Episode 43 | The Children's Book About Santa That Took the World by Storm: Simon Camilleri's Remarkable Story

In this episode of Created to Write, Melbourne-based Christian author Simon Camilleri shares a writing journey that is as intentional as it is inspiring, rooted in fatherhood, rhythm, and a deep love for making faith accessible to children.Simon writes theologically grounded children's books designed to help parents introduce Christian faith and prayer in ways that are engaging, age-appropriate, and beautifully crafted. For parents and Christian writers alike, his approach to biblical literacy through storytelling is both refreshing and deeply purposeful.What makes Simon's Christian author process particularly fascinating is where it begins... not with a plot outline, but with rhythmic poetry. He crafts the sound and feel of a story first, then collaborates with illustrators to add symbolic visual layers that deepen the theological meaning. It's Christian creativity at its most deliberate and its most artistic.His self-published book When Santa Learned the Gospel is a standout moment in this conversation — a personal project that grew into a traditionally published international success, warmly embraced by the professional Santa community worldwide. It's the kind of story that reminds every beginner writer that you genuinely cannot predict where faithful, quality work will take you.Simon also speaks about the need for intentional quiet space in the writing process, a counter-cultural conviction that the best words come not from busyness, but from stillness and attentiveness to language.Simon is a Christian writer based in Melbourne, Australia, where he lives with his wife and two awesome kids. He loves creating gospel-focused resources, learning magic tricks, training people in public Bible reading and labouring over a rhyming paragraph where the metre just works. And rocky road. He LOVES rockyroad. Just in case you're looking for a gift. Follow Simon:   / simoncamilleri  "When Santa Learned the Gospel": https://www.santagospel.com/"Wow God! Thank You, Sorry, Please" & "Read, Think, Pray, Do": https://www.kidsguidebooks.com/