Today I have the privilege of introducing a new children's
author. Roberta Simpson. Roberta's book, Nana's Bible Stories, is a delightful read for young and old with colorful illustrations by Susan Mitchell.
Roberta, thank you for sharing with us today
ROBERTA: It is truly an honor to
have the opportunity to share some of my personal thoughts and experiences
as a new author with you, Melody, and the Slurping Life ladies!
I am so blessed to see the work you are doing to help and encourage
each other!
There are so many gifts
lying dormant in the lives of women—just waiting to be discovered
or understood. I pray not only that my book,
Nana’s Bible Stories will be encouraging to the children in
your life—but, also that my personal story will be of encouragement
to many of you as you pursue your calling.
You have been telling stories
to your five children and nine grandchildren for many years. Why do
you believe the art of storytelling is so important…and why do children
respond so well to stories?
ROBERTA: Storytelling is
so important firstly because you are engaging a
child or children for a special time. I love to use my grandchildren’s
names in the stories as I have done in
Nana’s Bible Stories.
I believe storytelling is
an adventure, and what you are doing is bringing children into the story.
It is also a great time for cuddling, and being close to the kids
– it is a time for bonding, and engaging their trust. I find
there is not a child I have met who does not just LOVE having a story
read, or told to them!
I believe that children
respond to stories (if they are good stories!) because it is a time
where they can listen to a story about someone or something else other
than what they see and feel everyday, and many times can place themselves
into the story – e.g. “What would I have done?”
While playing with kids,
I love starting a story – “Once upon a time, there was a…” then
I would point to one of the kids, and they would have to make up something.
I would continue this way until all the kids had a turn, and we had
a story! It was crazy, fun, and lots of loud laughter.
Your personal story is one
of obedience. You didn’t plan to become an author. Tell us about some
of the challenges you faced from family, friends, etc. on your journey.
ROBERTA: Challenges do come,
and they come often. Some years ago, I did a writing seminar, here in
Barbados. I remember being so excited, as I did want to write, but up
until then, I had only written articles for the newspaper, and a few
plays for church.
The gentleman who read and
corrected all that I had written scribbled all over them with a nasty
little red pen. On the bottom he wrote,
“You can’t write!” I shrugged and thought,
“I have five kids to raise and I have lots to do, so never mind!”
He was a very influential man in Barbados
– in fact, he was a well known Pastor! Lesson to be learned in this?
When God says you can do it, even a well known Pastor cannot get in
the way with his negative comments!
Years later, when I knew
God spoke to me about writing, I felt excited and flew home (I mean
drove!) and started to write. I believe what was important at that time,
was obeying God, and not listening to man!
Friends and especially family
have totally encouraged me on my adventure, and this is really special!
The seven stories featured
in Nana’s Bible Stories are biblically correct
– but, you have a unique style of storytelling. You have created stories
within stories. Would you please explain why you used this style?
ROBERTA: When reading the
Bible, I tend to stop and meditate on what I have read, and often, especially
looking at characters in the Bible, I wonder how they felt, where they
lived, etc. My heart always went out to the leper who Jesus healed.
For instance, did he have a family? His heart must have been broken
at having to leave home. I believe other people—including children—might
wonder the same things…so I thought it would be interesting to develop
stories around the stories.
I do a lot of research
and I insist on maintaining the actual story from the Bible. I
do not remove the tiniest meaning from the Word!
I had a wonderful time writing
“A Father’s Miracle.” Here is a little boy, who I invented, who
just loved his Abba – Daddy. His dad gets sick and has to move away
from his home, and all he loves. I wanted kids to be able to
identify with this child. It could have been them, and many kids face
this sad experience – maybe not leprosy, but sickness and death!
I believe kids will be encouraged
and inspired, like the little boy, and pray for loved ones who are sick,
and have faith that they will be healed by Jesus, who is the same today
as He was yesterday!
Some of your royalties from
Nana’s Bible Stories will be going to children’s charities.
Please explain.
ROBERTA: While we were working
with Jane Seymour on her narration, we learned about all the wonderful
work that she was doing on behalf of various children’s charities.
It was touching to see first hand the work that is being done and actually
meeting some of the young people who are benefiting from her charity
work. A portion of the proceeds from the
sale of my book will go to these charities, including City Hearts in
Los Angeles.
I am also involved the Children’s
Trust in Barbados. They do a marvelous job of helping, sick, and
underprivileged children on this island.
It is a great joy to be
writing, knowing that the Lord is blessing children both spiritually
and financially through Nana’s Bible Stories.
You are truly
“Nana” to many young people – including those outside of your
family. You have even challenged other Nanas to become more involved.
Why do you think it is important for Nanas to become involved in the
lives of young people?
ROBERTA: I absolutely love
and adore my children and grandchildren. But I have had the privilege
to meet and be involved with so many kids outside my own family.
It is so important for us, either as Nanas, or Nana figures, to be involved
with kids. I believe they need us, and we have much to give.
There are many kids out
there, who are lonely and unloved. I really pray my book will allow
me to touch the lives of many of these children, to love on them and
encourage them. There is so much we can do, and we can truly, with a
compassionate heart, be the hands and feet of Jesus in children’s
lives.
What words of encouragement
would you give to other women who have been stay at home Moms, but now
have the time and want to use their gifts and talents to start a career
or business? Is it ever too late?
ROBERTA: Well, first of
all, it is never too late. So I say to all you wonderful Moms, go girl
go! I say God has placed wonderful gifts inside of you, which some of
you may or may not be aware.
I did not know I had books
inside of me! So I know God will take some of you by surprise. He will
take you on a great adventure! Some of you know already what you want
to do, and have obvious gifts that others can see.
Just give your life over
to Him in a new way, and ask Him how to proceed in your new career.
He will answer you!
Thank you for allowing me
to share a part of my life and calling with you. If you would
like to learn more about me or my book, please go to www.nanasbiblestories.com. You may download one of
my favorite stories, The Butterfly and the Cross—the story of the
crucifixion as told through the gentle and tender eyes of a butterfly.
I have also included a special devotional for the story which you may
share with your children this Easter season. Cuddle up with a
child and enjoy!
Roberta, thank you for allowing me to introduce you and your book. Nana's Bible Stories is now on my list of recommended children's books.
Visit Roberta's site to read more about the author and Nana's Bible Stories. A portion of every sale of Nana’s Bible Stories
helps support children’s charities like the Make-A-Wish Foundation,
granting wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses, and City
Hearts, using the arts to reach inner-city kids.
Giveaway
The giveaway has ended.
I am sharing my copy of Nana's Bible Stories with my boys, and they are enjoying revisiting new tellings of their favorite Bible stories. However, my boys are older and rather than keep our copy, I would like to pass this gift to another family to share with their young children for years to come.
If you would like to be entered in a random draw for our like-new copy of Nana's Bible Stories, which includes a CD of the stories narrated by Christian artist and author, Sheila Walsh, simply leave a comment on this post by midnight EST, Saturday, March 8, 2008. One comment per reader, please. Duplicate comments will be deleted. Also, be certain I have a valid email address to contact you if you are the winner. *Giveaway open to residents of the contiguous United States*
