It’s finally here!! This illustrated book is the culmination of a 10-year journey. Yes, you got that right. This book is over 10 years, in the making!
When I originally wrote this story I planned for a quick release. I went to a professional illustrator and asked to hire them. After reading the story, the illustrator became visibly moved by their emotions... then looked across the desk at me and said, "This is an allegory isn't it..? I won't be able to illustrate it for you."
And so.. the journey began.
Over the last 10 years, I have contacted dozens of illustrators. Time after time, illustrators have turned it down.
I continued to hold onto the story and pray for God to open the door with the right person, the one He wanted to use to bring this story to life.
In 2023, I reached out to dozens of additional illustrators. Many never replied others responded that it wasn't a topic they wanted to illustrate, and others suddenly decided their workloads were "too full to take any more paying clients."
I didn't give up. I persisted in reaching out.
Then... it happened!
I received a response from the artist God had waiting for all along. This was an artist who had never done this style of illustration.. but they were moved by the story. They wanted a chance to be part of the message of hope it would bring.
It wasn't experience God was looking for, He wanted someone with a heart for His message and they were finally here.
We started working on the sketches. One by one the scenes came together and the characters came to life.
The wait is over!!! The Stickle Maker's Love is now available. My prayer is for this story to help children and people of all ages gain a deeper understanding of God's immense love for each and every person He created.