It's Spring... (I don't mind the fan, but can someone turn off the oven?)

14 hours ago
3 min read

Life Update

Eyo, friend! I hope you're doing well and drinking water and enjoying life. (As for the title of this post -- well, spring in Colorado is always volatile, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.) It's been a while since I've given you an update, but I wanted to make sure I actually had news to share (which I do).

Let's get into it!

Writing

Well, it took almost two years, but I finally finished that monstrous round of revisions on book 2 of my seafaring fantasy series (which has been in the works since roughly 2015... so, a while). I've spent the last few weeks cleaning some things up, fixing a plot hole, and checking for any notes I might've left for myself and then forgot about.

My plan now, in between proofreading book 1, is to read through book 2 while it's fresh in my mind and make sure it's flowing and telling the story I want it to tell. Then it'll go under the floorboards for a while, because editing right after revisions is like trying to eat warm, runny Jello. (I've learned my lesson, don't ask me how.)

Speaking of book 1, I've also started work on the submission package! ...Which is different for every literary agent, publishing house, editor, etc., for . . . some reason.

Basically, a submission package consists of the first few pages or chapters of a book, along with a cover letter to introduce the concept of the story, and any additional materials the agent or publisher has requested in their guidelines -- in my case, that includes a book proposal with a blurb (back cover teaser) and a full synopsis of both the book and, if applicable, the overarching series.

The proposal is what's eating my lunch at the moment, as much of what there is to say on the subject is geared toward nonfiction. (Not my specialty, if you haven't guessed.) It's also one of the more businesslike parts of a submission package -- also not my specialty. However, I guess this is better than having to pitch all this in-person in real time with no chance for deliberation.

Right. With that out of the way, let's move on to . . .

Wait, there's actually hope for Christian animation?

We all know the world has not been the same since the discontinuation of Veggietales (which made up at least half my childhood and continues to shape my sense of humor.) Other faith-based animation tends to pale in comparison, sometimes due to quality and sometimes due to the fact that, for some reason, people seem to think faith-based animation should only be made for little kids.

Don't get me wrong; Veggietales did a great thing, and I'm sad that it's over -- but where are the animated shows and films for those of us who have a foundation, and are ready for deeper, more mature art based on Scripture?

Well... let's talk about David (2025).

(This is NON-sponsored by the way, I'm bringing it up based on my personal conclusions alone.)

Angel Studios has been creating and supporting many, many projects of varying size for a while now. After the success of their last animated family film, King of Kings, I think their audience was thrilled at what came next: A larger-budget project, 30 years in the making, about the early life of King David.

I loved this movie. Is it made for families? Absolutely. Does that mean it waters down what it has to say about family, courage, and seeking God? Not one bit. A grown adult can happily watch it solo without cringing. And that's why I love it.

David, while by no means grim or aimed at mature audiences, proves what Dreamworks' Prince of Egypt tried to tell us more than 20 years ago: That the medium of animation isn't just for little kids -- and great storytelling and faith-based storytelling are not opposites.

I've not seen the movie since I watched it in the theater (one heck of an experience, by the way), so I'm afraid I don't have as much to say about its technical aspects as I did K-Pop Demon Hunters (read that post here), but believe me: David is every bit on par with Sony's latest blockbusters. So yeah, there is hope for Christian animation, and we should all be watching intently to see what happens now.

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Have a most excellent remainder of your day, friend! Onward!

~ Lydia