Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written 2 science fiction books, 1 children’s book, and 3 screenplays.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book, “When the Earth Had a Moon (Part 1)” and Part 2 were inspired by a documentary I watched about what would happen to the Earth if we had no Moon. I was fascinated by the idea and wanted to craft a story around it. Then, I took a creative writing class at Stanford University and flushed out the idea and began what became this current book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think every writer has their own way of approaching the craft of writing. I usually have time at night after the kids have gone to bed to scribble down my ideas.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I stopped reading after college. Before that, I was an avid reader and could not wait to read all of the classics. Now, I read out of utility, whatever suits my needs at the time. I read Joseph Cambell’s works and so I suppose I like instructional books now that I would have never read in the past. If I had more time I would listen to more audiobooks. When I lived in NYC and walked to work I would listen to audiobooks like “Eat, Pray, Love” and “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.” However, since I’ve had kids, my reading is relegated to bedtime stories.
What are you working on now?
I am editing Part 2 of “When the Earth had a Moon,” and two children’s spin-off books therefrom.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s a business too so the earlier you get that “author page” up the better, go to writer’s conferences, take writing classes and just finish something.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Follow your bliss” from Joseph Campbell.
What are you reading now?
“Go Dog Go,” by Dr. Seuss, the “Cat in the Hat Knows a lot about That” series, and whatever book ends up in my lap at 7 o’clock bedtime.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting Part 2 of this series out, getting the children’s spin-off out into the world, and then I have another idea for inspiration and self-motivation.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The language is so rich and over the top, I love it.
Lost Horizon by James Hilton. I loved it when I read it the first time and would like to read it again.
The Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell because it’s so dense I’m sure I missed a lot.
The Bible because there are so many odd things in it that I’d like to go through it again and see what it says about Nephilim, watchers, Longinus, and other supernatural aspects not taught in Sunday school.
The Torah, to compare what Christians say about the same topic and how it was translated.
The Epic of Gilgamesh for similar reasons.
The Vedas for ancient wisdom.
I guess that’s more than 4.
Author Websites and Profiles
A.M. Cunning Website
A.M. Cunning Amazon Profile
A.M. Cunning’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile