March 1, 2025 • 24 mins
In this episode of Christian Book Blurb, host Matt McChlery interviews children's author Terry Fahning about her book 'Mercy's Happenings.' They discuss the inspiration behind writing for children, the importance of faith-based literature, and the unique approach of storytelling in non-fiction. Terry shares insights on engaging children in discussions about faith, offers writing advice for aspiring authors, and reflects on her life and current concerns regarding family dynamics and children's activities. She also talks about her third degree blackbelt in Taekwondo and her love of upcycling furniture with her husband.
Links
Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery
Sponsor an episode of this podcast Click for Advertising info
Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com
Visit Terrie Fahning's website booksbyterrie.com
Takeaways
- Terry was inspired to write for children to share stories with her grandchildren.
- Faith-based books help introduce the concept of faith early in a child's life.
- Children love stories and are captivated by real-life experiences.
- Terry's book is unique as it combines non-fiction with storytelling.
- Life lessons are embedded in the stories, making them relatable for children.
- Discussion questions at the end of each story encourage deeper conversations about faith.
- Honesty in discussions about faith is crucial for building trust with children.
- Writing for children requires simplicity and age-appropriate language.
- Parents should engage in faith discussions to foster understanding in their children.
- Terry emphasizes the importance of outdoor activities and imagination for children.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Christian Book Blurb 00:29 Inspiration Behind Writing for Children 02:40 The Importance of Faith-Based Books for Children 03:58 Unique Approach to Non-Fiction Children's Writing 06:21 Life Lessons Through Storytelling 09:42 Discussing Faith with Children 11:12 Writing Advice for Aspiring Children's Authors 13:29 Engaging Children in Faith Discussions 15:27 Getting to Know the Author 21:11 Terry's Current Concerns and Prayers 22:04 Where to Find Terry's Book
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
This is Christian Book Blurb brought to you by author and songwriter Matt McChlery Get abehind the scenes glimpse into the lives of some of your favourite Christian authors, hear
about their books and faith.
Also, why not check out my website, mattmcleary.com.
Hello and welcome to the Christian Book Blurb, the podcast where we like to encourage youin your discipleship one book at a time as we meet some amazing Christian authors and
(00:28):
learn about their books.
their lives and their faith.
Well, I'm your host, Matt McChlery.
Thanks for clicking over and joining us on the podcast today.
It's great to have you with us.
Now on today's show, I'm going to be talking about children's writing, writing forchildren in the Christian world, I guess, with the author, Fawning.
(00:53):
So let's welcome Terry to the show.
Hi, Terry.
Hey, Matt, good to be here.
Thank you for inviting me.
It's so good to have you with us and you are a children's author based in America Ibelieve, is that right?
Yes, Rankin, Georgia, which is near Savannah, Georgia, which most people know Savannah.
(01:18):
That's great.
I ask because some people don't really know America that well who listen to this, althoughabout half my listeners are American, so they might have a pretty good idea.
So that's great.
What first inspired you to write for children,
Well, first off, I thought this children's story was going to be for my grandchildren, mychildren, just to pass down.
(01:47):
But I was impressed about, no, it's for other children also.
Because they're so playful, they're innocent, and they have great imaginations.
So I thought they would be really, really interested in this kind of book.
Hmm.
And why do you think it is important to have faith-based books for children?
(02:14):
Well, because it's important that you introduce the concept of faith early on.
It needs to grow like a little seed.
It's not only the parents who are supposed to be doing it, but extended family,grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins.
It's really important for them to model faith and the behavior so children can emulate it.
(02:40):
You said you wrote this book primarily for your family at first.
Yes.
So I imagine, were they like your sounding board?
Did you read them the stories first before they were in the book or did the book comefirst and you say, look at this, these are some stories I've written for you.
There are a few of the stories that I read to them on the way of some of my grandchildrenthat were a little bit older and they got tickled over them.
(03:08):
So I said, okay, this will be fine.
So they encouraged me with that.
and you've read them the actual book since it's been published.
They were thrilled.
My children, the grown children that I have, they were very upset.
They didn't get their own copy.
The grandchildren got them.
(03:30):
That's very good.
Your book is, it's an interesting one because I must admit, nearly all the children'sbooks I've looked at and done interviews with on this podcast have been fictional books
for children or indeed a retelling of a Bible story.
