Carol McAdams Moore: Zonderkidz makes devotionals fun for tweens

Welcome to CAROL McADAMS MOORE, whom I had the pleasure to meet at the Missouri Writers Guild conference. She writes for children and youth in the Christian and general markets. Her writing credits include work for David C. Cook; Urban Ministries, Inc.; Christian Education Warehouse; Clubhouse; Clubhouse, Jr.; Lifeway magazines; and The Christian Communicator. Her desire is that every child will answer Jesus’ call and discover God’s purpose for his or her own life.

At the 2014 Writers in the Park Conference, I talked with young writers about the book publishing process. I wanted them to get the inside scoop on how an idea becomes a book. My favorite thing to share with them was the backward book report. Every student is familiar with writing a traditional book report. Most do not realize that before a book is published, the author must write a proposal (a lengthy, backward book report) for the book that is still just in the idea stage.

In today’s technologically driven, plugged-in world, Zonderkidz invites tweens to unplug and discover the path to following Christ, using their own creativity, through two exciting new devotionals designed to make devotion time fun and engaging.

Dare U 2 Open This Book and Just Sayin’ are not typical 90-day devotionals for kids. From author Carol McAdams Moore come two draw ‘em, write ‘em, live ‘em books for tween guys and girls ages 8-12. Through these creative, sometimes wacky applications and doodles tweens will learn Bible truths and explore more about themselves and their faith.

Carol McAdams Moore’s books are available at the following stores and sites:

·      Amazon

·      Family Christian Bookstores

·      Lifeway Stores

·      Zondervan

·      Barnes and Noble

·      STL Books in Kirkwood, Missouri

How do you find time to write and do a demanding job? As a full time teacher, I have to balance my time each day. I write early in the morning before work. My mind is fresh, and there is nothing calling out for my attention (no phone, no visitors, etc.). People ask how I can function by getting up so early in the morning (generally around 4 a.m.) – I explain that farmers have a great plan. Eat dinner early, go to bed early, and be ready to start fresh in the morning.

What inspired your latest book? My school hosted a Scholastic Book Fair. I noticed that students were returning to the classroom with a certain format of book, and that struggling, average, and advanced readers were equally interested in the format. I wanted to write a book for girls and one for boys that reflected that format and challenged kids to explore their faith.

What do you think readers will like about your book? I think that tweens will love the format: short text that is paired with application (doodle opps and other activities). The books are similar in design to these popular book lines: Wreck This Journal, Coke or Pepsi, and the Dude Diary.

What's the highest compliment someone could make about your writing? The highest compliment to my writing is seeing a young reader engaged in the pages. Recently, we had a celebration of the books with a group of 8-12 year olds. One participant was immediately reading and drawing his answers on the pages. He was so engaged that he carried his open book with him for the group photo so that he would not lose his place.