Eric Fontaine is a children’s author from the Acadian Peninsula in New Brunswick. He is the author of two books, Le défi de Charlie and La peur de Charlie, touching stories that highlight values such as friendship, mutual support, and the courage to be oneself.

Before dedicating himself to education and writing, he worked for several years in the healthcare field. In 2021, he began a new chapter as an educational assistant at DSFS, where he discovered a true passion for supporting young people.

His work with students, combined with his sensitivity and desire to make a difference, directly fuels his writing. Through his books and in his daily life, Eric seeks to inspire young people, build their confidence, and remind them that they matter.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what sparked your interest in writing?

Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a writer, but over time, that dream faded a bit. It wasn’t until I changed careers that it came back to me, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

I’ve always been very emotional, and I’ve wanted to share those feelings. Writing allows me to create stories that speak to young people and show them that they’re okay just the way they are.

What inspires or excites you in your work?

What inspires me is everyday life… my children, the people around me… and even the simple little moments. I think a lot at night, and the little mouse in my head is always on the go! That’s often when story ideas come to me.

Describe your creative process, from idea to finished work. Can you explain how a story/book comes to life?

Sometimes I get up in the middle of the night just to jot down a few sentences when an idea strikes. When I have an idea, I write it down right away… for my first book, I even wrote most of the sentences on Post-its, haha!

Your books feature Charlie, a charming little mouse who helps children explore themes such as friendship, inclusion, emotions, and coping with fear. What motivated you to create the character of Charlie?

I created Charlie because I wanted a lovable character that children could relate to. Charlie is a bit like me: she moves fast, and sometimes she forgets to slow down. She has emotions, fears, and she’s learning to move forward. The idea came from little moments in my life, from thoughts at night or during the day, and little by little, she took shape in my mind. Today, Charlie is that little mouse who accompanies children through their stories and emotions.

In your view, what qualities or aspects of Charlie make her relatable or appealing to young readers?

What makes Charlie so endearing is that she’s real, just like us, but in a different form! She has emotions, fears, strengths… and, like children, she’s learning to move forward and face life.

What interests you about writing children’s books, and what led you to choose this genre?

What interests me about writing for children is their unique way of seeing the world. I chose this genre because I knew, ever since I was a child myself, that if I ever wrote a book, it would be for children… Simple, authentic, and heartwarming stories in which they can see themselves and find the inspiration to move forward.

How has your personal experience or upbringing influenced your work?

I faced challenges in school and went through some tough times, but along the way, people came into my life to encourage me and show me that I could keep going. Those experiences taught me the importance of support and perseverance, and that’s what I try to convey in my books.

What do you hope readers feel or learn from your books?

I hope that when children read my stories, they feel understood, realize that they’re not alone in facing their fears and challenges, and find the courage to keep going, even when things get tough.

How do you overcome creative blocks or moments of self-doubt?

To be honest, there have been times when I felt like giving up, but it never lasted long. It may sound funny, but I truly believe that Charlie the Mouse popped into me just when I needed her most. When I hit a wall or start to doubt myself, I take a step back, give myself short breaks, go back to simple ideas, and talk to friends or family. It helps me regain confidence and get back on track, step by step.

What has been your biggest success and/or biggest mistake in your journey as an artist, and how did you grow or learn from that?

I’d say my greatest achievement is having had the courage to publish my children’s books, despite my doubts and the moments when I felt like giving up. My biggest “mistake” was putting too much pressure on myself at the beginning and wanting everything to be perfect right away. Over time, I’ve learned that every step counts, that even small steps are important, and that perseverance and the support of the people around me make all the difference.

How has living and working in New Brunswick helped and/or inspired you on your journey?

I’ve always lived in New Brunswick. Life here is simple, people know each other, and that inspires me!

Describe what you are most proud of in your career.

I’m really happy with what I’ve accomplished by creating this little world with Charlie. Seeing Charlie come to life and watching children relate to him makes me truly happy! But if I had to choose just one in particular, I’d say that when Le Défi de Charlie became a bestseller is something I’m especially proud of.

What would your dream project look like?

I dream that my stories will reach far and wide, and that Charlie will become a part of children’s everyday lives… and, well, I’ll admit, seeing us on a billboard one day would be really fun! Haha.

What advice do you have for young writers or aspiring authors?

It’s about believing in yourself, taking risks, and moving forward. Don’t be afraid of mistakes or doubts—every small step counts. Even when it’s hard, keep writing, creating, and following your ideas… one day, they will come to life.