Theresa Gatien, a Whitehorse- and Atlin, B.C.-based author, will be signing copies of her new children’s book in Atlin and in Whitehorse.
Theresa Beaudoin is a retired nurse living a second life now as an author. Published under her maiden name and author name of Theresa Gatien, her first children’s book, The Golden Ring, was published in 2010, though she wrote it in the early ’90s. The story focuses on a squirrel who collects a pile of treasures, one of which is a key. At a suggestion from her late husband, Beaudoin began thinking of stories behind each piece of treasure in the pile.
“I have a magic key that goes on my Christmas wreath for Santa to open the doors when he comes and there’s no chimney,” she says. “So I thought I could make [the squirrel’s key] Santa’s magic key. So that’s how this book was inspired by my husband.”
Throughout her life, Beaudoin has always been interested in writing stories, even before she started publishing them. She published a romance novel, titled My Darling Davis: How Real is Your Love? under the pseudonym T. G. Diamond, in 2009, but being a mother herself, she also wanted to be able to share her stories with children and families.
“I’d had this children’s story, for many years, in my back pocket, and after publishing my novel, I decided to publish my children’s book,” says Beaudoin.
While she previously worked independently, for Santa’s Magic Key, Beaudoin collaborated with Miriam Laundry Publishing. The company set her up with editors and linked her with illustrator Hannah Wood.
“It was so much easier working with the team than out on my own,” Beaudoin says. “I really appreciate what they did and how they did it, and I feel I have a really professional book now that I can present to people. I want to continue my stories, as well, with my little woodland creatures.”
Santa’s Magic Key follows his reindeer Dancer on a quest to find the key, which has gone missing. In the woods of Canada, Dancer meets a group of woodland creatures who may know where the key is. Reviving and continuing the world she had previously created, this time with a Christmas twist, Beaudoin is thrilled to share this new story.
“It’s exciting … it’s extremely exciting,” she says. “My goal is to inspire people to write stories and get them out there. This story is about the magic key; it’s about friendship and Christmas traditions.”
Beaudoin hopes to see this story inspire children to talk about their families’ Christmas traditions and share pieces of their heritage with each other.
“If I can inspire kids and families to do that, then I’ve done something,” she continues. “I’m a caregiver; I like to help people. So if I can help somebody get through something, then I’ve helped somebody and I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.”
After her book’s initial launch on Dec. 10, Beaudoin will be making two in-person appearances to sell and sign copies. The first will be at the Atlin Recreational Centre on Dec. 13, and the second will be in Whitehorse at Mac’s Fireweed Books on Dec. 19. The book is also available online on Amazon. Visit theresagatienchildrensbooks.com to learn more about Beaudoin and Santa’s Magic Key.
