A Chat with ‘Gary’s Gray World’ Author Ryan J. Cunningham

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Born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1972, Ryan J. Cunningham discovered his passion for writing poetry and children’s stories at an early age. Throughout his high school and college years, he took writing courses to enhance his writing abilities. Ryan became a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.) He published two inspirational books of poems titled “Angels Near and Far” and “Hearts, Hopes, and Halos.” His poetry and stories have been published in anthologies and magazines. Ryan presently resides in Coos Bay, Oregon where he spends his time hiking the trails, spending quality time with family, and working on his personal web site, (http://imagination-inspiration.webs.com) to share his poems and stories with the world.

Twitter URL: https://twitter.com/rinopoet72

Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.cunningham.3760

Purchase paperback copy at http://www.amazon.com/Garys-Gray-World-Ryan-Cunningham/dp/1463670168

Purchase Kindle copy at http://www.amazon.com/Garys-Gray-World-ebook/dp/B005BYJLMS/

———— INTERVIEW ———–

On Gary’s Gray World

Q: Can you tell us why you wrote your book?

We all can become so wrapped up in our everyday business that we neglect our kids from time to time. Personally, I feel every children’s story should make a statement since our little ones absorb so much that generates what kind of person they will be as an adult before they are even six years old!

Q: Which part of the book was the hardest to write?

The hardest part was finding Gary’s voice and being able to feel his sadness while writing his character.

Q: Does your book have an underlying message that readers should know about?

The message is mainly parents should find a way to spend quality time with their children, because they grow up so fast.

On Writing

Q: Do you remember when the writing bug hit?

In high school I took creative writing classes and enjoyed writing poetry and short stories from my imagination and own experiences and realized I had a passion for writing.

Q: What’s the most frustrating thing about becoming a published author and what’s the most rewarding?

The frustrating thing is finding ways to promote and market my book. The most rewarding is watching children enjoy reading the book.

Q: Do you have a writing tip you’d like to share?

I always write down my ideas and thoughts first, than I can edit them later.

On Family and Home:

Q: Would you like to tell us about your home life? Where you live? Family? Pets?

I presently reside in Coos Bay, Oregon where I spend my time hiking the trails, spending quality time with family, playing video games and going to movies with my nephew. I have 2 cats and enjoy working on his personal web site to share my poems and stories with the world.

Q: Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

I do my best writing alone in my bedroom with no distractions.

Q: What do you do to get away from it all?

I take road trips to various places on the coast of Oregon to clear my head and relax.

On Childhood:

Q: Were you the kind of child who always had a book in her/his hand?

Yes, as a child reading books was my favorite past time and I always did summer reading programs at the local library to win prizes.

Q: Can you remember your favorite book?

I always enjoyed the Hardy Boys Mystery series growing up.

Q: Do you remember writing stories when you were a child?

In high school is when I started thinking of stories and writing them down.

On Book Promotion:

Q: What was the first thing you did as far as promoting your book?

I went to some local craft fairs to sell my books and sold a few copies and passed out my business cards.

Q: Are you familiar with the social networks and do you actively participate?

I am using Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin to help promote the book.

Q: How do you think book promotion has changed over the years?

The author is more involved in promoting and marketing than the publisher.

On Other Fun Stuff:

Q: If you had one wish, what would that be?

My wish would be to have one of my stories made into a blockbuster movie. It would be seen on the big screen around the world.

Q: If you could be anywhere in the world other than where you are right now, where would that place be?

I would like to travel the world and learn about other cultures to write stories about other people’s way of living.

Q: Your book has just been awarded a Pulitzer. Who would you thank?

I would thank my family and all the children who enjoyed reading my book.

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How do you make sales happen for you?

A lot of hard work! I sponsor a lot of on line parties, festivals and contests. Book sales don’t magically happen, believe me. An author has to work hard to earn her readers. And then she has to work hard to keep them by giving them something they’ll enjoy reading. I try hard to make my books worth a reader’s time.

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