An invitation to help fund a fully illustrated version of my book, “Wonderfully Made!”

Hi Friend! 
If you just want to get down to it, here's the link: https://brianspahrcreative.com/help-fund-a-fully-illustrated-version-of-my-book-wonderfully-made. But I also hope you'll take a few minutes to read the rest of this message and hear my heart behind this project. 

“You are wonderfully made.”

That’s the message I want her to hear, and that’s the message I want her to believe! She does not know how wonderful she is, and as her dad, it hurts to see her struggle. It’s hard to be a kid these days. It’s always been hard, but I think the pressure today is greater than ever. I want my daughter Marin to echo the faith of the psalmist who said, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14). I want her to say that with confidence about herself.

So, one blustery January afternoon, I imagined a conversation between her and God, who wants her to believe this even more than I do. A few hours later, it was a book. I did a quick design and sent a PDF to the printer, thinking it would just be a gift for Marin.

But the message stuck with me. 
“You are wonderfully made.”
“You are wonderfully made.”
I… am wonderfully made.”

I need the message as much as she does, and ‌others need it too. 
So, with no marketing, plan, or clue what would happen, I uploaded it to Amazon and hit publish. 
And the response has been amazing.

One reader said,

“I’m struggling with feeling overwhelmed and feeling like my juggling skills are fading! This “children’s” book spoke gently yet boldly to me. I really needed this message. I read it with misty eyes and a happier heart. I plan to share it with several people who also could benefit from this simple yet profound message.”

Another reader said,

“What a needed reminder of how simply and beautifully our Creator speaks to us! I flip through this book often, and the way Brian has written it leads to peaceful reflection and relief.”

And…

“I'm not a religious person, but when my faith in myself and the world around me is tested, Brian's writing always brings me to a better place. This is a book I would keep on my nightstand, coffee table, or give as gifts to loved ones.”

I’m so struck that the simple message of this book has connected with kids AND adults, religious or not.

So, here’s what I want to do.

I want to release a new, fully illustrated version of the book. The original version is just stylized words and a lot of blank space. I love that, and some readers have found creative ways to use the blank space as a journal, sketchbook, graduation party guest book, and more. But I think the right illustrator could make the message really come to life.

So, I contacted my friend Laken Biletski. I sent her the book, curious to see what ideas she would come up with. When I saw her first sketches, tears streamed down my face. She totally got the essence of the story, and the finished artwork will be absolutely incredible.

And here’s where I need your help:

Printing a high-quality, full-color hard-cover book isn’t cheap, and I really want this version to be special. I also want to make sure Laken is well-compensated for her amazing artwork, so I’m looking for people to support this project. I need to raise $5000 to make it happen. So, I'm inviting you to become a supporter.

Would you consider a donation of $5 to $5000 to make this happen? Any contribution of $25 or more will earn donors an exclusive package, including a signed copy of the book and a collection of fun surprises, once it hits the shelves. Every dollar raised will go towards production costs and to compensate the illustrator.

Thank you for your support! It means the world to me. I'm excited and nervous. I’ve never crowdfunded a project before, but I believe in this book and think it will be something really special.

Here's the link to the support page: https://brianspahrcreative.com/help-fund-a-fully-illustrated-version-of-my-book-wonderfully-made

Thanks again! 
Brian