Interview: Helene Boudreau

I'm excited to host Helene Boudreau, author of Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings, on the blog today!

 

1) Why and when did you begin writing?

Like a lot of authors, I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I was a kid. It wasn’t until five years ago, though, that I really started writing with the intent of trying to get a book published. It was actually a good friend who pushed me into it. I was contemplating going back to work after my second daughter was born but she said “Hey, what about your writing?” It was kind of a wake up call for me to get off my tushie and get serious about this dream of mine.

 

2) What inspired you to write your book?

The main character, Jade, was inspired by a funny conversation I had with my girls about birds that were afraid of flying or fish that were afraid of the water, which naturally evolved into a conversation about an aquaphobic mermaid. We laughed a lot about all the funny things that could happen to a character like this and it was the kernel of idea which set this story in motion.

 

3) How did you come up with the title?

I’d originally called this book BIG SPLASH because my main character is a bit on the heavy side and she was definitely making a cannon-ball type of entrance into the mer-world but there was another book by the same name that had just been published at the time so it was back to the drawing board.

My sister and I were having dinner one night and she was wearing a cute thumb ring, which made me think of toe rings and the new title, REAL MERMAIDS DON’T WEAR TOE RINGS, was born.

 

4) What’s the most exciting part about being a published author? What is the hardest part?

One of the greatest things about being a published author is hearing stories from readers. I especially love hearing that one of my books inspired someone in some way or turned them on to reading. Knowing that is really special to me and is one of the biggest reasons why I write for kids.

The hardest part is trying to find time to do everything; write, revise, take part in my writers’ group, school visits, promotion and the business end of writing. But it’s all good! I love my job and feel extremely lucky to be doing what I’m doing.

 

5) Do you have any other books planned in the future?

My next book is an early chapter book for 6-9 year olds called WATER HAZARD. It’ll be out this spring. Also, it’s too early to announce it but there are a few more books on the horizon as well. *wink* *wink*

 

6) What advice can you give to young writers who want to publish their books?

Find a critique group! Honestly, your writing will improve by leaps and bounds by sharing your stories with others and critiquing other people’s work. Other than that, read lots and lots of books and write, write, write and revise, revise, revise. Repeat as necessary.

 

Just for fun:

 

1) What are your ten most favorite things?

My daughters: They crack me up on a daily basis.

My husband: He’s a mixture of dork and adorable. Adorkable.

Walking: I walk marathons.

Audiobooks: I listen to them while I train for marathons.

My iPod Touch: I listen to audiobooks on it while I train for marathons. (notice a theme?)

The ocean: Who doesn’t like the ocean?

Berries: Blueberries, strawberries, cherries…I love them all.

Penguins: Or basically any kind of black and white animal. Panda bears, cows, dalmations…

My pallies: I have the BEST friends, virtual and IRL!

Books! Obviously.

 

2) What do you do when you’re not writing?

I can usually be found dropping my girls off at school or picking my girls up from school or driving my girls to art class or driving my girls to Girl Guides.

My non-writing life involves a lot of driving.

 

3) Do you have any pets?

Other than the spider on the kitchen ceiling, which I can’t reach? No.

 

4) What are your favorite (and least favorite) foods?

LOVE seafood: scallops, salmon, lobster, haddock, clams. Yum!

HATE tofu. Sorry, but that shouldn’t even be a food.

 

5) Is there a specific place in the house (or out of the house) that you like to write?

I love having a laptop so I can move around. Sometimes I like to write at my treadmill desk or stretched out in bed or sitting up at my regular desk. I’m not picky.

 

6) Do you have a specific snack that you have with you when you write?

I’m an omnivore so I snack on all sorts of things. I love almonds, cherries, Triscuit crackers—anything bite sized that doesn’t make too much of a mess, otherwise I suffer from whydoesntmyspacebarwork? syndrome.

My new favourite snack is steamed edamame beans, sprinkled with sea salt. Numma.

 

7) If you could go anywhere in the whole world, either for a vacation or to live there, where would you go?

Anywhere near the ocean. I live in a land-locked province of Canada at the moment and feel like a part of me is missing. *sniff*

 

8) What was your favorite and least favorite subject in school?

LOVED Biology

HATED History

 

9) What book are you reading right now?

I just finished CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins on audiobook.

 

10) Tell us a random fact about you that we never would have guessed.

I used to ride a motorcycle back when I young and reckless. Actually, I was very non-reckless and always wore a helmet. Safety first, kids!

 

Hélène Boudreau is the author of Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings. She’s never spotted a real mermaid in the wild but the writer in her thinks they are just as plausible as seahorses, flying fish and electric eels.

In a fun promotion, Sourcebooks/Jabberwocky is offering signed Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings bookplates with proof of purchase. More info HERE.

You can find Hélène on Twitter, Facebook and on her Website.