Lee
Ann is currently an adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College and
Theological Seminary. She is also an award-winning, Christian children's
author. She is has taught Bible Study for over 10 years and has been an active
community volunteer/ leader for over 20 years: Ann is involved in the Women’s
Ministry at Spanish River Christian Church and is a board member of the
Alexandrian Forum. In addition, Lee Ann speaks to women groups regarding the
redemptive power of the gospel represented though the types of brides of the
church.
Her
series “Adventure of the Sea Kids” is a multiple, award-winning series.
Promoting Christian values for children.
IAN:
Please tell us about your books.
Lee Ann: Adventures
of The Sea Kids is a multiple, award-winning Christian children series.
Fast Freddy – Fast
Freddy overcoming the ridicule of being different. He joins the swim team and
the kids learn he is a great kid. Freddy wins the championship for the first
time overcoming Marcus a formidable threat. He says a prayer of thanks to Jesus
for being different and for his new friends. Children learn about compassion,
acceptance, and loving others in spite of their differences. Freddy says a
prayer of thanks for being different and unique.
What A Bragger! –
Melissa tries to win friends by bragging. She learns the sea kids lover her for
who she is and not what she has. Tears of sadness turn into tears of joy at her
surprise birthday party. Children learn to love others not for what they have
but for who they are. Melissa says a prayer of thanks for what matters most.
I’m Not Afraid! –
Susie and her friend go to the Undersea Amusement Park. Susie makes many
excuses not to ride the Whale-Back Coaster. After speaking with her mommy, and
saying a prayer, her fear turns into faith. She learns that praying to Jesus
during difficult times, and having faith, is all she needs to over come her
fears.
IAN:
Is the Adventures of The Sea Kids published in print, e-book or both?
Lee
Ann: My books are published in softcover and hardcover.
IAN:
Where can we go to buy your books?
IAN: What inspired you to write your books?
Lee Ann: When my children were little, I could not find books that helped foster a relationship with Jesus. Most stories were Bible stories about Jesus.
IAN: How
long did it take to write the books?
Lee Ann: It took many years. As I wrote them 20-year-ago and tried to let it go. I have revised them several times, and I have shelved them several times. But I always felt the urging of the Holy Spirit to get them out and get them into the children’s hands.
IAN: How are your books different from others in your genre?
Lee
Ann: Most children Christian books teach Bible stories about the life of Jesus.
We wanted the children to understand that He is a savior that they can go to in
times of trouble. We also want to teach children to have love, compassion, and
acceptance for all people. Seeing the good and the beauty in other children who
may be different in various ways from them.
IAN: What
books have most influenced your life most?
Lee Ann: I started reading Max Lucado and now I read all books that help me to understand my faith and how I can share it with others in a loving way.
IAN: If
you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Lee
Ann: Dr. Warren Gage from the Alexandrian Forum, an amazing man with an amazing
message. http://alexandrianforum.org
IAN: What
book are you reading now?
Lee
Ann: Identifying the Hierarchy of Satan, by Joy Schneider
IAN: Are
there any new books that have caught your interest?
Lee
Ann: Yes. Forsaken God? by Janet Thompson
IAN: Name
one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Lee
Ann: Criss Bertling, Women’s leader at Spanish River Christian Church
IAN: Do
you see writing as a career?
Lee
Ann: Yes, I hope to bring more products for the children.
IAN: Do
you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Lee
Ann: When my children were 3 & 5 (now 23 & 25) I wanted them to
understand that Jesus is there for them and will be there for them always. I
wanted to instill in them a strong, foundational relationship with Christ.
IAN: Who
designed the covers?
Lee Ann: Dan Sharp. He illustrated the cover and the book, and has illustrated for Disney, Warner Brothers, American Greeting and others.
IAN: Tell us about your next book or a work in progress.
Lee
Ann: The next two books, A Servant Like Jesus and God’s Gift both continue to
promote godly themes. In A Servant Like Jesus, shy Charlie learns it is better
and more fun to be a helper than to be shy, as he helps his friend who gets
hurt on the playground. God’s Gift is unique in that two sea kids argue over
who gets the most presents at Christmas or Hanukkah. They understand it’s about
the gift from God of the Messiah, and the gift of light. They learn about each
other’s holiday and accept each other as they worship the same God.
