Meet Alysson Bourque | Award-Winning and Bestselling Author of The Alycat Series

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alysson Bourque and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alysson, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of The Alycat Series is the fact that this series is inspired and written for all children. The goal was to provide readers with a tool to help them creatively solve their own problems and learn how to cope with tough situations. By incorporating imagination, kindness, and creativity into their daily lives through books, they gain the skills to conquer the world!

Alycat may be a character in a story, but she represents our children who have these day-to-day, real-life issues. When challenging situations arise, she finds the courage, creativity, and confidence to solve her problems. I want kids who may be having a bad day to sit down with Monday Blues and utilize skills from the book to learn how to cope with a tough situation. As a child, I remember being able to turn my day around with a captivating book, discovering something new to take my mind off the problem, or by making others smile that led to me smiling. Turning a bad situation around can be hard for some people. The grief can swallow you up and it’s hard to see the light. We must teach our children the skills at a very young age to maintain positivity, self-worth, and hope. They will come across situations that will sway them in this world—everywhere they turn. Knowing how to overcome their troubles and having the courage to change their situation gives them the ability to conquer anything.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
How did you come up with the Alycat series?

After nearly eight years of a practicing law, I wanted something more out of a career. Something I was truly passionate about and that would leave a legacy. So, I took a temporary retirement to spend more time with my family and find a different path.

One evening, my children asked for more books for storytime as they had read every book in their overflowing bookshelf. I looked at the books on the shelf and the floor and simply told them I could write them a story for the next night. I always loved to write and dream up stories—however, time never allowed me to put them on paper. They jumped for joy and thought that it a great idea. Because they believed in me, I had the courage to believe in myself. We tucked them and took out a piece of paper and started to write. The story just unfolded as I channeled my childhood and my own children’s experiences.

One book in 2016 has now turned into seven books in a series, including (7) plush toys, and and activity book, that is sold worldwide. The series has won over 22 awards, has original songs on iTunes and YouTube, and has been featured in the Official Grammy’s Swag Bag and Oscar’s Gift Bag.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Louisiana, our favorite spots to visit are Moncus Park in Lafayette, LA and Avery Island. Avery Island is a salt dome best known as the source of Tabasco sauce. Restaurant picks…hmmm—our go-to is Social Southern Table and Market Eatz.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am inspired daily by my own children and our pets. I listen to my children’s dreams, goals, problems, and the way they interact with others. If they have an issue or problem, I acknowledge that in a story with problem-solving skills to resolve it. My pets provide plenty of content too. Our Corgi, Winnie, and new rescue cat, Chancey, are best friends. They offer plenty of writing inspiration with their frolics and antics.

Website: www.alycatseries.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thealycatseries

Linkedin: @AlyssonBourque

Twitter: www.twitter.com/AlyssonFBourque

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thealycatseries

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAlycatSeries

Image Credits
Scott Clause Photography