tragedy, WOOF raises four paws to our past accomplishments, present realizations and future dreams. Are you up to it…dogtrotting alongside this sisterhood taking the second half of life by the tail? We know you are. After all, the past 50 years you’ve gained freedom! You’ve gained power! You’ve gained wisdom! (Don’t tell us you think weight is the only thing you’ve gained. Oh, you so need WOOF…)

What do you like to read? – Read? What’s that? I spend so much time writing, blogging, marketing, etc., that I have very little time to read. I do love fantasy and historical fiction. I still laugh thinking about how, as a teen, my aunt, the local librarian, would sneak books by Kathleen Woodiwiss for my reading pleasure, although they were a tad too “mature.” I’d already devoured all the age-appropriate fiction, and she was determined to see that I’d never get bored with books. And, I didn’t!

Who has influenced your writing the most? –My dad was the biggest influence. He was an award-winning journalist for almost 40 years, and had a wonderful writing style and voice. His characters had such definition that, I’d swear, they almost jumped off the page! I’m also swayed by the writing of Harper Lee (To Kill A Mockingbird), J. R. R. Tolkien, and J. K. Rowling.

Pets? Hobbies? – We adore our senior-citizen mix-breed, Molly, and dread the day when she’s no longer with us. As to hobbies, I enjoy golf, swimming, and watching all kinds of sports. I’m an avid Indiana Hoosier basketball fan, NFL football fan, and also enjoy watching NASCAR, golf, and the Olympics.

What’s a typical day for Mary Cunningham the author? – I wake up and have some coffee. Turn on my computer. Have another cup of coffee. Open my e-mails. Hit delete 75 times, or so. Have another cup of coffee … well, you get the idea. I try to write every day, but don’t like to force it. If the words aren’t flowing, I do something else and then go back to it. I love writing when my brain is working so fast, my fingers can barely keep up. And, this is going to sound really weird, but I must have my shower and be dressed before I can write. I have a friend who writes in her jammies. Not me! Now, I don’t have to be in black pants and white cashmere sweater! Jeans and a t-shirt will do quite nicely. Just so I’m dressed.

What’s your favorite pair of shoes? – My favorite shoes are a pair of navy slippers my husband gave me for Christmas. They’re made out of the same memory foam used in mattresses and feel like comfy pillows for the feet. They’re warm, too!

Thanks, Stiletto Gang! It’s been fun!

Mary Cunningham

http://www.marycunninghambooks.com/
http://www.cynthiasattic.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/booksbymarycunningham
http://www.quakeme.com/