From the Mail Bag: An Exceptional Art Project


Many are familiar with the fact that I enjoy receiving letters from readers. Some of my favorites are  the ones where two people in the same family are sharing the tale. Usually it's spouses, but I've also had dozens of letters from estranged siblings who have reunited over the books.  I've also had a lot of letters where three generations (child, parent, and grandparent) are reading the books together. I must say these letters were never something I expected to receive, but I treasure each one.

I'd like to take a moment to share something from a recent letter (with the author's permission, of course). Andrew Pendergast (who mentioned he and his son Jacob have been bonding over the books) wrote to show off this amazing artwork that his son made.


























Jacob had an art project due (he's a senior in high school) and he created this amazing piece showing Royce's and Hadrian's trip to Percepliquis. I'm honored that Jacob chose to use my work as inspiration for his assignment . . . and I don't think it could have come out any better than it did. Jacob used an exacto knife to carve poster board with delicate detail and used a light to eliminate the layers.

In a subsequent email, I learned Jacob is about to enter the Army after high school. I wish him well in his new career and thank him for his service. I'll also treasure this picture, and I'd like him to know how much I enjoyed finding out about it.




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Published on April 19, 2018 06:15
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message 1: by Anton (new)

Anton Thats insane. Awesome work!


message 2: by Sylvia (new)

Sylvia Jacob, that is stunningly beautiful. Congrats.


message 3: by Dani (new)

Dani Thank you for sharing Michael. Wonderful that your books have brought people closer together and that is absolutely gorgeous artwork. Well done Jacob.


message 4: by Bethany (new)

Bethany beautiful artwork. Thank you for sharing.


message 5: by Charles (new)

Charles That's a very cool style. Maybe he'll become a graphic artist someday.


message 6: by Michael (new)

Michael @Antom - I agree!

@John - I think so too.

@Sylvia - I'm sure he got a "A" on the project

@Dani - You are welcome. I love sharing stuff like this

@Bethany - I think so too.

@Charles - I agree, Jacob could have a great career in graphic design (that was my profession before I got into writing).


message 7: by katsza (new)

katsza I am inspired Jacob! Thank you. I would buy one! Perhaps a future cover artist for the new series...or a YA series with Ali and Mercy???
I'll just keep dreaming.


message 8: by Sylvia (new)

Sylvia "Michael @Sylvia - I'm sure he got a "A" on the project"

I sure hope so!


message 9: by Cairi (new)

Cairi That's absolutely stunning! Wow! And what a terrific thing, getting letters from multi-generational families reading your books, and estranged families coming back together because of them. That's a legacy, right there, even if you never sell another book again. Not that I'm predicting you'll suddenly stop selling books! ;)


message 10: by Andrew (new)

Andrew Wow, Jacob. That is truly amazing work.


message 11: by Darryl (new)

Darryl Frayne Very cool how creativity inspires creativity in others. From one art form to another. I hope Jacob never loses his creative side as he ventures out on his own. Thanks for sharing this gift, Michael.


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