Lee Ann Mancini: The IAN Interview

Lee Ann Mancini

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?

http://glmpublishing.net      http://www.christianbook.com

http://www.amazon.com    http://www.stl-distribution.com  

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.