Author Chat: Cindy Angell Keeling

If you ever have the opportunity to chat with author Cindy Angell Keeling, she'll tell you about how serendipity played a role in writing her first novel. Indeed, a year or two before the pandemic, I somehow found myself at a conference for romance writers. Although intrigued, I felt somewhat out of my element as I'm more of a mystery writer. By lunchtime I was feeling a bit depleted when the lovely lady standing next to me in the lunch line struck up a conversation. By the end of lunch, I was feeling inspired and knew I had made wonderful new friend. 

Fast forward to now, Cindy is a published author! Cindy's debut novel, Dream City Dreaming, is a wonderful trip into historical fiction, and I loved the surprise twist ending. Recently, Cindy and I had the chance to reconnect. When I asked if she had any advice for those of us still dreaming about getting our novels published, she warmly agreed to share her experience. And so, in the following interview, here is a little bit about Cindy and her unique path to seeing her debut novel published.

1. Tell us about yourself.

I’ve always been a writer and an avid reader. As a young girl, I loved reading books like Little House on the Prairie, Little Women, and later, The Chronicles of Narnia, to name a few. And I was a big letter writer—something my adult children find hard to believe! I corresponded with friends from Girl Scout camp, exchanged “backwards” letters with my cousin—to be read in a mirror, and even had a pen pal in Holland. In college, I wrote to my parents on the back of old class schedules.

I received my first guitar when I was fourteen, and it wasn’t long before I began writing songs. That was my main expression of writing for years and years—until a little voice began whispering, Maybe you could write a book. My first response was Naaah. But eventually the little voice won out. That was the beginning of my author journey.

2. Tell us about your book.

DREAM CITY DREAMING features a young widow who brings her fourteen-year-old son to be mentored during the spectacular 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. While at the fair, she has an unexpected encounter which leads to seeking a broader vision of herself as a woman within the constraints of societal norms. Her son has his own adventures, and grapples with the balance between family expectations and pursuing his own dreams. Central to their lives is the enigmatic mentor who has dreams and aspirations of his own.

3. What inspired you to write this book?

I’d written my first manuscript and was doing some research for a new story idea. The Columbian Exposition kept popping up. Intrigued, I requested some books from the library and was so enthralled by this astounding event that I knew my next story had to be set at this world’s fair. Thus, began my journey of research and figuring out the story. It was definitely a labor of love, and there were many serendipities along the way.

4. Are you working on a second book? What is it about?

I do have a second book in the works. (Remember that first manuscript I mentioned?) I’m not quite ready to talk about it, but I will say that it is a historical that bounces between 2009 and WW2.

5. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

I do! 1.) Read books on writing craft. Two of my favs are Stein on Writing by Sol Stein, and Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell. 2.) Stories evolve. It may take several drafts to really get the story down, and a few more drafts to flesh it out and add details. That’s what takes it to the next level. (For the record, my published manuscript was my 12th draft.)  3.) I recommend not showing your first couple drafts to anyone, as it’s easy to be derailed by a well-intentioned comment. (Same goes for talking about it.) 4.) Take a break between drafts (3 - 6 weeks) and return to your project with fresh eyes. (It will continue to “cook” on its own.) 5.) Be open to serendipities. I love how “the universe” drops just the right detail or opportunity in your lap when you least expect it.

6. What do you enjoy besides writing?

Art museums, cooking and gardening, playing clawhammer banjo, cuddling my six backyard chickens, and spending quality time with my husband. And reading, of course!

7. What are you reading?

I just finished The House in the Cerulean Sea, and its sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, by TJ Klune. Sweet, funny, and wise, with incredibly endearing characters.

8. What’s one fun fact about you?

I have an identical twin sister.

If you're looking to chat with Cindy, you may find her at one of the local presentations she does about the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. You can check out her website for more information. And don't forget to check out her book, Dream City Dreaming. It's like an enchanting trip back in time with an ending I didn't see coming. (I love that!)

Book Review: 'The Tea Party in the Woods' by Akiko Miyakoshi

✰✰✰✰ One morning a little girl noticed that her father forgot to take along a pie to Grandma’s house. Thinking she can catch up easily, Kikko offers to deliver it. As she follows her father’s footsteps in the newly fallen snow, she falls and crushes the box. She decides to pick herself up and keep going though. She follows her father to a house she’s never seen before. Not sure what to do, she peers inside and is met with a magical sight. Something special happens when she is invited inside. It is an afternoon that Kikko will never forget.

The Bottom Line: Beautifully illustrated in charcoal, pencil, and colored ink, this imaginative story has a dreamy, eerie, vintage quality to it due to the monochromatic palette. Additionally, the spotlights of color tied to the main character draw the reader's focus in. Fans of enchanting tales will enjoy reading this with their child ages 4 - 8.

