Sunday morning during church I got an idea about A Friend for Festus: it needs a revised ending. In church, I felt the urget to add a new ending because it seems abrupt, and I am not really satified with it. Also, I felt God leading me to make this book a Christian children’s book too.
In that moment, I knew I wanted to add two more images to the book: one with Eve placing the leash on Festus and one with the family walking together outside. Then, the following verse came to my mind for thematic meaning for the changes:
Proverbs 18:24 The Living Bible
24 There are “friends” who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
This verse refers to God and His relationship to us. The verse reminds me of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus;” in this hymn the speaker reminds us that we can experience ultimate peace if we carry all our burdens to God in prayer. The speaker reminds us how blessed we are to share everything with the Father as well as with His Son, Jesus Christ.
In my book, Eve suffers conflict when she feels isloated in a new place although she is visiting family members. As I work on my revision, I recognize that Festus offers Eve unconditional love and support although he his an animal. Festus symbolizes how God loves us in this book. He offers comfort and security as we exercise our free will, yet we must be willing to accept His friendship.
In the new ending, Eve has accepted and recipricated the love and friendship of her companion, a cute little Jack Russell pup. In her acceptance, she is able to bond with her family. In the new resolution, Eve’s peace and comfort allows her to learn from her new experiences. I am not exactly sure how I am going to word or to work out this resolution just yet; however, I am positive it will work out. Why wouldn’t it when I have two GORGEOUS new images for the ending of the book. Joshua Wichterich never ceases to amaze me with his talent or with his ability to interpret exactly what I want.
Stay tuned for an update on the revision. I believe a cup of coffee in the morning is going to give me a fresh perspective on an alternative ending, especially since Chris is taking the two youngest kids to the tractor show. I will have some time to sit quietly and plan this revision. I hope you love the two new illustrations. I certainly do!
Thank you, Tammy!
Love, love this! Any child will love this book! The illustrations are beautiful and the storyline will catch any child’s…
Thank you so much!
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The Aging English Major: Searching for Self throughout Motherhood 
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