As the summer draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the whirlwind of events that have shaped these past few months. It’s been a chaotic and busy summer, and unfortunately, my blogging took a backseat amidst the flurry of activities. Nevertheless, I want to take this moment to share some significant highlights and experiences that have profoundly impacted my life.

Embracing Change and Healing

One of the major milestones of this summer was transitioning to a new church after my wife’s remarkable decision to resign from her 15-year stint serving on staff at our previous church. Her courage to step away from an environment that had subjected her to toxic, emotional, and spiritual abuse was both empowering and liberating. Sure our finances took a hit, but it was the right choice. As we embarked on this new chapter together we began attending a new church and despite not knowing many people, we decided to step out of our comfort zone and serve at our Vacation Bible School (VBS). I took on the role of games coordinator, she did snacks! Witnessing our mutual commitment to serving our community brought us immense joy. While I won’t delve deeply into the details of our previous church’s experience right now, it’s essential to acknowledge that we are both on a path of healing, growth, and renewed faith. Though there are still some wounds to tend to, we’re gradually finding solace in each other’s love and support.

Triumph in Publishing – Iggy & Oz Series

Another remarkable achievement this summer was the successful Kickstarter campaign for the fourth book in the Iggy & Oz series. With great pride and gratitude, we were able to not only meet our funding goal but also surpassed it by 200%. The overwhelming support from our readers and fans made this experience truly heartwarming. The Iggy & Oz series has become a passion project close to my heart, and witnessing its continued success brings immense fulfillment.

A Journey of Struggle and Success – Realm Makers Writers Conference

Amidst the busy schedule, I made it a point to attend the esteemed Realm Makers writers conference. This year held special significance for me as my book, “Iggy & Oz: The Living Snot,” was honored with the award for the best middle-grade book. This recognition was particularly meaningful as this book was written during a time when I was battling severe anxiety. The writing process served as a cathartic outlet, and the award felt like a well-deserved acknowledgment of the challenges I had overcome.

Collaborative Creativity – “Interstice Undone”

Currently, I’m engaged in an exciting cowriting project with fellow authors Steve Rzasa and Jason Joyner. Together, we are crafting an epic crossover story that features all our beloved characters. Titled “Interstice Undone,” this collaborative effort is a testament to the power of unity and creativity. Working alongside these talented authors has been an inspiring journey, and we can’t wait to share the final result with our readers.

As I look back on this chaotic and eventful summer, I’m filled with a mix of emotions – from the joy of triumphs to the somber reflections of healing. Through it all, I’m grateful for the love and support of my wife, the encouragement of my readers, and the camaraderie of fellow writers. These experiences have strengthened my faith, fueled my creativity, and reminded me that even amidst chaos, there are moments of triumph and healing worth cherishing. I look forward to the days ahead, where I can continue sharing my journey and stories with all of you. Until then, thank you for being a part of this rollercoaster summer.