Cynthia's Attic: The Magician's Castle

Cynthia's Attic: The Magician's Castle - Book Four of the award-winning time-travel series for 'Tweens

Cynthia had an attic. Not just an ordinary attic. Cynthia's attic was magic.

Cynthia and I came into the world just three months apart. We grew up on the same quiet, sycamore-lined street, our friendship as close as our houses. Fifty years earlier, our grandmothers were best friends. However, we didn't realize the extent of their friendship until after our experience in Cynthia's attic. This is the story of one of our great adventures...the way I remember it.

Sebastien the Great, a magician whose fiancée, Kathryn, disappears through the magic trunk, vows revenge. If Cynthia and Gus don't find a missing page from the “Book of Spells,” Cynthia’s family could face financial and personal ruin.

Follow this time-traveling duo as they journey back to a 1914 Swiss castle where Eva, Sebastien’s grandmother, gives them clues on where to begin their search. Their journey takes them through miles of tree tunnels, an enchanted garden ruled by a cranky rock monster, and even high in the Alps. They get the surprise of their lives when they're sent 50 years into the future, have a shocking encounter with another set of best friends, and receive a fresh set of clues that could lead to Kathryn's return. But, at what price?

Cynthia and I are best friends and have been for all our twelve years. We're about as different as bubble gum and broccoli, and she makes me so made, sometimes, I could spit. But, no matter what, I know she "always has my back."

We've taken so many trips through the magic trunk in her attic, that I've lost count, but I can't think of anyone I'd rather have with me traveling through time.

The series, "Cynthia's Attic" was inspired by a recurring dream I'd had for more than 20 years about a mysterious attic. When I finally realized that the dreams took place in the attic of my real childhood best friend, Cynthia, the dreams stopped and the writing began.

A move from Florida to Georgia brought us to within an hour of where Cynthia has called home for almost 15 years, and my first phone call was to arrange to meet for dinner. I almost felt sorry for our husbands because Cynthia and I didn't shut up for four hours! It's like we were six-years-old again, still sitting on the floor of her attic playing with paper dolls or discovering some magical treasure in one of the boxes.

Mary Cunningham is the author of the series, "Cynthia's Attic," co-author of the women's humor/lifestyle book, "WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty," and has several published short stories

You can buy all four Cynthia's Attic books, and WOOF on Amazon and Amazon Kindle

Directly from the publisher Echelon Press

Download on Fictionwise

or visit my website: http://www.marycunninghambooks.com

Meet Sarah from Cafe Tempest: Adventures on a Small Greek Island by Barbara Bonfigli

1. What is the name of the book where we would meet you? /"Café Tempest: Adventures on a Small Greek Island" What genre is it? /Fiction


2. Who wrote the book? /Barbara Bonfigli

3. What do you think of the author? You can tell us the truth. /She has excellent powers of observation, having picked me out of a crowded world.


4. Tell us a little about yourself. How would you describe your appearance? That's more than just really cute or drop dead gorgeous. Give us enough detail to get a clear idea of how you look./I look you directly in the eye. I never wear shoes unless I have to. My hair is difficult to control. Loud music keeps me out of a lot of trendy restaurants. How do I appear? Either concentrating or day dreaming. The details of my physical appearance I leave to your imagination. I wouldn't want to spoil your picture of me as you read my novel.


5. What character are you in the book? Are you the hero, the best friend, the side kick, the hero and heroine's child or someone else? / The hero, being the narrator and principal voice. But there are several major players on this stage.


6. Is there a specific reason why you're in the story? Don't give us any story spoilers, but you can share some teasers if you want./The story cannot exist without the storyteller, and that's me.


7. What time period do you live in? / The recent present.


8. Where are you from?/ Northern California. But I've lived in several other countries. I'm presently living in London and spending part of every year in Greece. 


9. Do you live in the same place now? / I live between the covers of the book you're reading -- "Café Tempest: Adventures on a Small Greek Island." Wherever you take me, there I am. And thanks very much for introducing me to all these places.


