Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Canadian author born in 1981.
I’ve been composing stories ever since I knew how to write. My parents kept all the little books I created as a child.
Although I continued writing as a teen and young adult, I didn’t actually consider publishing anything until a friend of mine told me I should.
I currently have 18 published books of various genres as well as numerous short stories, memoirs, poems, and articles featured in compilation books, eMagazines, plus a local newspaper.
I’ve also written a few articles relating to Ulcerative Colitis because I was diagnosed with the digestive illness back in 2009.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve been writing so many short stories back to back lately. They have mainly been inspired by life itself, although I did write a fantasy one recently called ‘Walking Through a Painting” which came to me in a dream.
The book I published in March called “I’ll Take You to See the Ocean” was inspired by a trip I took to the Magdalen Islands with my family back in 2017. A lot of my travels end up inspiring new stories.
My latest, “Hidden Secrets,” was originally supposed to be set in Victorian times since I love that era. But, as I started writing everything changed.
I just go with the flow. Sometimes, my characters will completely take over.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get so involved in my writing that I sometimes forget to eat which is weird because I am normally eating every two hours or so. I just don’t see the time fly by when I am working on a story.
Also, sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and go to the computer to fix paragraphs or add to my stories.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Although I love reading, I can’t say that any particular book or author influenced me in my own writing.
What are you working on now?
I’ve been writing short stories and memoirs for an online magazine called Mom’s Favorite Reads eMagazine. The diverse issues come out on the first of every month and become FREE to download on Amazon and other platforms within a few days.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I still haven’t quite figured that your yet.
When I publish something new, I’ll post the information on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Linkedin. I also looks for book websites that can help me promote my work. Since I write as a hobby rather then for the money, I try to offer my work for free or as cheap as possible so it’s accessible to readers. I have no budget for publicity which makes it harder to promote.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for the pure enjoyment of it, first and foremost.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write for yourself first.
What are you reading now?
By the time you read this, I will already be reading something new. I always have a new book to read or a story of my own to review.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I write as a hobby. I find the process very therapeutic, and the fact that others are interested in reading my work gives me extra motivation. I will continue writing short stories as long as there are people who wish wish to read them.
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?
That’s a tough question. There are so many great books out there. I don’t tend to read the same one twice.
Author Websites and Profiles
Chantal Bellehumeur Website
Chantal Bellehumeur Amazon Profile
Chantal Bellehumeur Author Profile on Smashwords
Chantal Bellehumeur’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account