New Catholic Magazine for Children
Interview with Editor-in-Chief of My Light Magazine Jennifer Gladen
Mar 13, 2009
Jennifer Gladen loves writing for children. She has written articles, stories and poems which have been published in Stories for Children, Once Upon a Time and Voices for the Unborn magazines. In addition, she is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of My Light Magazine, a Catholic centered magazine for children. She has three picture books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing: A Star in the Night, Teresa’s Shadow and Angel Donor.
The Interview
What prompted you to start your own Catholic magazine?
I started my own Catholic magazine because I wanted to bring children closer to God. I grew up as a Catholic and went to Catholic school. These things instilled values in me, and a sure dedication to God. However, I was still missing something. That’s when I realized I wasn’t in tune with what I was being taught.
The goal of the magazine is to help children pay more attention to their faith and the teachings, which will bring them closer to God. I reached this point only a few years ago and I thought to myself, “Imagine how wonderful my relationship with God would be if I had been paying this much attention since childhood.” That thought was the birth of My Light Magazine.
Who is your target audience?
Our target audience is children ages 6 -12.
What does your magazine offer readers?
Our readers will find general stories and articles based on moral values and the teachings of the church. We include at least one bible story and several poems. Illustrator Candace J. Hardy created signature paper dolls just for My Light Magazine. The main characters, Tessa and Patrick, enjoy the liturgical seasons with us throughout the year.
We are growing month by month. We’re including coloring pages, puzzles, virtual jigsaw puzzles, and a letter to the editor page titled 'Light Beams'.
My Light would not be possible without the dedication of our new staff (Carol Brooke, Illustrator and Coordinator, and Jaclyn Morales, Assistant Editor) and our contributors.
Do you consider submissions?
Yes! We are always in the need for articles, bible stories and short stories. We are also accepting submissions for poems, activities, crafts and illustrators. Please visit our site for guidelines.
Is subscription free? How may one susbcribe?
Yes, currently we are offering free subscriptions.
You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to subscribe2mylight@msn.com .
You also write children's books. Tell us about your books.
I currently have three picture books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing:
A Star in the Night: On a cold Christmas Eve night, David rushes from the mall to buy Mr. Rennetti’s special Christmas cookies. After visiting the store and buying the only two cookies left, David makes his way home. On the way, he has three encounters, which makes him rethink the meaning of Christmas. David is challenged to make tough decisions – even ones that Mom may not approve of. All the while, a sparkling star seems to be following him.
Teresa’s Shadow: One night, right at bedtime Teresa discovers Corky, a furry visitor, in her room. However, which one of them is more frightened? Teresa soon realizes she must help Corky get home. But how can she when she’s afraid of the dark and Corky is afraid of the light? Join Teresa and Corky on this funny bedtime adventure.
Angel Donor: Olivia has a sick liver and needs a healthy one. Her skin is yellow, she’s never hungry and she’s tired all the time. One day while her best friend Caroline is visiting, Olivia gets the call she’s been waiting for. Follow along as Olivia visits the hospital for a healthy liver.
Check my website for more information on my upcoming books. A new blog and website are being planned!
Thank you for this interview, Jennifer, and good luck with your new magazine!
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