Featured Interview With Barchelle (Chelly) Bolger Wathen
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born and raised in San Diego, CA, lived there most of my life. I attended college, earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration, and worked as a Senior Paralegal for the City Attorney’s Office. After retirement we moved to Prescott, AZ. We now operate a woodcrafting business, and I work for the State/NACOG as an Ombudsman.
I have penned and published 3 books now, with two more pending submission to publisher. The books “Shayla & Friends” and “Shayla’s Adventure” (adventure stories for kids) are all about our pet dog, Shayla. She came from an orphanage in Ukraine.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
From college papers to writing my master’s degree thesis, to publishing Shayla’s books, I have always loved writing. One of my favorite topics in school was Creative Writing, dreaming that one day I would publish a book. Now I have published a few, with Shayla’s inspiration.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I enjoy non-fiction adventure stories and history; fictional stories about animals (esp. dogs); and inspirational stories. My “Shayla” books were actually inspired by sweet Shayla, and the Korniyko Family who operate Father’s House and raised Shayla.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
I recently published the kids book “Shayla’s Adventure: FInding the Light in the Darkness” (with an Activity booklet). I just finished my latest book, “Shayla & Friends: Into the Light” for a teen audience. This book shares the story of Shayla’s exodus from Ukrainian orphanage, across the ocean, to find her forever family in America. This adorable shepherd/wolfdog
joins our fictional 8 acre ranch with my husband and I, and our supposed dog pack (comprised of our prior dogs and some of my favorites from the senior dog sanctuary where I volunteered). Together the dogs overcome troubled pasts, share adventures (like surviving a forest fire, catching bank robbers) and lessons in love and friendship. After finding her forever family, Shayla is tempted to go join the wild wolfpack – will she stay with her family or join them in the night?
This book took about 6 months to write and format with photos.
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