Interview With Author Barchelle (Chelly) Bolger Wathen
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Barchelle “Chelly” Bolger Wathen, a native San Diegan, now resides in Prescott, Arizona. She loves spending time with her husband, George, and their “fur kid” Shayla. She is a college graduate with a Master of Public Administration degree, and worked almost thirty years as a paralegal/senior paralegal with the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. From legal documents and grant proposals to college papers and her thesis, Chelly always enjoyed writing. Now it’s time to tell Shayla’s story, God’s story.
“Shayla & Friends” initiated this book series, sharing the true story about her remarkable, adventurous dog Shayla who came to America from a Ukrainian orphanage, and the friends she made along the way. “Shayla& Friends: Into the Light” continues the story of Shayla’s journey from Ukraine to find her forever family. “Shayla’s Adventure” is a fictional children’s book series that inspires all with Shayla’s lessons of love and friendship. In addition to writing Shayla’s books, Chelly produces plays based on these stories.
Chelly works full-time as an Ombudsman Specialist for the State of Arizona/NACOG. Together with her craftsman husband George, they operate a small woodworking business, “Wathen Custom Woodcrafts.” She also enjoyed volunteering with local animal rescue groups, including DogTree Pines Senior Dog Sanctuary. But her favorite activity is enjoying God’s creation with family and friends: kayaking, ziplining, and hiking mountain trails, especially with Shayla.
Just a girl and her dog!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Just published “Shayla’s Adventure: Finding the Light in the Darkness” (& Activity Booklet) – kids story about Shayla & orphan boy Ashok pretending to be pirates at the ocean. In search of ice cream, they go to an old lighthouse and meet the angelic light keeper. Inspired by Shayla’s journey to America.
Latest book, just about to publish, is “Shayla & Friends: Into the Light”-inspired by teens and a local senior dog sanctuary.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Just having my dog nearby to inspire me in writing her story
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kate the Dog by Alyson Sheldrake
What are you working on now?
Latest book, just about to publish, is “Shayla & Friends: Into the Light”-inspired by teens and a local senior dog sanctuary. The story shares Shayla’s journey from Ukraine to America, finding her forever family and dog pack. They share adventures (like catching bank robbers in a cave, surviving a forest fire), overcome their troubled pasts, and learn important life lessons. But will Shayla stay with her new family or follow the wild wolves into the night?
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My publicist Lamourie Media, my publisher BookBaby BookShop
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Protect those characters who live in your mind so they will see the light of day until they come to life in print – and beyond. Don’t give up hope.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what matters to your heart – do what you love
What are you reading now?
Not reading anything this week while finishing up my books and submitting to print company
What’s next for you as a writer?
A Christmas story involving Shayla for the younger audience; then a photo book with various dogs and fun captions
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
a survival manual; my newest Shayla book (would miss her so much if she wasn’t with me); “Marley & Me” for a good laugh
Author Websites and Profiles
Barchelle (Chelly) Bolger Wathen Website
Barchelle (Chelly) Bolger Wathen Amazon Profile
Barchelle (Chelly) Bolger Wathen’s Social Media Links
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