Details: The Tea Party in the Woods written & illustrated by Akiko Miyakoshi. English translation published by Kids Can Press in 2015. Originally published as Mori no Oku no Ochakai e by Kaisei-Sha Publishing C. Ltd. in 2010. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1-77138-107-9

Book Review: 'The Tree That's Meant To Be' written & illustrated by Yuval Zommer

✰✰✰✰✰ A little tree has high aspirations; however, the little tree worries that it’s not as tall or full as the others. As the seasons pass, the little tree accepts that it is different from the others. Then one day all the other trees are chosen to be taken home to become Christmas trees. Only the little tree is left behind. Feeling all alone, the forest animals know just what to do. The animals get to work, and the little tree discovers that it was never alone. With the help of friends, the little tree is transformed into something special. Check out this holiday treat to discover the magic of the season.

The Bottom Line: In this story of acceptance and learning to celebrate who you are, readers will connect with their own story and find their own way to shine. This large sized, beautifully illustrated book with captivating pictures in wintry hues is easy to read and relate to. Highly recommended for storytimes for kindergarten through grade 1 and for bedtime reading with your little one.

Details: The Tree That’s Meant To Be written & illustrated by Yuval Zommer. Hardcover picture book published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers in 2019. 32 p. ISBN: 978-0-593-11967-9 

Book Review: 'Stumpkin' by Lucy Ruth Cummins

✰✰✰✰✰ A few days before Halloween, the pumpkins were waiting to be picked and taken home where they will be transformed into amazing jack-o'-lanterns. All the pumpkins were excited, except for Stumpkin. He was perfect in every way, but one. He was missing his stem. But what’s a stem when he had so many other great qualities to offer? One by one all the other pumpkins are picked until it’s only Stumpkin and the gourd. Who will get picked, and who will get left behind?

The Bottom Line: This darling seasonal book highlights the old adage that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Illustrated in traditional Halloween colors with gouache, pencil, ink, and brush marker, the sweet ending will have you seeing things in a new light. Highly recommended for storytimes for kids in grades Pre-K - 2.

Details: Stumpkin written & illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins. Picture book published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers in 2018. 56 p. ISBN: 978-1534413627

Book Review: 'How to Build a Haunted House' by Frank Tupta

✰✰✰✰ When a family of vampires becomes displaced, the other monsters pitch in to build them a new home. Time is of the essence because the new house must be ready before the sun comes up. Each monster brings a special skill to the project, and soon the house is almost complete. Almost, but not quite. With the sun just beginning to rise, they’ll need a favor from the witches. Will the vampire family be able to move in before the sun comes up or are they doomed? Check out this book from the library to read on.

The Bottom Line: This fun, seasonal book features singsongy rhymes that are fun to read aloud. As a story of teamwork to help others in need, this book encourages kids to be kind and helpful. With colorful, humorous, engaging illustrations created in digital media, this page-turner is sure to please kids ages 5 - 7.

Details: How to Build a Haunted House written by Frank Tupta & illustrated by Kyle Beckett. Picture book published by Two Lions in 2020. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1542005432 

Book Review: 'Veronica's Room: A Melodrama' by Ira Levin

✰✰✰✰✰ It’s 1973, and a young couple is enticed to visit a mansion. The young woman, Susan, is asked to play a simple role to ease the mind of a dying woman. All she has to do is pretend to be someone else for a few minutes, and there’s only one line to say. Susan is intrigued, but hesitant. Who is this Veronica that she would be pretending to be? Wanting to be helpful, Susan ignores the red flags and dresses up as Veronica. The resemblance is uncanny, and Susan is sure she can pull this off. However, the tables are turned when she finds herself locked inside Veronica’s bedroom. With everyone now insisting that it’s 1935 and that Susan is actually Veronica, Susan starts to question reality. Is she Susan, a student at BU? Or is she the insane Veronica, who needs to be kept locked up? The ending will shock you.

The Bottom Line: I was actually searching for a copy of The Stepford Wives, when I stumbled upon this gem. This slim volume is a real attention getter, and it will keep you guessing right up to the very end. With just a few characters, this play blurs the line between fantasy and madness. It actually gave me chills, and I would love to see this performed at the theatre. Highly recommended for fans of dramas, thrillers, horror, and mystery.

Details: Veronica’s Room: A Melodrama by Ira Levin Hardcover published by Random House in 1974. 87 p. ISBN: 0394491459 

Book Review: 'A Teeny Tiny Halloween' by Lauren Wohl

✰✰✰✰ The teeny tiny woman has a not so teeny tiny problem. Every Fall her teeny tiny house is buried in leaves; this year is no exception. With no way out, the teeny tiny woman tries to summon help. Unfortunately no one can hear her. What is she to do? Wait until Spring? Fortunately, the teeny tiny woman has a little plan up her sleeve. Will it be enough to help her get rescued in time for Halloween?

The Bottom Line: This book was written for storytelling. The size of the font lets the storyteller know how loud their voice should be, ranging from a whisper to shouting. Illustrations in a seasonal palette of oranges, browns, and golden yellows add to the Halloween fun. This “jump tale” is awesome seasonal reading for storytimes and other spooky read-aloud events.

Details: A Teeny Tiny Halloween written by Lauren L. Wohl & illustrated by Henry Cole. Picture book published by Persnickety Press in 2016. 32 p. ISBN: 978-1943978-02-1