Author Q&A: Emily V. Bastien

Today we’re interviewing Emily V. Bastien, one of the youngest published authors in US history when she released her first book at seven years old.

Writing a book at any age is a significant accomplishment, but in an era where one in four American children grows up without learning how to read, Emily is one of a kind.

Emily is an avid reader who loves to create her own stories. Her passion and persistence made her first book, Aqua Tales, a reality.

At nine years old, Emily released her second book, The Fearless Fantabulous Five, in 2018. It is a collection of five original short stories. The stories share a common message of courage, hope, and faith. They empower readers to live a life of fearlessness.

Being a published author and international speaker, Emily proves that age is not an obstacle when kids are determined to achieve their goals.

She continues to share her love for books with kids at schools, churches and conferences throughout the United States, Europe and Caribbean Islands. Emily inspires others to read more, write more, and find their own voice.

SADYE: Which of your characters would you most and least like to trade places with?

EMILY: I would like to trade places with the character Esther in my story “Victoria Gem” (from Aqua Tales). She is a princess who decides to climb the Gaza Pyramid with her brother.

What I love most about Esther is that she is smart and adventurous. She wanted to be the first little girl to climb to the top of the pyramid and claim the Victoria Gem.

She reached her goal by answering some very tough riddles, getting support from her brother and not giving up even though the trip was long and hard. Esther is a role model, and I want to be the same thing for other kids.

I would not like to trade places with the character Chris in my story “Two Trails” (from The Fearless Fantabulous Five).

Chris always got his way and never liked to follow rules. One day he went hiking and decided to ignore the signs posted on the trails. God tried to tell him to take one trail, but he decided to do what he wanted to do.

It was not long after he started hiking that the trail got dangerous. There were rocks on the path, hissing snakes and thorns all around him. He got scared and run all the way back to the start of the trail.

He learned the importance of being obedient and trusting God that day. I do not want to go through that much trouble like Chris did just to learn these lessons.

SADYE: What have been the most surprising, rewarding, and challenging parts of your writing career?

EMILY: The most surprising part of my writing career is how much I can inspire someone with my stories.

When I first started writing, I did not think that the ideas which popped into my head would help others during their daily lives.

The most rewarding part is pouring my heart into my book and having it be well received by both kids and adults.

As I travel around doing my book tours, many people have told me that they really love my stories. I have often heard, "You are so young and have done so much. You make me want to follow my dreams too."

The most challenging part of writing is brainstorming ideas and then going through rounds of edits. I come up with stories very quickly, and I really enjoy that part.

However, before my books are published, there are many rounds of editing, which is not always fun.  

SADYE: Which historical figure would you most like to meet and why?

EMILY: I would really like to go back to Biblical times when Moses was alive.

Moses was known as a prophet and a friend of God. I really like Moses because God protected him from when he was born. He was rescued as a baby from the river.

Moses spent many years living as a prince, but he still cared about those living around him who less fortunate or those in slavery.

If I had the chance, I would have Moses tell me about his experience watching the Red Sea separate and all the Israelites walking on dry land.

I would want all the details of how God saved them and then destroyed their enemies in Red Sea. The parting of the sea was a true miracle, which would be wonderful to experience firsthand or at least hear about it directly from Moses.  

SADYE: What has been the most touching or memorable piece of reader feedback you’ve received?

EMILY: I heard from a church member that a young girl in Guyana really loved to read. Her story touched my heart so much that I had my mom send her a signed copy of my Fearless Fantabulous Five book.

After a few weeks, I received a message through her uncle that she really loved my book. She was very surprised that at ten years old I had already written two books.

She has now started to write her first book and she said "If Emily can write a book at such a young age, I can too!" This made me very happy.

I love encouraging other kids to read more and write more so we can change the world.

SADYE: What message or theme would you like readers to take away from your work?

EMILY: The theme of my first book, Aqua Tales, is about kids solving problems.

There are a lot of kids who have no one to talk to when they are facing a hard time — for example, when they are being bullied in school or having to deal with a new sibling at home.

My book helps kids learn how to share their troubles with an adult they trust, treat others like they want to be treated, and never give up when dealing with a difficult task.

The theme of my second book, The Fearless Fantabulous Five, is about facing fears whether at school, home or even church.

Fear affects everyone, both young and old people. We are usually not our best when we are afraid of something or someone.

We can learn how to deal with fear by relying on God. There are many scriptures that tells us how to deal with fear.

My book helps remind readers not to live in fear, but to be bold and brave in everything they do each day.

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Learn more about Emily V. Bastien on her website, where her books can also be purchased; like her on Facebook and follow her on Instagram. 

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