Authors – Cynthia Reyes

Girls Travelling Through Time

October 16, 2020October 16, 2020 Cynthia Reyes

I’ve been waiting impatiently for Laurie Graves’ third book in the The Great Library series.

Book 1 was Maya and the Book of Everything, book 2 was Library Lost.

Out of Time is due this November.

The first two books and their main character Maya are enthralling. There are big themes in this series, but the main story is about a teenager who, with the help of a magical book, faces adversaries from a different time and a different realm. With the guidance of the Book of Everything, Maya travels between present and past just in time to prevent certain events from happening.

Having lived in fascinating old houses for most of my life, I have often stood in a room, wondering what it would be like to be able to revisit the house in an earlier century. And yes, I have wondered what it was like to be an adolescent or teenager during those times. Through Marie Prins’ The Girl from the Attic, I was able to do a bit of time travel myself.

The Girl from the Attic tells the story of Maddy, a feisty young girl who, with the help of a mysterious cat, finds a door to the past. She finds herself in a time when bath soap is made the old way (with dangerous lye), there are no antibiotics, and people still die from diseases such as tuberculosis. Maddy makes desperate attempts to prevent certain events from unfolding.

Kudos to Marie Prins for skillfully creating the two worlds of past and present — both taking place in the same home. In Maddy and her friend Clare, the author presents us with two likable, believable characters facing realistic challenges of their times.

Marie says there are similarities between the book and her own life:

“I too have American roots and now live in a historic, octagonal house that once was a farm house. I was intrigued/inspired by the idea of a portal that would allow someone to discover who lived here and what life may have been like a century ago.

“A bit of research gave me many ideas for the 1901 part of my story (there really was a soap factory across the street). In the 2001 part of the story, my protagonist reflects some of my own feelings of displacement when I moved here.“

But getting the book written and published was no easy feat. Inspired by an assignment in a workshop led by Canadian author Ted Staunton, Marie worked at it over ten years.

“It was rejected by many Canadian publishers, but then in 2019 it won silver in Common Deer Press’s Uncommon Quest competition. Of course, there were more revisions to do after I signed the contract, but I had a great editor who helped me make the novel a better book.”

Marie calls working with Common Deer “a happy collaboration”. Among other things, publisher Kirsten Marion was open to artist Edward Hagedorn doing the illustrations. Edward is Marie’s husband.

Congrats, Marie and Edward!

Congrats, Laurie Graves!

A Good Home, Author Interview, Authors

Taking Control – Stephanie Guerilus

February 8, 2020February 8, 2020 Cynthia Reyes

I’d like you to meet American writer Stephanie Guerilus.

I enjoyed her articles online but didn’t know she was also a novelist till I came across her book cover. So, being a nosy person, I asked her some questions!

Q1: Are novels your main form of writing?

As a journalist, I’m always writing and editing. It’s second nature at this point but my novels allow me the freedom to let my imagination soar.

In the era of “fake news”, I’m more aware than ever that credibility can easily be lost and so I try to always present the best possible work.

Blog Photo - Stephanie Guerilus' book cover

Q2: What inspired this story?

I’m a big fan of Mariah Carey and so I decided to write a story about a biracial singer, Theresa Marie Jenkins. Aspects of my life began to form around that idea.

I’m a survivor of sexual abuse and I really wanted others who have experienced the same, especially girls and teenagers, to know that there’s no such thing as the perfect victim. Your body is yours alone.

Speaking of Mariah Carey, I was able to meet the elusive chanteuse and place Control in her hands. In the immortal words of Whitney Houston, that was a moment quite pleasing. I waited in the cold for almost six hours and was sick for almost two months later but I met her.

Blog Photo - Stephanie Guerilus - on meeting Mariah Carey

I’d love to meet Janet Jackson since her song Control inspired the title and overall theme of the novel. Reesa Jenkins is 17 years old, battling for control of her life and agency.

Q3: How did you become a writer and what do you hope readers will take away from your novel?

I’ve been writing ever since I was a kid. I had my dolls, notebook and would create stories for them. Sometimes, I’d spy on the arguments in the house and write a report on it as if I were Lois Lane on deadline. That same energy is present in my novel.

It may not be perfect and in many ways, I don’t even want it to be. You always struggle with your first baby and learn. I hope that each word written makes people think, not just about the plot but how it mirrors real life and if they can make a difference.

Q4: Is the protagonist at all like the younger you?

I sprinkled parts of my personality into the four central characters and fleshed them out.

Reesa is a dreamer, marches forward, ready to be a trailblazer and has that Aries fire in her. She’s a creative creature like I am. Stephanie is woke, small but has the power of dynamite and is a writer. (Yeah, I blatantly put myself in the novel).

Candy is sweet and ready to be the first person to help out a friend. Chanté loves her gossip and is just trying to figure it out.

Blog Photo - Stephanie Guerilus

Q5: What kind of writing or topics are you most passionate about?

I’m very passionate about marginalized communities being given a voice and (about) diversity in newsrooms. It’s important that stories of African Americans and other groups are told by those who have lived experiences.

It angers me to see women, especially Black women, cast aside in narratives. I’m one of the daughters of Ida B. Wells and have the blood of Haitians who fought for their independence. It’s just not in my spirit to not become animated when I see injustice unfolding. We’re not free until everyone is.

Q.6: What are your hopes and dreams as a writer?

I want to be able to know that I made an impact, that my words helped make a difference. Of course, I want to be a best selling author and create a literary empire that allows me a greater platform. Everyday, I’m working towards that goal.

For now, iron sharpens iron. Whatever I’ve been through has fortified me in this moment. There used to be a time I couldn’t even talk about my abuse, much less put that scar into words.

