Author Spotlight – Paul Breau is an award-winning writer from Vancouver, British Columbia. He writes coming of age, middle-grade stories that feature smart, funny, and authentic characters dealing with challenging situations. Today I’m featuring two of his books, Siarra Jones: Skating into Trouble and Jake Murphy: The Karate Choke. Paul was kind enough to answer a few interview questions for me. Please read on to discover more about this charming author.
Siarra Jones: Skating Into Trouble (Step-By-Step Series, Book 1) by Paul Breau Published by TKI Productions on November 13, 2019
Pages: 140
Buy on AmazonIce skating, best friends, and a bully.
Siarra Jones and her best friend Mia love ice skating. They are super excited to start their new lessons. If they pass the class, they’ll get to join an elite skating group.
Unfortunately, sometimes life has a funny way of pulling the ice out from under you.
Siarra Jones Skating Into Trouble is an exciting, fast-paced story about a smart, thoughtful, and adventurous young girl struggling to find a way to deal with a faster skater who picks on her.
Will Siarra give up on her dream of joining an elite skating school, or can she figure out a way to deal with the skating bully?
Siarra Jones Skating Into Trouble is an anti-bullying story that promotes a positive growth mindset. It is ideal for middle-grade children between the ages of 9-12.
The Step-By-Step series are realistic, coming-of-age stories that feature smart, funny, and authentic characters dealing with challenging situations.
Illustrated by: John Beveridge.
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Jake Murphy: The Karate Choke (Step-By-Step Series, Book 2) by Paul Breau Published by TKI Productions on February 18, 2020
Genres: Fiction, Children's, Middle-Grade
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 138
Buy on AmazonJake Murphy The Karate Choke
They call him 'The Brain' at Central Elementary because Jake is so smart, but he can't outsmart the anxiety that makes him choke under pressure.
JAKE MURPHY loved school and was considered one of the smartest kids at Central Elementary School. But during a presentation in front of his classmates, his anxiety took over, and he completely choked. After getting relentlessly teased by mean classmates, Jake thought his life couldn't get any worse.
He was wrong…
In an effort to help him 'build character,' Jake's parents have signed him up for karate lessons. Now, Jake must figure out a way to deal with his anxiety about school and learn how to defend himself from the dreaded KARATE CHOKE…
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Siarra Jones Skating Into T...Shop on Amazon 
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Author Spotlight – Paul Breau
About Paul Breau
Paul Breau is an award-winning writer from Vancouver, British Columbia. He writes coming of age, middle-grade stories that feature smart, funny, and authentic characters dealing with challenging situations.
Paul lives with his wife, daughter, and a Chihuahua dog named Poppy. He loves skating, karate, and lots of other sports. He is an avid reader and loves to draw.
Paul completed a BA in English Literature from the University of British Columbia.
If you enjoy Paul's books, the best way to keep up with his work is to join the Paul Breau reader list at PaulBreau.com
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Author Interview:
What inspired you to write in this genre?
I love reading Middle-Grade books and I have a nine-year-old daughter. I wanted to write books that she would enjoy.
Do you have a set writing schedule?
I try to write a little every day. Some days I’m able to write more than others, but it’s always a good day if I get some writing done.
Do you need silence to write, or can you work in any environment?
I can write in silence or with background instrumental music, but I find it hard to write if there is a lot of talking going on around me.
What is your favorite type of music?
I enjoy most music, but lately, I’ve really been enjoying music called ‘Chillhop.” Give it a listen if you’ve never tried it. It’s great music to write to.
If you could set up your perfect writing scenario, what would it involve?
My perfect writing scenario is in my home sitting at my comfy writing chair with a hot cup of coffee (and hours of uninterrupted writing time).
How do you choose the names of your characters?
I often use names from students at my daughter’s school. The mean kids all become villains. Siarra is a play on my daughter’s name, Sienna. Jake Murphy is the name of my friend’s son.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a comic book artist. I’m still working on that.
What do you read for pleasure?
I love reading middle-grade books, especially the ones that tug at your heartstrings. I love everything by Kate DiCamillo and recently finished the amazing track series by Jason Reynolds.
What has influenced your writing the most?
Reading. Whether it was Shakespeare, Spider-Man, or The Lord of the Rings, great stories have always inspired me. Who doesn’t love a great story, right? It’s important for people, especially children, to find stories that speak to them. When you find a story that speaks to you, it’s like you’ve found a long lost friend. It’s a wonderful feeling.
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Author Spotlight – Paul Breau
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Yeshiva Girl by Rachel Mankowitz
Carl Goes to Mouse World by RJ Richards
This book review may also be found on the following Link-ups:
Lovely Audiobook’s Monthly Link-up
The Inspire Me Monday Link Party
I wanted to be a comic book artist when I was younger too. I became a graphic designer so close enough right? 😛