When it came time to turn in a finished manuscript with dedication, the words came quickly and my eyes filled with tears: For the one who is tired and weary. I wrote it for the one who is just like me and who needs to know she is not alone and there is hope. But, honestly, that’s not really who I wrote the book for. I am grateful, of course, for the support of Ryan and the love of my parents and I truly hope my kids will learn the truths found in the book and avoid many of the struggles their mother experienced. Many people dedicate their books to their parents or spouse or children and I contemplated all of those. I went round and round thinking and praying about who this one is really for.
I love reading these in other books and knew I wanted to include one in this book. Most books have a little note at the beginning with a dedication. One night, inspiration struck and I pulled favorite illustrations found throughout the book and created a collage.
The endsheets are those first and final pages that hold the hardback cover together and the perfect place to set the tone for the whole book. AND ALSO, I hope you are delighted by the pretty art. The story and words found on the pages are so dear to me and I hope they will be encouraging to you.
#BOOK PEEK COM LICENSE#
My publisher gave me total creative license with adding in full-color art throughout the book, giving the nod of approval when I asked if I could create special endsheets (you’ll see those in a second!), adding in a journal-y touch with hand-lettered Scriptures and making each page feel special with watercolored borders. Today let’s take a peek inside!įreely and Lightly combines word and art is such a beautiful way. You’ve heard the story of how I knew it was time to write a book and you’ve seen the cover reveal and the heart behind the message.