Leo Donaldson

Biography

In his time as computer science teacher, Leo Donaldson studied 3D animation after hours. Little did he know that this newly found passion, combined with his love for writing, would, in fact, change the course of his life, forever. Whilst visiting a small town harbour one day he saw a tiny tugboat that someone had built, it was barely large enough for one person to be on board, and that person was captain and crew. Leo immediately found the inspiration for a character and story and from that; the Toby books were born.

Today, Leo lives in Cape Town South Africa along with the love of his life Janine. He says that he will probably write until the day he no longer can think of new stories or has breath in his lungs, whichever comes first. His love for his children, the sea and boats scenes are the inspiration for the books he has written and continues to write. All of the books contain messages with good basic morals such as helping one another, putting others' needs ahead of yours, listening to advice from your elders, and being honest. He has a strong conviction that - and to quote him, “The written word can have life-changing consequences when emanating from the pen of a ready writer.”

Please visit his website where you can be kept up to date about new stories and other exciting news: https://www.tobybooks.com

Smashwords Interview

How did it come about that you first start writing?
I studied 3D animation and as a pet project I made a little Tugboat in 3D, soon after that I made the sea and harbor. I then added a few characters and buildings which looked quite cute. Once I finished the entire scene I didn't know what to do next so I wrote a story. A publisher offered me a deal and the rest is history. I never intended to write for a living. It kind of just started.
What's the story behind your latest book?
I grew up in a Preachers house and always knew what it meant to serve the Lord. As I began to follow the Lord on my own path I found the the road to living effectively for Him is not an easy one. There are certain things that we as children of God need to do in order to get the right guidance along the way. I was one of those that became frustrated when things would not work out and I could not see or hear any direction. What I didn't realize at the time was that the lack of "hearing" was due to me having sin in my life. When I eventually came back to the Lord by discovering how these things work on my own. I came to realize that I was not the only one that struggled with staying on the path. The Holy Spirit led me to write The Judas Effect in order to help others on their' walk along the way to breakthrough living in the Kingdom of God.
Read more of this interview.

Where to find Leo Donaldson online

Where to buy in print

Books

Toby's Big Surprise
Series: Toby The Big Little Tugboat, Book 1. Price: $4.99 USD. Language: Simple English. Published: May 29, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Readers / Beginner, Fiction » Children’s books » Transportation / Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft
(5.00 from 1 review)
Each title in the Toby, the Big Little Tugboat series’ features a little tugboat and his daily activities in a small harbor. His friends include Maggie, a motor yacht, Larry, a heavy-duty lorry, Mr. Brightly, the lighthouse, and Mr. Heavy, the harbor crane. This is the first book in the series.

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