Interview with Rene Cournoyer

Author of The Fantastic Adventures of Sticky

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born and raised in Massachusetts.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I always wanted to write the next “Lord of the Rings” but never got past page 2. My grand-kids told me that because I am more of a kid than an adult that I should write a children’s book. The next day 4 books downloaded into my head. I couldn’t stop writing for many months.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Sticky can shoot bubblegum from his hands. But can this green elf’s magic help him find his missing sister? America, 1776. Sticky the elf’s curiosity usually lands him in a big mess. But this time his sister is the one who needs rescuing after she gets lost in the human city of Philadelphia. To find her, Sticky must get out of his cozy bed and go on a daring journey.Joined by his friends, the elf healer and a tiny dwarf who can’t stop eating, they soon find out that the human world isn’t so scary after all. But between a clanging Liberty Bell and the city’s hustle and bustle, there are a lot of ways for a snoopy elf to get stuck in a pickle. As Sticky’s crazy rescue mission takes him all over town, can he stay out of trouble long enough to bring his sister home? The Fantastic Adventures of Sticky is the first chapter book in a hilarious children’s fantasy series perfect for middle-grade readers. If you and your child like fun quests, magical creatures, and stories sprinkled with history, then you’ll both love Rene Cournoyer’s heartwarming tale of friendship.Buy The Fantastic Adventures of Sticky and join the exciting adventure today!

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Kids from 8-12. Though I have received some good reviews from adults as well.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

My English teachers said I need to stay away from English and Literature. Look at me now. lol

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Get started early. If you get blocked and can’t write what you want, write something else. You’ll be amazed at what shows up.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

All the kids on the planet and adults who are still kids inside.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Editing. I had to learn a lot so my books made sense. Proper english that is.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My imagination is my biggest strength. I self publish, and that took a while to learn, but I did it. I can’t market at all and I don’t seem to have any desire to do so. Weird. I hope to find it in me to do so.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Marketing. I spent thousands and got little results.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I have 15 done so far on the Sticky series and I am working on another 5. All the books are ties together in one big story, but they are also broken into 3-5 book additional stories.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I was published, but I was not happy with the new publishers that I worked with. So I went back to self publishing and I’m hoping to catch a break somewhere in this literary world.