When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I never had a moment of thinking “Yes, I am a writer.” I’ve just always been one. As a child, I made up stories. When I got older, I started writing a journal. I made story books for my sister with coloring books. I wrote daily in High School with friends. I’ve always been writing. I guess, maybe in High School when I was writing with all my friends, I verbally said out loud, “I want to be a writer when I grow up,” but I knew then that I already was one. Maybe I really took myself more seriously the moment I had my first published novel in my hand. Then I was really a writer!

Are you a full-time or part-time writer and how does that affect your writing? Honestly, more of a part-time writer. I wish I had the time to write full-time. I try to write daily. I try to get some hours in of doing something, even if it’s just for Tumblr. I hope someday that I can be a full-time writer. I’d love that more than anything! It does affect my writing because I don’t get to write as much as I want – it takes me longer to get something done. At times, it really makes me feel unmotivated; almost like “What’s the point?”

What are some day jobs you have held?

I’ve worked as a barista in a coffee shop while I was in college. I was a stock manager at Ulta (Yes, Ulta Beauty. That was a fun job!) I’ve been a Bank Teller. I’ve been a Receptionist. I’ve even been a Camp Craft Counselor! Someday I hope to say – “I’m a FULL-TIME author!”

How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?

This is a really interesting question. I’m not even sure. I want to say – you know – I was born this way. I was just born creative. I spent my days painting when I was young. My Mom read to me every day! (Maybe I should just say it was my Mom’s influence with books and reading.) I watched Disney movies and listened to music all the time. I think it was just this natural thing for me. It was just always there. I wasn’t interested in sports, though, I had tried that. I liked to read books and listen to music and just… be. There is something magical in being alone with a good book.

What have you written so far?

I’ve written two novels so far and a ton of other things that will probably never amount to anything. They just take up space in my desk, on my shelves, and in my writing drawers. My first novel is called “Seven Seeds of Summer” which is being released again this summer. “Allerleirauh” is my second novel, which was just self-published December 2015. I’d love to take some of the things that I’ve written and use it! A Mermaid novel is in the possible works or a collection of personal essays.

If your book was made into a movie, who would you cast?

First Row: Mrs. Benson, Lord Crestwood, Prince Klaus

Middle: Aurelia

Last Row: Myriah, Lord Haven, The King

What was the hardest thing about writing your latest book?

Writing the rape scene was one of the hardest parts in “Allerleirauh.” It took me a long time to figure out just how I wanted to go about the scene and do it in a tasteful way. It was hard to find the right comfortability (I mean; how do you write something that isn’t comfortable?) fully knowing that it could be the biggest mistake in getting “Allerleirauh” published later.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

In “Allerleirauh,” I really enjoyed writing the scenes with Prince Klaus. There was just something about him that just came to life the moment he appeared in the book. He really brought Aurelia to life in a whole new way – and it felt real and natural. I loved writing the scene of them at the lake, where he told her how he felt – the scene in the woods, all of them. He was the magical character that made me keep writing!

What is your next project?

I’d really like to start writing a collection of personal essays. To kind of go in the other way of writing; from Fantasy to Nonfiction.  If that doesn’t work out for me, I have a Mermaid story that I’m working on trying to figure out. Things are going a bit slower for me this time round because I’m still trying to get some balance in my life. So my mind isn’t as quick as it usually is! But there are things coming!

What one person from history would you like to meet and why?

Thomas Jefferson and/or Walt Disney. Thomas Jefferson, because of how awesome he was as a writer and President! He was a really forward thinker and he did some amazing things! I’d love to just talk to him! Walt Disney – because I LOVE anything Disney. He’s like… my unrelated Dad. I wish I could be adopted!

Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work?

Oh, there are so many. Robin McKinley. Edith Pattou. Donna Jo Napoli. Sarah Desson. Sarah Maas. Maggie Stiefvater. SO many great authors.

What is one thing you hate about being a writer?

Trying to market by yourself. Trying to get published! To have people actually take a glance at your book and give it a chance! Just not making sales. Not really successfully meeting other authors. I feel like we all have things to learn from each other, and I’m just not having any luck.

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About the Author:

Chantal Gadoury is a young author originally from Muncy, Pennsylvania. Chantal enjoys painting in her spare time, drinking a good cup of coffee when she can and watching her favorite Disney classics with loved ones. When she’s not busy crafting or reading, Chantal is dedicated to her family at home: her mom, sister and a furry-puppy-brother (and her Dad, who now lives in heaven). As a 2011 college graduate from Susquehanna University with a degree in Creative Writing, writing novels has become a dream come true!

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