Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Benjamin Boudreaux. I was born in Kenner, Louisiana, and studied at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, where I developed a love of Louisiana French language and culture. My love of Cajun and Creole culture factors heavily into my work, as is evident in my first novel Noël: Of Memories and Sleep. It is currently the only book that I have published, but I plan to write three more sequels.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novel is entitled Noël: Of Memories and Sleep. The story was greatly inspired by Cajun and Creole folklore, which includes talking animals, demonic spirits, and monstrous entities. My love of Louisiana languages and culture is evident in this work.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to address the reader directly. The story is told as if I and my reader are sitting at a fire, telling stories.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are a great many authors that have influenced me. To name a few, I was inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Chrétien de Troyes, Umberto Eco, Sidonie de la Houssaye, etc.
What are you working on now?
I am currently editing a book entitled Siege of the Bayou: Book One. It is a book of three lengthy short stories. Each story is connected, although each follows a different character facing a different monster/spirit that threatens their home. All of the stories take place in the same town during the same night. This will be an e-book exclusive, and will be part one of a four-part series. I am also working on the sequel to Noël: Of Memories and Sleep
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do not really have a method at the moment, as much of this is uncharted territory for me. Currently, I am working on establishing my own website, as well as a YouTube channel, where I can promote my works.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a new author, I do not really have any excellent advice to give. The only thing I can say is to stay away from so-called “self-publishing companies”. These are companies that will offer to publish your work, but you must pay them to do so. They claim they will properly edit, proofread, and format your book, as well as market and promote it. The fact is, they are not interested in selling your book; they are interested in convincing you to pay a great deal of money to them to publish your work. In short: If you have to pay to have your work published, you’re on the wrong track. Your best options are to either self-publish (as in publish it yourself and not with a third party), or try to have it traditionally published. If you go the traditional route, you will need to send queries to literary agencies so that you can get an agent, who can then contact traditional publishing companies to publish your book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As far as writing and selling your book, the advice I heard was to keep writing. Nothing sells the first book like the second book, and nothing sells the first and second book like the third book.
What are you reading now?
I am re-reading Sans Famille by Hector Malot.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to write the second novel in the Noël series, as well as Siege of the Bayou: Book Two. Moreover, I plan to set up my website and to work with my friends on our YouTube channel.
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?
I would likely choose a compendium of the works of Chrétien de Troyes, as well as a copy of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Dante’s Divine Comedy. If allowed a fourth book, it would likely be something written by Stephen Hawking
Author Websites and Profiles
Benjamin Boudreaux Amazon Profile