Q&Q Writer Series : Featuring Helene Boudreau

I had the pleasure of interviewing my good friend and fellow writer Helene Boudreau recently. She has a number of fiction and non-fiction books in her repertoire which include her first one ACADIAN STAR and KEEP OUT! Her most recent one; REAL MERMAIDS DON'T WEAR TOERINGS has just been released by Sourcebooks and has garnered great reviews, which are all up on her blog.

A delightful picture book, I DARE YOU NOT TO YAWN, is also slated for publication in 2013 by Candlewick. Cannot wait to read it! 

I met Helene in Kidcrit, a writer's group I joined in 2006. At the time we were both unpublished, but here we are now, a scant five years later, with many successes under our belts. Among the many things I admire about Helene, the most endearing is her desire to help others to the best of her ability. This could be invaluable advice in writing a synopsis, advice on how to get an agent or just a "hang in there" email when someone in the group has received bad news!

Here is a more personal glimpse of this warm and wonderful writer...

1) In one word, how would you describe your  personality?

Enthusiastic!

2) What is your  deepest desire?

A  healthy, fulfilling life surrounded by those I  love.

 3) Your  greatest fear?

Every  mom probably has the same answer to this one.

 4) Your  favourite colour?

Red!

 5) A song you  can't help singing along with, every time you hear it?

Chumbawumba: Tubthumping  (I get knocked down...) 

 
6) A movie that  made you cry?

 La vita è bella/ Life is  Beautiful 

 7) A book you  have read more than five times? Or a book that influenced you the  most?

 I  rarely read books more than once but I love, love, love anything by  Katherine Paterson, Kate DiCamillo or Tim Wynne-Jones.  

 8) From your  own oeuvre: your favorite child?Whatever  I'm working on at the moment. Right now? Jade from REAL MERMAIDS DON'T WEAR  TOE RINGS 

 
9) One thing  you hate about being a writer?
  The  First Draft 15™ 
 
10) One thing  no one knows about you (and now will)?

 I  eat sardines over the kitchen sink, straight out of the can. Don't  you?

Thank you, Helene and wish you continued success in your career!