(03:53):
But yours is neither.
Yours is quite different.
So yours is a non-fiction book.
for children, but it's a nonfiction book, but it's still in like a storytelling style.
So it's very, it's very different.
It's very unique.
Why did you choose to write in this way or in this genre?
(04:14):
think children just love stories.
And they love to be told stories.
And I think when they find out that this story is real, that catches them off guard.
I've had little people asked me, eight year old that had read it.
And he was asking me about a story about Dr.
(04:37):
he said, Did that really happen?
And I opened my hand up and I showed him my scar.
And he went, it really happened.
And he goes, when are you going to write another story?
Just cute like that.
That is cute.
That is lovely.
And you mentioning that the Doctor Who story in there.
(04:57):
Now I know for my UK listeners, hearing the words Doctor Who might be a bit different towhat you talk about.
It's not talking about some Time Lord that jumps inside a telephone box and flies aroundthe galaxies.
No.
it's even though I do like that story
Yeah, yeah, so just briefly, who is Doctor Who and how did he enter your life?
(05:23):
Well, I was working on the farm with my dad and I fell and got cut in the hand by a rustynail.
And so I had to go to the emergency room and that's where I met Dr.
Hu.
And he was the physician who sewed it up and he kept talking to me in such a way tellingme about his name, because I really couldn't grasp his name.
(05:47):
Are you related to the Owl family or something?
And he got off on it.
And so we had a nice conversation and before I knew it, my hand was all stitched up and itwas all better.
Yeah.
And that's just one of the stories in the book, which is wonderful.
Speaking of your book, it's called Mercy's Happenings.
(06:10):
And it's got six short stories in it based on what's happened in your life as a child.
Do you have a particular favorite?
yeah.
Well, I love them all because every one of them brings me back to a great spot in my life.
(06:31):
But the one I'd have to pick would be wasn't lost.
Hmm.
And I'll just read a little bit from that story for you here.
It's the dad speaking to Mercy.
Mercy, today you learned that you were not lost because I was with you.
(06:51):
Even when you don't know what to do next, you should stop, close your eyes, and take adeep breath.
Remember this.
You will always know the right way.
because you are never alone.
And when I hear that, I hear my Heavenly Father say, I'm never alone no matter what.
(07:15):
Hmm.
Hmm.
That's lovely.
That is, that is lovely.
so as you've already touched on and shown with a couple of examples of the stories in thebook, the stories themselves are, they're like life lessons, aren't they?
That I, when I read them, I didn't find them preachy at all.
(07:36):
Sometimes, sometimes when authors write for children, it can come across a bit preachy,maybe a bit pushy sometimes.
but yours is none of those things.
But it's still a Christian book and it's very interesting.
I like the way you've done it, where the story itself is just a story, but then it's thediscussion afterwards because you include some discussion questions.
(08:03):
It's in the discussion afterwards where you can draw out faith themes or what did Godthink about this or how do you think Jesus might
reacts with that or whatever.
Why did you do it this way round?
They can tell when you're honest and they like that because they have this little sense inthem.
(08:29):
They know when somebody's being real and when they're not being real.
So I tell the story.
I let them listen to the story and then afterwards I want them to feel God's love and hispresence throughout the actions and the words that we just read about.
(08:49):
That's how God touches us every day.
We see him in the little things and in the big things, but he's there every day in everymoment.
They're not quite parables, but they're kind of in that zone, aren't they, where Jesustold parables and he told stories, didn't he?
And they weren't necessarily preaching themselves.
(09:14):
It's the discussion afterwards that draws out the themes.
mean, you talk about, I don't know, the mustard seed and the farmer's in a field and heplants a seed and it grows into a tree and the birds come and nest in it.
It's not particularly
It's not particularly sort preachy or pushy, but yet it's the discussion and theapplication and the symbolism within it that that's where we find the richness.
(09:42):
And then Good Samaritan,
Yes, yes.
Yeah, there's, hundreds.
It's great.
So having, having said that there's a faith element that's included at the end of eachchapter.
why is it important for children to be able to discuss faith with their parents or indeedwhoever it is who's reading the book with them in this way?
(10:11):
Well, children are just like us.
They're looking for the truth.
So parents and teachers are the front line who are forming our children's minds andhearts.
