MaryLou Driedger
Celebrate with our published grad MaryLou Driedger and her published book LOST ON THE PRAIRIE.
Published Graduate
Linda Sue Svoboda
Today we are celebrating Linda Sue Svoboda!
She is a graduate of our Writing for Children and Teens course.
Let’s learn more about her book A Gift for Alia.
What is the name of your books?
My book is called A Gift for Alia.
Published by Parables is the name of the Publishing Company.
I am also the author of Because I Love My Kitty (Publish America), A Precious Day At The Farm (Isabella Media), Loving Times With Grandma (Publish America), and The Little Brown Bird That Could (Publish America).
Give us a short summary of your work.
Alia explores the world, thinking and hoping that she will find true happiness. She wants to feel loved, and be loved. While looking for true love, she realized that her True Love was there all along.
Tell us a bit about your path to publishing, from idea to submission to publication.
A Gift for Alia was born out of the need to share with people that they can be forgiven for any wrongs they have done. God’s love and grace is so amazing! I found a Christian Publisher who was delighted to publish it. I am so thankful.
How long have you been writing?
I started writing when I was 7 years old. I absolutely love to write! A Gift for Alia is my 5th published book, and my 6th book is currently at the Publishing House.
What’s your favorite genre to write and why?
I love writing for children, and Christian Fiction. I just want to make a difference in the lives of others.
Which ICL or IFW courses have you taken?
Writing for Children and Teens
How has taking our courses helped your writing and/or career?
The courses helped me tremendously! I was able to think, process, and create new books, and that was extremely helpful in my career. I am so grateful!
Have any of your class assignments been published?
Yes! Loving Times with Grandma was published in 2013, by Publish America. The book was created from an assignment that I had in my coursework. I think that is so wonderful.
Do you have a favorite writing tip you’d like to share?
I would say to never give up. Also, always hold on to your dreams, because they usually will come true.
If you could travel back in time and give yourself one piece of writing advice, what would it be?
I would tell my teenage self that life will be so much better in the future, and that all my heart aches will be turned into blessings. I would let myself know that God truly does do miracles!
Why do people give up on their writing dreams?
They are not encouraged on how to write the stories that are in their head. Teaching them, helping them, and encouraging them are all wonderful ways to help them in their writing journey.
What’s the most valuable thing you learned from your experience with the Institute of Children’s Literature?
I was able to dream up new stories, and was encouraged to write in a way that was appealing to readers. I am so thankful for all the kind instruction that I received. Everything was so helpful!
Linda Sue Svoboda is a wife to her marvelous husband, and a mom to her 3 fabulous kids. She graduated from Southeast Community College, and The Institute of Children’s Literature. She loves to be outside in God’s beautiful Creation with her family, and she is so thankful for the many blessings that the Lord has given her.
Recent Published Graduates
Lisa Betz
Celebrate with our published grad Lisa Betz and her published book DEATH AND A CROCODILE.
