WHO IS JESUS? - MaryAnn Diorio - One Free Book

Dear Readers, I’m excited to welcome back MaryAnn Diorio. We’ve featured her books for adults on this blog and one of her children’s books. When I heard about the children’s book she’d written titled Who Is Jesus?, I just had to feature it here.

Welcome, MaryAnn.

Thank you, Lena. It is so kind of you to host me today.

We've featured you in the past for your adult fiction, but today we're going to discuss your children's book, Who Is Jesus? Please tell us a little about this book.

Who Is Jesus? has an interesting backstory. It is, of course, a work of non-fiction that was sparked by my visit to the children's section of a local secular bookstore. As I was browsing through the children's books, I noticed a book about Jesus. My heart leapt to see what I thought was a Christian book in a secular bookstore. But when I opened the book to look through it, my heart sank. The book portrayed Jesus as nothing more than a good man and a teacher. It mentioned nothing about His being the Son of God and the Savior of the world. Moreover, the book included information about Buddha, Mohammed, and Hare Krishna, among others. The worst part was that it encouraged the child reader to choose which one he would follow, pointing out that all were good.

I literally left the bookstore weeping and determined in my heart to write a book about Jesus that reflected the truth of Scripture. I went straight home and started writing Who Is Jesus?

And I’m glad you did. What kind of reception have you had for Who Is Jesus?

By the grace of God, the book is now touching many lives, not only the lives of children but also the lives of those who read the book to them. I have received comments from parents and grandparents regarding how Who Is Jesus? has impacted them as well as their children and grandchildren. One letter, in particular, came from a father who said that Who Is Jesus? showed him that he was not presenting his son with a true picture of the forgiving nature of Christ when we sin. So this precious father immediately began teaching his son that Jesus will always forgive us when we repent of our sin.

The illustrations by Kim Sponaugle are delightful. Did you choose the illustrator?

Yes. I had the wonderful privilege of meeting Kim Sponaugle at a secular children's writers' conference years ago. Because she, too, is a Christian, we clicked immediately. When I saw her work, I knew then and there that I wanted her to illustrate one of my books one day. And, by the grace of God, she did! :)

When did you first start writing for children?

When my children were small, we would make up stories together at bedtime. Each of us added a part to the story. For example, when I had finished my part, I would ask the question, "And then?" One of my girls would then pick up where I had left off and add her part to the story. We would go round and round, often way past bedtime. My husband used to say he had three children, not two, LOL! :)

As my daughters grew, they would often say, "Mom, you should write children's stories." Others began to say the same thing. I guess it's that I have a very childlike personality and love children. I think the biggest reason, however, is that I clearly remember what it was like to be a child. I can recall the emotions I felt as a child, and I have great compassion and empathy for children, especially those who are hurting. All of these factors contributed to my decision to write for children. Another extremely important factor is a prophetic word I received several years ago from a world-renowned evangelist at a Christian conference I attended. He prophesied over me that I would one day write children's books. And I am now doing just that. Glory to God!

You've written two other picture books for children: Toby Too Small and Candle Love. What are these books about?

Toby Too Small is about a boy very small in stature who learns that what matters in life is not how big one is on the outside but how big one is on the inside.

Candle Love is a story about sibling rivalry, especially when a new baby arrives. It was based on my own experience with my two daughters when the second one was born. Its premise is that love expands to the need at hand and that there is always enough love to go around.

Do you prefer writing for children or adults?

In essence, I find little difference philosophically between the two. Children are little people, and adults have an inner child that still affects them. In my children's books, I deal with this inner child as it is being formed and lived out in the now of the child's life. In my adult fiction, I deal with the deep issues of the inner child as that inner child affects my characters' adult lives, forcing them to face issues stemming from childhood, issues that need to be dealt with in order for healing to take place.

Do you have more children's books in the works?

Yes. I am currently working on a book of children's poetry called Poems for Wee Ones. Lord willing, it will be released this year. I also have written a story book for older children, ages 6-9, called The Dandelion Patch, in which my main character stands by her convictions and refuses to compromise. I hope to release this book this year as well. Perhaps one of my most exciting projects is a children's play called Miracle at Madville which I hope to make into a musical.

That’s exciting. My daughters and I started the puppet ministry at the church we attended when they were in junior high. I was also the children’s choir director. At Christmas that year, I wrote a Christmas play that used live children and puppets, and the music director’s wife wrote the music. How can readers find you on the Internet?
I love to hear from readers and encourage them to write to me with any questions they may have about writing or about children's books. They can reach me via the following venues:

Website: www.maryanndiorio.com

Blog (Matters of the Heart): http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/maryanndiorioblog

Amazon Author Central: http://www.amazon.com/author/maryanndiorio

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/DrMaryAnnDiorio

Twitter: http://Twitter.com/@DrMaryAnnDiorio

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6592603

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=45380421

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/drmaryanndiorio/

Google+: http://plus.google.com/u/0/+DrMaryAnnDiorio

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/drmaryanndiorio/

Thank you, MaryAnn, for sharing with us today.

Thank you, Lena, for your kindness in hosting me.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Who Is Jesus? - Hardback
Who Is Jesus? - Kindle

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