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"I love your book. It
is scary,
funny, and mysterious all at
the same time.
It's an awesome
story
...I'm just so into it!" Kelsey Smith...2009 winner CIS Young Author's
Award.
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| Mrs. Smith's 4th Grade Class |
*The Pleasure was ours! !! GREAT TIME today! I
can't wait to watch you continue to be recognized for your wonderful writing abilities!
Diereshe Collins, Media Specialist
Mirror Lake Elementary
Villa Rica, GA
*"Mary Cunningham was fabulous! She engaged our kids and
inspired them to write their own stories! After hearing her talk about how she wrote "Cynthia's Attic" those books
just fly off the shelves!
Pattie Morton, Ed.S.
Media Specialist
Chapel Hill Elementary School
*Several of my students in the online reflection thanked me for your
visit.
I especially wanted you to know that your slide show was an excellent
way to show how authors' ideas often come from his or her personal life experiences. The photos of your (ancestors) were delightful.
Again, thanks for taking the time to visit UWG with my students.
Ron Reigner
Associate Professor, Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction
University of West Georgia
Teachers Lesson Plan (click here)
Preparing for a school visit
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Approximately 2 weeks prior to visit:
1. Introduce
the students to my novels. This makes a huge difference in the enthusiasm level of the students.
a. Suggest that students visit my website
b. Ask students read blurbs of my novels and choose one to read. This is especially helpful
if the kids want to have a mini book club and discuss the book with their friends.
2. Preorders
may be taken. Usually this is more effective after the kids have read blurbs and visited my website. I will also have information
available so that books may be ordered after the visit.
How to go about this? I'll e-mail an order form that you may send home with the students.
You may also
order books from any major distributor, my publisher, or contact me and I will bring the appropriate number of books requested.
Note: if
ordering from a distributor or my publisher, please allow an adequate amount of time for the books to be delivered. I generally have books available, but please
check with me first.
3. Compile a list of questions about how books are written, edited, published,
etc., or specific questions pertaining to the Cynthia's Attic series. On the day of the visit, kids may have questions
but are hesitant to voice them. If they have the opportunity to write their questions ahead on index cards, it is easier to
get them answered without putting anyone on the spot. Once the Q&A gets rolling, students tend to feel more confident
about asking additional questions.
During the visit:
1. In preparation for a book signing, have sticky notes available. This will help me sign books more quickly
and, most importantly, get the kids' names spelled correctly! If preorders are taken, I would prefer that the teacher/media
specialists collects money in advance.
2. Provide "show and tell" space. I am happy to bring copies of items related to the
publishing process, including but not limited to original manuscript copies, copyedited text, rejection letters, cover flats,
and more. It's fun to show the process from idea to book and explain how it all happens.
3.
Wireless microphone. If presenting in an auditorium setting to a large group, a wireless microphone will definitely help
me preserve my voice!
Suggested Topic/exercises:
*A writing contest: (One week before visit) Teacher
will give assignment to write a brief story using a favorite, funny, or eccentric relative (parent, grandparent,
great-grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.) as the main character. Stories about a family member may include real elements
as well as fantasy elements. Student readings can take place during the visit. Editing can also be discussed, if requested. The
teacher will choose a winner which will be posted on my website and/or the Quake (Publisher) website.
*A discussion of an unusual
incident in family history (with permission!).
*Children may bring childhood
pictures (with permission!) of relatives to add to the discussion.
*I have a Power
Point 2007 presentation and will e-mail two weeks before visit, or bring CD. I will need access to laptop and
projector.
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I will be happy to read from any of the "Cynthia's Attic" books. Please let me know in advance which one you would prefer.
After the visit:
E-Mail: Mary Cunningham in
care of my publisher Quake. Students are encouraged to email me about what they enjoyed most about the visit. And, a small collection of e-mail will be published
in the front of the next book! (with parent's premission. We don't use last names)
2. Feedback from faculty. I also love feedback from teachers, librarians, and other faculty members.
Feel free to e-mail.
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