October 2026

A reflection on how an unexpected setback led to the perfect creative partnership.

As I mentioned in a previous Reflection, my first Rocket story came to me easily over three sleepless nights. Bringing it to life was another matter. I had written a children’s story—but how would I get it illustrated?

I sought advice from another author, and, after substantial research, I hired an illustrator through a reputable online company that promised all the resources needed to bring a book to life. The experience, frankly, was a dismal failure. After I waited months for an opening in her schedule, the illustrator sent the first drawing of my main character, Rocket. I was over the moon with excitement—until I saw that he looked more like a Shih Tzu than a Labrador. I have nothing against Shih Tzus, but Rocket needed to be a Labrador! After repeated attempts to resolve the problem, we parted ways, and I was back to square one.

For a while, I brainstormed ways to find another illustrator, but nothing felt right. Defeated and deeply disappointed, I set the story aside for months. Rocket remained only words on a page—but I was not ready to give up.

Just as I was preparing to give the online company another try, a good friend forwarded a Facebook post from a local author announcing his new children’s story. I visited his website, loved his work, and contacted him that same day. After several conversations, he created ten sample illustrations, and I knew instantly that Rocket #3 was the one.🐾 James Scullard had captured my Rocket perfectly. We met and formalized our partnership, and within three weeks, James had beautifully illustrated Rocket Gets a Home exactly as I had envisioned it, page by page!

Creating this story taught me that disappointment, patience, and perseverance can lead to something better than I ever imagined. I could not see it at the time, but my first failed attempt was a blessing. It led me to a rewarding collaboration with James, who successfully brings life to Rocket’s adventures with creativity, color, and connection.

Sometimes the path that doesn’t work out is the very path that leads us where we were meant to be. 💛