Not The Update We Planned

You're probably scratching your head right now trying to remember when you ever signed up to hear from us. Yes, it was that long ago. When we promised not to be annoyingly frequent in our communications, this isn't exactly what we had in mind. But life doesn't always play out as we plan so we're finally here to let you know what's been up with us.

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Two years ago, I figured by this time I would probably be reaching out to announce the launch of our third book. Instead, we're sharing some unfinished sketches and an explanation as to why we haven't yet delivered on our promised second book. Emma has been unwell. So unwell in fact, that she hasn't had energy to draw or paint. If you know her at all, I don't really need to say more. Lots of doctors and lots of tests later, we've ruled out a lot of scary stuff, but don't yet have any definite answers. But we do have faith in a God who is good and loving and are trusting him for Emma's health and healing. If you know her at all, you can also guess that she continues to be kind, grateful, even joyful in the midst of her suffering. If you think about her this holiday season, we would be grateful for your prayers.

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Since we don't have a new book to share with you, a few thoughts about our first instead. I believe my job as a writer is to tell the stories that have been given to me to tell. Or, to paraphrase Jonathan Rogers, to tell the stories that unfold before me. With our first book, I didn't set out to create something that speaks to a present cultural need. But as I watch what is going on in our world and as I reflect on this little creation of ours, I believe that is in fact what we've done. Childhood is changing. Simplicity, innocence, curiosity, wonder are fading from the landscape. I Wonder Who Lives in That Tree embodies each of these ideals and can, I believe, in its own small way help restore these vanishing pieces of childhood.

So thank you. Thank you for seeing value in what we've done and for hoping to see more in what we've yet to do. Thank you for caring for the children in your life and for giving us the opportunity to speak briefly to them. We're grateful for the work God has given us to do and the blessing he's allowing that to be to so many. I don't believe we are finished. There are more stories we are longing to tell and look forward to sharing them with you as soon as we are able. Thanks for sticking with us. Hoping you have much to be grateful for - Scott (and Emma)