Best of Family & Relationships
Best of Family & Relationships
"So Many Books, So Little Time!"
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Exclusive Interview with
Christine Boucher
When did you start writing?
I first started writing when I was a little girl when I lived in Indiana. My friend and I decided we were going to write a book together and I was beyond thrilled. Hints of continuing to write came up again and again: winning a writing contest, my freshman year writing professor interest in my work, but I let the practicality of being a writer get in the way and waited until my forties to publish my first book, Express Yourself! Joyful Journaling for Kids, which is a guided gratitude journal for kids, and now my second book, which is a fictional series. It takes courage to put your work out.
What makes writing your passion?
I am passionate about writing because I want to help make the world a better place. I love writing and incorporating self-empowerment. I love to see my characters grow in confidence and inner strength. I find writing fantasy to be fun and I love to do research on myths and legends to integrate in my work. I like lacing yoga and meditation throughout the fiction because I find these tools are so empowering and needed throughout our society.
How long have you been writing?
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
When my first book got published, I was so excited that I was actually a published author! Then I got nervous about what people would think about my work. You become a true 'open book' when people read your writing. They see parts of you that they did not know about.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
My main character is Jaden who is a 14-year old girl. She's an outcast at school and not really wanted at home. As she grows into her role as The Sentinel of the Chakra Stones and learns to have confidence and faith in herself.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
I love being a writer. The most annoying part is trying to get your work out there and seen. There are so many other things to do then to write in order for others to find your work.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
There are two things I do for writer's block:
1. If I don't feel like writing, I set a timer for 7 minutes and I tell myself to just write for 7 minutes. That's all I need to do. Usually, the timer will go off and I'll be so entrenched in my writing that I keep going.
2. I meditate. Mediating clarifies my thoughts and ideas. It also helps me drop the 'not good enough' thoughts that can happen and create that writer's block.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I'm very passionate about finishing this series of books that I've started. There is something in me that knows that I will regret not following this dream. Everyday, I can't let it go. If I procrastinate, the books nag me to be written. It's one of my major life goals.
For new authors, I highly encourage you to keep going. Please know that your first draft is a FIRST draft. Write the story, then the edits and refinements can take place afterwords. Try not to stress over commas and grammar as you are getting your creative work out. Create then edit. They are two different parts of the writing process. Don't squash your creativity by worry about where a comma should go.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
I would have told myself to follow my dreams sooner. I allowed others opinions to determine the start of my career. I didn't pursue my dreams because it wasn't practical. What I didn't realize is that I could have gotten a career in the publishing industry. I could have been an editor and continued to write. I would have told myself to have confidence in my abilities.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I do scan my book reviews. If I get a bad one, I know that my books aren't for everyone. Someone once told me that 33% of people will love you, 33% of people will hate you, and 33% of people will be indifferent to you. This applies to peoples writing as well. Not all books are for everyone. I hope to find my 33% of readers that want to go along on the adventure of The Sentinel of the Chakra Stones.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
I get giddy with a good book review. I love to learn about what people like about my books.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
I don't think authors can not incorporate pieces of themselves in their books. Their light, sadness, darkness, happiness, joys, experiences all come through the eyes of their author.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
While I did not base my characters on me, I do remember being a teenager. Some of those experiences come through in my characters.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
I don't think it is as important, but it does help entice people to read the book--which is very important.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I'm so happy to connect with my readers. I post lots of reels and Tik Toks to talk about my book. I talk about crystals, meditations, chakras, writing, earth chakras all in an effort to connect with my readers.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
Who is your favorite author? Why?
There are so many authors who have influenced me, but the first that come to mind are: Maya Angelou, Sydney Sheldon, Sarah Ban Breathnach, Mitch Albom, J.K Rowling, Bella Forrest, and Louise Fitzhugh. I truly admire anyone who writes. It takes a lot of work, dedication, and imagination to write and get your books out to the world.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
The dream is to go as far as I can. I would love to have these books turned into film. I don't compare myself to any authors though. All of our work is unique and important. So I take my own path.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
What would you say to your readers?
Hi readers! Enjoy the ride! Please let me know your favorite scenes and let me know if you have questions! Thank you for taking the time to read the books and I hope they inspired you.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
My name is Christine Boucher. I'm married and have 3 kids: Jason (21), Ryan (19), and Sharon (16). I have a golden doodle, Katey, and a domestic cat, Whiskers. I love yoga, water-skiing, the beach, traveling, great meals, and watching my kids grow into who they want to become.
What is your day job if you have one?
I used to be an Accountant. Now, I only write.
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Did you have a happy childhood?
No. Not particularly.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
The Sentinel of the Chakra Stones, which was inspired by a set of chakra crystals that I bought ten years ago. I was at a yoga event and I had never bought crystals before. For some reason I bought this chakra set and when I got home, the idea of a book series that focused on each chakra came to mind. I started writing immediately but knew something was off in the story. I was also raising three kids, which was my main priority at the time. I wrote on and off for 9 years until I heard about Earth Chakras. That was when the books and ideas all fell into place. Each book takes place at an Earth Chakra location. The first book takes place in Mount Shasta, California and is focused on the first chakra energies. The second book takes place in Peru which is focused on the second chakra energies.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
My book, The Sentinel of the Chakra Stones, is a series. There will be seven books. One based on each chakra and at each Earth Chakra location. I'm editing Book Two right now which takes place in Machu Picchu, Peru. I've mapped out the other five books.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
I think creativity is way underrated in our schools. The focus is on testing. We all grow and learn differently and at different times. We need to allow space for this. I also feel that self-empowerment needs to be taught.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
1.My readers to feel joy, self-empowerment, and growth as they get lost in the fantasy world that I've created for them.
2. Being a best selling author and my books turned to film.
3. Health, Happiness, Joy, and Abundance for my family, my readers, and for me.
What is your favorite music?
I love all music at different times of the day:
morning -meditative music
afternoon and evening - pop music - whatever is on the radio
Share a secret with us 🙂