We each have a life story, penned without ink, read by the people around us. Who's writing your story?

Monday, July 25, 2016

Can You See the Cross? Behind the Scenes 6

What a moment. 

Always excited to hear from my publisher, I eagerly opened the email, clicked on the attachment, and for the first time, viewed the cover of my book. I couldn't have been more pleased. The colors, the fog, the title, the fonts, the layout . . . It was perfect. Tears wet my cheeks. Suddenly my dream of writing a book seemed just a little closer.
 
Did you know that authors have homework? I filled out pages of information for the publisher, including my ideas for the book cover. Not having any graphic design background, I could only jot down a few ideas. It seemed to me it should reflect the first chapter without giving away the rest of the story.

At our next writers' meeting, one of the girls mentioned how clever of the artist/designer to include a cross on the cover. The room grew quiet, all eyes on the printed sample. "Where?" we finally asked, still searching. When she pointed it out, I thought of the lines in the first chapter of the book . . . "Looking back, I have to believe we were surrounded by . . . grace."

A quiet discussion followed our precious discovery. Isn't it just like us to find ourselves caught up in the fog, the potential problems, the storm, the unknown and miss the cross? To never see it? Even though it's clearly visible for those with open eyes.

The cross on the cover of Penned Without Ink holds deep meaning for me. Now it's the first thing I see. The reason? Because I'm looking for it. I pray we will view our life circumstances in the same way and look for the all-knowing, all-powerful God who never leaves us or forsakes us, no matter what happens. 

 Can you see the cross?


For a short summary of the book, click here. 

To pre-order paperback or Kindle Edition on Amazon.com, click here





  



13 comments:

  1. What an aha moment that was for us all! It gives special meaning to your book cover.

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    1. A moment to remember, that's for sure - and a good reminder as well. Blessings, Cindy.

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  2. WOW! Thanks for the great reminder and yes, I can see the cross.

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    1. Thank you, Dar . . . Glad you like the cover - and the message! Blessings to you today.

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  3. And I'm glad to be under the cross with such fine writer friends. Lovely, powerful book cover.

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    1. Thanks, Jo Ann. Your good eyes made all the difference . . .

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  4. Thank you for blessing others with these encouraging observations!
    surrounded by . . . grace
    caught up in the fog … and miss the cross
    … all-knowing, all-powerful God who never leaves us or forsakes us …
    Thank you for reflecting the Lord’s faithfulness.

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    1. Thanks, Jan. You've been a fellow-traveler in this world of the unexpected. We have His grace and faithfulness to hang on to through it all. Praying for you . . .

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  5. I might not have see the cross unless you pointed it out. But now I see it and will notice it first every time I see your book cover. I pray that I will look for it and notice signs of God at work in my own life. Thank you Sarah!

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    1. Thanks, Julie. I hope I'll be more aware of God's hand, too. Blessings to you, my friend. I'm praying . . .

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  6. Sarah....It took me a while, but I think I found the cross. Love the cover and the beautiful words of your poem. May God bless your readers in special ways as you minister to them. Will you be at the Philadelphia Christian Writers' Conference next week?

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    1. Thank you, Fran, for your encouragement and gracious words. I just returned from the Montrose Christian Writers' Conference last week, so I'll miss the Philly conference this year. Have a wonderful time! Blessings to you.

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  7. Wow the cover looks great! Love the cross !

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