Eileen Charbonneau Interview Published on: 07, Apr 2021
What is a childhood memory that makes you smile?
That Christmas Eve I got to play Santa Claus...transfer holiday gifts from my aunt's house next door to under our Christmas tree for my little brothers and sisters.
Do you remember the first story you ever read and the impact it had on you?I have a great memory of my mother reading an illustrated version of The Wizard of Oz when I was sick with the mumps. I got lost in that world and forgot how sick I felt!
What was the first story you ever wrote and did you ever publish it?I wrote a perfectly awful gothic tale called The Heir of Wildcliff and I'm SO glad it was never published. But I salvaged a scene or two for future projects...no writing is ever wasted!
Which was your first-ever independent filmmaking project?I wrote some diologue for Christopher Reeve for an independent film documentary he did for Cornell University. Such a lovely man, I miss him, don't you?
How would you describe your journey of being a storyteller of Irish and Native American tales?My work as a storyteller has left me with immense awe for the power of story. We keep telling ourselves stories because they are as vital as life.
Have you planned the entire series "American Civil War Brides" in advance?No, I only planned to write Seven Aprils, but the research kept suggesting more MIH (Missing In History) possibilities.
Who inspired the character of Luke Kayenta in "I'll Be Seeing You"?Luke was inspired by my love of Tony Hillerman books. I kept wondering what the World War II era ancestors of Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn would be like!
How was the "Code Talker Chronicles" series started?There was no autobiography of any of the Navajo Codetalkers written when I started the series (now there is one by Chester Nez) so I had to imagine what it would be like from inside the skin of a Code Talker.
How do you keep in touch with your readers and fans?Any way they'd like to!
When are you most satisfied with a book or piece of writing? Do you often edit things OUT of your books?Yes editing sometimes means adding details and scenes and other times it's cut, cut, cut! I do lots of rewriting until the book starts to sing.
What are the most productive ways to spend time on the Internet?For me, it's research. So many libraries have wonderful collections and photos on line.
How was Bed and Breakfast Victorian started?My husband and I fell in love with an 1886 house when we moved to Vermont. It was too big for us, so we now share it. I loved spending summers at a farm boarding house in my childhood, so we sought to recreate that welcome I always felt for our guests.
What are the challenges involved in being an award-winning author?The award-winning part is no challege at all! It's wonderful to be appreciated by readers!
Which is the next book you are working on? Give us an insight into it.I'm working on the sequel to Mercies of the Fallen. My bride Ursula had too many secrets for one book. And I got her involved with the Booth Family, so I figured I'd better see that predicament through!
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?Great. Wonderful graphics, professional teamwork! Thanks for all you do.
