Author Interview with Sharon Rene and Giveaway!

Today we have a special treat! Children's author Sharon Rene is here to share some fun with us today, including a paperback giveaway of her book, A Mixed Bag of God's Grace!

Sharon Rene strives to honor God in all her writings and help people know Him better. Currently she’s working on a Christian Young Adult series.  She’d love for you to connect with her on her website www.sharonreneauthor.com to learn more about her Divine Destiny series.

 

Welcome Sharon! We're so glad you could visit us today. Tell us about your book.

A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace is a collection of short stories for elementary and middle-grade children. The stories are biblical, historical and contemporary. A devotion follows each story.

Where did the inspiration for this book come from? 

When writing this book, I thought of a parent who had three or four children. One child liked contemporary stories another preferred historical and the others loved the great stories in the Bible. A mom or dad can please every child in the family with A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace.

Mixing short stories and devotionals is an interesting weave of fiction and spiritual content. Can you tell us more about how you work your faith into your writing?

I’ve taught Sunday school, children and youth, for over fifteen years. I’ve had to be creative to capture my students’ attention. I use the art of story-telling to pull the child into the situation. Before they know it – they’ve learned something.

One of my critique partners suggested that I add a devotion behind each story. She thought this would be a great way to help children learn and remember. I loved the idea.

Tell us how you chose the title.

Since this is a collection of short stories the name couldn’t be based on a character, place or situation. I thought that these stories were like a “mixed bag” a little bit of everything and God’s grace was the one common factor.

What do you enjoy most about writing for children?

Children are very imaginative and impressionable. I hope children will be entertained by my stories but also learn more about history and the Bible.

What was your favorite book or movie as a child?

I read every Nancy Drew mystery I could get my hands on. I also loved Laura Ingalls Wilder. I’ve always been a history nut. That’s why my book contains three stories set in England in the middle ages.

What advice would you give to parents and grandparents that would like to encourage their children to read more?

Reading is one of the most important things a child can do, especially in our high-tech society. I would encourage parents and grandparents to find books that will tempt the child to read. If the child is interested in planets and space find books on these topics. If they prefer American history search for books in that category. And, of course, buy A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace to satisfy everyone.

What are you working on next? 

I’m currently writing a Young Adult series. Hesitant Heroes is set in 2062. Jordan Scott, a teenage computer geek, discovers that Christian students are disappearing from her high school. She and her friends are pulled into danger and intrigue as they try to solve the mystery.

Very interesting. Looks like you have some great stuff going on. Thank you so much for being with us! 

Readers, Sharon is giving away one paperback copy of A Mixed Bag of God's Grace, so be sure to leave her a comment to get your name in the hat! Winner announced in the Weekly Windup.