Exploring 'Smoke and Mirrors' with Jeff Maxim

Exploring 'Smoke and Mirrors' with Jeff Maxim

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2173113/fan_mail/new] Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdx860FgpG7AQ_VnYAO08p8XrBqXgH14XABAA-DJ7cSSvrpVg/viewform?usp=dialog]. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.  Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog [http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog] In this episode of Bookworthy, host Valerie interviews Jeff Maxam, author of the award-winning middle-grade fantasy, 'Smoke and Mirrors,' . They discuss the book's themes, including handling life's trials, the role of dragons, and the influence of C.S. Lewis. Jeff shares his writing journey and the impact of the Realm Makers Aurora Contest on his career. Author Bio – Jeff Maxim [https://jeff-maxim.com/about/] Join the BookWorthy Summer Reading Challenge Here [https://tellmethenews-2846.kit.com/c42a91b2f3] Takeaways * Handling life's trials is a central theme. * Dragons play a significant role in the story. * The book is set in a world similar to ours but different. * Jeff's middle school experience inspired the story. * The Realm Makers Aurora Contest was pivotal for Jeff. * Fantasy and religion can coexist in storytelling. * Jeff aims to communicate powerful truths through stories. * C.S. Lewis's work greatly influenced Jeff. * Jeff's writing journey began with storytelling to his kids. * A sequel to 'Smoke and Mirrors' is in the works. Chapters * 00:00:00 Introduction to Jeff Maxam * 00:03:00 The Story Behind 'Smoke and Mirrors' * 00:09:00 Dragons and Their Significance * 00:15:00 Jeff's Writing Journey * 00:21:00 Impact of Realm Makers Aurora Contest * 00:27:00 Fantasy and Faith in Storytelling * 00:33:00 Future Projects and Closing Remarks   Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNyz26kbv3i9iGt4lueESw] tiktok: @valeriefentress

Finding Harmony and Friendship with Allia Zobel Nolan

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2173113/fan_mail/new] Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdx860FgpG7AQ_VnYAO08p8XrBqXgH14XABAA-DJ7cSSvrpVg/viewform?usp=dialog]. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.  Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog [http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog] In this episode of Bookworthy, children's author Allia Zobel Nolan discusses her latest picture book, 'Finding Harmony,' which explores themes of peace, friendship, and teamwork through the story of a kitten. The conversation delves into the importance of interactive storytelling, the role of prayer in children's lives, and the significance of reading and writing in personal development. Allia shares her insights on engaging children with literature and her future writing projects, emphasizing the need for hope and connection in today's world.  Home - Allia Writes [https://www.alliawrites.com/]  Join the BookWorthy Summer Reading Challenge Here [https://tellmethenews-2846.kit.com/c42a91b2f3] Takeaways  Allia Zobel Nolan is passionate about children's literature and her cats. The book 'Finding Harmony' teaches children about peace through a relatable story. Interactive elements in children's books can enhance engagement and learning. Teamwork and collaboration are essential themes in Allia's writing. Prayer is presented as a valuable tool for children in various situations. Reading is crucial for personal growth and understanding the world. Allia values reader feedback, especially from children who enjoy her books. Future projects include a devotional aimed at reconnecting with God. Allia's writing process involves thinking from a child's perspective. Humor and relatability are key components in Allia's storytelling.   Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Finding Harmony 02:17 The Journey of Writing Finding Harmony 05:59 Interactive Elements in Children's Books 10:04 Key Messages for Children 17:16 The Importance of Prayer and Patience 19:53 Impactful Books and Writing Journey 23:31 Future Projects and Themes  Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNyz26kbv3i9iGt4lueESw] tiktok: @valeriefentress

Growing Up in Faith with Penny Reeve

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2173113/fan_mail/new] Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdx860FgpG7AQ_VnYAO08p8XrBqXgH14XABAA-DJ7cSSvrpVg/viewform?usp=dialog]. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.  Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog [http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog] In this episode of Bookworthy, Valerie interviews award-winning author Penny Reeve, who shares her journey as a children's author and the inspiration behind her Tanya Abbey series. They discuss the themes of faith, generosity, and the importance of role models in children's literature. Penny elaborates on her latest book, Camp Max, and how it addresses complex issues in a way that resonates with young readers. The conversation also touches on Penny's writing journey, her favorite books, and her upcoming projects.  PENNY REEVE - home [https://www.pennyreeve.com/] Join the BookWorthy Summer Reading Challenge  [https://tellmethenews-2846.kit.com/c42a91b2f3]   Takeaways Penny Reeve emphasizes the importance of exploring faith in children's literature. The Tanya Abbey series addresses real-world issues through the lens of a child's perspective. Generosity can come with a cost, a theme explored in Camp Max. Fiction can provide role models for children, helping them navigate their faith and actions. Penny's writing is inspired by her own experiences and the need for relatable characters. The impact of a single reader can motivate an author to continue writing. Penny believes in the power of storytelling to influence young minds positively. Her favorite books often tackle complex themes and encourage critical thinking. Penny's journey as an author began with a desire to create better stories for children. Upcoming projects include a literature unit for homeschoolers and a picture book addressing modern issues. Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Penny Reeve and Her Journey 02:35 Exploring the Tanya Abbey Series 07:50 Themes of Generosity and Faith in Camp Max 10:23 The Impact of Fiction on Young Readers 12:38 Penny's Writing Journey and Inspirations 16:30 Favorite Books and Their Influence 19:10 Upcoming Projects and Future Works   Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNyz26kbv3i9iGt4lueESw] tiktok: @valeriefentress

