Natasha, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re excited to hear more about your background, the inspiration behind your book, and your experiences bringing your stories to life!

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background? What inspired you to become a children’s book author?

I’m Natasha Johnson, an educator with five years of experience working with grades K-5 and a master’s degree in general and special education. I’ve always been passionate about teaching and storytelling, which naturally led me to explore writing children’s books. My inspiration to become a children’s book author comes from my desire to make learning about the Bible engaging and accessible for young readers. I aim to create stories that not only entertain but also instill valuable lessons and spark curiosity about faith.

What led you to write Lilly and Leo’s Bible Adventures: The Story of David and Goliath?

Writing Lilly and Leo’s Bible Adventures: The Story of David and Goliath was inspired by my desire to bring classic Bible stories to life in a way that resonates with children today. A significant influence in this endeavor was my grandmother, whose deep love for God and captivating storytelling left a lasting impact on me. She would often share Bible stories with such passion and warmth, making them come alive and instilling in me a love for these tales. Through the adventures of Lilly and Leo, I aim to honor her legacy by making these timeless stories accessible and engaging for young readers, teaching them about courage, faith, and the power of God’s guidance.

How does your faith influence your writing and storytelling?

My faith is at the heart of my writing and storytelling. It shapes the themes, messages, and values I aim to convey through my books. I believe that stories have the power to teach, inspire, and nurture a child’s spiritual growth. By incorporating Biblical lessons and principles into my stories, I hope to provide young readers with a foundation of faith that they can carry with them throughout their lives. My goal is to create engaging and meaningful narratives that not only entertain but also impart the love, wisdom, and guidance found in the Bible.

Can you describe the creative process you went through to develop the storyline and characters for Lilly and Leo?

Developing the storyline and characters for Lilly and Leo’s Bible Adventures: The Story of David and Goliath was a thoughtful and engaging process. I began by revisiting the biblical account of David and Goliath, identifying key themes and lessons that I wanted to highlight.

For the characters, I envisioned Lilly and Leo as relatable, curious siblings who embody the traits of bravery, curiosity, and a love for learning. I drew inspiration from my experiences in education and my interactions with children, ensuring that Lilly and Leo would resonate with young readers.

The creative process involved outlining the plot, ensuring it remained faithful to the original Bible story while making it accessible and engaging for children. I crafted dialogue and scenarios that would allow Lilly and Leo to explore the story’s lessons in a way that felt natural and enjoyable. Additionally, I worked on integrating interactive elements, such as questions or reflections, to encourage readers to connect with the story on a deeper level.

Overall, my aim was to create a dynamic and heartfelt narrative that not only retells the story of David and Goliath but also fosters a love for Bible stories and the values they teach.

What was your experience like in creating the illustrations for your book? Did you collaborate with an illustrator, or did you do it yourself?

Creating the illustrations for Lilly and Leo’s Bible Adventures: The Story of David and Goliath was a unique and rewarding experience. Initially, I sought to collaborate with a professional illustrator, but I quickly realized that the costs were beyond my budget for a first attempt at publishing a book, with some quotes reaching thousands of dollars.

Determined to bring my vision to life, I decided to use an app to create the illustrations myself. This approach allowed me to have full creative control and align the visuals closely with the story I wanted to tell. While it was challenging at times, it was also incredibly fulfilling to see the characters and scenes come to life through my own efforts. Using the app enabled me to experiment with different styles and elements until I achieved the look and feel I wanted for the book.

Overall, this experience taught me a lot about the illustration process and gave me a deeper appreciation for the art of visual storytelling. It also reinforced the importance of resourcefulness and creativity in overcoming obstacles.

Self-publishing can be a challenging journey. Can you share some of the hurdles you faced during the self-publishing process and how you overcame them?

Self-publishing can indeed be a challenging journey, and I faced several hurdles along the way. One of the most challenging aspects was navigating Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). As a first-time author, I found the process of formatting the book, uploading files, and ensuring everything met Amazon’s requirements quite daunting.

To overcome this, I spent a considerable amount of time researching and learning about the platform. I watched tutorials, read guides, and joined online forums where I could ask questions and get advice from more experienced self-published authors. This learning curve was steep, but it was essential for getting my book published successfully.

