INTERVIEW: David Beaumier Continues to Give Back to Literary Community

Welcome to the Tuesday Author Interview with Christina Boyd for the Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

CHRISTINA: I first met author David Beaumier in the spring of 2024 when I had a day pass to attend a screenwriting course by author-producer Kim Hornsby in Bellingham, Washington, at the Chanticleer Authors Conference (CAC). He was working at the check-in desk and offered lots of information about Chanticleer as well as other local writing groups. The following year, I met David again, as he was again one of the organizers of the CAC conference in April. He's super friendly, knowledgeable, and kind. When I saw that his first book was released this fall, I was excited that he made time for this interview.

David Beaumier with debut book, THE MOURNING FIELDS, at release day event. Photo courtesy of the author.

What is your current project or latest release?

DAVID: The Mourning Fields is my latest release! This is a collection of short stories set in a contemporary setting and inspired by Greek myth. At their heart, these look at the different ways people hurt each other, and how we move through and grow past the traumas we like to brush under the rug, no matter how common these kinds of events are in our lives and the lives of those around us. The early reception has been extraordinary and a gift thus far.

CHRISTINA: Congratulations on the release of The Mourning Fields. Blending myth with modern trauma and healing is such a compelling concept.

What do you think makes a good story?

DAVID: I think it has to be conflict. Without someone pushing back against a force in their life, we end up with a show where nothing happens. Conflict doesn't have to be world-ending proportions. It can be the struggle to get out of bed in the morning. Once you've settled on the problem, the next step is making it real to the reader.

"Writers Corner Anthology," an event David hosts once a year with Village Books, featuring writers from their writing groups. (Photo courtesy of the author.)

CHRISTINA: Absolutely—conflict is the engine of any good story. I love how you highlight that even the smallest internal battles can carry deep narrative weight when made real to the reader.

Do you put people you know, or their characteristics, in your book?

DAVID: I think that, like my stories are inspired by Greek myths, there is inspiration drawn from my life. One thing I often struggle with as a writer is what people are supposed to look like, so I'll often borrow physical descriptions from anyone, from friends to folks at coffee shops.

CHRISTINA: That's a great approach—blending myth with personal experience adds depth, and borrowing real-world details makes characters feel authentic and grounded.

Is there one of your characters you most identify with and why?

David at Chanticleer Author Conference, April 2022. Photo courtesy of the author.

DAVID: The characters in "Just Say Yes" connect with me the most. The story is closely based on an experience I had where someone hurt me deeply, and I wrote it to both try and understand that person and to do some personal healing. While I do get a range of responses to that one, I do find that when it lands, it lands so solidly that I couldn't cut it from the collection. It's not always that the stories you write as a sort of therapy for yourself are something that a general audience is interested in, and I'm really glad this one did.

CHRISTINA: That’s powerful—it's amazing when something so personal resonates deeply with others. It speaks to the story’s emotional honesty and the universality of healing through writing.

From David's point of view, at his release day event at Village Books, Fairhaven, WA. Photo courtesy of the author.

Favorite contemporary author?

DAVID: There are so many wonderful ones, but I think everyone should read The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin. Her world-building, character development, and just line-by-line writing craft are unparalleled for me.

CHRISTINA: Best advice for new writers:

DAVID: For brand new writers working to finish their first manuscript: get started. Don't wait for the perfect moment or perfect conditions. Discipline is great for day-to-day, and if you feel inspired to go for something else, do it. I once planned to create my author website for a college project but reworked it based on teacher feedback instead of pursuing what excited me. Chase what you want and make it fit into your life.

THE MOURNING FIELDS by David Beaumier

For writers navigating the publishing industry: Always treat people well. This doesn't mean you say yes to everyone, and it certainly doesn't mean you put up with jerks, it just means you always hold yourself to a high standard when interacting with anyone. I've been giving this advice for around 10 years now, and having just sold out my first author event, I can finally say I have empirical evidence that it's good advice.

CHRISTINA: That’s such solid advice—waiting for perfect conditions can stall creativity. Pursuing what excites you and making it work in your life is key to staying motivated and true to your voice. And professionalism and kindness go a long way in this industry. And in life. It’s great to hear how staying true to that standard has paid off in such a meaningful way!

So far, what is your greatest accomplishment as a writer?

David with his Literary Citizenship Award. Photo courtesy of the author.

DAVID: Village Books started a Literary Citizenship Award Program that they award to people who “demonstrated a commitment to engage with the literary community with the intent of giving as much, if not more so, than they receive. This can take many different forms, such as giving back to the literary community in a meaningful way, making yourself available to other writers as time allows to provide your knowledge and expertise, championing other people's successes, and involving yourself in the local literary landscape of independent bookstores, libraries, and writing organizations.”

Me with David Beaumier at the Bellingham Mini-Con, October 24, 2025, that he organized at Village Books and Fairhaven Library.

The first year, one of my mentors was awarded it posthumously, another posthumous recipient stood up to the FBI during the Bush era when personal data was under threat, and the third person was the Washington State Poet Laureate. Given the caliber of previous recipients, I didn’t know what to say when Village Books called to tell me I'd be the next awardee. I don't know that another award or recognition will ever supersede that kind of community care being shown back to me.

CHRISTINA: That’s an incredibly moving honor. Being recognized for giving back to the literary community, especially among such inspiring past recipients, is truly special. It speaks volumes about your impact and generosity. Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with the literary community and thank you for this interview! By the way, the recent 'pop-up' conference, Bellingham Mini-Con, was a stellar event. Especially on such short notice. Best wishes on your next project—you deserve every good thing.

Award-winning author David Beaumier

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Beaumier is the youngest recipient of the Village Books Literary Citizenship Award and has worked in the publishing industry and the Bellingham literary community since 2013. David lives in Bellingham, Washington, where he supports indie authors and book publishers at Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media. In his free time, he teaches Argentine Tango. You can connect with David through his website and social media.