So you always need to be prepared with children to have difficult questions whilemaintaining honesty, because when these questions come up, parents should be able to.
(10:37):
Acknowledge, you know, I really don't know the answer to that question, but I'll tell youwhat, let's let me find out.
We can go look up together or you may need to do it by yourself, depending on thequestion.
And they appreciate, you know, the honesty in that you come back and you say, OK, this iswhat I found.
And let's talk about that.
(10:59):
Either way, you look in your bubble or you look up some resources because there is so manyresources out there that are godly.
that you can pull out and help you answer questions kids are going to ask.
your writing style consists of short simple sentences which is good for young readers.
So have you got any writing advice for someone who might be listening to this who'sthinking to themselves, you know what I would like to write for younger readers but I
(11:30):
don't quite know where to start or how to go about it.
What advice have you got for some budding children's authors out there?
Well, you've got the hand on what you're to do.
I'm a young reader, not a picture book.
So that's correct.
Yes, you're not a picture book.
Yes, you're right.
Yeah, you've got to keep everything age appropriate.
(11:51):
So sometimes the sentences are simple, especially in a picture book.
But for older children, you can make it more sophisticated and engaging.
Complex ideas need to be broken down to little small bite sized pieces because otherwisechildren get very overwhelmed by things they don't understand or can't be explained
(12:16):
because of their age.
So just be simple, be easy, just write it down and then take it to age appropriate.
That's great.
And I guess reading around as well would help.
If you've identified the age group that you want to write for, buy some other books, havea look at what other authors have done and approached it.
(12:41):
And you can learn the positives as well as the negatives sometimes.
Sometimes you look at something and go, I wouldn't do it that way.
I've got a much better way.
And then you can go for it, can't you?
Yes, I spent a day or two in the children's side of the library looking at little booksand reading them and took some chapter books home so I could look at chapter books.
(13:05):
And it was amazing.
I liked some of their ideas and I followed some of the things they were doing and some Iwas like, no.
Just before we go for a short break, what advice do you have for parents of children whenit comes to reading about or discussing faith with them?
(13:29):
Discussing your faith is critical for children and encourages them to have an honestconversation with you and It lets them understand that you believe in something bigger
than yourself that you trust God At times you seeking for answers when you don't know whatto do that you are dependent on God Just like a child like your child is dependent upon a
(13:58):
parent
and tell them your mistakes when you mess up and how God has forgiven you.
Be honest with them.
Tell them that you're not perfect, but you are a work in progress just like they are.
And this will open a conversation with them that will take into their teens because youwon't be able to talk to a teenager to have a deep discussion if you didn't start when
(14:24):
they were children.
And it will continue their whole life.
I'm reminded of the Israelites and how they told stories of God's work.
And that's still a valuable method of teaching lessons and preserving faith through ourgenerations.
We've been chatting with Terry Fawning about her book, Mercy's Happenings.
(14:49):
And we'll be joining Terry again in a little while, just after these messages where we'llbe finding out a little bit more about her life and her faith.
So join us on the other side of these.
If you enjoy listening to this podcast, you can help keep it on the web.
All you've got to do is buy me a coffee.
Head over to buymeacoffee.com slash Matt McChlery to make a donation.
(15:15):
There is a link in this episode's show notes.
So go on, buy me a coffee today and help this podcast to keep supporting Christian booksand authors.
Hello, welcome back to the Christian Book Blur podcast.
We have been chatting with the author Terry Fawning all about her book, Mercy'sHappenings, a lovely book of six short stories written for children.
(15:39):
Now, Terry, this side of the interval, we like to get to know the author a little bitbetter.
We get an idea of what life was like when you were a child from reading your book.
So what's life like for you these days?
What do you do for fun?
I like walking trails and going to the markets with my husband.
(16:04):
We both like refinishing and repurposing things.
And we have a little booth at a vendor's mart who resells them for us.
So we have fun doing that.
And my church ladies.
What projects are you working on at the minute?
What are you repurposing at the minute?
(16:24):
I've got an older table and I have stripped down the wood and I am trying to sand it cleanand get the brass all fixed back to where it's beautiful and shiny to put it back
together.
But I'm going to paint it a black and then I'm going to accent it in certain places withsome stained wood.
(16:46):
So it'll have two tone look to it.
Oh, nice.
Oh, good.
And so, so is that what you do that on your own or does your husband help?
