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HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons hosts the most downloaded sports podcast of all time, with a rotating crew of celebrities, athletes, and media staples, as well as mainstays like Cousin Sal, Joe House, and a slew of other friends and family members who always happen to be suspiciously available.
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What happens when a mother's attempt to stay connected with her child during travel transforms into a beloved children's book series? Meet Mora Soan, a local legend in the Fredericksburg area who turned a small traveling gnome into the star of captivating stories that teach children about kindness, respect, and courage.
During our conversation, Mora reveals how a 2019 trip to Cambodia after 37 years away from her homeland became the unexpected catalyst for her writing career. With a layover in Japan and missing her children, Mora brought along a small green gnome at her daughter's request, snapping photos to send home. This simple act of connection blossomed into the Jacob the Gnome series, featuring adventures across Japan, Canada, and Korea.
What makes these books truly special is the family collaboration behind them. Mora's daughter Lana and Lana's best friend Yewon serve as illustrators, creating vibrant visuals that capture young readers' attention. As Mora explains, children "read with their eyes first," making the partnership between author and illustrators crucial to the books' success. She dispels the myth that writing for children is easy, revealing the careful craft behind creating stories that are concise, engaging, and use repetitive language that reinforces important lessons.
Beyond her writing, Mora works as a paraprofessional at Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School and maintains an extensive garden with her husband – mirroring the garden that Jacob has in her stories. Her 22 years in Stafford have given her a deep appreciation for the area's growth and charm, from antique shops to beloved restaurants like La Petite Auberge.
Ready to discover these delightful stories? Find Mora's books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, in local libraries throughout Stafford and Fredericksburg, or at the MCX Exchange. Connect with her on Facebook or Instagram to follow Jacob's continuing adventures and see where this little gnome travels next!
Mora Soan
Chapters
1. Introducing Author Maura Soen (00:00:00)
2. The Story Behind Jacob the Gnome (00:01:31)
3. Maura's Background and Garden Life (00:03:18)
4. Living in the Fredericksburg Area (00:04:39)
5. Advice for Aspiring Authors (00:05:58)
6. Finding Maura's Books (00:06:52)
32 episodes
