1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
A1. I’m Annette Marie Griffin. I enjoy books and kiddos. So I’m thrilled to be able to write for an audience I truly care about. My passion is to help little ones find the God who loves them and to help them discover who He made them to be.
Franella: I’m Franella Smith. I am from a military family so we moved a lot, but I grew up mostly in Connecticut. I have been a registered dietitian for more than 25 years and enjoy my work. I have 3 children, 5 grandchildren, and one very adorable miniature Schnauzer named Winston.
2. What is the inspiration behind your book “The God Hunter”?
A2. My co-author Franella Smith and I have a deep desire for children to know they can run to God in times of trouble.
Franella: Annette introduced me to the character in a critique group and I immediately fell in love with him. When she asked me to help develop the story and his character, I was excited, and absolutely elated when she said she liked what I had done. It is such an important story to help children understand that God is not a far-away being looking down on us harshly, but a good and loving father who wants to be part of our everyday lives.
3. When did you realize you want to be an author?
A3. I began writing curriculum for our children’s church program when I was a ministry director–many years ago. But I never really considered myself an author back them. Several years ago my dream of becoming an author was born when God gave me a story that would not go away until I put it on paper. When my husband saw me using all my free to time write, he gifted me a writer’s conference registration for Christmas. The rest is history. That conference put me in community with other aspiring authors, gave me access to valuable teaching, and launched my writing career in a million other ways too awesome to describe in this limited space.
Franella: I was a very introverted and shy youngster. My sister and I both were avid readers from a young age. In writing, I found a voice to say and dream things I had never dared before. I started making up short stories in middle school as an escape, to cope, to understand the world. I wanted to study creative writing and photography in college, but well-meaning family members encouraged job-security in the medical field. I am grateful for that background, but when I had a chance at graduate school, I chose to follow my dream to pursue an MFA in creative writing.
4. Please tell us something about your book “The God Hunter”.
A4. The God Hunter is a adventure-driven book filled with vivid illustrations kids will love. Eight-year-old Simi is angry with God when His grandmother dies, so he uses his hunting skills to search for God and make him answer for the tragedy. Simi narrowly escapes danger in the deep, dark jungle. When he reaches the end of His journey, Simi discovers that the same God he was hunting was actually with him all along—closing the mouths of lions and guiding his every step.
Franella: The God Hunter shows how personal God is. Simi has heard about God from his parents, grandparents, and fellow villagers, but the loss of his father then grandmother lead him on a quest to meet God for himself. It shows that our God is not just a rule giver, but a personal God that we can have a relationship with. One who is always near, just waiting for us to seek Him and invite Him into our lives.
5. For which age group is your book “The God Hunter”?
A5. The God Hunter is written for children ages 4-8.
Franella: Yes, it’s written for ages 4-8 years of age, though I believe younger and older may enjoy the story, also.
6. What is your favorite Quote?
A6. “A good hunter claims his prize. And He has. I hunted God. But he also hunted me … until I was found.”
Franella: “Their words about God burn in my hunter’s heart. I cannot escape them.”
7. What do you like the most about your country?
A7. I am so grateful we live in a country where we have the freedom to worship God and share His love with those who need Him.
Franella: I am grateful that we live in a country with a goal to do better. Our constitution is written to ensure that all persons are treated fairly, equally, and justly. That’s a high goal, but we need that accountability to remind us that, just as Jesus taught us to love one another, we are all created in the image of God.
8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
A8. Pull your little ones onto your lap, open a book like it’s a big event, then READ to them. It doesn’t matter what you read. Just do it often. That will cause them to love reading, even before they can recognize their letters.
Franella: I cannot agree with Annette more. Cuddle those precious babies and read to them. You will create memories for them that last a lifetime and memories for yourself for when they are no longer able to curl up in your lap. Time flies so fast, savor those moments while you have them.
9. What does literary success look like to you?
A9. Literary success to me is reaching the heart of the reader with truth that helps ground them, excite them, and empower them.
Franella: Oh, I’d say creating a story that impacts someone’s heart for good. A story that will be remembered long after the book is put away. A story that sows seeds in its reader to want to make the world a little bit better.
10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
A10. I realize this answer may come across as trite, but the only genuine answer I have for this question is Jesus. In today’s world Christianity has been given a bad rap. Trust me, I understand why—especially in this weird political climate. But oh, how I wish people could know the REAL God of all creation and His Son, who died to save us. He is my inspiration for my life and my writing.
Franella: I’d have to say my grandmother. I saw her as strong and confident and protective of us when we would visit her in Chicago. I am proud to have inherited a little bit of her fierceness, and blessed to be able to pair that with the love of Christ so that I can go boldly to serve others. A scripture quote that frequently crosses my mind is “seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with our God.” I want to walk in that more each day.
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