In this episode of the Say Yes to Holiness podcast, host Christina Semmens interviews author Maria Riley, who shares her journey as a Catholic author and the inspiration behind her children's book series, Adventures with the Saints . Maria discusses her motivations for writing, the importance of introducing children to the lives of saints, and the challenges she faces in her writing career. The conversation emphasizes the significance of prayer, the role of family in nurturing faith, and how to provide encouragement for children to embrace their unique paths to sainthood. Takeaways Maria Riley is a Catholic author focused on children's literature. Her series, Adventures with the Saints, aims to inspire children. St. Joseph was chosen as the first saint due to his role as a foster father. St. Therese's simplicity and message of love resonate with children. St. John Bosco's fun and engaging life is highlighted for kids. Joan of Arc teaches children about standing up for good. Maria emphasizes the importance of quality Catholic fiction for families. Prayer can be simple and spontaneous, fostering family connections. Challenges in writing include spiritual attacks and family adjustments. Maria encourages children to recognize their unique paths to sainthood. Sound Bites "We are all adopted children of God." "Prayer can be really simple." "I didn't start this to make money." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Maria Riley and Her Journey 02:42 Inspiration Behind Adventures with the Saints 05:15 Choosing Saints: St. Joseph, St. Therese, St. John Bosco, and St. Joan of Arc 08:24 Lessons from the Saints for Children 10:59 The Importance of Quality Catholic Fiction 14:12 Challenges in Writing and Family Life 16:30 Spiritual Growth Through Writing 19:16 Key Practices for Living a Faithful Life 21:55 Inspiration from Secular and Catholic Media 24:59 Advice to My Younger Self 27:32 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning To learn more, go to: https://www.mariarileyauthor.com/