We both do it.
We both real handy.
My dad was a carpenter.
My mother was a nurse.
So we lived on a farm.
So you learned all sorts of things doing that.
(17:08):
But by vocation, I am a retired surgical tech.
So I was in the operating room all the time.
And I'm a retired taekwondo instructor.
Wow.
Surgery and taekwondo.
wonder which order does it go taekwondo first and then you get the surgery after maybe.
(17:29):
don't know.
good.
What, what belt?
Do they do belts and taekwondo like karate?
What colored belt did you get?
I have third degree black belt.
Whoa!
goodness
You can't do that.
(17:52):
Hey, just watch out.
Yeah.
Have you got any favorite things to eat or to do?
I love Mexican food and Thai food.
Even though I do Southern cooking all the time, but I love to have a little bit of kick inthere.
those are my fun things to do as far as anything else.
(18:13):
No, I'm busy with all the other stuff.
It sounds like you're pretty busy.
That's good.
I try.
because you're a children's author, I think I have to ask you this question about acartoon character.
So if you were a cartoon character, who would you be and why?
(18:36):
Okay.
This is going to age me.
So, bugs bunny.
we share some traits.
we're clever.
We're funny and able to navigate out of difficult situations.
Good.
Now my husband says I'm Betty rubble, kind and down to earth, but he's being kind.
(19:01):
My kids would say something different.
No, that's great.
I like the Flintstones, especially the car where you have to stick your feet out thebottom to get it going.
I'm glad we don't do that.
When I was younger we had a car almost like that one.
yeah, didn't we all?
(19:21):
Do you like chocolate or sweets?
Which one would you go for?
you had the choice?
Oh, hard choice then.
Yeah, very hard to.
Okay, and are you a tea person or a coffee person?
Tea.
Tea, okay.
Just a standard kind of tea.
What kind of tea is it in America that you have?
(19:44):
Because we've got like an English breakfast here.
yeah, well I have an almond hibiscus mix that I love.
Okay, very nice.
Yeah, I've just started getting into herbal teas.
that I haven't tried that one.
Interesting.
Have you got any family?
You've kind of mentioned them already briefly.
(20:07):
have a plethora of family.
We are a big blended mixed family.
So I have seven grown children married, 17 grandchildren, most of them are grown andmarried.
And then six number six great grandbaby just came this month.
(20:28):
Wow, congratulations.
The math does not work in our family because I have adopted ones, step ones, and birthones, but they're all mine.
God said that I am not a stepchild, I'm a joint heir with Jesus.
He includes me in the family even though I was adopted in.
(20:50):
So if I can take these kids in, then they're mine and I will be there through thick andthin.
That's wonderful.
What is the Holy Spirit doing in your life or is there something that he's teaching you orhighlighted to you recently that you can share with us?
(21:11):
Well, I have concerns and my prayers are for the children and family dynamics now.
I'm concerned about kids missing out on outdoor activities, just imagination, not usingphones, parents staying off of phones and being more engaged with their children and
(21:34):
children being exposed to things that children shouldn't be exposed to.
So you're praying into those things.
Yeah, that's great.
Yeah, yeah.
And where can we buy your book, Mercy's Happenings from?
(21:54):
And of course, can people connect with you on social media or websites or how does thatwork with you, Terry?
Well, on Facebook, it's F-A-H-N-I-N-G, author.
On Instagram, I'm at Terry Fonning, and that's T-E-R-R-I-E F-A-H-N-I-N-G.
(22:25):
I have a website.
It's www.booksbyterry.com.
You can get my book on Amazon or you can go to wesbopress.com backslash bookstore.
(22:47):
Wonderful.
And so do go and check out Terry Fawning's book, Mercy's Happenings.
And if you've been interested by the things we've been speaking about today, about theshort stories and the questions and the discussions that you can have with the children
afterwards and all that sort of thing, do go and get yourself a copy.
(23:08):
That will be fantastic.
Well, Terry, it's been fantastic chatting with you.
I know I'm such a...
in the UK and you over there in America.
It's great that we can sort of connect like this.
I'm always fascinated by it.
But thank you so much for joining us today here on the Christian Bookbler podcast.
(23:28):
Thank you so much, man.
And thank you as well for listening to this episode of the Christian Book Blob podcast.
