Send us a text In this episode of Book Worthy, host Valerie Fentress interviews award-winning author Donna Wyland about her latest children's book, 'Twas the Night Before Jesus.' They discuss the importance of Christmas traditions, the deeper message of the book, and Donna's journey as a writer. The conversation also touches on impactful books, the authenticity in storytelling, and Donna's podcast, Free To Be, which encourages women to live abundantly. Donna shares insights on her upcoming projects and the significance of gratitude in life. Don't forget to join in the 2nd Annual Holiday Book Drive partnership with Storyteller's Shelf Podcast. More Details at the following link. Help share the magic of children’s literature with every young reader. 2025 Holiday Book Drive: September 30 – December 1 – The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast Takeaways Laughter is essential for family bonding during the holidays. Christmas is not just about presents but celebrating Jesus's birth. Children should understand the full story of Jesus's life. Writing can be a calling revealed over time. Authenticity in storytelling resonates more with audiences. The journey of writing involves persistence and faith. God uses our unique gifts for His glory. Living an abundant life is about trusting God. Gratitude can be expressed through simple reminders. It's important to be real and relatable in our struggles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Donna Wyland and Her Book 01:48 The Heart of Christmas Traditions 04:48 Exploring the Message of 'Twas the Night Before Jesus 07:20 The Journey of Writing and Calling 12:26 Impactful Books and Authenticity 16:16 The Free To Be Podcast 18:16 Upcoming Projects and Themes of Gratitude Donna Wyland Freetobe Podcast — Donna Wyland Let's discover great books together! Follow for more: FB: @bookworthypodcast Instagram: @bookworthy_podcast YouTube: BookWorthy Podcast - YouTube tiktok: @valeriefentress