On the doorstep.
September 27, 2011
I know I know….
It’s not even Christmas, but I need to take your time this morning and say…..
MY DEBUT PICTURE BOOK IS RELEASED TODAY!
There I said it. I’m done now.
Well, maybe not. I really do want to say a little bit more, but honestly, I get a little shy. Isn’t that silly? It’s like stage fright. My fabric line was such a whirlwind release, and the art I create in the shop is usually the same. There was no time to be nervous.
But books are slow. Created fast and with crazy deadlines, but then you wait. And wait. And wait.
And the waiting has made me a little timid. Like, I want to say, “Are you still there? Do you still care? I made this book for you over a year ago….do you still want to read it?”
(Insert pigeon toes and flushed cheeks here)
Regardless, today it’s happening. All pre-ordered books are being delivered by white and brown trucks all over the country today. They will be (oh so gently laid) onto little doorsteps where a man in uniform will place brown cardboard boxes filled with art that I made in my basement studio, while listening to Christmas Choir music in July. A book with magic in the text that had gave me goosebumps the moment my editor read it to me over the phone for the first time. A book about Jesus and the light He brings to all the world. A book that still has my children begging to read it, even though it’s not even Halloween. A book that I’ve placed little secrets into that no one but myself and my children really know.
A book that was illustrated while moving twice, pregnant, going on partial bed rest, having a baby, buying a house, wading through financial difficulties and struggling through post partum, all while trusting in God to pull us through. It was quite literally a miracle in and of itself to be patiently wading through the “stuff” life brings, and then to illustrate the Christmas Story at night. I don’t think there could have been a better release for those emotions…I needed God, and I got to draw my emotions on paper. This was my place to put in my feelings of my Savior, the miracle of His birth, and all the relationships that were formed around that miracle.
And now you get to be a part of that.
I actually didn’t pre-order any. Looking back maybe I should have! But I will have the honor of hand delivering copies to some very special people. And that will make for quite the perfect day.
I won’t post about this any more until the air is a little crisper and colder…but I just had to share a special moment. A life goal. A day that won’t ever come again.
I think I’ll go kiss a little lamb:)
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How Lovely and exciting… I ADORE that you put secret specials in the book just for you and your little ones, what a beautiful thing to share with them. I have been dying to get a copy of this book for my little ones BUT i wanted to find out if I would be able to buy a signed copy from you directly Sarah? You are one of my biggest inspirations and I would love nothing more than a copy touched by your pen!! xx
Congratulations!
How very exciting that it’s finally out there in the world. You must be so proud – we are certainly very proud of you. I cannot wait to get a copy, and to read it to my little ones over Christmas.
Well done!!!
I totally understand the shyness…..but WOW….so exciting..it is such a beautiful book and as a huge fan of your work I will be buying several copies for friends and their babes….I am so happy for you…It is really a wonderful thing to have some of your dreams come true…you deserve it!!
Wonderful, what an inspiring post. The illustrations are beautiful as ever.
I TOTALLY understand you! I felt the same. =)
In my case, didn’t help that the book was finally released a couple of days after my first baby was born, and I was so overwhelmed by being a new mom to my cute baby that the book to a back place in my life…
You go girl, you deserve to be proud about you beautiful job!!
Hugs from Brazil!
PS: I’d love to send you a copy of mine, for your kids. If you want one, please send you address to my email! =)
I meant “the book took* a back place”
=)
Huge Congrats!! I’ll be looking for this book. It looks just magical.
Thanks for sharing your story with us…all your trials and such that made this book and illustrations close and dear to you. I love the way God lines things up for us and His timing is amazingly awesome!! He knew you needed to work on the art for this book and gave it to you when He did for His purposes and for good! Congratulations on the book release! Your art is beautiful. On a side note…please remember to let me know where I can send your children Marissa’s first printed book. A PO box or something will do, if you like!
What a sweet and touching post. I LOVE the lamb kissing illustration. Congratulations!!!!
Congratulations, Sarah Jane!!!
So many congratulations coming your way Sarah Jane. You must be so proud. Heck, I feel proud for you. That is the sweetest darn book ever!!
This is fantastic, Sarah Jane! Congratulations to your wonderfully illustrated book!
Congrats Sarah, the book looks lovely! And don’t worry about talking about Christmas already, who doesn’t want to start thinking about Christmas in the fall?!!
Sarah, CONGRATULATIONS! So happy for you…!!
Congratulations to you!! Very very exciting! I love your artwork. And, while I did not preorder your book, I am planning to order it for my children for Christmastime, looking forward to seeing more of your illustrations! PS. Speaking of Christmastime…last year I ordered a pack of your “Have Joy” cards just so I could have one to put inside a small shiny red laquered frame as a decoration and I love it!!! Some others also turned out to be the perfect card to send during the holiday season to a friend to congratulate them on a new engagement and another to congratulate them on the announcement of a new baby! Love it.
