Interview With Author Cindy McKinley Alder
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author and teacher who has devoted my career to helping and inspiring young children for over 30 years. I have written two award-winning children’s books: One Smile (2003 Benjamin Franklin Award) and One Voice (2013 Preferred Choice Award and 2014 Carol Reiser Award) published by Illumination Arts, both about the wonderful impact of small acts of kindness. I also co-wrote two books for parents: 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents: Fun Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School and the award-winning 10 Quick Homework Tips (2021 Kops-Fetherling Award)- both of which were published by MSI Press. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in the Teaching of Reading. I have two grown children and live with my husband and cat Watson in Milford, Michigan.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
10 Quick Homework Tips is my latest book. I work with kids every day, and most of them complain about homework. I wanted a quick and easy book for parents to have around if they were concerned about homework battles with their kids.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm.. Well maybe this is a little weird, but I get most of my ideas when I go for a long hike through the woods alone. The characters have conversations in my head and I get to know them better. Of course I would forget everything by the time I got home, so I talk notes into my phone along the way.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the surprise endings of some of Jodi Picoult’s (adult) books, and Chris Van Allsburg’s (kids) books. So for my children’s books, I knew I wanted to include a surprise at the end, too.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a story about Grace, a female hummingbird who yearns to be more beautiful, with feathers as pretty as her brother’s. With the help of her mom, she learns that she doesn’t need more colorful feathers; it’s her kindness that makes her beautiful.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Ugh. I don’t have a best method. I know that’s not the answer anyone wants to hear! But I love the writing aspect of being an author, but unfortunately I greatly dislike promoting my work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I guess: Just keep trying. I know it is frustrating when you’ve written something you love and think others will too, but can’t find a publisher. I used the Writers Market books when I wrote my first children’s book (One Smile) because I had no idea what to do with it. I queried maybe 15 publishers and got plenty of rejections. The publisher who picked me up said they only took 2 or 3 books a year so I thought I had no chance. But I queried them anyway because it seemed a perfect fit. And they loved it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think the best advice I’ve heard is to write what you are passionate about. If you don’t, it feels like a chore. If you do, your knowledge and enthusiasm will shine through in your writing.
What are you reading now?
On my own, I am finishing a series of psychological thrillers by Cara Hunter. They are so good. With the kids I work with, we are reading Jumanji (by Chris Van Allsburg) and are making up our own board games- though not as scary as his!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will look around to see if my hummingbird story is the right fit for an agent or publisher. If not, I have so many ideas in my head; I guess I will pick one and see where it goes.
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?
Well, I would WISH I could bring my iPad so I have hundreds of books to read because on an island I might finally have time to just read all day! But, if I had to pick 3, I would say “The Last Time They Met” and “Fortunes Rocks” by Anita Shreve. I loooove getting lost in her beautiful writing. And “The Miraculous Adventures of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo. It’s a kids book but definitely one of the best books I have ever read.
Author Websites and Profiles
Cindy McKinley Alder Amazon Profile
Cindy McKinley Alder’s Social Media Links
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