10. Tell us about your hometown and your current home./ Coming from California I'm very fond of fresh fruits and vegetables and sunshine. Sunshine is pretty much the same everywhere. Most of what passes for fruits and vegetables elsewhere in America tastes like their pictures on seed catalogues. California is also very large, so that when I travel in Europe and cross borders every few hours I feel like Vasco de Gama. London is a fabulous city. Almost no one at my gym speaks English as their first language, but we all understand sweat and effort. As a theatre producer I'm in bliss in London since all the actors answer their own phones and will agree to be in anything good; they don't consider every role a "career move."


11. Tell us how your hometown or your current home effects you, the things you do and how you feel about life? / I live in a country in which people often speak in complete sentences. Taxi drivers know their way around. Strawberries are only sold in season. There's an excellent yoga studio within walking distance even in the rain. I love it here. If I tell you any more too many people will want to move here and they might crowd out this small discreet island.


12. What special skills or abilities do you have? / My coffee is superb. I can furl a mainsail without too many crinks. I can often figure out what people are trying to say though I don't understand their language. That's about it. And I write good ads for the play I produce.


13. How do those affect your part in the story?/ I attract men who think I can cook. It's hard to convince them otherwise; I'd have to cook something really awful and why would I do that?


14. Are you happy with the story? Katapliktika! (not in the Glossary I'm afraid. It's a big yes.)


15. Do you have some ideas that the author should consider about the story? You can share them with us. We're all friends here. /The author should have allowed me more time to swim and given me the chance to drink some really excellent Greek wines. She did find me a beautiful island to spend the summer on and I hope she'll figure out how to get me back here next year.


16. Tell us about your past. Can you share one really good experience and/or one really bad experience? I know that bad experience can be tough, but it would tell us more about what you've been through./ I was surprised when my boyfriend Julian decided our affair was over the same week the show we were producing closed. We were both working so hard on the production I had no idea anything else was going on. (This all happens before the book begins.) At an early point in the story my friend Alex asks me to consider inviting Julian to the island, but I don't think it's worth re-igniting a fire I hadn't noticed was burning out. When he calls the island and mentions that the costume designer he'd moved in with no longer interests him, and that he misses me, I decide not to take the hint. One of the best things about travel is the perspective you gain by the simple act of removing yourself. With a little beach time and reflection I realize Julian had the right idea; we were not destined for a long run.

17. Who is the most important person in your life? Tell us about them./ At the moment it's Monika. She's playful and funny and she says exactly what's on her mind. That's provocative and exciting because her reactions to people and events are original. And she sees through the eyes of a visual artist, which is a great compliment to a writer's mind. 


18. Is that person in the story we're talking about? / Yes. My understanding it that we're talking here from inside my character's head.


19. How does that person impact you and your life?/ Monika impresses me for her wit, her originality, her sensuality, her talents. The ease with which she navigates the dramas of daily existence suggests a person who knows herself. I consider this the grand prize in the game of life and definitely the sort of person you'd hope to have as a lifelong friend...maybe even live with.


20. Do you have any children?/ No.


21. If you do, tell us about them. If you don't have any children, you can tell us why not - but, only if you want to tell us. Thanks for asking good questions and for knowing when to back off. All my fellow characters are worthy of an interview like this one; luckily they didn't know about this. Stefano and Arabella would certainly be making a fuss.


22. What do you see in your future?/ The mantra article I've just finished may lead to other writing on spiritual themes. And the concept of "you love who you love" is very interesting to me. I'd like to explore both those areas in writing and in life. I'll also be finding and producing plays. And I'll be practicing yoga so I can continue to enjoy running swimming walking exploring and eating unlimited amounts of goat cheese.

23. Do you think your author is going to write another story about you? Or, are you part of a series? /The author doesn't keep her imagination under wraps but she doesn't comment on the future, having good friends who are renowned astrologers and who steer clear of predictions.


24. Do you like being a character in a book?/ I love the possibilities. There's Nothing you can't imagine doing between covers.


25. If someone ever decides to make a movie based on your story, who should play you in the movie and why? I think this book is likely to be made into a film and as per #23 I'm not going to predict who'd play me. She'll have to have a pretty good sense of humor and of course a taste for retsina. You can't fake that.

Efharisto, Sarah

To learn about Barbara Bonfigli and Café Tempest, feel free to visit any of these sites.

Order Café Tempest directly from the publisher – http://www.tellmepress.com/pub_ct.php or from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Café-Tempest-Adventures-Small-Island/dp/0981645313

To see the complete tour schedule visit http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/05/cafe-tempest-by-barbara-bonfigli-summer.html

Barbara Bonfigli’s website – www.cafetempest.com

Meet the Hero From Dream King

1. What is the name of the book where we would meet you? What genre is it?

I met my writer,Tara during one of my notrual journeys. This meeting lead to my adventure in THE DREAM KING. The story is a paranormal time travel adventure.

2. Who wrote the book?

My writer is Tara Newlands, an interesting cute woman from Arizona.

3. What do you think of the author? You can tell us the truth.

I think she’s a funny, clever, if not a bit strange woman who loves pizza and something called Cheeios. Mmmm, I don’t eat them myself. But, she seems to think they’re great. LOL

4. Tell us a little about yourself. How would you describe your appearance? That's more than just really cute or drop dead gorgeous. Give us enough detail to get a clear idea of how you look.

Well, I’m a good looking guy. I really don’t think about my looks much, I like keeping in shape because I never know when I might be called on to slay a dragon. I’m 6’1, broad shouldered, lean but, not thin. Amanda, my help mate says I have got the more beautiful green eyes. It’s funny I never thought of my eyes has beautiful.

5. What character are you in the book? Are you the hero, the best friend, the side kick, the hero and heroine's child or someone else?

I’m the hero of the Dream King.

6. Is there a specific reason why you're in the story? Don't give us any story spoilers, but you can share some teasers if you want.

My former lover, Amanda disappeared after a rouge mage stole her from me. I’ve fought tooth and nail to find her.

7. What time period do you live in?

Well, I’m over 150 years old. I’ve lived in New York most of my life and currently I have a house in Phoenix, Arizona.

8. Where are you from? I was born in Long Island, New York.

9. Do you live in the same place now?

I still have my colonial outside New York City.

12. What special skills or abilities do you have?

I am a master magus gifted and skilled in mental persuasion, telepathy, shape shifting, etc.

13. How do those affect your part in the story?

My gifts aided me in the protection of the people I love.

14. Are you happy with the story?

Yes, I think that Tara did a great job presenting my story.

16. Tell us about your past. Can you share one really good experience and/or one really bad experience? I know that bad experience can be tough, but it would tell us more about what you've been through.
I think the worst day of my life was the day Jonathan stole Amanda from me. I felt like I failed to protect them both. He was my friend, I should have told him how Amanda made me feel. It might have spared all of us a great deal of pain.

17. Who is the most important person in your life? Tell us about them.
Amanda is the important person in my life. In the 150 plus years I’ve been there. I’ve seen the best and worst that humankind has had to offer. Amanda grounds me.

19. How does that person impact you and your life?

She’s bought so much joy and happiness to my life. I’m grateful to have met her.
20. Do you have any children?

No
21. If you do, tell us about them. If you don't have any children, you can tell us why not - but, only if you want to tell us.

It’s not that we don’t want them. We’re happily working on correcting that now. LOL

22. What do you see in your future?

I’ve working to develop the skills of my students because the world as great need for them. I’ve been given unsettling news after future events that could affect the whole life and my students and I must be ready to face them.

23. Do you think your author is going to write another story about you? Or, are you part of a series?

My story in the first in a series about my people and our leaders.

