Sharon Leino: Why I Write Children's Books
Jul 29, 2024
Today we are blessed to feature children's book author, Sharon Leino. Sharon is one of our endorsed providers for Women Warriors of Light and she writes amazing chapter books for elementary aged children.
About Sharon Leino
Sharon Leino, the eldest of 11 siblings, has always had a vivid imagination. As a child, she channeled her creativity into poetry, writing about love, adventure, anger, and the pain of being bullied. However, she stopped writing and discarded her poetry after her father's death, later reflecting on it as one of those inexplicable moments in life when "we do some dumb things."
In her adult years, Sharon pursued a career as an educator and special education curriculum developer, where she wrote numerous reports and grants. She also kept detailed journals of her travels with her beloved husband, documenting their adventures across various countries and states.
Upon retiring and becoming a Texas snowbird, Sharon's childhood passion for writing reignited. She joined several writers' groups and discovered a fervor for crafting inspiring children's books. However, just as her writing journey was taking off, her husband lost his sight, prompting her to put her stories aside to support him through their new, challenging yet love-filled chapter.
Now residing in Florida, Sharon has built a new life for herself. She spends her days volunteering at church, creating jewelry as an amateur silversmith, and, of course, writing. Sharon continues to inspire through her storytelling, bringing joy and imagination to young readers.
Questions
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with an MA many years ago. Throughout my career I was blessed to work as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, diagnostician, and mental health advocate. Now that I am retired, I spend most of my time writing or working with our church in leadership, Sunday School, and Missions.
2. What inspired you to write books for young children with a Christian theme, what motivates you to continue?
After my husband died, I asked God what I was to do with the rest of my life as I was a caregiver for 15 years.
My answer came in an unusual way. A friend sent me an invitation to Richard Paul Evans' retreat because she could not go. I did not realize that most people had been zooming with Rick for a year before the retreat learning to write. They accepted my request and for a year I did nothing but write and follow the classes on Author Ready.
I was inspired to write these stories. I often say that God and I wrote them together because my imagination isn’t that good.
I chose to use fantasy because imagination is important for children to develop as it helps solve problems. These are not how-to books or go into great depth regarding each problem, but they do:
a) encourage friends to work together and support each other
b) teach they are not alone in their problem
c) help them learn to face difficult tasks
d) inspire them that the Knight of Light is symbolic of Jesus, and he is there to help
3. Can you share a bit about your personal faith journey and how it has influenced your writing?
My faith in God, Christ, and the church has been a part of my life from childhood to now. I have always sought to love, comfort, and help others. This makes me an advocate for those in need, especially women and children.
My mother was prominent in raising us as my father worked 7-days a week and long hours. She would always rock and sing the babies to sleep, turn the rope for jump rope for us, take us to the library every week, was neurotic about clean kids and house (so much so we never sat in the same place as she was always rearranging furniture).
My mother taught us kindness and love and that we were no better than anyone else, but there was no one better than we and made sure we went to Sunday School and church.
4. What are some challenges you faced as a child, and how have you overcome them?
As a child, I was very tall and skinny, with long legs, so much so that I was called Olive Oil. Also, being shy and meek did not help me make friends easily.
College is the place where I learned to overcome shyness as, in many cases, participation in class was part of your class grade. My face was always a bright red as a tomato but I did learn to voice my opinion and knowledge of the subject being discussed.
5. What do you hope children learn from your stories?
SCAREDY: When they are fearful, there are friends and adults who will help them. They are not alone; many others have fears, too. When a friend is being bullied, that friend will stick up for them. I also hope parents realize how important it is for their children to have good friends.
WANDERING EARS: To have friends that will encourage and help them overcome the behavior of not listening. To be in different situations that involve listening and thinking in order to practice those skills.
TAME THAT FLAME: To learn the dangers of not controlling ones anger. The Knight of Light plays a prominent part in this book as he walks with Billy to help him with fear and anger.
In the first two books, the Knight of Light is there when needed. The third and fourth book brings the Knight of Light in walking and talking with the children.
In all the books, I hope they learn kindness, helping others, what friends do, using imagination is a great thing, and problem-solving.
6. How do you balance fun storytelling with conveying important Christian values in your books?
I’ve created characters that are fun and fallible, hopefully in the same manner as C.S. Lewis.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring authors who want to write books with faith based themes for children?
Know who children are. They seek to learn in fun ways, may not have long attention spans due to phones and computers, and want to laugh and enjoy what they read. Think of how silly we view cartoons and yet children love them and laugh out loud while watching. Use words to visually create that same reaction.
8. Can you tell us about a particular book or story that is especially meaningful to you and why?
As a child I loved the Boxcar Children as they were so creative in their living.
9. What advice would you give to the mothers of young children as they help their children face challenges?
1. Help them to know Jesus and his love.
2. Love them with hugs and kisses.
3. Take time with them. They are your most valuable asset.
4. Read to them.
5. Be part of their lives so that you know that they have friends who are kind and faithful.
10. Do you find any Bible stories or verses particularly inspiring for writing children's books?
SCAREDY: Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
WANDERING EARS: Proverbs 19:20-21 "Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
TAME THAT FLAME: Ephesians 4:31-32. “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
11. What are you currently working on, and what new stories can young readers look forward to from you?
I have written a story about Grieving. Rudy lost his grandmother and cannot stop grieving. But there is a reason and you must read the book to find out.
Want to know more about Sharon and her books? Visit her website here.
You can also buy her books on Amazon by following the links above.
