Loyal readers are already aware that doing interviews has become part of my DNA. (ha ha) It all started when I was a staff writer for an alternative magazine looking at unique individuals doing amazing things. That focus carried on to a radio show that I ran (with Dave behind the scenes) for over 10 years - it aired 3 x per week featuring interviews with guests from across the globe sharing their efforts to make the world a better place. I find interviews can be truly inspirational and a wealth of knowledge gained from the experiences they choose to share... and it is such a great experience for me to have continued on this long-running blog (20 years in May 2024)!
Today's featured guest is fellow Canadian author, Chantal Bellehumeur - who has 19 published books of various genres that you can find on Amazon. That is so impressive! Dave and I together have only 6 available, but a trilogy coming out soon... making that 9. And we are exhausted! lol
Chantal has written in many different formats, genres and using many different venues from short stories, memoirs, poems to articles featured in compilation books, published articles in eMagazines, and her local newspaper. She invites our readers to visit her on FaceBook as well.
Today we get to learn more about this prolific writer and some of the amazing experiences that she shares with us in this interview.
Q: Chantal, I'm so glad we met recently and know our readers are very curious about your writer's journey. Why don't we start by having you tell us something about yourself?
I always loved making up stories, but before I became a published author I was more interested in acting. I originally took acting lessons to overcome my shyness and ended up falling in love with the stage. I also love dancing and painting; anything creative.
My passion for theatre led me to move from Ottawa to Montreal to study performing arts. As a young student, I had a baby which led me to a career change. I suddenly felt the need for something more stable, especially when I became a single mom, and ended up taking a desk job.
I still do administrative work now, for a non profit organization, and currently publish an informative "Did you know?" chronicle for my coworkers.
While working full-time in my early twenties, I took days off to be extra in TV shows, movies, and commercials. That's how I met my husband Jeff. He's always there for me when I am unwell.
I was diagnosed with a chronic digestive illness 14 years ago and it's been hard. I volunteered for Chrohns and Colitis Canada for several years, and even acted as their Superhero mascot during fundraising events.
Q: That is so cool, it must have been so much fun playing the mascot role. How did the writing-affliction hit you? Did you choose writing as a profession, circumstances you were in or were you compelled to write?
A: I write more as a hobby than a profession, but in a way it chose me. When I was a child, I used to create little books and continued writing stories as a teen. I never considered publishing anything until a friend of mine told me I should. My first publication led me to write two more fictional diaries, and from then on I kept writing with publication in mind as opposed to just doing it for myself. I find it quite therapeutic, but it's also nice to see my work in print and read the positive feedback.
Q: Fictional diaries, how interesting! You've been in the industry for quite some time now experimenting with different publication options and genres... What is your favorite memory in your career as a writer?
A: My favorite memory as a writer was to see and hold a copy of my first published book. I was so excited when the parcel came in the mail, and I relive that feeling every single time I publish a new book. Another fond memory is reading 5 star reviews from strangers. It's one thing to have your friend and family give you positive feedback, but it's different when it comes from somebody you don't know.
Q: That is so true! Reader feedback can have such a positive impact on writers. Do you use a publisher or are you confident with self-publishing?
A: My first books were published by Rosedog Books, but I didn't find they did much for me and felt they overpriced my books. When I discovered self-publishing, I decided to give it a try and found it much better. I had more control, but it was hard to market without a budget. The other downfall is that readers often see self-published authors in a negative way. I still submit my work to publishers. Some of my short stories, memoirs, poems, articles, and even recipes were published in anthologies, e-magazine, and a local newspaper.
Q: Yes, I think the stigma linked to self-publishing is changing - just like when on-demand came into the picture there was resistance and critiques galore at the time, but it is used everywhere now. The issue with self-publishing is it is available to anyone, and some of those are not interested in (or maybe don't know how to) creating a professional end product. How do you feel about your publishing journey so far?
A: I never thought I would publish as much as I have. I've come a long way and feel quite accomplished.
Although it was great when Rosedog accepted my manuscripts and turned them into books, the real fun began when I started networking and getting interviews as well as reviews. It encouraged me to continue writing, and I am happy to have found so many publishing opportunities.
A local newspaper I worked for as a sales assistant offered to publish my short stories in their monthly magazine when they discovered I was an author. I didn't talk much about my publications before; not sure why. I then ended up publishing articles related to my illness in the printed newspaper and their website.
While networking, I discovered Durham Editing. They published my work in several of their anthologies. I would have kept submitting stories and poems to them, but they stopped making compilation books so I found magazines to publish my work.
The biggest success was publishing for Mom's Favorite Reads eMagazine. The monthly issues always reached #1 on Amazon's free downloads. Unfortunately, the magazine no longer exists so I am back to searching for a publisher while continuing to write. If I end up writing enough short stories before that happens, I might just publish them myself as I have done in the past.
Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A: I think I became a writer as soon as I learned how to spell. I loved being able to put my ideas down on paper, even though they were simple. I liked creating little books with stapled papers and making story collections with the same characters. I also did the artwork even though I could not draw people. I still can't despite my many efforts.
Q: So how do you become so prolific as a writer?
A: This will sound crazy, but sometimes I feel as though the voices in my head won't shut up until I write. It's like characters come to life in my mind and become loud. They talk to me and to each other until I stop ignoring them. My mind feels calm when I write.
Q: Within the genres you have written in so far, have you done a lot of research for those projects and if so how do you go about developing the content?
A: There is a saying: "Write what you know". I tend to use real life experiences as the basis for my stories, then expand and do searches on the internet for things I am not familiar with. I always check several sources. When I am writing something that includes historical facts, like in my paranormal book Past Lives, I spend just as much time researching than writing. I also keep travel journals and scrapbooks, so often refer to my notes or pictures.
Q: With so much going on, managing the marketing, writing new books and articles... What do you do when you are not writing?
A: When I am not writing, I am usually thinking of a story or reading a book. I like using my creativity to paint or do little crafts when time permits me.
I also like taking long walks or easy hikes to get some fresh air and exercise. Recently, I overcame my fear of drowning and started kayaking with my husband. I love going on little adventures.
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Thank you Chantal for taking the time to share your experiences on our blog :)
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