About A. J. Bougher

I have to say that the past forty years have given me a lot of experiences to fuel my desire to writing. I have dabbled over the years but never attempted any serious writing projects. life has had a way of distracting me, demanding that I focus me attention s elsewhere. In 2001 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis which derailed my career as a Landscaper and Garden Designer. I could no longer work full time. Over the next twenty-some years I did dabble in gardening as my health permitted. 

I also did a little bit of writing that went nowhere at the time. I went back to school and earned an associate's degree in journalism, and went on to pursue a degree in English with a focus on writing. I was three years into my studies when my mother fell ill and became fully wheelchair dependent. My attentions were called to assist her and the 90-mile commute was too much, seriously affecting my schoolwork. It was decided that I would pursue school at a more convenient time.

My mother's health did not improve and eventually she needed me full-time. I left the life I had built with my very understanding partner to help her. After she passed, disaster struck for me and my partner and we lost everything. I was blessed to be able to keep my service dog, Liberty Star, an English Mastiff. Six months later I suffered a stroke.

Once again, I was faced with a life altering situation. While in Rehab, I took up painting. This was something I had enjoyed in college. it was therapeutic, helping me to regain use of my right hand and arm.

 I painted for two years and realized that I was average at best and that I needed to do something else. (My family had been the recipients of my creative work for too long.)

Inspired by the birth of my granddaughter Raleigh I began writing children's stories. I never thought that anything would comr of them until my Physical Therapist suggested i seek publication since Amazon was making publication a reality for everyone.

At first, I was resistant to the idea but soon realized that this was something I could actually do. I rewrote a story I had written for my daughter when they were 9 years old. I stumbled across a publisher online one Sunday night and the rest is history. A Shell for Clara is a reality, and I am pleased to be able to share it with readers everywhere

A.J. Bougher is the mother of two and grandmother of four. She enjoys painting and writing. She lives in Maysville, Georgia with her supportive partner one large dog, a house hippo and five opinionated cats.