Cynthia Kern OBrien Interview Published on: 07, Oct 2022
What are some of your favorite childhood memories?
Playing outdoors! I can remember a time when you never wanted to be inside. As kids we would collaborate our imaginations to create something fun and new to do every day.
Out of all the day jobs that you have had, which one gave you the best time of your life?In my early years I worked in a department store dressing the mannequins and setting up window displays throughout the store. It was a so fun!
What made you decide to finally begin writing your own books?That was a happy accident! I had spent the afternoon working in the garden with my then 5-year-old granddaughter. We stopped to eat some lunch, and she suddenly asked me “how long have you been a fairy?” That one question set off a chain of events. The first book was just a fun project with her and is a word for word recount of the day’s discussions. At the time I did not know you were supposed to have books edited; I have never edited that first book as I see it as more of a journaled memory than I do a “published” book.
What are the challenges of writing stories based on true events?Looking back, I think it is learning how to tell the story in a way that allows readers to become part of the event. The first 2 books were true stories. I did not know how to do that at the time, but I have since learned a lot from them.
Where did you first meet Gillen?Rosemarie Gillen was listed as a recommended illustrator on a Publishers site. I am so thankful for Rosemarie and all she has done to guide and support me. She is a kind and giving person and she helped me tremendously. I had to learn this industry and it is completely different than the industry I have been in for the last 40 years.
What inspired you to write the book ‘Marky the MAGNIFICENT Fairy’? What is this book about?Writing Marky has been a very emotional journey. The book has always been about a Fairy who could not fly because she had a small wing, but she could still do so many other things. However, it began to evolve into much more as I started talking to teachers, doctors, families, and others who work with and/or live with special needs children. I am so blessed and fortunate to have partnered with Linda Radke and the Storymonsters.com team on this book. The entire team fell in love with Marky as I did. It has been a passion project for all of us. Marky the Magnificent Fairy is written with the intent of eliciting back and forth discussions with children at home or in the classroom. This book is about diversity, inclusion, bullying, disabilities, kindness, believing in yourself, self-love, confidence, acceptance, positivity, and compassion. No matter what age you are.
Did you expect your novel, I Don't Want to go to Preschool The Fairy Queen Calls to win Mom's Choice Silver Award?This is my 3rd book in the series and by this time I am starting to apply what I have learned about writing books from a child’s perspective. I was hopeful I would win something but was proud to win the Silver. It validated I am moving in the right direction, and I have surrounded myself with a good support team.
"I Used to be a Fairy" is a wonderfully written story. When did you share this story with your granddaughter, Chloe?She helped me write it, at that time it was just a fun project, and we were documenting the day! The best part was giving her a printed copy of the book. She was so proud.
What was your reaction when The Tooth Fairy and the Baby Elf received a Readers Favorite International Book Award?Surprised and so appreciative!
How important is reading for an author? What kinds of books do you like to read?For me, reading as an author and reading for enjoyment are two separate experiences. When reading as an author I now see books differently. I have an appreciation for what goes into the process, and why having a talented and supportive team is so important.
Would you ever consider ditching your identity, and reforming yourself into a whole new life? How would you like it to be?Lol, I guess that depends on if I get to be 40 years younger!
How will book writing evolve?That is a great question. I have been in I.T. since the early 80’s and have watched business evolve from typing with carbon paper to paperless. My hope is we do not lose the “heart of the story” with automation and mass production.
When are you most satisfied with a book or piece of writing? Do you often edit things OUT of your books?This has continued to evolve as I continue to study and learn. My current book Marky the Magnificent Fairy has been an emotional journey and something I “felt” in my gut, I just knew. I did edit a lot, but then placed it in the hands of my “magnificent” team at Story Monsters for their expertise.
What book ideas are you currently working on?We are still busy rolling out Marky the Magnificent Fairy which is currently in Pre-Order. We have just placed an order of Tomo plushies and will hopefully have them available for sale soon. We are currently updating my website Pickles House Publications to accommodate it all. …However, there is a dystopian novel I started outlining a year ago, the question is am I brave enough to conquer it?
How has your experience at AllAuthor been?The AllAuthor team has been easy to work with, which I am grateful for. When starting out it takes time to find your way, having someone there to help you along is priceless. And I love that you are asking ME questions, it’s so fun!
