Interview with Nathalie LeBlanc

"Smaller creatures have moved mountains. Size is no limitation! One's own will decides what one is capable of doing!"

Nathalie wanted to be a published author for nine years, and like many she experienced rejections and setbacks. In July 2010, Nathalie’s fantasy novel Shrinking Forward was released by Sassy Sunflower books, and she is now on their Best Seller list!

What is the book about?

Step into the spectacular world of Fairmont Island and experience a story of friendship and adventure. Shrinking Forward is a fantasy novel featuring two young girls who, in the exploration of a “haunted house”, are drawn into another world to embark on an adventure to save the Mystical Flyers from the captivity and enslavement to the evil wizard, Edgar.

Edgar has destroyed Fairmont Island, which was once ruled by the faerie Queen Marina. The elderly Edgar is obsessed with finding The Book of Faeyess, which explains how the Magical Flyers can live so long and he must find it soon because of his advancing age.

Against the highest odds fighting an evil wizard and snorgals creatures. In a magical place, where a single deed turns Samantha into a hero, and finds her true self, finding out amazing information that changes her life forever. With her heart set on finding her true self, she is about to discover something more amazing than she could have ever read or dreamed up.

What inspired you to write this?

Mike Noel, my soon to be husband inspired me to write this novel.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

“Shrinking Forward.” Before I had children I never stayed in the house at all always enjoyed to be out in nature. I went hiking, biking, rollerblading. My best friend Cassie and I would go down to the river a watch the swans. I actually got to sit with them they were so used to me.

When I became too round in the belly to bike. I sat in the chair and watched Mike working on his computer. That's when I decided that I needed a new hobby because I would now be in doors a lot more!

So that's when Mike made me a challenge! He challenged me to make my short story into a novel! I took the challenged! Of course because I not the type of person to back down from that kind of challenge!

Do you have a specific writing style?

I write until I can picture it as a movie playing before me on a TV screen. So everyone can visualize the world, characters and creatures I have created.

What books have most influenced you?

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, also An Acceptable Time by Madeline L’engle.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Michel Ende.

What book are you reading now?

Strategies for Happiness: How to Achieve Your Happiness Potential by Donna L. Hedley.

What are your current writing projects?

“Fading Away” book 2 in the series entitled the Magic coat.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Not at all. I have worked on it sculpting it into a wonderful piece of art that anyone from the age 9 to 99 can enjoy.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Editing is a long process. LOL

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Dreams do come true if you never give up!

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Nathalie LeBlanc is a Canadian author of young adult fantasy and mother to four children. You can visit her website at nathaliemleblanc.com, and her book, Shrinking Forward, is available to buy on Amazon.