This episode invites Carmen Allen, an award-winning author of the "Molly Greenwood Adventures," to share her insights on writing children's literature embedded with enriching allegories. Carmen discusses her creative journey—from the serendipitous beginnings through dream-based inspiration to becoming a respected author in her field. Highlighting her upcoming role at the National Grandparent Conference alongside Ian, they delve into the themes of faith, writing, and the profound influence of grandparental involvement.

Key Takeaways:
Discover Carmen Allen’s journey from dreams to penning the "Molly Greenwood Adventures."
Explore how Carmen uses her faith to craft narratives that resonate with readers beyond religious connotations.
Learn about the challenges and joys of grandparenting from afar, including maintaining relationships with grandchildren across the globe.
Uncover the motivations behind grandparents seeking quality, value-driven literature for their grandchildren.

Notable Quotes:


"As I've been writing, Molly has shaped my faith as I've been writing, which is really, really interesting." – Carmen


"My journey... unpacks the whole parallel journey between writing Molly's adventures and what was going on in my real life at the same time." – Carmen


"You want to make sure that your kids and your grandkids know the same, you know, same God that you know and that they have the chance to also accept faith." – Ian

Carmen Allen's books, background and resources — carmenlallen.com

Click here for more on Ian Barnett, National Grandparent Movement and extra resources.

Episodes hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message (Message the GrandParenthood Team) or via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

This episode invites <a href="https://www.carmenlallen.com/">Carmen Allen, an award-winning author of the "Molly Greenwood Adventures,"</a> to share her insights on writing children's literature embedded with enriching allegories. Carmen discusses her creative journey&mdash;from the serendipitous beginnings through dream-based inspiration to becoming a respected author in her field. <a href="https://ngmlegacy.com.au/2025-conference/">Highlighting her upcoming role at the National Grandparent Conference alongside Ian</a>, they delve into the themes of faith, writing, and the profound influence of grandparental involvement.
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li>Discover Carmen Allen&rsquo;s journey from dreams to penning the "Molly Greenwood Adventures."</li>
<li>Explore how Carmen uses her faith to craft narratives that resonate with readers beyond religious connotations.</li>
<li>Learn about the challenges and joys of grandparenting from afar, including maintaining relationships with grandchildren across the globe.</li>
<li>Uncover the motivations behind grandparents seeking quality, value-driven literature for their grandchildren.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li>
"As I've been writing, Molly has shaped my faith as I've been writing, which is really, really interesting." &ndash; Carmen
</li>
<li>
"My journey... unpacks the whole parallel journey between writing Molly's adventures and what was going on in my real life at the same time." &ndash; Carmen
</li>
<li>
"You want to make sure that your kids and your grandkids know the same, you know,&nbsp;same God that you know and that they have the chance to also accept faith." &ndash; Ian
</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.carmenlallen.com/">Carmen Allen's books, background and resources &mdash; carmenlallen.com</a>
<a href="https://ngmlegacy.com.au/">Click here for more on Ian Barnett, National Grandparent Movement and extra resources.</a>
Episodes hosted by <a href="https://hope1032.com.au/programs/hope-mornings/">Ben McEachen from Hope 1032</a> in Sydney, Australia.
Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at <a href="http://www.hopepodcasts.com.au/">hopepodcasts.com.au</a>. And send the team a message&nbsp;<a href="https://hope1032.com.au/grandparenthood/">(Message the GrandParenthood Team)</a> or via&nbsp;<a href="https://hope1032.com.au/listen/#apps">Hope 103.2&rsquo;s app</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hope103.2">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sydneyshope1032/">Instagram</a>.

Welcome to Grandparenthood, the podcast to help you be the best grandparent you can be. Join invested grandfather and founder of the National Grandparent Movement, Ian Barnett, as he explores every facet and issue of grandparenting in the 21st Century.

With a special focus upon the legacy of Christian faith, Grandparenthood is a vital resource for equipping you in this important phase of family life.

Episodes hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia.

Click here for more on Ian Barnett, National Grandparent Movement and extra resources.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Welcome to Grandparenthood, the podcast to help you be the best grandparent you can be. Join invested grandfather and founder of the <a href="https://ngmlegacy.com.au/">National Grandparent Movement</a>, Ian Barnett, as he explores every facet and issue of grandparenting in the 21st Century.
With a special focus upon the legacy of Christian faith, Grandparenthood is a vital resource for equipping you in this important phase of family life.
Episodes hosted by <a href="https://hope1032.com.au/programs/hope-mornings/">Ben McEachen from Hope 1032</a> in Sydney, Australia.
<a href="https://ngmlegacy.com.au/">Click here for more on Ian Barnett, National Grandparent Movement and extra resources.</a>
Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at <a href="http://www.hopepodcasts.com.au/">hopepodcasts.com.au</a>. And send the team a message via <a href="https://hope1032.com.au/listen/#apps">Hope 103.2’s app</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hope103.2">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sydneyshope1032/">Instagram</a>.

Grandparenthood

Welcome to Grandparenthood, the podcast to help you be the best grandparent you can be. Join invested grandfather and founder of the National Grandparent Movement, Ian Barnett, as he explores every facet and issue of grandparenting in the 21st Century. With a special focus upon the legacy of Christian faith, Grandparenthood is a vital resource for equipping you in this important phase of family life. Episodes hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

Welcome to Grandparenthood, the podcast to help you be the best grandparent you can be. Join invested grandfather and founder of the National Grandparent Movement, Ian Barnett, as he explores every facet and issue of grandparenting in the 21st Century. With a special focus upon the legacy of Christian faith, Grandparenthood is a vital resource for equipping you in this important phase of family life. Episodes hosted by Ben McEachen from Hope 1032 in Sydney, Australia.
Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at <a href="http://www.hopepodcasts.com.au/">hopepodcasts.com.au</a>. And send the team a message via <a href="https://hope1032.com.au/listen/#apps">Hope 103.2’s app</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hope103.2">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sydneyshope1032/">Instagram</a>.