Tag Archives: Christian faith

Aug8

Interview with Lee Erica Cruz

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As the summer starts to come to a close, I’d like to add in one more recommendation of a book that will help inspire your child at the start of the school year and all year long. Lee Erica Cruz loved to write as a child. It was her escape to create stories she could get lost in. Now, she is doing the same for other children as an author. “The Walking Butterfly” is a children’s book that encourages children to “spread their wings” to know how wonderfully gifted they are. The book helps children discover that they can have a purpose and to step out into the world in faith.

Lee Erica Cruz is the author of the new children’s book, “The Walking Butterfly”.

I got the chance to talk to Lee Erica Cruz about her memories of reading as a child, her writing projects and what inspires her, and words of wisdom for aspiring authors.

  1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Lee Erica Cruz: My favorite memory as a child was reading “Dick and Jane” books. They took me on adventures that inspired my own creative writings as a child.


2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Lee Erica Cruz: My favorite author was Charles Dickens. I was influenced to achieve great things through my gift of written expression, because he had come from a background of lesser education. I also applauded his work in philanthropy with women and children.


3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Lee Erica Cruz: My father taught me to just write my heart out and not overthink. It helped me to write freely and efficiently because I did not keep stopping to worry if what I wrote was grammatically correct or if I was descriptive enough. He would tell me to keep the creative process flowing – you could always go back and fix the details later.


4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Lee Erica Cruz: I would love to continue to write stories for children to inspire them to know their God-given gifts and be motivated to pursue their aspirations.

5) What were the reasons you enjoyed writing as a child?

Lee Erica Cruz: I grew up during difficult financial times for my family. I would write hundreds of small books on scraps of paper my father brought home from work. It was a way for me to express my feelings and a way to dream of all the places I wished I could go.


6) What would you tell an aspiring junior author about writing their own story?

Lee Erica Cruz: Do it. Simple as that. We all have a story to tell and an audience waiting to hear it. You are as unique as your fingerprint.


7) What things helped you overcome your personal battles growing up?

Lee Erica Cruz: I’ve overcome anxiety and fear. These two things kept me from living out what was on the other side of that wall . . . Life.


8) What or who inspires you?

Lee Erica Cruz: The life of Jesus inspires me. Most of his life he was rejected and looked down upon. Through it all he kept spiritually poised, humble, merciful, and loving. In Him, I have found my strength, salvation, joy and peace.


9) What other areas do you share your passion for creativity?

Lee Erica Cruz: I write and sing. I just released a gospel album called “Releasing The Butterflies”. I also love being crafty and making my own personalized gifts for people.


10) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Lee Erica Cruz: Writing to me is healing and freedom.

Blurb for “The Walking Butterfly”:

“In a world filled with differences, we all are trying to find our place. Each of us is uniquely created, and wonderfully made. However, in this world, our differences can make us feel separated and alone. This story is about learning to embrace what makes us different and seeing the beauty and purpose in it. God gave us a fingerprint that no one else has so that you can leave an imprint that no one else can. It’s time to break through and fly!”

“The Walking Butterfly” is available at Amazon.com as a print or ebook edition.

For more information on Lee Erica Cruz, visit her on her social media at:

Instagram: @sheisabutterfly
Facebook: @sheisabutterfly312
YouTube: Aleeza

Nov20

Interview with Carmel Noel

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For those needing guidance and hope during these hard times, I’ve found a book that may give your little one comfort. Carmel Noel has written a book in which Jesus guides a young boy and his pup. She lives with her family in a small town in Pennsylvania, but has traveled extensively even studying abroad at Ulster University. “Minnie & The Better Den” weaves the story from a path of darkness to light while giving hope to others. I had a chance to talk to Carmel about her early childhood reading memories, what authors influenced her, and what projects she has planned in the future.

1) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Carmel Noel: As a child I always had a book in my hand. I loved reading books written by Beatrix Potter, Kenneth Grahame, and many others, but I would definitely say that I was most influenced by Joan Elste, author of “True Blue”, who lived just up the road from my family and me. She always welcomed my sisters and I into her home, and would show us what she was working on at the time. She was a massive influence to me because she was so open about where she was and her intentions- love and transparency are two essential things when it comes to writing for children, and I strive to always demonstrate both of those things with my writing just as she did.

2) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Carmel Noel: The tough subjects are really what I feel called to write about. Abuse, loss, heartache are things that people try to talk children through, but without an aide, it can be hard for parents to know where to start. I spend a lot of time reading the Bible, and highlighting verses that I know people will find comfort in when they are facing these difficult situations. My future writing projects will likely be like “Minnie & The Better Den” in that they will hold many biblical truths that can help parents lead children through hardship.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Carmel Noel: When I write I want it to help someone, somewhere, somehow- to show them even an ounce of the love God has for them; writing is a mission that is sitting on my heart, demanding my attention.

“Minnie & The Better Den” is a charming, heart-felt book of a puppy finding Jesus through the guidance of his young owner. His new owner, Rain, adopts Minnie the Puppy. Minnie starts to learn about Jesus through Rain, but Rain’s aggressive father, Thump, tries to oppose the relationship between dog, boy and Jesus. Told in a way that highlights the humanity of Jesus, this story of hope will help guide any young reader from a place of darkness to the light.

“Minnie & The Better Den” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

May2

Interview with Celeste D Hightower

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As we start into the beautiful spring season into summer, you may start thinking about what books would be good to have for those hours you need to keep your child occupied. Celeste D Hightower might have an answer for you. She is an author that has created a picture book based on her Christian persona used to inspire children’s guidance in faith. Her book, Big Baby for Jesus and the Super Holy Spirit, will help guide how to create positive outcomes at home and school. I had a chance to talk to Celeste D Hightower about her book, how being a preacher’s daughter and foster parent have inspired her, and what to expect in future projects.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Celeste D Hightower: I’m a preacher’s kid. So, we read the Bible a lot growing up. I thought for sure the moment I had a chance to stop, I would. LOL However, that upbringing grounded me in many ways.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in the future?

Celeste D Hightower: It will always be faith based. As a Christian and a foster parent, I see firsthand the positive impact a relationship with God can have on children.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Celeste D Hightower: Writing is a way to develop a story that will captivate children’s imaginations.

BigBabcvrBig Baby for Jesus and the Super Holy Spirit helps children learn to build a positive relationship with God. It teaches that the positive thoughts deep inside is God’s way of speaking to them. God loves and supports his children, and wants them to follow his word. This book will entertain your child as well as help them make positive choices with scripture reinforcements. It’s hard to do what is right, but with the Super Holy Spirit and Big Baby’s help, a child can learn to conquer the world.

 

Big Baby for Jesus and the Super Holy Spirit is available at Amazon.com.

Also available as an audiobook and Spanish edition.