- Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself to your audience and my new book, The Great Christmas Heist, which is illustrated by Syd Hutchison. My name is Joe Woodley. I am a husband and a father. I was a single-dad for nearly twenty years and my wife and I have five children in common. I have been a public speaker for nearly fifteen years and authored more than sixteen books for children and adults on topics that promote positive messages on character, family, faith and community. I am passionate about inspiring and equipping people to reach their fullest potential.
- What is your inspiration behind your book “The Great Christmas Heist”?
I wrote the draft for The Great Christmas Heist nearly ten years ago and felt strongly that this was the time to partner with an illustrator and publish this story. The themes interwoven throughout this book are more relevant than ever. There is a massive hope deficit in the world today. Our children and families are fearful, confused and more anxious about the challenges they face in the world that exists today. At the center of this story is a message about the value, hope and love that comes from family. The stories I read as a young child from authors like Dr. Seuss, and Roald Dahl celebrated those themes in unique ways. This book honors the great authors of the past in a colorful and joy filled way, It is inspired by what family was, is and can be. I believe the world is increasingly hungry for these sorts of messages.
- When did you realize you want to be an author?
I wrote my first book in my late 20s. I am not sure if I ever considered myself an author. My high school English teacher, Mr. Valenti encouraged me to look into writing as a career. I am highly observant and I love to inspire people, regardless of their age, race or economic status to dream bigger, live a little bit more, and fulfill their God-given potential. I share my experiences and what I see in the world and about the world using various genres to speak to diverse groups. Someway and somehow along the way it impacts people’s lives for the better.
- Please tell us something about your book “The Great Christmas Heist”?
“Thomas and Claire devise a diabolical scheme that leads to a fantastical adventure discovering the Christmas spirit.” In the story, the spoiled children come to believe that Christmas is all about what they can get because their parents never say “no” to their ever increasing requests. They value things over family and relationships. They believe that the more they have the happier they will be. So, they come up with a plan to get more and end up on a fantastical journey. This book has a great message for the entire family, any time of the year.
The book can be found at http://www.agreatchristmasbook.com and Barnes and Nobles.
- For which age group is your book “The Great Christmas Heist” suitable for?
The Great Christmas Heist is written primarily for children ages 3 -11, although there have been many adults who read the story and loved it as well.
- What is your favorite Quote?
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
― Frederick Douglass
- What do you like the most about your country?
The freedom to express our thoughts, feelings and beliefs is what I value most about the United States. Without that freedom every other right in the Constitution falls.
- What does literary success look like to you?
Literary success looks like the people that come up to me and share how one of my books positively impacted their lives. Make no mistake about it, I would love for this book to become an international best-seller. But what is most important to me is that someone is a bit more hopeful, a bit more gracious, giving, loving and caring. It is important that someone is inspired to pursue greats and their life is changed for the better.
- Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
Parents inspire me. They face a lot of challenges raising children in a very unpredictable world. Children inspire me. They still have hope.
Buy The Great Christmas Heist on BarnesandNoble.com and www.agreatchristmasbook.com
Sassy Reviews 