Devoted Heroes of Faith with Joshua Cooley

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2173113/fan_mail/new] Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdx860FgpG7AQ_VnYAO08p8XrBqXgH14XABAA-DJ7cSSvrpVg/viewform?usp=dialog]. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.  Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog [http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog] In this episode of Book Worthy, Valerie interviews author Joshua Cooley about his latest book, Heroes of the Bible Devotional, Volume 2. They discuss the importance of lesser-known biblical characters, the role of humor in engaging children, and the empowering message of faith for kids. Joshua shares his journey from journalism to writing children's books and emphasizes the significance of every character in the Bible, encouraging kids to see themselves as heroes of faith. Joshua Cooley | Josh Cooley [https://joshuacooleyauthor.com/joshua-cooley/] Join BookWorthy's Summer Reading Challenge [https://tellmethenews-2846.kit.com/c42a91b2f3] Takeaways The new devotional contains 90 devotions for kids aged 8 to 12. The book explores lesser-known biblical characters to show their importance. Humor is a key element in making biblical stories engaging for kids. Every character in the Bible has significance in God's story. Kids can relate to everyday characters rather than just prominent figures. The goal is to empower kids to see themselves as heroes for God. Joshua's background in journalism influences his writing style. The importance of explaining complex theology in simple terms for children. The series aims to remind kids that God sees their small actions as significant. Future projects include an outer space-themed devotional and adult devotionals.    Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Heroes of the Bible Devotional 02:10 Exploring Lesser-Known Biblical Characters 06:05 The Importance of Every Character in God's Story 08:50 Incorporating Humor in Devotions for Kids 10:41 Empowering Kids Through Biblical Heroes 14:08 The Journey from Journalism to Children's Author 21:37 Future Projects and Upcoming Books   Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNyz26kbv3i9iGt4lueESw] tiktok: @valeriefentress

Teaching Kids to Pray Big Prayers with Kirthana Fanning

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2173113/fan_mail/new] Help BookWorthy make plans and know how to serve your best by filling out the 2026 Listener survey [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdx860FgpG7AQ_VnYAO08p8XrBqXgH14XABAA-DJ7cSSvrpVg/viewform?usp=dialog]. Click the link, answer 10 questions. I can't wait to hear what you have to say.  Full Transcripts available at http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog [http://www.valeriefentress.com/blog] In this episode of Book Worthy, author Kirthana J. Fanning discusses her book 'The Girl with Her Noble Steed' and her passion for empowering young readers through Christian faith-based storytelling. She shares how her love for underdog stories and fairy tales inspired her to create a story about a young girl named Ophie who relies on her faith and courage to overcome challenges. Fanning also talks about the importance of including Christian elements and the Word of God in children's stories. She discusses her journey from television production to becoming a children's author and shares her favorite books and upcoming projects.  A Girl and Her Noble Steed (affiliate link)  [https://amzn.to/4aDISt4] Takeaways  Author Kirthana J. Fanning is passionate about empowering young readers through Christian faith-based storytelling. Her book 'The Girl with Her Noble Steed' is a heartwarming Christian fairy tale about a young girl named Ophie who relies on her faith and courage to overcome challenges. Fanning believes in including Christian elements and the Word of God in children's stories to teach kids about faith, prayer, and the power of God's word. She shares her journey from television production to becoming a children's author and how the pandemic played a role in shifting her career path. Fanning's favorite books include 'The Pilgrim's Progress' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia', and she has upcoming projects, including a Christmas-themed book and more books in the 'Girl and her Noble steed' series.   Chapters  00:00 Introduction: Empowering Young Readers Through Christian Storytelling 02:52 The Girl with Her Noble Steed: A Heartwarming Christian Fairy Tale 06:21 Including Christian Elements and the Word of God in Children's Stories 08:38 From Television Production to Children's Author: Kirthana J. Fanning's Journey 15:24 Favorite Books: 'The Pilgrim's Progress' and 'The Chronicles of Narnia' 16:46 Upcoming Projects: A Christmas Book and More in the 'Golden Noblesteed' Series   Christian Children Books and Stories | Kirthana.J.Fanning (kirthanajfanning.com) [https://kirthanajfanning.com/] Listener Survey invitation Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube:  BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNyz26kbv3i9iGt4lueESw] tiktok: @valeriefentress