Interviewing Joanne Lécuyer

1- When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always had an active imagination but never thought about becoming a writer. I got my first story idea in 2004 but didn’t get back to it until 2009 (when I felt it was screaming for my attention).  Once I had a solid draft, I got a few friends and colleagues with children to read it. They encouraged me to continue. I published my first chapter book The Witch, the Cat and the Egg, in 2010. Since then, I’ve published 10 more books. I now call myself a writer, and writing books for kids has become my passion.

2-How do you schedule your life when you’re writing?

I retired in 2020, so I now have all the time I need to write. But as writers well know, the story usually dictates the schedule. At the beginning of a book, I may start writing one story and then get insights for another (or a short story or a script). I just go back and forth until one of the stories wins out. Then I spend a few hours everyday on it until I feel the story is ready to publish and share.

3-What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I sometimes get fixated on a word and then use it too many times in a story. Thank goodness for editors.

4-How did you get your book published?

I published my first book with a vanity press, back in 2010. It helped me get me started, but I knew that I wanted to self-publish the next one. I truly enjoy being an indie author/publisher so that I can interact directly with the editors and illustrators. I also have the freedom to give each book and series its own style, and I can set my publishing deadlines.

5-Where did you get your information or idea for your book?

I was thinking about how goblins are not very likable, especially in movies and TV series. So, I decided to write a story about a shy but brave little goblin who wants to help save his sick mom. I’m not an illustrator. So, as I was writing, I searched the Internet to get some inspiration for what Gorzak should look like and came across Steve’s website. I immediately knew I wanted him to create the illustrations. It was a great collaboration. He did a fabulous job in bringing this lovable little goblin’s story to life.

6-What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Hum, I seem to be always writing something. I usually have 1 or 2 books in progress, a short story or a script. But in between, I enjoy hiking or walking in the forest. I visit family and friends, play board/card games, go dancing, or I like to rent a cottage and hang out near water.

7-What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?

This goes for all my books. When I started writing stories for kids (ages 5-12), I decided that I wanted to write positive fantasy books (no violence). The characters do go through some challenges, and they either figure it out themselves or get some help. My goal is to write books that make readers feel good, and puts a smile on their faces. The type of book that you can read to kids before they go to bed to help them have good dreams!

8-Is there anything you would like to confess about as an author?

I still haven’t mastered the additional jobs that come with being an indie author, like distribution, marketing, and social media. (Still looking for my fairy godmother to get that done!)

9-As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

This may sound strange, but I had no idea (aside from wishing I could understand and talk with animals). Throughout school, I didn’t think that I was particularly smart. Becoming an author was the farthest thing from my mind. I completed my BA in Visual Arts and Communications when I was 28. And I only started writing story books when I was in my mid-40s. I guess I’m just a late bloomer.

10-How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?

I do believe that to improve as a writer, you need some honest feedback. I’ve only really had one review to date, and that bothered me somewhat. It was about a particular chapter in the book where the reader felt the information just didn’t help move the story along. Readers are entitled to their own opinions. But as a result, I think about that feedback when I’m writing, and I’ve started to revise previously published books before I reprint them.