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CLAUDE BOUCHARD

Claude Bouchard is a first time self-published author with a fantastic career in writing ahead of him. Claude's unique style of spin makes him one step ahead of this generation's authors and boy does he have a story to tell. I have the utmost respect for any author who goes it alone and self-publishes but to do whilst reinventing the vigilante genre, well Claude has earned this reviewers notice!


Above: Claude Bouchard
Above: Vigilante Cover
Vigilante Review
Introduction
Claude Bouchard is another new author bringing to the world a fantastic new story which is a fascinating spin on the Suspense Thriller genre. His style drives you right into the centre of the plot where you stand pivoting watching the characters and story play out as if you are there. If I could pull off wearing a hat, I would indeed take it off to him; because not only has he managed to spin this amazing web of crime and vengeance, but he has done it by self publishing.
The Book
The Vigilante is a killer with a special taste in victims; criminals in Montreal. There is a trail of bodies with his calling cards on them, the night is his cloak and the streets are his playground. But he has several law enforcement departments on his tail so will this Dark Avenger who shows no mercy be brought to justice? I tell you what I will let you find that out for yourself. Just make sure you pick your copy up early in the day, after all… You don’t want to be reading Vigilante at night.
AN INTERVIEW WITH CLAUDE BOUCHARD;
Claude Bouchard is a fantastic self-published author with an incredible talent, and I have managed to pin him down to get him to answer a few questions for you, the readers. So without further a-due may I please present to you… CLAUDE BOUCHARD.
1. I know I am intrigued to find out a bit more about what makes you as a writer tick so, please tell me and my readers how did you come up with this incredible storyline?
To be honest, I really don’t know where the story came from. I’ve always found it horrendous how so many people get away with violent crimes or, at the very least, don’t pay a price commensurate to the crimes committed. I started with the basic idea of having such criminals pay the true price and, since traditional justice systems didn’t have the capacity to deliver, I felt vigilantism was the solution for my story. Once that was decided, the story just literally tumbled out.
2. How long did it take you to write the original manuscript, and were you happy with the first draft or did you rewrite it several times?
I wrote the first draft in eight weeks and was happy with it as far as the storyline went. That first draft was more of a rough map, however and has been revised and edited on countless occasions to become what Vigilante is today.
3. When you write do you envision your characters as certain actors or people, and if so, who?
Generally not but I must admit that when I initially finished writing Vigilante in 1995, Matthew McConaughey came to mind as who might play Chris Barry in a film version at the time.
4. How did you get into writing, and what did you do before that?
I started writing with Vigilante in 1995 and truly enjoyed creating a novel length, realistic story from imagination. Once my characters were born and developed, it just made sense to go on and write what they subsequently did in their lives. The results were The Consultant in 1996 and Mind Games in 1997. These were more so hobbies as I spent my days working in a human resources management capacity. I stopped writing for a number of years after Mind Games as more time was dedicated to my career and other leisure activities such as painting. Having lost my employment due to globalization, I pulled out, reviewed and revised my manuscripts in 2009 and wrote The Homeless Killer, a sequel taking place ten years later. I have self-published all four novels and have since acquired representation with Tribe Literary Agency which is currently seeking a traditional publisher for my work.
5. What is it about writing that draws you to it?
I like to compare writing to reading with the exception being that I’m the one who decides where the story is going. Similar to reading, I often have no clue what is going to happen until I get there.
6. And finally one question I ask every author because I know it will help my readers; do you have any advice for my readers who are looking to self-publish?
First and foremost, one must realize that in self-publishing, there are no editors, no proof-readers, no sales, marketing, promotion or distribution personnel. You are it, or have to pay others to assume any or all of those responsibilities. It is not an easy road and involves a lot of time and effort. All of the issues mentioned are important if you want your book to be a success. Your work must be professionally presented, free of errors and properly formatted. Buyers will be paying good money and will expect a quality product. Stating that you are an indie author is simply not an acceptable reason for a shoddy product. In terms of promotion, nobody out there will be aware that your book exists unless you get the word out, be it via the internet with a website and social media or physically with local bookstores. Be ready to roll up your sleeves if you plan to self-publish and be successful.
And with that I would like to thank you for your time and I look forward to your answers.
Thank you for featuring me on your website.