Welcome, Mom’s Choice readers! Today we have with us Mrs. Liliane Fortna, a woman who has had several careers. Thankfully, one of them is now as a best-selling children’s author. Her Mom’s Choice Award-winning book, The Four Santas: A Magical Christmas Story of Time, Toys, and Togetherness, will help children celebrate this Christmas season with its heartwarming new take on Santa. Santa Claus is known throughout the world, but many youngsters hit an age when they start asking questions about where he came from and how—and why—he manages to deliver toys to children worldwide on Christmas Eve. This delightful, beautifully illustrated book answers these and other questions about the world’s most famous “jolly old elf.”

MCA: Thanks for joining us today, Liliane. Why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself?

I am a multi-international Gold medal award-winning, best-selling author for my transformational, inspirational nonfiction book, Winks from Above: Opening Up to Signs and Synchronicities to Receive Little Miracles Each Day. I am also a contributing author to two other award-winning, bestselling anthologies: Turning Point Moments and Second Chances – From Surviving to Thriving.

Prior to my career as an author, I have been a professional contemporary dancer (performing in both Europe and the U.S.), European fashion model, fashion consultant, Amazon rainforest explorer, wife, mother, grandmother, energy healer, Reiki master, consciousness explorer, and artist.

MCA: What inspired you to become an author—and how have your life experiences influenced your writing?

I’ve always felt a deep calling to help others, and a severe illness followed by an extended hospital stay became the catalyst for me to start writing. During my recovery, I reflected on the lessons and resilience I’d gained through life’s challenges, guided by intuition, signs, and synchronicities. Writing allowed me to share these insights to uplift others while also fulfilling a long-held dream of inspiring children through imaginative tales that nurture hope, joy, and wonder.

MCA: What was your inspiration for writing The Four Santas? Was there a specific occurrence that moved you to write this book?

I was born in Hanoi, Vietnam, during the French/Vietnamese War. When I was 15 months old, my parents sent me to Brittany, France, to be raised by my paternal grandmother in a village by the sea. Unfortunately, she struggled with severe problems and resented having to care for me until I was nine years old. It resulted in a challenging and painful early childhood. I had no friends, was estranged from her family, and never celebrated Christmas. The only gifts I received were from my mother and father, but they always disappeared within a day of opening them. Until my 30s, I suffered from depression every Christmas holiday season.

However, with the birth of my son, I decided to change my ways and create beautiful and fun Christmas memories full of love and joy. My first step was a small seasonal display with lovely animals and foliage. Over the past 30+ years, this display has gown into a unique indoor Christmas/Winter Wonderland spanning 14 feet long, 8 feet high, and 4 feet deep, featuring over 300 endearing characters and 30 animations. It has been seen by thousands of people, both young and young-at-heart, and highlighted on national and regional TV in the U.S. and Europe.

To the delight of many visitors, I have created dozens of stories to bring these little characters to life. The Four Santas is the first of these tales to be published, with several more to follow.

MCA: Can you share your creative process—tell us how you generate ideas and bring them to life on the page.

My creative process often begins with a spark of inspiration, whether it’s a meaningful sign, a synchronicity, or an idea that stirs my heart. I let it simmer, exploring its possibilities and imagining the message or emotion I want to convey. Writing feels almost like channeling; I allow the story to flow naturally before refining it to resonate deeply with readers. Whether crafting a transformational book like Winks from Above or a magical children’s story like The Four Santas, I aim to weave personal experiences and universal truths to inspire and uplift.

MCA: What do you hope young readers will learn from your book?

I hope readers of The Four Santas come away with a deep appreciation for the importance of family, the support we give and receive from one another, and the power of togetherness and love. At its heart, the story is a celebration of the bonds that unite us and the magic that happens when we cherish and nurture those connections.

MCA: What do you find most rewarding about the writing process? Conversely, what are some of the challenges you face?

The most rewarding part of the writing process is seeing an idea take shape and knowing it has the potential to touch hearts and inspire others. I love creating stories that bring joy, hope, and a sense of connection. The biggest challenge, however, is balancing the desire for perfection with the need to let go and trust the message will resonate as it’s meant to.

MCA: Tell us how your book contributes to promoting family-friendly values or enhancing your readers’ lives.

The Four Santas promotes family-friendly values by emphasizing the importance of love, togetherness, and mutual support. Through its heartwarming story, it encourages readers to cherish the bonds that connect us and to find joy in simple, shared moments. By reigniting the magic of believing, the book fosters a sense of wonder and creates an opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the spirit of the season.

Can you share any memorable moments or feedback from readers that have touched you or reinforced the impact of your work?

One Amazon reader wrote the following: “I love the concept of this book, and I remember my son asking me how Santa could be in all those places at one time. Now, we have an answer! And the illustrations are classic and timeless. A sweet holiday treat for kids of all ages!”

“The Four Santas by Liliane Fortna is a delightful exploration of the enchanting world of Santa Claus, presented through a captivating narrative that intertwines a story within a story. The protagonist, Charlie, grapples with his skepticism about Santa’s existence, a common concern among children as they grow older. Fortna skillfully addresses these doubts through the wise and comforting explanations provided by Charlie’s grandmother, ensuring that the magic of Santa remains vibrant and alive for young readers. This thoughtful approach not only reassures children but also answers their pressing questions about Santa’s origins, his motivations, and the logistics of delivering gifts to every child around the globe.” –Louise Jane, CEO The Golden Wizard Book Prize

MCA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?

My advice to aspiring authors is to trust your voice and write from the heart. Start with what inspires you most, and don’t worry about perfection in the first draft—just let your ideas flow. Stay open to learning and improving, but always remain true to your message. Most importantly, believe in the value of your story and its ability to touch others.

MCA: As an author, what’s next for you?

I have several books in mind, including two series for children. One will be inspired by the messages from my transformational book, Winks from Above, focusing on empowering and inspiring children to navigate today’s challenges with confidence and hope. The other series will celebrate the magic of Christmas, bringing heartwarming stories that emphasize family, love, and the joy of the holiday season.

MCA: Empowering and inspiring children is so important! Liliane, thanks so much for joining us today. We can’t wait to see your next books!