Your book looks beautiful! I know it will make the most perfect addition to our Christmas books! Can’t wait
Sarah, I’m so happy for you! Congratulations! It’s beautiful and a loving legacy you have created for your children and future generations. Enjoy this special time! God Bless, Lori
Thanks so much you all! I just love all your support and excitement! It means so much:) happy day!
Yea! Looking forward to ordering a copy for our family for this Christmas. I am thankful for a Christ centered Christmas book, they seem to be few and far between nowadays.
Congratulations, it looks beautiful!
What an accomplishment! I am so looking forward to getting my hands on copies of this sweet book for my children and family. Congratulations, and thank you!
Congratulations on your happy day; what a journey to get there!! such precious illustrations; i can’t wait for mine to get here.
Oh Sarah, I was just thinking how LOVELY it would be to have a printable nativity scene by Sarah Jane Studio’s available at Christmas time! I was thinking of something similar to peter and the wolf but non-jointed characters with little paper stands to prop them up… As soon as I saw the picture of the lamb Kiss I could picture the SWEETEST nativity scene EVER!! xx
Lovely!
Congratulations!! I’m so glad that you shared! I pre-ordered mine, so I hope it’s waiting for us when we get home tonight. My dilemma is whether or not to let my girls read it now or wait until closer to Christmas:)
Ours showed up a few hours ago, and I broke the longstanding tradition of opening up the new Christmas book on Christmas Eve. My two-year old begged for five readings in one sitting. Nola Buck’s “Christmas in a Manger” is a favorite of ours and your “Mistletoe” illustration went out with our Christmas card last year, so I knew “A Christmas Goodnight” would be the perfect choice.
I loved the connection between the “then” and “now”. The transition was seamless, subtle, and natural. Yet, on subsequent readings, I noticed little details that showed how purposeful the echoing to times past was.
What a lovely way to show young children how Christ’s birth two millennia ago is relevant to their lives today.
We got our copy in the mail today from amazon. Congratulations on a wonderful book, I am so proud of you! I am so impressed with your etsy shop, fabric, and beautiful book. My five year old daughter loves your work.
p.s. My daughter was very impressed that you stayed in the lines while coloring, then I told her you made the lines! She then asked what you used to color the pages ( she thought markers and paint). She was also very curious to know who Lynne is (if it’s not too personal). Again, I am so impressed and we are all in the Christmas mood a little early.
Congratulations! Lovely to achieve a life goal, feels good doesn’t it. Well done x
I did pre-order some my little niece and nephew. My niece can’t read, but at some point she will be old enough to understand more than just pictures (as will my 3 year old nephew – although he’s pretty intelligent – plays on the Ipad and so forth – says “frustrated” correctly in sentences – etc… he may read it soon – never know). Can’t wait for mine to come. Thx…
I received my book last night. It is BEAUTIFUL! My mother collected Christmas books and now this is the first Christmas book in my collection for my new grandson.
Congratulations! Don’t feel sheepish about shouting about your creation from the rooftops. You deserve a pat on the back.
We received our book yesterday & my daughter LOVES it. She was so proud that she could read it herself (with a little help
– she is 6). Of course, the illustrations are beautiful! I call my younger daughter’s nursery “The Sarah Jane room” because I have so much of your artwork in there. I just love the way in which you capture the beauty & innocence of childhood. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us!
Just popping over from decor8. Congrats on your beautiful book.
Fondly,
Glenda
Just ordered it! yay
LOVE all of your illustrations! They are absolutely beautiful!
Wahoooooo! I am absolutely thrilled for you Sarah. This is so very exciting. I hope you are doing something special to celebrate your wonderful achievement. I have just ordered a copy for my cherubs, but am going to go back and order several more for family and friends. This will make a perfect gift for those I love. I was wondering if you would be prepared to sell any books as signed copies?
oh sarah – even your write up on the book is so TOUCHING. congrats, congrats to YOU. can not wait to have one to add to our christmas library [which is part of our decorations for our home each year]. your illustrations are gorgeous, i know i will keep the book long after my kids get to be too old to be read christmas stories to.
so happy for you.
Just got our copies this afternoon! How exciting to see it in print. Congratulations on illustrating beautifully the sweetest story there is to tell.
Can’t wait to read this with my kids! Looks beautiful!
Congratulations!
… I come here through another blog. Congratulations! What a great experience for you! I love the bright colors. This book, in many children’s hands will be a blessing!
I mentioned your book and blog in my post today. Hoping to send a bunch of readers off to buy your lovely book.
Fondly,
Glenda
Congrats !!! 3 littles in my life will be receiving this book for Christmas…. one will be for my first Grandson who isn’t even born yet