Don't forget the podcast comes out on the first and the 15th of every month.
So I'm going to be back again really, really soon in just a couple of weeks where I'll bechatting with another fantastic Christian author, all about their books, their life and
(23:52):
their faith, just to encourage you in your discipleship, one book at a time.
Thanks for listening.
and I look forward to having the pleasure of your company again really soon.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
Thanks for listening to Christian Book Blurb with your host Matt McChlery.
Do give it a like, give it a share and let your friends know all about it.
(24:14):
We do hope to see you again soon on another Christian Book Blurb.
This is Christian Book Blurb brought to you by author and songwriter Matt McChlery Get abehind the scenes glimpse into the lives of some of your favourite Christian authors, hear
about their books and faith.
Also, why not check out my website, mattmcleary.com.
Hello and welcome to the Christian Book Blurb, the podcast where we like to encourage youin your discipleship one book at a time as we meet some amazing Christian authors and
(00:28):
learn about their books.
their lives and their faith.
Well, I'm your host, Matt McChlery.
Thanks for clicking over and joining us on the podcast today.
It's great to have you with us.
Now on today's show, I'm going to be talking about children's writing, writing forchildren in the Christian world, I guess, with the author, Fawning.
(00:53):
So let's welcome Terry to the show.
Hi, Terry.
Hey, Matt, good to be here.
Thank you for inviting me.
It's so good to have you with us and you are a children's author based in America Ibelieve, is that right?
Yes, Rankin, Georgia, which is near Savannah, Georgia, which most people know Savannah.
(01:18):
That's great.
I ask because some people don't really know America that well who listen to this, althoughabout half my listeners are American, so they might have a pretty good idea.
So that's great.
What first inspired you to write for children,
Well, first off, I thought this children's story was going to be for my grandchildren, mychildren, just to pass down.
(01:47):
But I was impressed about, no, it's for other children also.
Because they're so playful, they're innocent, and they have great imaginations.
So I thought they would be really, really interested in this kind of book.
Hmm.
And why do you think it is important to have faith-based books for children?
(02:14):
Well, because it's important that you introduce the concept of faith early on.
It needs to grow like a little seed.
It's not only the parents who are supposed to be doing it, but extended family,grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins.
It's really important for them to model faith and the behavior so children can emulate it.
(02:40):
You said you wrote this book primarily for your family at first.
Yes.
So I imagine, were they like your sounding board?
Did you read them the stories first before they were in the book or did the book comefirst and you say, look at this, these are some stories I've written for you.
There are a few of the stories that I read to them on the way of some of my grandchildrenthat were a little bit older and they got tickled over them.
(03:08):
So I said, okay, this will be fine.
So they encouraged me with that.
and you've read them the actual book since it's been published.
They were thrilled.
My children, the grown children that I have, they were very upset.
They didn't get their own copy.
The grandchildren got them.
(03:30):
That's very good.
Your book is, it's an interesting one because I must admit, nearly all the children'sbooks I've looked at and done interviews with on this podcast have been fictional books
for children or indeed a retelling of a Bible story.
(03:53):
But yours is neither.
Yours is quite different.
So yours is a non-fiction book.
for children, but it's a nonfiction book, but it's still in like a storytelling style.
So it's very, it's very different.
It's very unique.
Why did you choose to write in this way or in this genre?
(04:14):
think children just love stories.
And they love to be told stories.
And I think when they find out that this story is real, that catches them off guard.
I've had little people asked me, eight year old that had read it.
And he was asking me about a story about Dr.
(04:37):
he said, Did that really happen?
And I opened my hand up and I showed him my scar.
And he went, it really happened.
And he goes, when are you going to write another story?
Just cute like that.
That is cute.
That is lovely.
And you mentioning that the Doctor Who story in there.
(04:57):
Now I know for my UK listeners, hearing the words Doctor Who might be a bit different towhat you talk about.
It's not talking about some Time Lord that jumps inside a telephone box and flies aroundthe galaxies.
No.
it's even though I do like that story
Yeah, yeah, so just briefly, who is Doctor Who and how did he enter your life?
(05:23):
Well, I was working on the farm with my dad and I fell and got cut in the hand by a rustynail.
And so I had to go to the emergency room and that's where I met Dr.
Hu.
And he was the physician who sewed it up and he kept talking to me in such a way tellingme about his name, because I really couldn't grasp his name.
