The Beginning
I met Mindy on Instagram. This sweet young woman has a heart of gold and is not only a fan of Christian fiction, but from her little sunlit studio in Japan, creates beautiful, modern calligraphy.
I have had the privilege of teaming up with her for a very special purpose. As most of you know, I’ve been Indie publishing these days and while I enjoy the process immensely, there are a few little things that I miss about having a traditional publisher. One of those things is the feeling of having a team to work with. If you need something? You just ask and someone points you in the right direction. You need bookmarks? No problem! For This Quiet Sky, I printed some homemade postcards (right off my computer) and they didn’t turn out so great, so I never did much with them.
Now – Indie book #2 – I’ve been dreaming up a way to do something just a wee bit better. There are lots of places that will print your book cover or design onto a postcard, but I wanted to do something a little different than the cover of the book. There is a quote from the novel that I have been dreaming of using for this very special purpose, and a few week ago, that dream became a reality thanks to a sweet young woman named Mindy Sato.
A work in progress
After seeing the beautiful work Mindy did for books she had read like Laura Frantz’s The Colonel’s Lady and my own This Quiet Sky, I knew I was witnessing something special. I sent her a message to say thank you and a few more messages sailed back and forth and soon, I asked if she would be interested in helping me out with creating those postcards. I asked Mindy if she might be interested in writing up the quote (which is half in Hawaiian and half in English) in exchange for a paperback copy of To Get to You from my home to hers.
Her answer was the most enthusiastic YES and boy did her heart shine through in every word. We dreamed and planned and soon, not only was the quote in process, but I had made a friend that was just a few weeks away from bringing me to tears of the most joyous kind.
Mindy asked more about the story so she could know how to design the piece. I shared that in the book, Riley’s dad is Hawaiian and when he abandoned his family to pursue his surfing career, Riley’s mom didn’t allow the language to be spoken in their home anymore. Of course, there’s a long story behind what happens next *wink wink*Â
Mindy asked amazing questions and expressed that knowing the story would help her create the piece. Worried that I wouldn’t explain it well in summary, I thought about offering her the book, but it was still unedited and I’m squeamish about people seeing my work before it’s primed and polished. Exactly this time, Mindy dashed me some images of her work-in-progress. Ideas on colors, letter shapes and textures and wanted to know what I thought. Not only did my jaw drop for the beauty of her artwork, but I realized that the very fear I had (letting someone see my rough draft) was exactly what she was doing – offering me her rough drafts. Her ideas.
So I bundled up the unedited version of To Get to You and sent it to her as “my book idea”. She was going to see mistakes and errors. She was going to see things that would eventually need to be trimmed and refined. But sometimes God leads us to do things for a very particular reason.
Most Precious Treasures
Mindy read the manuscript not once, but twice (I was a tiny bit thrilled to learn that she teared up at the hair salon!) And from those readings, she came up with a design that not only fit Riley and his dad, but fit the heart behind the story. Her desire to honor the Lord through her calligraphy was a treasure from the start and shone through in each part of the journey, including the finished product. Seeing it for the first time was a JOY!
In the story, my hope is that these words in both Hawaiian and English will show the healing that can come from a broken relationship. We both thought an arrow would be the perfect graphic because of the way it reflected the title and the different journeys. And would you like a sneak peek at the interior?
As you know, most books have a flourish – a tiny artistic touch. As Mindy worked away on the Hawaiian quote, I asked what she thought about designing an arrow that could be for that purpose. It would make her art a part of the physical book, tucked there in the pages. There truly couldn’t have been anything more fitting than something drawn by this young woman.
A Sweet Surprise
What began as a  small project turned out to be quite a journey for each of us over the last few weeks. Mindy asked me for my mailing address and I sent it along – not thinking anything out of the ordinary about it (I can be this dense. 😉 ) and soon, she hinted that a surprise was on it’s way – the original art piece of the Hawaiian quote.
Be still. My heart.
Mindy’s package from Japan arrived just a few days ago. The large, padded envelope seemed a little lumpy for a single piece of paper, so after leaving the post office, I sat in my car and tore inside. The first thing to come tumbling out were little pens for smooth and silky book signing and Washi tapes. I had been eyeing Mindy’s collection on Instagram and her enthusiasm for these colorful masking tapes is downright contagious, so this was a delight!
There were also small envelopes that I made myself wait to open (one said “open this last” and was sealed and stylish with Washi tape so that helped 😉 ) There was also the large portfolio with the finished art piece. I couldn’t wait to see it in real life!
But what she sent brought me to tears. This was more than a single quote. This was more than a single piece of paper..
.
This was her way of saying “I saw…”
These weren’t the typos that I was worried she would see. Not the mistakes or the rough spots. She saw the story. She saw the hopes I had for a book that I couldn’t help but write. This young woman from across an ocean saw me.
About a dozen tissues later, I was able to get home and get out of my car. And now I get to write up this post and share with YOU, dear readers, that whether it’s  a review, or a message or simply stopping and talking with me at church about something that I wrote and the way that it moved you, I hear those words… “I saw…”
Know that I see you. Each of you. We’re not here to do this alone – we’re here to lift one another up. A special thank you to Mindy for lifting me up during this season of preparing To Get to You for readers. If you end up with the paperback after release time, will you say a special prayer for Mindy and her calligraphy when you see those arrows?
A gift for you – from Mindy and Me
That first, original image has been scanned and the postcards are being printed and shipped. If you would like one, just send me a 4 x 6 SASE, I’ll seal it with a pinch of Washi tape, and send a postcard your way! I would love to give you one (or several) as a thank you for being part of this and for simply being here. When it arrives, may you feel that same blessing. That blessing of knowing that you’re not alone… that there are others out there who see.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!! Joanne and Mindy– you both have such unquestionably divine giftings. What treasures, and what a blessing that you each share your art with us in such heart-filled ways! <3
Thank you, my dear! You are such a treasure. Isn’t it wonderful the way that different mediums can blend together? I see that in you as well. And I still cherish the needlepoint you sent me from Be Still My Soul <3 <3
Such a precious sister heart! Mindy, from across the Pacific! A special post to honor friends of the heart and that pull along side to share the mission as you launch To Get to You!
Yes! Such a precious sister heart. 🙂 I love that! I can’t wait for you to see all the pages in person.
“She saw the story. She saw the hopes I had for a book that I couldn’t help but write. This young woman from across an ocean saw me.”
My heart soared at your words – finding a kindred sister in the Lord across the sea. What a blessing! Two talented artists complementing each other for God’s glory. THAT is a match made in heaven.
Hi Sarah!
Thank you for your precious comment. God really orchestrates things so well. My greatest hindrance is when I fail to pause and see just how much. Grateful to have met you at Mount Hermon and now I’m glad for the chance for you and Mindy to ‘meet’ this way. 🙂
Oh wow, where do I begin? It took me a while to gather my thoughts after being gifted with this heart-to-heart blog post. To see the whole process laid out like that from start to finish fills me with awe and praise to the One who orchestrated (that was what Joanne reminded me of) these circumstances.
It all started when I won This Quiet Sky in a giveaway that Joanne was hosting. The first time that I messaged Joanne was actually because for some reason neither my e-mail or direct message on Instagram reached her (It was so I could receive the giveaway prize). Whenever I write something, it is usually whatever is relevant to me during that time. I quickly read This Quiet Sky after receiving it and was blow away by Joanne’s writing style and the way that the book really struck a chord in my heart. So naturally, the next day, I took a picture of a quick jot down of the book title and posted it. Never would I have imagined that Joanne would like, comment, and repost that picture!
It was a short time after this that Joanne reached out and asked if I would be willing to do a phrase from her new book. My reaction went back and forth between “Ah, I can’t believe this!” to “but I’m just a newbie, will my work be good enough for something this big?” But what I came back to was “Lord, if this is something that you want to bless me with, I would like to do it wholeheartedly.” Thorough this amazing opportunity, I was able to bring together my always love for books and new found love for calligraphy to create something. I will always remember how Joanne believed in me and in my work when I was just a newbie and entrusted me with something so precious and dear to her heart. It has been an incredible journey that I have been so blessed to be a part of.
Thank you, Joanne, from the bottom of my heart. Working with you has been more than a dream come true, because I never even imagined something like this was possible! I hope and pray that each one of the readers will be as blessed and touched by the book as I was.
Mindy,
I think it’s your sweet, humble heart that made this whole process so grand. All that I’ve learned about your calligraphy, and your love for the Lord – when I see the quotes that you write, and the designs that you do – I see worship from a faithful heart right to the Lord’s. I think that’s what makes your work such a blessing.
We both got to press through our uncertainties and create our ‘art’ together. I love how God orchestrated that! Thanks for being the iron that sharpened my iron, for breathing such beautiful life into that quote and for all your support for To Get to You. You are a real gift and I smile to think of all the people who will be blessed through your calligraphy for years to come.
Mindy, the glimpses of your art that Joanne shared in this article reveals more than just your talent. It shows the passion behind it. Like Joanne said, you’ve got a great gift and you use it well. Thanks for sharing your talent and passion with us!
Blessings,
Andrea
Hi Andrea, thank you so much for your words of encouragement! Hearing that makes me want to practice more diligently and strive to glorify the Lord through calligraphy.
Hugs,
Mindy
I have decided, after reading this, I will start printing out some of your blogs. Some, like this, move me to tears, all fill me with the joy of knowing you. God bless you and Mindy.
Oh, Melody, if you could see the smile that gave me. Bless you and I’m so glad this post was an encouragement to you! You are one to me!
Isn’t it wonderful what God can do? More than we even can imagine. I’m glad He brought the two of you together so Mindy could illustrate your eloquent words, Joanne, and you both could be blessed by a beautiful friendship. As one who has read all of your wonderful books, I’m looking forward to To Get To You. Thanks for sharing all of this with us. We get to be blessed too!
Pam, it so is! And I am thrilled that To Get to You will be on your reading list. I truly hope the story is a blessing to you! Thank YOU for stopping in and for your sweet comment!
This is beautiful. From the story on the airplane to an ocean away, I love how your words are touching hearts all over, Joanne. Thank you for being willing to write them for us. 🙂
Rachelle,
You’re words did a delicious thing to my heart. Hugs!
That is beyond precious. Two sweet sisters. God Bless you both!
Thanks you, Sandy! And may God continue to bless you and your project in the works!
What a wonderful story and amazing artwork–both the calligraphy and the writing. I’m honored, Joanne, that you shared this with us. Thank you.
Dona, thank you. It’s such a joy seeing your smiling face here – I had such a wonderful time getting to visit with you last night and reading your story!
Such a beautiful, touching post/story – thank you, Joanne and Mindy!! Can’t wait to read “To Get To You” and to see that beautiful calligraphy!! Don’t you just love those God moments when He blesses us beyond comprehension – in the most unexpected and unusual way??
Sending you a SASE for that beautiful postcard – hugs!!
Bonnie – I will joyfully await your SASE! It’s going to be such a privilege to send you one of the cards. Isn’t it amazing – God’s unexpected and unusual way?! I love how you phrased that. 🙂 Hugs right back and congrats again on being a part of OCWGTT – I remember hearing your announcement a while back, but to see your work there that blog is so neat!
Joanne, thank you for sharing Mindy with us. Why does the song “Take My Breath Away” from Top Gun come to mind? I was blinking back tears through the majority of this article, my friend. You truly do have a gift with words.
Andrea – thank you for this sweet comment! I feel like I tear up all the time these days and so to know that you joined me on that one really touches my heart. And oh, that song. Now I’m going to have to listen to it again. What a compliment <3
Goodness! I love this article! I love it so much. It made me tear up, sigh, smile, and then, giggle. Just like ‘This Quiet Sky’ did! Don’t know what to say beyond this. So, I say what I can: well done Joanne and Mindy! God bless your hearts! *Smiling Big*
Aw, Miranda! You’re such a dear! I’m so glad the post touched you. THANK YOU for visiting and taking the time to read it. I am always so blessed by that and know Mindy will be too. Thank you for being sweet you!
Oh Joanne and Mindy!!!!
You both light up my heart so! It’s amazing seeing two such sweet spirits encourage each other like this! <3
That is an incredible story. Such a God Thing 🙂
It seems that our Lord loves to weave little things like this into our lives…sweet moments and reminders that we are not alone. We are seen.
Joanne, can I just say again how beautiful your prose is? Each blog post is like a little gem 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Kara! That’s such a sweet thing to say about my blog!. 🙂 And it brings me such joy to know that you and Mindy are friends! Looking forward to seeing you soon and hearing all that God has been doing in your life – and at Hume!
After winning this book, I began reading… I absolutely loved this book!! The story line, the quotes (which I will be using frequently & thinking of this book), and the beautiful Hawaiian Expressions. Now knowing the beautiful hidden story behind the artwork makes it even more special. I certainly hope that Becca and Riley’s story continues in the near future!! mahalo!!
Ah! Mahalo right back, Renee!! 🙂 🙂 I am so glad that you enjoyed it so much! Thank you for letting me know that the book struck those chords with you. I am so thrilled! What a wonderful turn of events from that giveaway the other day. I think God had a plan in mind for both of us. 🙂 Blessed by this!
Somehow I’m just now getting around to reading this post (how, I have no idea!). What a sweet, special, meaningful journey you and Mindy have taken together. I’m so glad to get a peek into the process. When we hold To Get to You in our hands, see the arrow, we’ll know the connection and smile. 🙂
Teresa A very belated greetings to you! 😉
I’m so glad you found this post. Thank you for stopping in and sharing. It’s always so nice to know when friends stop by! And that smile means a lot to both me and Mindy. Thanks for that!