Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Barchelle “Chelly” Bolger Wathen, a native San Diegan, now resides in Prescott, Arizona. She loves spending time with her husband, George, and their “fur kid” Shayla. She is a college graduate with a Master of Public Administration degree, and worked almost thirty years as a paralegal/senior paralegal with the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. From legal documents and grant proposals to college papers and her thesis, Chelly always enjoyed writing. Now it’s time to tell Shayla’s story, God’s story.
“Shayla & Friends” initiated this book series, sharing the true story about her remarkable, adventurous shepherd/wolfdog Shayla who came to America from a Ukrainian orphanage, and the friends she made along the way. “Shayla & Friends: Into the Light” continues the story of Shayla’s journey from Ukraine to find her forever family. “Shayla’s Adventure” is a fictional children’s book series that inspires all with Shayla’s lessons of love and friendship. In addition to writing Shayla’s books, Chelly produces plays based on these stories.
Chelly works full-time as an Ombudsman Specialist for the State of Arizona/NACOG. Together with her craftsman husband George, they operate a small woodworking business, “Wathen Custom Woodcrafts.” She also enjoyed volunteering with local animal rescue groups. But her favorite activity is enjoying God’s creation with family and friends: kayaking, ziplining, and hiking mountain trails, especially with Shayla.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest published book is the middle grade kids book, “Shayla’s Adventure: Finding the Light in the Darkness” (with Activity booklet). This is a rewrite of our original kids book, “Shayla’s Adventure: What’s Across the Ocean?” This is the fictional story of our dog Shayla and an orphan boy, Ashok, who go to the ocean and pretend to be pirates. They seek shelter from a storm in an old lighthouse, and meet a rather angelic lighthouse keeper. Sharing stories of love and friendship, inspired by the orphanage kids.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write at the kitchen table so I can listen to Worship Songs on tv and be inspired.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Alyson Sheldrake, Kate the Dog
Kim Meeder at Crystal Peaks Ranch book series
What are you working on now?
Just submitted and approved my novel “Shayla & Friends:: Into the Light” about Shayla coming to America from Ukraine. She joins our fictional 8 acre dog ranch, helps a troubled teen and new forever family (humans and dogs) overcomes past losses. Together they capture bank robbers, survive forest fire and loss of friends. Will she stay with her forever family or join the stray wolves?
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My publicist at Lamourie Media
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up on giving a voice to the characters in your mind – get them out on paper and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Lots of great advice from The Bible and Rumi but also my dad told me my whole life “Be Patient!” So easy to say, so hard to practice sometimes but sure makes life easier. .
What are you reading now?
Amber Rae, “Choose Wonder over Worry”
What’s next for you as a writer?
Publish Shayla’s new book soon then work on new Shayla book for young kids for Christmas
What is your favorite book of all time?
anything by Leo Buscaglia
Author Websites and Profiles
BARCHELLE (CHELLY) BOLGER WATHEN Website
BARCHELLE (CHELLY) BOLGER WATHEN Amazon Profile
BARCHELLE (CHELLY) BOLGER WATHEN Author Profile Other Bookseller
BARCHELLE (CHELLY) BOLGER WATHEN’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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