It's been a while since I've given a progress report on this project. I've received great feedback from all my beta readers. Their enthusiasm blew me away. This book is God-inspired. I don't know how else to explain all this. Want to know more about the girl who inspired this project and lives alongside refugees on the daily? Check out her blog. I loved this post!
https://bettyraetoday.com/2018/10/12/losing-my-religion-5-experiences-which-pushed-me-to-reread-the-bible/
She's writing the foreword for my book, and I can't wait for you to hear her heart. I'm incredibly humbled to be able to partner with her in making this story known. As I edit and add and prune back (a heart-wrenching process) I'm looking forward to releasing it in mid-December. Everything about this project has come naturally, and for some reason, that date feels right.
The HARDEST thing I've come up against is deciding on a title. I can't nail one down! I want you, the reader, to be gripped and left wanting by a haunting title. What is it?! Hopefully, in the next few days it will hit me. And I will reveal it and the beyond-a-doubt haunting, and gripping, cover soon!
The cover was designed by my best friend, and extremely talented designer, Kirsten Johnson, at Reverie Creative Agency. When I first saw it, my breath caught. It stopped me in my tracks. I'm so, so grateful to have such an amazing team around me as I bring this story to the world.
The wider world has turned their attentions to other things already. Refugees are yesterday's news. With instant media updates at our fingertips at all times, we're bombarded with the newest drama. Let's not forget that there are still millions of displaced people out there. Hundreds of thousands have been fleeing Myanmar to Bangladesh for months. And this is not a new issue. Not to mention the countless people still unable to return to Syria, and Afghanistan, and Sudan.
The problem is overwhelming. Organizations like the Preemptive Love Coalition and others, people like my friend Bethany who come alongside refugees for the long haul, they give me hope, and a way to know what in the world to do. As I've said before, my hope with this book is to open your eyes to the reality of a day in the life of a refugee.
“You will enjoy this book because Emily is a great writer with a captivating voice. But what will have you dwelling on it days after you finish it is how she postures our attention to an ignored group of people who desperately need it.“ - Carly Cross