This week we have a conversation with Leneen Faith the Jamaican author and creator of The Adventures of Peacebe and the Heartwatch. Faith was compelled to write this 8 book character education series after realizing the need to get children excited about being kids with character! She’s always had a passion for children, and wants to do her part in making the world shine a little brighter, through her Peacebe series. Faith has been a full-time elementary school teacher for the past 5 years, but will be taking 1 year off to fully focus on Peacebe. She is hoping for big things to happen with Peacebe during this year, but realizes she has little control over the results, but full control over her efforts. Future goals are to get a publishing deal, and a cartoon deal. Faith has many other story ideas for children running wild in her imagination, but she has devoted 1 full year to Peacebe.
The first series of The Adventures of Peacebe and the Heartwatch is geared towards character education. However, future series will cover various topics. Peacebe is a 6 year old boy that has a magical watch, named Heartwatch. Together they go on out of this world adventures to teach children the importance of being a kid with character. Heartwatch can make Peacebe fly, transform, freeze time, become invisible, and much more! This series is perfect because it blends the morals adults want to instill with the adventure kids love.
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since I was 10 years old (23 year..wow!). I love to write poems, songs, and most recently stories. However, I actively started writing the Peacebe series 5 years ago, although I had the idea since 2005.
What were you doing before you started writing?
I don’t only write. Writing is something I’ve been doing in addition to all of the other things I do. I am currently an elementary school teacher, and have been teaching for the past 5 years. However, I am taking 1 year off to focus on Peacebe full-time. Before teaching I worked for a university, while completing my Master’s degree, and before that I was a waitress
What inspires you to write PeaceBe?
The rise of bullying, and the desire for many children to follow the wrong crowd, and to do whatever it takes to “fit in” I wrote Pecebe so young children can learn from an early age that it is important to be a kid with character. I also want children to not only learn the meaning of each of the character traits, but apply those traits at home, school, church, and wherever they go. One of my favorite quotes is from Abraham Lincoln—-“Teach the children. So it will not be necessary to teach the adults.” Basically I want to do my part in instilling character and good values in our youth.
Tell us about the PeaceBe book series?
I’ve mentioned already about our first series, which focuses on character education and includes topics such as; cooperation, respect, responsibility, citizenship, kindness, honesty, compassion, and self-control. However, we have over 17 other series ideas! Future series will include categories in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, Adventure, Reading, Sports, Safety and much more! We are hoping to get picked up from a major publisher, so we can collaborate on some of these ideas, but for now our main focus are the first 8 books that we’ve written and illustrated.
Who does the drawings of PeaceBe?
I have been blessed to have my brother David Campbell who is extremely talented illustrate our series. He loves and believes in Peacebe just as much as I do, and the goal is for Peacebe to become a cartoon!
What comments do you hear most often from your readers?
Peacebe has cool hair! My kids love your books! We love the diversity in your series! This will make an awesome cartoon one day! You’re on to something big
What are the future plans for the PeaceBe series?
Having Peacebe become a household name, and getting millions of children excited about being kids with character. We also want to secure a publishing Deal, cartoon deal, and have Peacebe merchandise sold in major stores.
What are your 2 favorite books of all time?
The Bible is my favorite book, and the only one I’ve been reading for the past few years…Definitely not a quick read…lol My favorite book in the Bible is Proverbs, because it’s filled with practical wisdom and life lessons.
Who are your favorite authors?
My mom-Nina Hart, and Maya Angelou
Do you have any advice for new writers?
Never give up. Do it for the love not the reward, and write on! Also remember your talent is really not about you, it’s to bless others, so don’t be afraid to share the beautiful words you write.
Seven day, six night, all expense paid, my vacation destination is…
I don’t get out much…lol Hmmmm…Jamaica…I just went to Montego Bay for the Diaspora conference, and the atmosphere was amazing. Jamaica is a healthy balance of work and fun, and it is absolutely beautiful. I would like to go back just for fun
My favorite guilty pleasure is…
French fries with melted cheese, bacon, and sour cream…shhh
On behalf of the readers of Jamaicans.com thanks for providing us with this interview. Do you have any closing thoughts for our readers?
Please help spread the word about Peacebe, and if you have a dream it’s never too early or late to start! Go for it!
Learn more about The Adventures of Peacebe and the Heartwatch:
