Christian Children's Book
Date Published: March 19, 2024
Baby Joan explores her vast potential in a world new to her. Teeming with
challenges (not for the faint of heart) nature calls her to action! Armed
with courage and called by God, Joan learns what matters most. Throughout
her creative adventures she learns the value of life and that all along, she
was loved right where she was.
Originally written as a poem, A Gift from God comforts many families
suffering loss. Now available as a children's book, this precious addition
offers illustrations that capture the beauty of life through the eyes of a
child.
Dedicated to our our baby: Joan Estelle Dwyer
A Gift From God is proof of Joan's life on earth, the human experience she
shared, and the way she changed the world for the better.
INTERVIEW
Can you tell us a little about the process of getting this book published? How did you come up with the
idea and how did you start?
Joans book (A Gift from God) is a happy little adventure book which wasn't originally meant for
publishing.
I wrote it exclusively for my wife Ashley after the loss of our first daughter Joan. It highlights the
potential children have to change the world for the better. The words fell onto the page in a matter of
hours, however, the illustrations took much longer. The book follows the process of healing in the form
of an adventure.
What surprised you most about getting your book published?
I always thought that people out in the world would find the book and buy it but I quickly found that
support comes almost entirely from the relationships you cultivate.
Tell us a little about what you do when you aren’t writing
I absolutely love my family, most of what I do is to make life better for them. I’ve been blessed to have
plenty of hobbies (sailing, forging metal, designing electronics, learning computer languages, digital
art, etc). My most recent endeavor is videography. I’ve made a few commercials including our video
for crowdfunding on Kickstarter.
As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?
After experiencing the change that can happen from storytelling, it’s revived my interest in beauty. It’s
very difficult to make something truly beautiful ( almost as if words alone aren’t sufficient) but I think
we’ve done it with this book. There’s something about it that hits home for people.
Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?
Ask my family, I get some crazy ideas sometimes. I love learning how things work but I don’t know
where my ideas come from. My work as a critical care paramedic has trained me to think a bit
differently which can be good when I need to be creative but not so good when I need to “fit in”
socially.
What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
After publishing Joan’s book, a family member told me I was exploiting the fear and pain of people
suffering the loss of a child. That I was in some way taking advantage of them. It cut me to the bone.
The thought never crossed my mind. I was that person living in pain and living in fear. It’s a wretched
place to be.
We’ve turned something that was equal opportunity trauma into equal opportunity healing.
Our book will soon be sold at hospitals as part of a bereavement package to help families heal from
loss; it would be at no cost to them.
What has been your best accomplishment as a writer?
Publishing was a pretty big accomplishment, Reaching our crowdfunding goal of $8,000 was pretty big
too, but by far the biggest flex is that Joan’s book exists.
In the face of medical debt, malicious doctors, funeral home directors, medical attorneys, the loss of
most of our friends, and the fall from our church, Joan’s book will forever be a blessing to those who
read it. I’m very glad we saw this project through to the end.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I have 2 book ideas that I think would be fun to write. We’ll see where they go. My half finished book
collection is on my shelf next to the other half finished books. Most of the books I own are references
(psychology, art, history, diet, etc.). I haven’t read them completely.
—
Thank you for the compelling questions. Let me know if you’d like more information.
About the Author
Hello, friends! My name is Jacob Dwyer. I’ve enjoyed a wide range of
hobbies over the years, but I never thought I would be a published
children’s book author. My journey into storytelling was sparked by
inspiration during what my wife and I consider the worst season of our
lives. It is the single most character defining event of my life so, in a
way, sharing this book is like sharing a piece of myself.
Currently blessed with my wife Ashley, and our second daughter, Genevieve,
I am humbled by God’s love for me. As a paramedic by trade and a
friend at heart, I hope to model a spirit of faith and healing; for we are
not meant to live life alone.
If you want to hear our full story or would like to share yours, reach out
at www.HugginsHouse.org
Contact Links
Website
Facebook
Purchase Links
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
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