Author Bio:
Author, Mary Cunningham, grew on the northern side of the Ohio River in Corydon, Indiana. Her first memories are of her dad’s original bedtime stories that no doubt inspired her imagination and love of a well-spun “yarn”. She began writing memoirs at an early age, and continues to do so, today.
Her award-winning five book middle-grade series, Cynthia’s Attic, was published in 2006-2013. The setting is in her childhood home in Southern Indiana. Family stories and ancestors comprise the storylines. She’s writing a new mystery series (humor is essential) with the first book being published by Wild Rose Press in 2021
Cunningham is a member of The Carrollton Writers Guild.
When she gives her fingers a break from the keyboard, she enjoys golf, swimming and exploring the mountains of West Georgia where she makes her home with her husband and adopted, four-legged, furry daughter, Lucy.
What inspires you to write?
I love stepping outside my world and creating stories and characters for readers to enjoy.
Tell us about your writing process.
Definitely a pantzer! 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. I also like to let my characters take the lead. I've typed lines before using a character that jumped into the story on her own. I usually wait and do character sketches after I become more familiar with them.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Yes! I talk to them and listen to their answers. Reading a dialogue out loud is one of my best tools. Hearing their words gives me insight into their personalities.
Who are your favorite authors?
J.R.R. Tolkien, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Stephen King, Lisa Wingate, Jean Rabe, Janet Evanovich, Kerry Madden, Kirby Larsen, Kate DeCamillo
Stephen King keeps me up at night! After reading Salem's Lot, I slept with one eye open all summer! Also The Stand, The Green Mile,
The Shining.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I love writing and editing, but don't like the detail work and patience that goes with self-publishing. I query publishers whose books I enjoy reading. Books that are in my favorite genres. I also need to feel comfortable with an editor.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
With more people staying home, publishing has a bright future. Changes will come. Fewer print and more Ebooks, but both will continue to thrive.
What genres do you write?
adult mystery, cozy mystery, middle-grade fiction, biography
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Mary Cunningham Home Page Link
Follow Mary Cunningham On Amazon
Author’s Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.