24. Do you like being a character in a book?

Yes, I like the thought of someone sharing in the life I’ve had and learning about my people.

25. If someone ever decides to make a movie based on your story, who should play you in the movie and why?

Possibly, Clive Owen because he was really classy in the movie ‘Sin City.’ He reminded me of the lengths I’d go to protecting the people I love.

Its been great to talk with you. If you want to tell us anything else, feel free. Also, tell us about a website where we can learn more about you and where we can buy the book.

My story is available now at Red Rose publishing at www.redrosepublishing.com and will be available at Fictionwise.com shortly. My writer, Tara is available to chat with at www.facebook.com/taranewlands , also at www.freewebs.com/taranewlands and www.myspace.com/taranewlands

Meet Viktor Cherkasov from Once Upon a Moscow Night by Judith McGuinness

Okay -- its time to tell us about that hunky hero in your book.

What's his name?
Viktor Cherkasov.

Why did you pick that name?
It’s a good, sturdy Russian name for a good, sturdy Russian character.

Give us a brief description of how he looks.
Viktor is in his early fifties, but he is still conscious of how he looks so he keeps in shape. Tall and solidly built, he has salt-and-pepper hair, a full beard, and steely grey eyes. He favors dark colors for his clothes and would never be caught dead in a pair of jeans.

Is there anything unusual about his appearance?
Most people are intimidated by his intense, commanding presence.

Who does he love? Why?
Viktor met Kate Barnes while she was vacationing in Moscow. Her exuberance for life completely rocked his world, and it was love at first sight.

Does this person love him?
Most definitely, but she doesn’t say it to his face. She was waiting for him to make the first move.

Tell us about his family. Are they important to him?
Family means everything to Viktor, but he hasn’t been lucky enough to have a good family life. His wife left him to be with someone who could lavish her with material objects. His older son, Eugeny, was killed while serving in the military, and his other son, Alexei, favors the company of criminals to spite his father.

Where is he from?
Moscow, Russia

Does his hometown affect his behavior, thoughts and attitude?
Very much. Viktor grew up during the Communist regime and it had a very important part in molding his life. It made him cold, stern, and unable to express his emotions verbally even when he wants to do so.

What does he want out of life?
A comfortable life surrounded by a loving family.

What's his biggest secret? (Only share if it isn't a spoiler in the story.)
Viktor is not comfortable with romance and finds himself tongue-tied when trying to express his feelings.

Did you write more than one story about him?
No.

How would he describe you?
Viktor would say I create characters that could jump off the pages and live in today’s world.

Is there anything else about your hero that we need to know? Feel free to share.

Please provide your website link.
www.judithmcguinness.com

What is the link to buy your book?
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Once-Upon-A-Moscow-Night/Judith-Mcguinness/e/9780595492404/?itm=2

It was wonderful to meet him. Thank you for bringing him to meet us. By the way, do you have a picture of him that you'd like to share?

Meet Kate Barnes from Once Upon A Moscow Night by Judith McGuinness

Tell us about your heroine --- the female lead in your book.

What's her name?
Kate Barnes.

Why did you pick that name?
It seemed the perfect name for a very modern American woman; crisp and to the point, just like her.

Give us a brief description of how she looks.
Kate is in her twenties, petite but curvy. She has blonde hair that she usually wears in a ponytail, and she has sapphire blue eyes.

Is there anything unusual about her appearance?
Without meaning to be, Kate is innately sexy. Every guy she meets is instantly turned on by her, whether she wants them to be or not.

Who does she love? Why?
The love of her life is Viktor Cherkasov because he is so different from every other man she’s ever known. He’s mature, handsome, cultured, and a fabulous lover.

Does this person love her?
Most definitely, even though he doesn’t tell her until near the end of the story.

Tell us about her family.
Kate is from a single parent home with no siblings. Her father abandoned them before she was born and because of this, her mother taught Kate not to trust men.

Where is she from?
New York City.

