From Devotionals to Honeybees: A Conversation with Children’s Author Linda G. Smock

In this week’s episode of Jolene’s Book and Writers Talk, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Linda G. Smock, a Pinellas County, Florida author whose journey into writing children’s books began during one of the most challenging times of her life.
Linda first turned to writing while undergoing chemotherapy, producing five devotional books that blended faith with encouragement. But her path shifted when she transformed an essay about honeybees into her first children’s book, Just Call Me Honey. Since then, she’s developed a passion for creating scientific personifications of animals and insects—stories that are educational, fun, and filled with wonder for young readers.

In our conversation, Linda shared:

• How she draws on resources like the University of Florida’s IFAS extension and local experts to ensure her science-based stories are accurate
• Her experiences working with illustrators, photographers, and editors to bring her books to life.
• The challenges of research and accuracy in writing children’s nonfiction.
• Her upcoming efforts to get her books into Florida state park gift shops and even national parks.
• Why she believes finding a mentor and building a community of supportive authors is essential for new writers.

Linda’s writing reflects her resilience, creativity, and deep care for educating the next generation. Whether she’s teaching kids about pollinators, gopher tortoises, or the natural world around them, her books combine heart, science, and storytelling in a way that leaves a lasting impression.

You can connect with Linda and explore her work here:

Website: https://www.authorlindasmock.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomespunStories
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlindasmock/
Amazon Profile: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08NPJJ5FR
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/29514321.Linda_Smock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-smock-6b4b6318/

Linda has recently published another childrens book this summer that you have just got to check out for yourself, your children/grandchildren or even some friends who have children.

Be sure to check out her delightful children’s books, and keep an eye out for her future projects—including possible preschool-level stories and more explorations of Florida’s wildlife.

Watch the Entire Podcast on YouTube

A Note from our Editor

We would encourage any North Florida Writers who would like to submit a Guest Post on our online magazine or be a featured author on the North Florida Writers Tour website then please get in touch using their CONTACT US form. Our other Online Magazine called “Webs and Blogs for Writers” does featured articles on authors not in our area CLICK HERE TO READ. For those who wish to be a guest on Jolene’s Book and Writer’s Talk podcast visit the Southern Dragon Publishing Information page.