By: Elowen Gray

Cynthia Moore, the creator of Lucinda Stories, didn’t follow a traditional author’s path. Her journey was built on childhood dreams, artistic detours, some unexpected turns, and, despite it all, the courage to keep going.

She grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina during the 1950s and lived in a world without television. With no screen to lean on, she relied on her own vivid imagination. 

As a ten-year-old with big dreams, she once mailed an application to become a Disney artist. However, when Disney called back, her mother’s shocked reply—“but she is only 10 years old!”—closed that door. But perhaps, it opened another door, towards the story of Lucinda.

From Poster Girl to Passionate Painter

In school, Cynthia was the student who volunteered for every poster, banner, and bulletin board. Art was her language. But when it came time for college, practicality stepped in. A well-meaning adult suggested teaching, so she majored in math at Salem College. 

The fear of failing the senior math comprehensive exam pushed her to shift tracks, and it was the best decision she ever made. Cynthia changed her major to studio art, painting her heart out for an entire year. That dedication earned her the 1967 President’s Prize for Art at Salem College.

Marriage and motherhood followed, along with teaching and creating art in small moments. She entered juried art shows but faced rejection three years in a row. Rather than giving up, she pivoted again. This time, she turned to a new medium: layered cut paper collage inspired by the vibrant Kuna Mola technique. That shift led to success, and her whimsical, joyful style began to bloom.

The Birth of Lucinda

During a time of crisis in 2001, when personal upheaval collided with the traumatic events of 9-11, Cynthia sought healing; she found herself diving into ceramics classes, joining Road Scholar trips, and even buying a horse named Arizona. Amid all that change, Lucinda appeared and said, “I will help you.” And she did.

Lucinda became Cynthia’s companion, her creative muse. She didn’t write the Lucinda stories to share them with the world. They were private, free from the fear of judgment or rejection. The first tale was Lucinda’s Pumpkin, followed by Lucinda Full of Love. Each story combined imagination and healing into something lighthearted yet meaningful.

Then, after the COVID-19 pandemic, Cynthia had a change of heart. “I wish I could share Lucinda,” she said aloud. Her daughter grabbed her phone, made a call, and soon a publishing representative responded. “Just like that,” she says, “the rest is history.”

Whimsical Adventures with an Adult Twist

Lucinda Stories is a children’s book series filled with beautiful illustrations and a touch of gentle wisdom. It features a spirited girl named Lucinda who dives headfirst into life’s adventures. But what makes these stories special is that they don’t just speak to kids. They speak to the child in all of us.

In Lucinda Goes to Outer Mongolia, Lucinda is overwhelmed with worry. And, she finds a solution in going on a trip to a faraway land. Along the way, she befriends someone new and learns about Mongolian culture, reminding readers that even our most anxious moments can lead to beautiful discoveries.

Lucinda’s Tea Party shows her enrolling in a ceramics class and forming meaningful friendships. Lucinda Learns to Swim explores her fear of water, but not only does she conquer it—she becomes a competitive swimmer.

Arizona’s Bowed Tendon is a touching story about caring for a horse in need. And in Lucinda Goes on Safari, she learns about African wildlife, Kenyan culture, and even the boredom of long-distance travel—told with Lucinda’s signature charm.

At its core, Lucinda Stories is about trying again, letting go, and finding joy. The characters encourage us to embrace change, take risks, and accept that sometimes we just have to be patient and open to opportunity. These timeless lessons are told through the bright eyes of a fictional girl who can be any of us.

The Emotion Behind the Art

Readers might giggle as Lucinda flounders in swim class, or smile warmly as she cares for her horse. But beneath the whimsy, there’s a woman who has lived each of these lessons herself. Rejection, redirection, and reinvention have shaped Cynthia’s life. The author hopes that readers, whether children or adults, will feel encouraged by Lucinda’s fearless, funny, and thoughtful journey.

These aren’t just tales for bedtime. They’re stories that nudge us to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear.

“I don’t read reviews,” Cynthia says candidly. “I just wanted to do this for my own joy.” And maybe that’s why it works so well. When a story is born from love instead of pressure, it speaks louder.

What’s Next for Lucinda?

As for future stories? The author doesn’t plan to branch into other genres, but she does have one intriguing idea: “How about Lucinda publishes her first book?” It seems only right that the precocious, creative girl who has helped so many find their voice might one day find hers in print, too.

Cynthia thanks those who supported her on this deeply personal journey. For her, Lucinda Stories is not just a series. It celebrates second chances, quiet bravery, and the art of letting go.