(05:47):
Are you related to the Owl family or something?
And he got off on it.
And so we had a nice conversation and before I knew it, my hand was all stitched up and itwas all better.
Yeah.
And that's just one of the stories in the book, which is wonderful.
Speaking of your book, it's called Mercy's Happenings.
(06:10):
And it's got six short stories in it based on what's happened in your life as a child.
Do you have a particular favorite?
yeah.
Well, I love them all because every one of them brings me back to a great spot in my life.
(06:31):
But the one I'd have to pick would be wasn't lost.
Hmm.
And I'll just read a little bit from that story for you here.
It's the dad speaking to Mercy.
Mercy, today you learned that you were not lost because I was with you.
(06:51):
Even when you don't know what to do next, you should stop, close your eyes, and take adeep breath.
Remember this.
You will always know the right way.
because you are never alone.
And when I hear that, I hear my Heavenly Father say, I'm never alone no matter what.
(07:15):
Hmm.
Hmm.
That's lovely.
That is, that is lovely.
so as you've already touched on and shown with a couple of examples of the stories in thebook, the stories themselves are, they're like life lessons, aren't they?
That I, when I read them, I didn't find them preachy at all.
(07:36):
Sometimes, sometimes when authors write for children, it can come across a bit preachy,maybe a bit pushy sometimes.
but yours is none of those things.
But it's still a Christian book and it's very interesting.
I like the way you've done it, where the story itself is just a story, but then it's thediscussion afterwards because you include some discussion questions.
(08:03):
It's in the discussion afterwards where you can draw out faith themes or what did Godthink about this or how do you think Jesus might
reacts with that or whatever.
Why did you do it this way round?
They can tell when you're honest and they like that because they have this little sense inthem.
(08:29):
They know when somebody's being real and when they're not being real.
So I tell the story.
I let them listen to the story and then afterwards I want them to feel God's love and hispresence throughout the actions and the words that we just read about.
(08:49):
That's how God touches us every day.
We see him in the little things and in the big things, but he's there every day in everymoment.
They're not quite parables, but they're kind of in that zone, aren't they, where Jesustold parables and he told stories, didn't he?
And they weren't necessarily preaching themselves.
(09:14):
It's the discussion afterwards that draws out the themes.
mean, you talk about, I don't know, the mustard seed and the farmer's in a field and heplants a seed and it grows into a tree and the birds come and nest in it.
It's not particularly
It's not particularly sort preachy or pushy, but yet it's the discussion and theapplication and the symbolism within it that that's where we find the richness.
(09:42):
And then Good Samaritan,
Yes, yes.
Yeah, there's, hundreds.
It's great.
So having, having said that there's a faith element that's included at the end of eachchapter.
why is it important for children to be able to discuss faith with their parents or indeedwhoever it is who's reading the book with them in this way?
(10:11):
Well, children are just like us.
They're looking for the truth.
So parents and teachers are the front line who are forming our children's minds andhearts.
So you always need to be prepared with children to have difficult questions whilemaintaining honesty, because when these questions come up, parents should be able to.
(10:37):
Acknowledge, you know, I really don't know the answer to that question, but I'll tell youwhat, let's let me find out.
We can go look up together or you may need to do it by yourself, depending on thequestion.
And they appreciate, you know, the honesty in that you come back and you say, OK, this iswhat I found.
And let's talk about that.
(10:59):
Either way, you look in your bubble or you look up some resources because there is so manyresources out there that are godly.
that you can pull out and help you answer questions kids are going to ask.
your writing style consists of short simple sentences which is good for young readers.
So have you got any writing advice for someone who might be listening to this who'sthinking to themselves, you know what I would like to write for younger readers but I
(11:30):
don't quite know where to start or how to go about it.
What advice have you got for some budding children's authors out there?
Well, you've got the hand on what you're to do.
I'm a young reader, not a picture book.
So that's correct.
Yes, you're not a picture book.
Yes, you're right.
Yeah, you've got to keep everything age appropriate.
(11:51):
So sometimes the sentences are simple, especially in a picture book.
But for older children, you can make it more sophisticated and engaging.
Complex ideas need to be broken down to little small bite sized pieces because otherwisechildren get very overwhelmed by things they don't understand or can't be explained
(12:16):
because of their age.
