Do You Look at the Sky? - the journey so far

I have learnt so much while writing and publishing Do You Look at the Sky?

This story was born from one simple desire — that future generations should know the love, the laughter, and the light Cooper brought into our lives.

I still can’t quite get my head around the fact that they will never meet their uncle… or their second cousin. It blows my mind and breaks my heart all at once.

When the idea first came to me, I sat at the cemetery on Cooper’s bench and began writing. I never imagined that after hundreds of hours of work it would actually come together. I truly had no idea how much time would be needed in this space.

But time here isn’t just “work”.

Time here is time with Cooper.

Then came the process of learning how to self-publish… and finding the right illustrator.

When I first saw the work of Caroline Keys, I just knew — this was the illustrator for me. Over eight months we built a relationship, learnt about each other’s grief, and collaborated to create something I am truly proud of.

And now… the illustrations are complete.

I have received the final layout, and I have cried an abundance of tears.

Tears because the images in my mind are now so clearly alive on the page.

Tears because I have always loved children’s books, and it warms my heart to be working in this space.

Tears because I never imagined I could live with such loss and pain.

And tears because Cooper is in every word… and on every page.

Today is an emotional day.

Now the work goes to the designer, who will work his magic. Without every level of expertise along the way, you simply couldn’t create a book at this standard.

And then — off to the printers.

It’s not long now.

Thank you to everyone who has preordered and patiently supported this journey. I am so excited to share Do You Look at the Sky? with you soon.