Canadian Authors – Cynthia Reyes

I hope you are doing well, wherever you are.

I’m sitting in the garden as I write this, having done chores inside and outside, and exercised.

In the garden, I’ve been “deadheading” – which sounds macabre, I know. Dead heads of flowers are cut and thrown n the slope below the garden in my vain hope that I will get phlox and bee balm growing “wild” next spring.

It’s calm here and the main sounds are from a variety of birds and a fountain. I love those sounds and realize they are among the outdoors things I miss so much in winter. Unlike my husband, I am not a winter person.

A bird has just flown off the feeder. A chipmunk darts out from under cover of a hosta bed, to see what seeds the bird scattered for him/her. But s/he sees me nearby and retreats.

The news here and abroad is grim. I no longer think I can change the world – that realization took me a long time but it doesn’t make me less anxious or furious.

I worry that the White nationalism next door in the US has already made its way here. There’s nothing Christian about it, so I omit that word.

Here in Ontario, the auditor general has released a scathing report of government corruption: the ruling party has sold off some of our crucial wetlands and wild spaces to friends of the premier.

That’s what can happen when most people refuse to vote – handing the Conservatives a majority win though only a small minority elected them.

Anyway, on to more pleasant thoughts.

Just above is a pink phlox. They are so nicely fragrant – I had forgotten.

More importantly, our family has enjoyed a healthy four weeks. The grandtoddler is well except for a nighttime cough, and the grandbaby has her first tooth. Husband has recovered from a back injury in May (he worked with a great chiropractor) and I’m… I’m as usual.

Reluctant to risk more back pain, I’m doing a lot of reading, thinking and gathering material for a future book. But I’m still not writing (except for a Myrtle the Purple Turtle book which Lauren and I keep discussing). Writing causes pain and calls for a lot of solitary time – which takes me away from my family. For now, I’m choosing family.

Here are a few more scenes from our August garden:

With news of another Covid variant, I have no idea what the fall will bring, but for now, I will enjoy “the moment” and wish you well.

From the garden,

Cynthia.

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

Tag: Canadian Authors

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