I’ve taken control of my own story.

Brava, Stephanie! Thank you.

To buy “Control” or learn more about Stephanie:

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/198091592X

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HYGFLV8

Website: https://stephanieguerilus.com/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/sguerilus/

Author Interviews, Authors, Book Interviews, Lauren Reyes-Grange

Interview with Lauren Reyes-Grange

September 22, 2019September 23, 2019 Cynthia Reyes

I’ve been wanting to interview my co-author, Lauren Reyes-Grange.

But how do you do that when she is your daughter, as well as the person who inspired the first Myrtle the Purple Turtle book?

I decided to put on my professional interviewer’s hat — after all, I’d done thousands of interviews in my journalistic work. Here goes:

When did you first realize you loved to tell stories?
LRG: I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love to read stories, write stories or tell stories. I am fairly certain I was born with a wild imagination. Pair that with two parents who were superstar journalists (and naturally fantastic storytellers), and I think I was bound to catch the bug, too.

Blog Photo - Lauren headshot

What was it like growing up in a house of storytellers and writers?
LRG: It was wonderful. I loved hearing stories about my parents’ work, about their day. My parents also encouraged my sister and me to read, be curious, stand up to injustice, and look for the humour in everyday things which I believe makes for great storytelling.

Do you remember any of the stories you first wrote?
LRG: Yes. One of the first stories I wrote was about a bird who, after overcoming some obstacles, learns how to fly.

Blog Photo - Lauren and Quentin and CR — ***Cynthia, Lauren at 5, and her beloved doll Quentin***

A story your mother wrote for you when you were nearly five, was published many years later and became an immediate bestseller. What was that like for you?
LRG: Pretty emotional in all the best ways possible. Myrtle the Purple Turtle was a lifesaver for me when I was going through a tough time at school. Myrtle’s story made me feel proud, confident and strong. I feel very lucky that 28 years later we were able to share this gift with children who may need a reminder that they should be proud of what makes them different/unique.

Myrtle - Cover latest at 2MB

You are now the co- author of the Myrtle series, and you are the one who comes up with the new story ideas. Where do your ideas come from?
LRG: After visiting numerous schools and speaking with children of all ages, it’s clear that messages of inclusion, kindness and friendship are still very much needed. This is what’s inspired us to continue writing more books and has made the ideation process relatively simple.

Myrtle - Cynthia and Lauren and Students

How did you react the first time you saw your name on a book cover?
LRG: Incredibly proud. I still can’t believe I’m an author. I also feel very fortunate that I get to collaborate with my mum on this. It’s made the entire experience even more meaningful for me.

Why are the messages in the Myrtle books so special to you – and what do you hope children will get from the books?
LRG: The messages in Myrtle’s books are how I was raised. I hope the Myrtle series inspires children to act with kindness, to make their peers feel included, to be a good friend and to embrace their own differences.

What are your hopes for the series?
LRG: I hope we continue writing books! At least 1-2 books every year for as long as there’s an audience who wants to read them. I would love to speak with even more children and continue to inspire young people to act with kindness and self-esteem.

Your own daughter is due to be born soon. Can we assume you will be reading the Myrtle books to her when she gets old enough?
LRG: Absolutely. I’ve already started reading the books to her, but she likely doesn’t know that yet. I hope she falls in love with Myrtle’s message and is as proud of me as I am of my mum.

Blog Photo - Lauren and Dan

A Good Home, Authors, Books

When an Author Has a New Book

October 23, 2018October 25, 2018 Cynthia Reyes

In Canada, autumn is when a lot of new books are released.

But completing a book, and publishing it, can take an author years. It’s a huge achievement.

Blog Photo - Lee Gowan Book cover

Blog Photo - Yvonne Blackwood book cover

So you can imagine that when a writer releases a new book, messages of support and encouragement matter – a lot.

“Congrats! How may I find out more about it?”

“Wow! I’m happy for you!”

“Where can I buy it?”

“What can I do to help you spread the word?”

“I’ll recommend it to my local library.”

Blog Photo - Laurie's book covers

It’s the way to an author’s heart.

Writing is a lonely act. And when it’s done, you hope the book is great, but you secretly fear others will think it’s awful. So when others deem my book worthy of buying? Wow. I’m honoured.

Book Cover - An Honest House

By the way: If you’ve bought and read someone’s book (and especially if you liked it), a short review on Amazon — or a blog, or social media — helps.

Blog Photo - Robbie Cheadle new book

Blog Photo - Bette Stevens Book Cover

Explain why you like the book and why you are recommending it to others. And if there’s something you didn’t like, say so as well. That’s really all you have to do!

There are some responses that will disappoint an author with a brand-new book:

1: “You know, I’ve always wanted to write a book on that same topic. Maybe I still should.”

2: Start talking about the book you’ve already written that’s so similar, then ask: “Can you help me get my book published?”

3: “I wrote a book just like that and I didn’t sell many copies. But I wish you luck.”

It’s not that you shouldn’t say any of the above. (Most authors are happy to help others.) But not as a first response. Take the time to acknowledge their achievement first.

Please join me in congratulating three more authors who have written new books in recent months:

Jill Weatherholt, author of Second Chance Romance, has published “A Father for Bella”. Jill describes her books as “stories of love, faith and happy endings”.

Annika Perry has published The Storyteller Speaks, a compelling mix of short stories, poetry and flash fiction. Annika says the one common thread that binds them all is“the belief that there is no such thing as an ordinary life; they’re all extraordinary.

And, coming soon from Toronto author Nadia Hohn, is Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter. Written for young readers, this illustrated book follows the much-praised Malaika stories.