So just be simple, be easy, just write it down and then take it to age appropriate.
That's great.
And I guess reading around as well would help.
If you've identified the age group that you want to write for, buy some other books, havea look at what other authors have done and approached it.
(12:41):
And you can learn the positives as well as the negatives sometimes.
Sometimes you look at something and go, I wouldn't do it that way.
I've got a much better way.
And then you can go for it, can't you?
Yes, I spent a day or two in the children's side of the library looking at little booksand reading them and took some chapter books home so I could look at chapter books.
(13:05):
And it was amazing.
I liked some of their ideas and I followed some of the things they were doing and some Iwas like, no.
Just before we go for a short break, what advice do you have for parents of children whenit comes to reading about or discussing faith with them?
(13:29):
Discussing your faith is critical for children and encourages them to have an honestconversation with you and It lets them understand that you believe in something bigger
than yourself that you trust God At times you seeking for answers when you don't know whatto do that you are dependent on God Just like a child like your child is dependent upon a
(13:58):
parent
and tell them your mistakes when you mess up and how God has forgiven you.
Be honest with them.
Tell them that you're not perfect, but you are a work in progress just like they are.
And this will open a conversation with them that will take into their teens because youwon't be able to talk to a teenager to have a deep discussion if you didn't start when
(14:24):
they were children.
And it will continue their whole life.
I'm reminded of the Israelites and how they told stories of God's work.
And that's still a valuable method of teaching lessons and preserving faith through ourgenerations.
We've been chatting with Terry Fawning about her book, Mercy's Happenings.
(14:49):
And we'll be joining Terry again in a little while, just after these messages where we'llbe finding out a little bit more about her life and her faith.
So join us on the other side of these.
If you enjoy listening to this podcast, you can help keep it on the web.
All you've got to do is buy me a coffee.
Head over to buymeacoffee.com slash Matt McChlery to make a donation.
(15:15):
There is a link in this episode's show notes.
So go on, buy me a coffee today and help this podcast to keep supporting Christian booksand authors.
Hello, welcome back to the Christian Book Blur podcast.
We have been chatting with the author Terry Fawning all about her book, Mercy'sHappenings, a lovely book of six short stories written for children.
(15:39):
Now, Terry, this side of the interval, we like to get to know the author a little bitbetter.
We get an idea of what life was like when you were a child from reading your book.
So what's life like for you these days?
What do you do for fun?
I like walking trails and going to the markets with my husband.
(16:04):
We both like refinishing and repurposing things.
And we have a little booth at a vendor's mart who resells them for us.
So we have fun doing that.
And my church ladies.
What projects are you working on at the minute?
What are you repurposing at the minute?
(16:24):
I've got an older table and I have stripped down the wood and I am trying to sand it cleanand get the brass all fixed back to where it's beautiful and shiny to put it back
together.
But I'm going to paint it a black and then I'm going to accent it in certain places withsome stained wood.
(16:46):
So it'll have two tone look to it.
Oh, nice.
Oh, good.
And so, so is that what you do that on your own or does your husband help?
We both do it.
We both real handy.
My dad was a carpenter.
My mother was a nurse.
So we lived on a farm.
So you learned all sorts of things doing that.
(17:08):
But by vocation, I am a retired surgical tech.
So I was in the operating room all the time.
And I'm a retired taekwondo instructor.
Wow.
Surgery and taekwondo.
wonder which order does it go taekwondo first and then you get the surgery after maybe.
(17:29):
don't know.
good.
What, what belt?
Do they do belts and taekwondo like karate?
What colored belt did you get?
I have third degree black belt.
Whoa!
goodness
You can't do that.
(17:52):
Hey, just watch out.
Yeah.
Have you got any favorite things to eat or to do?
I love Mexican food and Thai food.
Even though I do Southern cooking all the time, but I love to have a little bit of kick inthere.
those are my fun things to do as far as anything else.
(18:13):
No, I'm busy with all the other stuff.
It sounds like you're pretty busy.
That's good.
I try.
because you're a children's author, I think I have to ask you this question about acartoon character.
So if you were a cartoon character, who would you be and why?
(18:36):
Okay.
This is going to age me.
So, bugs bunny.
we share some traits.
we're clever.
We're funny and able to navigate out of difficult situations.
Good.
