Meet Sebrena Allen | Children’s Book Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sebrena Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sebrena, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Miami will always be home to me. My parents migrated from Alabama to Historic Overtown in the 1950’s. They were actually the second black family to live in the neighborhood at the time. From a young age, the guidance of my parents and grandparents instilled the importance of God and spirituality which continues to guide me today.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey to become the author that I am today did not come easy but my focus has been consistent. In 2012, the idea of God’s Loving Pencils came to me in the form of a dream that came into fruition in 2020. As the first of my siblings to graduate from college, I began my professional career teaching then I began working with youths as a program administrator for a Juvenile Justice Program. There is where I recognized the lack of spiritual foundation in many of the children I worked with. Luckily, I was allowed to take the youths to church once a week. Their positive reaction confirmed the importance of having an open dialogue of spirituality, much like how Marcus’ mother introduced the faith in spirituality in God’s Loving Pencils. Writing and getting my first book published did not come without set backs. My family faced many challenges that I have learned many things from. I used my family’s as a source of strength when writing this book. Although, my son who lives with Crohn’s disease is reflected in Marcus’ character, I’ve used all 5 of my children as inspiration and I plan to use the challenges that my family has overcome as a source for the ‘Adventures of Marcus P. Stone’ series. The second book in the series is already in the works. I feel very strongly that it’s my calling to let people from all over the world to know the importance of having God as a foundation in their lives and I’d like my book to open up this dialogue for parents and children.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many spots to visit in South Florida but I’d definitely take them to hang out at the beach which is my favorite place to be in Miami. When in Historic Overtown, Red Rooster is a go-to as well as Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach. We can also take a trip to Lion Country Safari. It is an unforgettable experience and is only one block away from our family’s Loxahatchee home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I give credit to my parents, husband, children and my close friends. Their support has been unwavering from the very first moment I shared my interest in writing my book. Even in dark moments, they all told me not to give up.

Website: https://www.godslovingpencils.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godslovingpencils/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Gods-Loving-Pencils/100076325017417/

Other: https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Loving-Pencils-Adventures-Marcus/dp/1649907869/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3E1JIDQAWUFPQ&dchild=1&keywords=god%27s+loving+pencils&qid=1632087162&sprefix=God%27s+Loving+%2Caps%2C179&sr=8-1 https://www.etsy.com/listing/1136801914/gods-loving-pencil-case-set?click_key=eaa10d1a6b84c3e9d74f06d4e1057ac04f757b55%3A1136801914&click_sum=48a78fbc&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=god%26%2339%3Bs+loving+pencils&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1&frs=1

Image Credits
-Sebrena Allen, Author of God’s Loving Pencils The Adventures of Marcus P. Stone -God’s Loving Pencils The Adventures of Marcus P. Stone and pencil case with labeled pencils