Behind the Scenes of The Wind & His Word

On a windy afternoon, my daughter sat on my lap on the porch as we listened to the wind chime. After a while, she tilted her head back and asked, “Mama, do you think the wind is talking?”

Later that night, after she’d gone to bed and the house grew quiet, I couldn’t shake her question. I began to jot down a few lines — small, scattered thoughts about wind and wonder and the whispers of God. It wasn’t a story yet; it was just a mama trying to put into words what she wanted her little girl to know: that even when life feels uncertain, the Lord is still near.

Those lines took on a rhythm, and that rhythm became a poem, and that poem — somehow — became The Wind & His Word.

And now, as that once-tiny idea has grown into a full picture book, I find myself reflecting on all that’s happening behind the scenes: the editing, the partnerships, and the quiet ways God keeps orchestrating it all.

Refinement

Not long ago, my acquisitions editor sent me thoughtful notes and suggestions on my original manuscript, along with a message that she believed the book could be even more beautiful — and perhaps stronger — if it followed an AABB rhyming pattern.

The change meant a full rewrite.

At first, I hesitated. There’s a real apprehension that comes with starting over, especially when the words already feel like pieces of your heart. But as soon as I began rewriting, I could tell she was right. The meter flowed more smoothly, the message felt more clear, and the story became one that little ears could more easily follow.

Her advice didn’t just shape the text — it refined me, as a writer. I learned that humility and trust are as vital to the creative process as inspiration. The book grew stronger, and so did my faith that God uses wise voices to help our crafts find their truest forms.

I snapped this during our weekly Marketing Mastermind Meeting at Morgan James Publishing. That’s the founder, David, speaking.

Collaboration

My illustrator, Cailey, and I like to meet at our local coffee shop. We discuss pages and sketches between sips and chats with other Pour Jon’s frequenters. Cailey is wildly talented, and I’m immensely grateful to get to work with her on this book.

Normally, the publisher’s design team would handle placing the text onto the illustrated pages, but we were given a rare gift of creative freedom. We’ll be choosing the fonts ourselves — something that pairs with the overall design — and arranging the words so they become part of the pictures.

It was Cailey’s idea to add our own text; and ever since she mentioned it, I’ve started noticing how often the words in picture books feel too sharp against the soft storybook art. I love that we get to blur that line — to let the words really belong to the page.

Building a little ‘sample book’ in Canva — not the final version, just a guide for Cailey as she brings our words and art together.

Encouragement

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to sit down (virtually) with author Amanda Hayhurst, who’s been interviewing Christian authors about their publishing journeys. We talked about the ups and downs of writing, of waiting, and the balance of trusting the Lord and stewarding the work He’s given us.

We both agreed that we want to do whatever we can to make sure our words end up in the hands of the people who need them most. And yet, even as we work hard, we rest in knowing that it’s ultimately His timing and His purpose that carry them there.

Our conversation left me deeply encouraged. It reminded me that obedience isn’t passive — it’s active participation with a faithful God. He invites us to create, to tend, to serve… and then to trust Him with the harvest.

I’ve come to realize that this community of Christian women authors is something special. There’s no sense of rivalry; only a shared desire to see one another’s words reach the hearts God intends.

A Note for You

Maybe you’re holding on to your own idea. Maybe it feels small right now. Ordinary, even.

But I hope this encourages you: God doesn’t forget the stories He plants in you. He’s the kind of Author who writes slowly and intentionally.

The Wind & His Word is teaching me that the same God who commands the wind also carries our words, our dreams, and our waiting hearts exactly where they’re meant to go.

So whatever season you’re in — hope, joy, change, or rest — He’s near.
And sometimes, if you’re still enough, you just might hear Him in the wind.