Interview with Christal Beaujeaux

Author of Shattered Dream Broken Heart Mended by a Loving God

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

I am originally from Ponchatoula Louisiana and am currently residing in Ponchatoula Louisiana

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I have always lived in Ponchatoula Louisiana except the six months I went to college in Cleveland Tennessee. I had thought about moving back to Tennessee and may still do so in the near future. I love being in the mountains and the atmosphere was amazing.

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

I decided to write a book when some of my professors from college asked me if I had ever considered writing a book, because they felt as though I was gifted with how to put feelings into words. This book came on the heels of a long term relationship that ended abruptly. I went through a severe depression to the point I attempted suicide, while still in college. It just so happens that we were studying about suicide, so this gave me the tools I needed to carry it out. However, just as I was about to take the pills, I heard the word STOP! After this, I was looking for ways to cope with my emotions and found that writing helped. By the time I finished writing, I realized that I had written a book. I began to do research on publishing companies, and found one who quickly agreed to publish my book, calling it an inspirational story.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

This book talks of an event that caused a lot of pain and heartache within me. This is my personal story of how someone came into my life and helped me recover from a horrible and devastation sexual assault. This book witnesses to an overwhelming battle for freedom and serenity and proves God’s love for His children. This book tugs at the hearts of the readers and instills a desire for hope and faith in the Lord, despite the pain and sorrow.

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

I have already had several people who have read my book, say that it encouraged them. One who has battled depression stated that for the first time, as she read my book, she felt as though she could breathe easily and face her depression head on.

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

I learned that I had a hidden talent that was not revealed until I decided to attend college and study Counseling. I learned that my experience, although painful, is one that I can utilize to help others who have experienced a similar event in their life.

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

Allow myself to be open about my experiences and how I survived. As I wrote this book, I admit it was hard and I cried through most of it. I would tell myself that crying through it would be okay.

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

As many people as I can. I want them to be inspired and encouraged. I want them to know that when they are at their lowest, God is at His highest.

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

The biggest challenge was waiting to see my book come together and printed.

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

My biggest strength in book writing is being open to writing what my heart feels. My biggest strength in publishing and marketing is taking advantage of social media and sharing my story in public.

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

The biggest weakness for writing the book was dealing with the emotions that came with writing. It was also having to open up old wounds to tell my story. The biggest weakness for publishing and marketing is limited opportunities to share my story

When do you think you will write your next book?

I am in the process of writing another one, an encore to the first.

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

I used a publishing company