Now my husband says I'm Betty rubble, kind and down to earth, but he's being kind.
(19:01):
My kids would say something different.
No, that's great.
I like the Flintstones, especially the car where you have to stick your feet out thebottom to get it going.
I'm glad we don't do that.
When I was younger we had a car almost like that one.
yeah, didn't we all?
(19:21):
Do you like chocolate or sweets?
Which one would you go for?
you had the choice?
Oh, hard choice then.
Yeah, very hard to.
Okay, and are you a tea person or a coffee person?
Tea.
Tea, okay.
Just a standard kind of tea.
What kind of tea is it in America that you have?
(19:44):
Because we've got like an English breakfast here.
yeah, well I have an almond hibiscus mix that I love.
Okay, very nice.
Yeah, I've just started getting into herbal teas.
that I haven't tried that one.
Interesting.
Have you got any family?
You've kind of mentioned them already briefly.
(20:07):
have a plethora of family.
We are a big blended mixed family.
So I have seven grown children married, 17 grandchildren, most of them are grown andmarried.
And then six number six great grandbaby just came this month.
(20:28):
Wow, congratulations.
The math does not work in our family because I have adopted ones, step ones, and birthones, but they're all mine.
God said that I am not a stepchild, I'm a joint heir with Jesus.
He includes me in the family even though I was adopted in.
(20:50):
So if I can take these kids in, then they're mine and I will be there through thick andthin.
That's wonderful.
What is the Holy Spirit doing in your life or is there something that he's teaching you orhighlighted to you recently that you can share with us?
(21:11):
Well, I have concerns and my prayers are for the children and family dynamics now.
I'm concerned about kids missing out on outdoor activities, just imagination, not usingphones, parents staying off of phones and being more engaged with their children and
(21:34):
children being exposed to things that children shouldn't be exposed to.
So you're praying into those things.
Yeah, that's great.
Yeah, yeah.
And where can we buy your book, Mercy's Happenings from?
(21:54):
And of course, can people connect with you on social media or websites or how does thatwork with you, Terry?
Well, on Facebook, it's F-A-H-N-I-N-G, author.
On Instagram, I'm at Terry Fonning, and that's T-E-R-R-I-E F-A-H-N-I-N-G.
(22:25):
I have a website.
It's www.booksbyterry.com.
You can get my book on Amazon or you can go to wesbopress.com backslash bookstore.
(22:47):
Wonderful.
And so do go and check out Terry Fawning's book, Mercy's Happenings.
And if you've been interested by the things we've been speaking about today, about theshort stories and the questions and the discussions that you can have with the children
afterwards and all that sort of thing, do go and get yourself a copy.
(23:08):
That will be fantastic.
Well, Terry, it's been fantastic chatting with you.
I know I'm such a...
in the UK and you over there in America.
It's great that we can sort of connect like this.
I'm always fascinated by it.
But thank you so much for joining us today here on the Christian Bookbler podcast.
(23:28):
Thank you so much, man.
And thank you as well for listening to this episode of the Christian Book Blob podcast.
Don't forget the podcast comes out on the first and the 15th of every month.
So I'm going to be back again really, really soon in just a couple of weeks where I'll bechatting with another fantastic Christian author, all about their books, their life and
(23:52):
their faith, just to encourage you in your discipleship, one book at a time.
Thanks for listening.
and I look forward to having the pleasure of your company again really soon.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
Thanks for listening to Christian Book Blurb with your host Matt McChlery.
Do give it a like, give it a share and let your friends know all about it.
(24:14):
We do hope to see you again soon on another Christian Book Blurb.
Popular Podcasts
True Crime Tonight
If you eat, sleep, and breathe true crime, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT is serving up your nightly fix. Five nights a week, KT STUDIOS & iHEART RADIO invite listeners to pull up a seat for an unfiltered look at the biggest cases making headlines, celebrity scandals, and the trials everyone is watching. With a mix of expert analysis, hot takes, and listener call-ins, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT goes beyond the headlines to uncover the twists, turns, and unanswered questions that keep us all obsessed—because, at TRUE CRIME TONIGHT, there’s a seat for everyone. Whether breaking down crime scene forensics, scrutinizing serial killers, or debating the most binge-worthy true crime docs, True Crime Tonight is the fresh, fast-paced, and slightly addictive home for true crime lovers.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.