Additionally, I had to handle other aspects of the publishing process, such as marketing and distribution, which required a different set of skills and knowledge. I leveraged social media, reached out to people and groups, and explored various promotional strategies to get the word out about my book. That’s how I met you & got this opportunity that I am so grateful for!

What do you hope young readers take away from Lilly and Leo’s adventure?

I hope young readers take away several important lessons from Lilly and Leo’s Bible Adventures: The Story of David and Goliath. First and foremost, I want them to understand the power of faith and courage. The story of David and Goliath teaches us that no challenge is too great when we trust in God and believe in ourselves.

Additionally, I hope readers see the importance of standing up for what is right and facing fears with confidence. Through Lilly and Leo’s journey, I aim to show that even young people can make a significant impact and overcome obstacles with determination and faith.

Lastly, I want to inspire a love for Bible stories and the values they impart. By making these stories engaging and relatable, I hope to foster a deeper connection to their faith and encourage them to explore more biblical tales.

Are there any specific lessons or messages you aimed to convey through the story of David and Goliath?

Yes, there are several lessons and messages I aimed to convey through Lilly and Leo’s Bible Adventures: The Story of David and Goliath.

First, the power of faith: David’s unwavering trust in God serves as a powerful example of how faith can give us the strength to face even the most daunting challenges.

Second, the importance of courage: David’s bravery in confronting Goliath shows that true courage often involves standing up against fear and adversity, regardless of one’s size or strength.

Third, the value of perseverance: Despite the odds, David’s determination and confidence in God’s plan highlight the importance of persisting through difficulties.

Lastly, the message that everyone has potential: David, a young shepherd, demonstrates that even those who might seem insignificant have the potential to achieve great things with faith and determination.

Through Lilly and Leo’s adventure, I wanted to make these lessons accessible and relatable, encouraging young readers to apply them in their own lives.

Given that this is a book in the Lilly and Leo’s Bible Adventures series, can you give us a sneak peek into any future publications or themes you’re considering?

Certainly! I’m excited to share that Lilly and Leo’s Bible Adventures will continue with more engaging stories from the Bible. Future publications will feature adventures such as The Story of Noah’s Ark, where Lilly and Leo learn about faith, obedience, and God’s promise, and The Story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den, highlighting themes of bravery, steadfastness, and divine protection.

I’m also considering exploring stories like The Good Samaritan and The Story of Jonah and the Whale, which will teach lessons about compassion, forgiveness, and second chances. Each book will aim to bring these timeless tales to life, providing young readers with relatable characters and valuable lessons rooted in faith. I’m excited to continue this journey and share these meaningful stories with children and families.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to self-publish their own children’s books?

For aspiring authors looking to self-publish their own children’s books, here are three key pieces of advice:

Do Your Research: Understand the self-publishing process and familiarize yourself with platforms like Amazon KDP. Learn about formatting, cover design, and the technical aspects of publishing.

Invest in Quality and Marketing: While hiring a professional illustrator might be expensive, good quality illustrations and cover design are critical. Develop a marketing strategy to promote your book through social media, websites, and local events.

Seek Feedback and Stay Persistent: Get feedback from educators, parents, and children to refine your story. Stay committed to your vision, embrace learning, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks.

How do you engage with your readers and the community around your book?

I engage with my readers and the community around my book through several avenues. Social media is a key platform where I share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive posts to connect with readers. I also participate in book readings and events at local libraries, schools, and community centers, which allows me to meet readers in person and foster a sense of community.

Additionally, I maintain a website where readers can find more information about my books, join a mailing list, and contact me directly with their feedback or questions. These efforts help create a vibrant and engaged community around Lilly and Leo’s Bible Adventures.

Finally, where can readers find your book, and how can they connect with you for updates on your work?

My book is available for sale on Amazon & if they want to stay connected with me and my work they can check out my website for more updates https://bio.site/ExploreWithMrsJ

Wrapping It Up

Thank you, Natasha, for sharing your inspiring story and insights with us. We look forward to seeing more of your wonderful work in the future!

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You can check out Natasha’s book here: