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Summary

Kelly Wilson-Mize discusses her picture book, The Beautiful Story Within Me, which explores the theme of not judging a book by its cover and emphasizes the value and worth of every individual. The book incorporates a gospel message and is suitable for readers of all ages. Kelly shares her personal journey as a writer and the inspiration behind the book. She also talks about her experiences interviewing well-known Christian personalities and her love for books and reading. Kelly reflects on the impact of early childhood experiences on her writing aspirations and offers recommendations for reluctant readers. She discusses the challenges of self-publishing and shares her plans and projects.

 Takeaways

 The Beautiful Story Within Me is a picture book that conveys the message of not judging a book by its cover and emphasizes the value and worth of every individual.

The book incorporates a gospel message and is suitable for readers of all ages.

Kelly Wilson-Mize drew inspiration for the book from her experience as an elementary librarian and her observations of books that were never seen or appreciated by children.

Kelly shares her personal journey as a writer and her love for books and reading, including her experiences interviewing well-known Christian personalities.

She reflects on the impact of early childhood experiences on her writing aspirations and offers recommendations for reluctant readers.

Kelly discusses the challenges of self-publishing and shares her future plans and projects.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to the Book and Author

02:05 The Inspiration Behind the Book

04:08 The Gospel Message in the Book

06:20 Personal Journey and Reflections

08:33 The Role of Animals in the Book

09:03 Writing Journey and Experience

11:29 Interviewing Christian Personalities

13:49 Early Writing Experiences

16:49 The Power of Second to Fourth Grade

17:18 Favorite Books

18:50 Recommendations for Reluctant Readers

22:09 Challenges of Self-Publishing

24:17 Future Plans and Projects

25:26 Where to Find More Information

26:11 Conclusion

www.valeriefentress.com

The Beautiful Story Within Me - Kindle edition by Wilson Mize, Kelly, Brayer, Mark. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Kelly Wilson Mize — A Grace-Filled Journey Toward Perfect Peace~writing

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Summary

 Jean Johnson, author of the Renny Roo's Adventures series, shares her inspiration for the books and how her childhood experiences in the Yucatan jungle influenced her writing. Her books discuss her fascination with dinosaurs and the importance of teaching friendship and manners. Jean also talks about her plans for future books in the series and the availability of bilingual editions. You can find more information about Jean and her books on her website and social media channels.

 Takeaways

 Childhood experiences can inspire and shape creative work.

Educational books can help children learn new words and concepts.

Books can create a welcoming and joyful atmosphere for readers.

Bilingual books can make stories accessible to a wider audience.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Inspiration

03:02 Growing Up in the Yucatan Jungle

06:33 Influence of Childhood Experiences

09:54 Fascination with Dinosaurs

11:39 Introducing Tater Tot

12:47 Teaching Friendship and Manners

14:28 Choosing Book Locations

15:10 Future Books in the Series

17:06 Becoming a Writer

19:03 Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere

21:05 Favorite Books

24:35 Future Plans and Bilingual Books

26:16 Where to Find More Information

Amazon.com: Jean Johnson: books, biography, latest update

www.valeriefentress.com/blog

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Summary

 In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Jarm Del Boccio about her award-winning middle-grade novel, The Heart Changer. Jarm shares the inspiration behind the book and her desire to help kids explore forgiveness and compassion through biblical and historical fiction. They discuss the importance of middle-grade fiction and the impact it can have on young readers. Yarm also talks about her writing journey and future projects. The episode concludes with information on where to find Jarm and her books.

Takeaways

 The Heart Changer is a middle-grade novel that explores forgiveness and compassion through biblical and historical fiction.

Middle-grade fiction is important because it allows young readers to relate to characters who face similar struggles and encourages them to trust in God's plan for their lives.

Jarm Del Boccio's writing journey began with a love for communication and a desire to encourage and inspire others.

Yarm's future projects include a mystery set at the World Columbian Exposition of 1893 and a nonfiction book on aging.

To learn more about Yarm and her books, visit her website at yarmdelboccio.com.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Heart Changer

02:06 The Inspiration Behind The Heart Changer

05:45 Writing Middle-Grade Fiction

09:08 Takeaways from The Heart Changer

13:16 The Importance of Middle-Grade Fiction

17:51 Yarm's Writing Journey

20:05 Favorite Books and Future Projects

23:57 Where to Find Yarm and Her Books

24:09 Conclusion

JARM DEL BOCCIO, AUTHOR - The Heart Changer

The Heart Changer - Kindle edition by Del Boccio, Jarm. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

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Summary

 In this conversation, Valerie Fentress interviews author Jared Michaud about his YA science fiction novel, Bright Star. They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the representation of autism in the main character, and the use of science fiction to communicate truths about God. Jared also explains the concept of Energemetra 6, the energy force in the book's universe. He shares his favorite impactful books and discusses his future plans for the series. Listeners are directed to the E6Universe.com website for more information.

Takeaways

 Science fiction can be a powerful tool to communicate truths about God to teens and young adults.