Does her hometown affect her behavior, thoughts and attitude?
Being a New Yorker made her savvy in the ways of the world at an early age. Kate knows what she wants and goes after it. She’s also a good judge of character, especially when it comes to men.

What does she want out of life?
Kate wants to enjoy life to the fullest. She sees everything as a grand adventure, an opportunity to experience new things and to meet new people.

What's her biggest secret? (Only share if it isn't a spoiler in the story.)
Even though she’s a modern woman, Kate wants a fairytale romance. She wants to be swept off her feet and carried away by her knight in shiny armor.

Did you write more than one story about her?
No. The story of Kate and Viktor fit very nicely into one book.

How would she describe you?
Kate would say that I like to write reality into my stories. Fantasy romances are fun, but you sometimes need to read a love story that might actually happen to you some day.

Is there anything else about your heroine that we need to know? Feel free to share.
Kate hopes that you enjoy her book.

Please provide your website link.
www.judithmcguinness.com

What is the link to buy your book?
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Once-Upon-A-Moscow-Night/Judith-Mcguinness/e/9780595492404/?itm=2

It was wonderful to meet her. Thank you for bringing her to meet us.

Meet the Hero From The Neurology of Angels

1. What is the name of the book where we would meet you? What genre is it?

My name is Elizabeth Rose, and I live in a book called The Neurology of Angels. It is a novel about the hearts inside the business and politics of drug development.

2. Who wrote the book?
The writer of The Neurology of Angels is Krista Tibbs.

3. What do you think of the author? You can tell us the truth.

I think Krista cares very much about me and my daughter, Sera, and she wants to solve the difficulties facing the man who is trying to develop our cure.

4. Tell us a little about yourself. How would you describe your appearance?

Oh, this is a tough question. Since my husband died, I haven’t given much thought to my appearance, because I’ve been so focused on Sera. Let’s see, my hair is light brown and on the longish side. I guess I’m a fairly stylish dresser, or once was – are skirt suits still in fashion? I try to look professional at the law firm, but I spend most of my time in jeans when it’s just me and Sera goofing around at home.

5. What character are you in the book? Are you the hero, the best friend, the side kick, the hero and heroine's child or someone else?

Hmmm. I think my daughter and her friend, Lexi, are the heroines of the story. But some might say it’s me, the quiet catalyst for the two major events -- Galen Douglas’ medical discovery and a health care summit on Capitol Hill.

6. Is there a specific reason why you're in the story? Don't give us any story spoilers, but you can share some teasers if you want.

I think I gave that away in question 5!

7. What time period do you live in?
We live in the present.

8. Where are you from?
I was born in England.

9. Do you live in the same place now?
I moved to the States when I was very young, and I am an American citizen.

10. Tell us about your hometown and your current home.
Sera and I live in Arlington, Virginia, which I consider my hometown, then and now.

11. Tell us how your hometown or your current home effects you, the things you do and how you feel about life?

Because we live so close to Washington, DC, I have an active interest in politics, especially in the field of health care, because of my job and because of my daughter. My best friend is a U.S. senator – one of the good ones.

12. What special skills or abilities do you have?

I’m a critical thinker and I don’t give up easily.

13. How do those affect your part in the story?

My persistence in making researchers aware of Sera’s disease connects us with the other characters. My conversations with my senator friend together with the cases that I work on as a defense lawyer for the pharmaceutical industry lead me to a detailed proposal for a new kind of health care system, one that is sustainable without the government, and allows people to afford their own health care but doesn’t stifle innovation in the process. Oh, don’t let me get on my soapbox; I could go on all day.

14. Are you happy with the story?

I think it is a story that needed to be told, and I’m glad that Krista finally listened to me and put it on paper.

15. Do you have some ideas that the author should consider about the story? You can share them with us. We're all friends here.
I think Krista should take the health care system idea that I developed and make it a reality outside the story.

16. Tell us about your past. Can you share one really good experience and/or one really bad experience? I know that bad experience can be tough, but it would tell us more about what you've been through.

