Beginner’s Apprenticeship Blog
🌅 First 10 books, mastering, & Spotify canvases for Advent, podcast updates!
Big update! First 10 books, mastering, & Spotify canvases for Advent, podcast updates!
🌅 Mix and manufacture
The books are printed, praise God! It’s a beautiful thing seeing an idea become tangible. I kept watching that video over and over amazed at the quality and care the manufacturing team put into making these books. They’re now on their long journey from Shenzhen, China to Dallas, TX and ultimately to your bookshelf. What a ride!
🌅 Rejection and book production
I haven’t really known what to do with the book side of this project. A month or two ago I gained some traction with a prominent Christian publisher who really liked the manuscript of Good Night God and wanted me to submit a proposal to their board. I always held it open-handed because nothing was in writing, but the potential to publish that route meant the self-publish route was on hold.
🌅 Recording is (mostly) done! and sneak peek.
It sounds sooooo good! Seriously. So good. We spent two weeks starting July 25 through the end of last week at Paul Demer’s home studio, and I can’t recommend him enough as a producer, musician, and friend. What a joy to work together with him and the rest of the crew! If you missed it last time, I’ve been doing a little video log (I think the kids call it an “Instagram story” or “IG story” but I think “vlog” is probably too 2014) that you can check out here including some music tastes and behind the scenes.
🌅 Sneak peek at the music for Good Night, God
Supported by incredible musicians — Last Saturday we gathered 8 musicians with the hope and prayer to set Good Night, God to music. So I picked up a carafe of El Porton coffee and some mixed fruit and somehow convinced my friends to spend their day setting my book project to music. I got there early, and as each musician pulled up to David’s house I kept feeling a sense of gratitude that each one was bringing their unique artistic talent that I’ve admired for years to collaborate on this album.
🌅 A transitional time, and playtesting Good Night, God
Right now I’m refining the artwork and “flow” of Good Night, God, play testing with my own kids and observing where they engage or lose interest. I’m at a point right now where I’m trying to collect as much feedback as possible from friends (and their kids) and I’m in the process of getting feedback from a Jesuit priest since Examen is kind of their thing lol. I’m also pitching the book to some publishers to see if I can’t get some support on the distribution and marketing.
👑 Advent is here! and concert recap
This year to initiate our time of liturgical waiting, we had a concert and Advent wreath making party at All Saints Dallas. It was a giant story-time experience featuring many of the voices on the album (Hart was particularly excited to use the microphone) where the kids taught the grown-ups how to pray. We had some last-minute percussion and keys support and the band sounded full and glorious in between the children-led discussion.
👶 My son is here!
Last week my wife gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. The joy and turmoil of bringing another life into the world is truly a profound experience, partnering with God in the Imago Dei. Naming, nurturing, nuzzling.
🅱️ The Big Red Button(s)
I’m sweating. And not just because it’s 112 Fahrenheit today. I just smashed the big red button for ordering the 2022 print edition of The King is Coming, AND for sending the album to mix, all in the same day.