Welcome to Indie Publishing Group, Sarah Bachand, and welcome to our author interviews! If you could start by introducing yourself to everyone, let them know where you’re from, and some of your interests and hobbies.
I am a full-time single mom. I raised two beautiful daughters, and we live with our dog, Anouk, and our bunny, Daisy. I am passionate about long-distance running. I’ve been a nurse for 22 years, and I can honestly say that nursing shaped who I am today. I feel that I have the best job in the world and get to meet really inspiring people — my patients and colleagues. The combination of raising two girls, nursing, and running has triggered a love of writing.
What inspired you to start writing?
I used to journal from a very young age. I have always loved writing. When I started running, I would often run without any music. It gave space for creativity and thoughts. That is when I started my blog. I started writing about running, raising kids, gardening, and nursing.
What is your preferred genre to write in?
I like writing short pieces on different topics that I’m reflecting on, combining personal reflections and storytelling. I’m fascinated by good storytellers and inspired by amazing people who share how they navigate through adversity. I blog when I feel inspired.
My first book was on perinatal loss. I co-authored it with my friend and colleague. We both lost our pregnancies in the second trimester — I was carrying twins. Our goal in writing this book was to better support families going through perinatal loss. It was published by Publications Québec and is now offered to grieving families in several Montreal hospitals.
Words from the Heart: A Collection on Perinatal Bereavement
I wrote my second book after being offered a position in a women’s health clinic — Canada’s largest breast center. Not knowing much about breast cancer at the time, I invited women to help me publish a testimonial book on the subject, with personal texts about diagnosis, self-esteem, sexuality, waiting for results, and the fear of recurrence. This project truly helped me become a better nurse, and I’m deeply grateful to the women who shared their difficult journeys.
What was the hardest part of self-publishing?
I don’t see myself as an author. I struggle with imposter syndrome. I truly enjoy the process of writing. I become completely absorbed when I’m passionate about a subject, but sharing what I write is always the hardest part. I have no formal training, and I often doubt myself, wondering if what I write is really that interesting. But I remind myself that discomfort fosters growth — and so I keep doing it.
The most difficult part for me is the technology side. I’m not very computer-savvy and depend on wonderful support for that aspect of self-publishing.
Which book is your favorite and why?
The Illegal by Lawrence Hill. I love it because it’s about running and overcoming adversity. I also love storytelling! This is a great story.
What’s next for you as an author?
I have no idea. All I know is that I want to keep writing. I might even take up some classes.
Where is your ultimate holiday destination?
Anywhere with my kids and partner, my dog, my laptop, and my running shoes.
What are some of the items on your bucket list?
I am not a fan of bucket lists. I’ve been inspired by an interview I heard with Suleika Jaouad. She has been faced with cancer for many years. She hates being told to live as if every day were her last day. Instead, she chooses to live every day as if it were her first day. Opposite of bucket lists, it brings you to look at the world with gratitude every day, appreciating the simplest things.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview, Sarah Bachand!
Check out where you can buy Sarah Bachand’s books below and how to follow Sarah Bachand on social media. If you would like to do an author interview or have questions about our author features, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Author Name: Sarah Bachand
Genre/s: Memoir | Non-Fiction
Author Website: N/A
Social Media Links: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Blogspot.
Best Link to Where People Can Buy Your Book: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1069869201
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At Indie Publishing Group, we’re proud to support Canadian self-published and traditionally published authors across all genres.
If you are writing a book and need any assistance with paperback or ebook formatting, cover design, professional editing, uploading to self-publishing sites such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, or Amazon KDP keyword and category research, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We also offer children’s book illustrations and formatting services.
For Canadian authors still considering whether or not Amazon KDP is the best self-publishing platform for them, check out The Complete Guide to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for Canadian Authors, where we cover everything you’ll need to know about getting started on Amazon KDP for the first time.