I have worked very hard to make sure that my daughter and I have a good life together, but every happy day is tempered by knowing that Sera’s disease is untreatable.

The last unconditionally happy experience I had was finding out my husband and I were going to have a baby. The worst experience in my past was when my husband died. He would have been a wonderful father.

17. Who is the most important person in your life? Tell us about them.
Sera. She defies description sometimes! I never cease to be amazed at how she lives every day so fully and how much passion she has for every project that pops into her head. I see her with her best friend, Lexi, who has so much potential but so much baggage, and I am proud that my little Sera is the brightness she needs in her life.

18. Is that person in the story we're talking about?
Sera is pretty much the center of the story, although she doesn’t know it.

19. How does that person impact you and your life?
Sera is my life.

20. Do you have any children?
21. If you do, tell us about them. If you don't have any children, you can tell us why not - but, only if you want to tell us.
Sera is my only child.

22. What do you see in your future?
I try to focus on the present, because I don’t like to think about a future that might not have Sera in it.

23. Do you think your author is going to write another story about you? Or, are you part of a series?

I hope she will write more about the things I have done but let me live in peace after this story is over.

24. Do you like being a character in a book?
Yes, because there is closure.

25. If someone ever decides to make a movie based on your story, who should play you in the movie and why?
Oh, that’s fun to think about. Maybe Rachel McAdams. She has a smart look about her, but she’s also feminine and probably very nurturing. That’s how I like to think of myself.

Thank you so much for interviewing me. You can find more about The Neurology of Angels at www.neurologyofangels.com. The book is available on that website or a variety of online retailers including Books a Million, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Target, or through your local bookstore.

The Best Friend From The Neurology of Angels

1 - Tell us a bit about your book.
The Neurology of Angels is a novel about the hearts inside the business and politics of drug development and the consequences of a choice between saving one child and treating thousands. The story belongs to Galen, a neuroscientist turned reluctant entrepreneur, who has developed a treatment for stroke and is trying to develop a cure for his daughter’s best friend, who has a rare and fatal genetic illness.

2 - Tell us about the best friend - gender, age, appearance, how they came to be with the hero or heroine and anything else we need to know about them.
For most of the story, Eddy is in his mid-30s, a runner, blond, handsome, a politician. He and Galen met at Harvard University. Galen was in love with Eddy’s sister until she died from a series of strokes just after they graduated from college. Several years later, Galen and Eddy had a double wedding, and their wives both became pregnant at the same time, which is where the story begins.

3 - Who does the "best friend" help in the book?
Eddy’s mission is to lower the cost of prescription drugs to help everyone suffering from an illness for which they can’t afford the treatment.

4 - Does the best friend have a specific purpose in the book?
Eddy’s purpose in the book is to be one of many people trying to do the right thing but getting in the way of Galen developing his cure.

5 - How does your hero or heroine feel about the best friend?
His feelings are complicated, and he doesn’t understand them all explicitly. He’s proud of Galen, but at the same time jealous of him professionally, although personally he sees Galen as a stray puppy he saved from the street.

6 - How would your hero or heroine handle their problems or difficulties with the best friend?

They stop talking to each other until they are in situations where they are forced to confront each other, and the bottled anger spills over in revelation.

7 - Are there problems between the best friend and your main characters?
Yes, the rift between the two is central to the story.

8 - Do you see the best friend ever having their own story?
Not likely. Eddy needs Galen, whether he knows it or not.

9 - Was the best friend inspired by anyone you know?
He wasn’t based on anyone I know personally, however he was inspired by the many politicians I see who have the best of intentions but are somewhat holier-than-thou in their execution.

10 - Is there anything else about the best friend that we need to know? Feel free to share.
Eddy has a good heart. He’s the antagonist, but not a villain.

11 - Please provide your website link.
www.neurologyofangels.com

12 - What is the link to buy your book?

The book is available on the website or a variety of online retailers including Books a Million, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Target.