Monday, September 24, 2018

THE SPIRIT OF GOD ILLUSTRATED BIBLE - Doris Wynbeek Rikkers - One Free Book, Plus Much More


About the author and illustrator:
Doris Wynbeek Rikkers is a freelance writer and editor who has written many bestselling children’s books and Bibles. Although she loves the ocean, she lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her books, her flower gardens, and her family and friends.

Spanish artist Fernando Juarez illustrates children’s books and also works as an art supervisor at the Madrid studio Ilion Animation. The company produces 3D feature films for children. Fernando has three kids himself, and if he has any time left after work and family, you might catch him playing guitar in a rock band.

Welcome, Doris. What has drawn you to writing for children?
When my sons were pre-schoolers they wanted to hear more stories about Jesus as a child. This inspired me to write the book, Little Jesus, Little Me to help them understand that Jesus was once a child too.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I always loved to write but criticism by peers in elementary school hindered my progress. In a college English class I had a professor who told me I was a good writer; that encouraged me more than anything else.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I’m an avid reader and love historical fiction as well as non-fiction. I gravitate to award-winning authors and books recommended by friends.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?
Understanding the Holy Spirit Today, Faithwords, 2018
The Wayfinding Bible, Tyndale, 2012
The Family Reading Bible, Zondervan, 2010
Read with Me for Toddlers, Zonderkidz, 2010
Little Jesus. Little Me, Zonderkidz, 2000/ new art 2018
Read with Me Bible: an NIrV Story Bible for children          Zonderkidz
Read with Me Bible for Little Ones                Zonderkidz
God Loves Me Bible (girls)                             Zonderkidz
God Loves Me Bible (boys)                            Zonderkidz
I use a pen name of Susan Elizabeth Beck for some of the children’s books. I’m currently working on my first novel about World War I and the flu epidemic of 1918.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I’m rather old-school. I don’t look at my phone all the time and I love quiet. I recharge by sitting on the beach in the sun!

That sounds good to me. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?
I always desired to get a Master’s degree and finally went back to school at age 59, completing my Master’s in Bible and Theology from Calvin Theological Seminary at age 63. You’re never too old to pursue a dream!

Is it hard to break into the children’s market?
Yes and no. Children’s publishers are always looking for fresh ideas and a new approach to a common theme. If your writing is unique and fresh you might find a publisher interested in your manuscript.

What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?
The best advice is go to writer’s conferences and network with other authors and editors. I spoke at a writer’s conference and met an author who had a great idea although she had never published. I presented the proposal to a friend in publishing and the manuscript was accepted. That author is now being published regularly.

What would you like to tell us about this Bible?
The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible presents the stories of God’s power and presence in the lives of his people from the beginning of time. It is a unique collection of stories that highlight the work of the Spirit through the Bible stories from both the Old and the New Testaments. Through these stories, children will come to know the work of the Spirit and the power he provides to ordinary people who can then do extraordinary tasks for God.

Readers,
Would you like to win your own copy of
The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible?


Win a children's book prize pack from Read with Audra!

The prize pack includes a copy of:

Spirit of God Illustrated Bible
Adventure Bible Book of Daring Deeds and Epic Creations
NIV Kids Visual Study Bible
Explorer's Bible Guide
Words to Love By
Love Letters from God 

Link for the giveaway:

Thank you, Doris, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book here on this blog. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

3 comments:

Melanie Backus said...

Thus would be so wonderful for my grandchildren. Thank you for the opportunity. Melanie Backus, TX

Connie Porter Saunders said...

I am excited to learn about this new book. Sounds perfect for my 4 year old granddaughter.
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

Sharon Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Conway SC.