Representation of diverse characters, such as those with autism, can help readers connect and empathize with the struggles of others.

The concept of Energemetra 6 in Bright Star serves as a force of nature rather than a mystical power, highlighting God's ultimate power and the importance of relationships and character.

Books have the power to impact and change lives, and different books can be impactful during different seasons of life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bright Star and the Author

02:00 Inspiration to Write Science Fiction

04:19 Fascination with Space and God's Creation

06:12 Using Science Fiction to Communicate Truths about God

12:25 Representation of Autism in the Main Character

20:32 The Concept of Energemetra 6

26:05 Impactful Books and the Power of Story

29:38 Future Plans and Related Books

33:11 Where to Find More Information

About - Jared N Michaud

Amazon.com: Brightstar: Energematrice6 – The Epimyth Begins: 9781636982687: Michaud, Jared N.: Books

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Summary

Dr. Ann Worth discusses her three-book series, Tessie's Tears, which addresses difficult topics for children. The inspiration for the series came during the pandemic when Dr. Worth realized the need to help children process the hard things happening in the world. Her counseling background influenced the books, guiding for parents to help their children navigate these topics. The books cover themes of loss, friendship, and the love of animals, while also incorporating salvation and faith. Dr. Worth shares her journey into counseling and her late-in-life conversion to Christianity. She also mentions her favorite books and her plans for future books.

 Takeaways

 Dr. Ann Worth's Tessie's Tears series addresses difficult topics for children and provides guidance for parents to help their children navigate these issues.

The books cover themes of loss, friendship, and the love of animals, while also incorporating salvation and faith.

Dr. Worth's counseling background influenced the books, allowing her to provide valuable insights and support for parents.

Her journey into counseling and her late-in-life conversion to Christianity have shaped her writing and her desire to help others.

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Background

01:21 The Inspiration Behind the Tessie Series

03:32 The Influence of Counseling Background

06:05 The Third Book: A Story About a Rescue Puppy

11:23 The Messages in the Books

15:41 Dr. Ann Worth's Journey into Counseling

18:18 Dr. Ann Worth's Journey to Faith

21:11 Favorite Books and the Passion Translation

23:31 Future Books and Themes

25:10 Where to Find Dr. Ann Worth's Books

26:27 Conclusion


Amazon.com: Tessie's Tears: Grampy Goes to Heaven: 9781955668095: Worth, Dr. Anne, Inertia, Aljon, Inertia, Nova: Books

Home - Dr. Anne Worth (dranneworthauthor.com

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Summary

 Barb Seregi discusses her book series, Army of God, and specifically focuses on book three, Tommy and the Good News Shoes. The conversation explores the inspiration behind the series, the main message of the book, and the impact of the armor of God. Barb also shares her favorite books and the power of storytelling. The discussion concludes with a conversation about writing from the perspective of children or animals and the charm of squirrels.

 Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Inspiration for the Book Series

02:32 Tommy and the Good News Shoes: Communicating Peace

05:26 Character Inspiration and Writing for Children

10:04 The Impact of the Armor of God

12:00 The Main Message of Tommy and the Good News Shoes

14:01 Upcoming Book and the Shield of Faith

16:52 Favorite Books and the Power of Storytelling

18:48 Future Projects and Favorite Children's Book

20:34 Writing from the Perspective of Children or Animals

21:26 The Charm of Squirrels and Finding More About the Author


Tommy and the Good News Shoes: Armor of God - Book 3 - The Gospel Shoes of Peace (The Armor of God): Seregi, Barbara, Salem-Vargas, Maru: 9798986682617: Amazon.com: Books

www.Barbseregi.com

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Summary

 In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews Linda McKillop about her middle-grade book, Hotel Oscar Mike Echo. The conversation covers various topics, including the inspiration behind the book's unusual title, addressing adult topics in a middle-grade book, Sierra's cooking skills and creativity, the message and takeaways of the book, Linda's writing journey, her military background and inspirations, the most impactful book in Linda's life, the transition from writing for adults to middle grade, future projects, and where to find Linda and her books.

 Takeaways

 Hotel Oscar Mike Echo addresses adult topics such as PTSD, homelessness, and addiction in a relatable way for middle grade readers.

The book's title, Hotel Oscar Mike Echo, is inspired by the military alphabet and plays a significant role in the story.

Sierra's cooking skills and creativity are highlighted in the book, adding a unique element to the story.

The book aims to teach young readers compassion and empathy for those who are struggling.

Linda McKillop's writing journey began in high school, and she has since written both nonfiction and fiction books.

The book draws inspiration from Linda's experiences volunteering and working with children in difficult circumstances.

The most impactful books in Linda's life include The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns and Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.

Linda made the transition from writing for adults to middle grade to address important topics and reach a younger audience.

Linda has future projects in the works, including a potential follow-up to Hotel Oscar Mike Echo.

Readers can find Linda McKillop and her books on her website and social media platforms.

 Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Question of the Week

01:20 The Unusual Title of Hotel Oscar Mike Echo

02:17 Addressing Adult Topics in a Middle Grade Book

06:33 Sierra's Cooking Skills and Creativity

08:21 The Message and Takeaways of Hotel Oscar Mike Echo

11:00 Linda's Writing Journey

14:26 Military Background and Inspirations

15:49 The Most Impactful Book in Linda's Life

18:02 Transition from Writing for Adults to Middle Grade

21:00 Future Projects

22:42 Where to Find Linda and Her Books

23:26 Conclusion

Amazon.com: Hotel Oscar Mike Echo: A Novel: 9781087770987: MacKillop, Linda: Books

Linda MacKillop

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Summary

 In this episode of the Bookworthy Podcast, Valerie Fentress interviews Eden Estabrook about her book, Arnie the Armadillo Goes to Antarctica. They discuss traveling to extreme places, the inspiration behind the book, teaching vocabulary through storytelling, the moralistic message in children's books, the influence of Dr. Seuss and Winnie the Pooh, becoming a children's author, impactful children's books, and future plans for Arnie the Armadillo.

 Takeaways

 Children learn best linguistically in the one to five age range, making it important to expose them to diverse vocabulary at a young age.

Children's books can teach important moral lessons while engaging young readers with fun and imaginative stories.

Dr. Seuss and Winnie the Pooh are influential children's books that combine chaos and innocence to create memorable stories.

Becoming a children's author can be a surprising and fulfilling career path, even for those who didn't initially plan on it.

Arnie the Armadillo Goes to Antarctica is the first book in a potential series that aims to introduce children to vocabulary through entertaining stories.

 Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Traveling to Antarctica

02:27 Traveling to Extreme Places

03:15 The Inspiration for Arnie the Armadillo

07:25 Teaching Vocabulary through Arnie the Armadillo

09:28 The Moralistic Message in Arnie the Armadillo

11:23 The Influence of Dr. Seuss and Winnie the Pooh

15:50 Becoming a Children's Author

19:49 Impactful Children's Books

21:54 Future Plans for Arnie the Armadillo

25:22 Conclusion and Where to Find More Information

Arnie the Armadillo Goes to Antarctica: Estabrook, Eden, Anderson, Preston: 9798218284886: Amazon.com: Books

by Eden Estabrook (@arniethearmadillo) • Instagram photos and videos

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Summary

Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer discuss their latest book, 'This Special Blessing for You,' which is based on the Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:23-27. They share their inspiration for writing children's books that teach biblical context and the importance of asking the right questions. The couple also talks about their upcoming book, 'Good Night Noah Good Night Ark,' and where to find more information about their work.

Takeaways

Teaching children biblical context and the meaning behind verses can help make their faith more real and impactful.

Children's books can be a powerful tool for teaching and exploring faith.

As parents, it is important to shape our children's lives and help them understand their identity as children of God.

The art of storytelling, whether through music, art, or words, can bring the Bible to life and make it more relatable for children.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:36 About Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer

06:12 Inspiration behind 'This Special Blessing for You'

09:49 The Aaronic Blessing

12:42 Transition to Children's Book Authors

17:09 The Art of Storytelling

19:32 Impactful Books

24:26 Upcoming Book: 'Good Night Noah Good Night Ark'

26:33 Where to Find Eric and Meredith Schroedtenbauer

27:30 Conclusion

Eric & Meredith Schrotenboer (ericandmeredithschrotenboer.com)

Amazon.com: This Special Blessing for You: 9780310154761: Schrotenboer, Eric, Schrotenboer, Meredith, Hughes, Denise: Books

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Summary

In this episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews Xochitl Dixon about her picture book, 'What Color is God's Love?' They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the importance of embracing diversity, and the impact of colors and emotions. Xochitl also shares her journey of becoming an author and her upcoming projects. The conversation highlights the power of colors in conveying God's love and the need to challenge negative connotations associated with certain colors. Overall, the book encourages children to celebrate diversity and recognize God's presence in all things.

Takeaways

 Colors can be used to convey God's love and evoke emotions.

It is important to embrace diversity and challenge negative connotations associated with certain colors.

Children's books can play a significant role in teaching faith and promoting inclusivity.

Nature and colors can serve as reminders of God's unchanging character.

 Chapters

 00:00 Introduction and Favorite Color

01:04 Family and Personal Background

03:10 Becoming a Christian and Embracing Diversity

04:45 Inspiration behind 'What Color is God's Love?'

08:17 Exploring Colors and Emotions

09:07 Challenging Negative Connotations of Colors

10:18 God's Presence in Nature and Colors

12:38 Additional Resources and Activities

15:13 The Inspiration behind 'Wonderfully, Marvelously Brown'

20:24 Childhood Dream of Becoming an Author

25:31 Most Impactful Book (Other than the Bible)

29:39 Upcoming Projects

33:37 Where to Find More Information

34:05 Conclusion

Find out more about Xochitl and her books here:

Home | Xochitl Dixon (xedixon.com)

Amazon.com: What Color Is God's Love?: 9780593579015: Dixon, Xochitl, Varma, Darshika: Books

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