Cheryl Carpinello taught high school English for 25 years. During that time, she worked with numerous students who didn’t like to read for a variety of reasons. However, she discovered that even the most reluctant readers became engaged in the classroom and in reading when she introduced units on King Arthur and the works of ancient world writers. Upon retiring, she set out to write fast-paced, action-filled stories in these setting to encourage young readers to read more. When not writing, you can find her reading, spending time with family, and traveling.
Cheryl’s books:
Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend (1)
Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend (2)
Guinevere: The Legend (3)
Guinevere Trilogy ebook only
The King’s Ransom (Young Knights of the Round Table)
Sons of the Sphinx
Tutankhamen Speaks
Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales 1
Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales 2
WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:
Website: https://www.cherylcarpinello.com
Blog: carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccarpinello
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.carpinello1
Thanks for stopping by! What attracted you to Arthurian Legend and Middle Grade readers?
For myself, I’ve always liked mythology and legends. In college preparing for my certification in English Education, I was introduced to world mythology and the fantastic legends from the Ancient World: the Greek, Roman, and Norse myths; Beowulf, The Trojan War and the Journey of Odysseus as well as Don Quixote and King Arthur.
In the classroom (20+ years), I taught so many high school students who didn’t, wouldn’t, or couldn’t read (Reluctant/Emerging readers). However, when I started the unit on the Legend of King Arthur, these students actually took an interest in reading. I would spot them reading outside the classroom, and some even checked out stories on King Arthur from the library. I was delighted to say the least. And this happened year after year.
When I retired from teaching, I knew I wanted to introduce younger kids to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. My hope was and is to get them excited about reading long before high school.
Do you write in any other genres?
I write for Teen/YA. These stories come from my fascination and love for the Ancient World stories. As with my Arthurian Legend, my Ancient Egyptian stories (Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks) are aimed at those reluctant/emerging readers. My stories are also for those Young-at-Heart.
My new series Feathers of the Phoenix is a 5-book time travel adventure series featuring Rosa from Sons of the Sphinx.
I also write Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales 1 & 2 for ages 2-6. These are picture books with repeating phrases for those learning/just beginning to read.
What inspired you to write the Guinevere Trilogy?
I’m a romantic, meaning that I crave stories filled with magic, fantasy, adventure, danger, heroes, and heroines. With that in mind, I decided to write young Guinevere’s story, not the story of her betrayal of Arthur or the story of her alleged affair with Lancelot.
I wanted a story in which young readers could relate to Guinevere and her friend Cedwyn: The stories of a young girl faced with a life-changing decision, and the loyal friend that stands by her side even when faced with death. And so, Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend was born. And because their story wasn’t finished, Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend and Guinevere: The Legend followed.
Can you give us your book blurb so others can find out what your book is about?
Moonbeam Children's Book Award 2020 Bronze Medal for Best
Chapter Book Series
GUINEVERE: ON THE EVE OF LEGEND
Princess Guinevere dreaded her upcoming thirteenth birthday. It signaled the
beginning of her official role as the Lady of her father's castle.
No more adventures in the forest with Cedwyn. No more explorations outside the
castle walls. No more excitement. No more danger. No more fun.
Cedwyn—her companion for as long as she remembered—viewed her circumstances
differently.
A Medieval coming-of-age story relevant today.
GUINEVERE: AT THE DAWN OF LEGEND
Ancient Stones. Mystical Stones. Autumnal Equinox.
Down upon a wide plain the yellow orb shines strong.
Racing side by side, the two laughingly ride.
A mist descends. The laughing stops.
A dangerous Medieval tale of two friends. Of a loyalty not often seen.
GUINEVERE: THE LEGEND
Fiercely loyal, Cedwyn always rushes to Guinevere's defense. Stubborn to a
fault. Always there for her. A future Knight? His one and only hope. A hero?
Not what Cedwyn strove for, but it sought him.
Guinevere rarely thinks with her head. Just the opposite. Thinking with one's
heart: a recipe for trouble. And trouble finds Guinevere, all too often.
Stubborn, she refuses to abandon those depending upon her. Even when ordered by
her father, the king.
And so these two—both on the edge of Legend—barrel forth in this deadly
dangerous and riveting Arthurian adventure.
How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Website: http://www.cherylcarpinello.com
Writing Blog:
http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.carpinello1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccarpine1/
Twitter Home Page: https://twitter.com/ccarpinello
Linkedin Page:
www.linkedin.com/pub/cheryl-carpinello/25/671/a02
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ccarpine/
The Quest Books: http://www.adventurequestbooks.com
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Cheryl-Carpinello/e/B002GGGZY6
You can visit me at….
https://www.cherylcarpinello.com
Where can readers buy your book? (add links here)
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MBDHFBD
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-guinevere-trilogy
Thalia: https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/ID151106050.html
You can pick up a copy of my book at…
Autographed books are available from my website: https://www.cherylcarpinello.com
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview. What’s next for you?
I’m finishing up the final edits on The Atlantean Horse, book 1 in The Feathers of the Phoenix series and getting ready to start Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales 3.
Thank you so much for hosting me. I enjoyed visiting.
