So here’s the inside scoop on Lion Heart and Alessio: The Victory Ride and how it started…
Put on your sword, O mighty warrior! You are so glorious, so majestic! In your majesty, ride out to victory, defending truth, humility, and justice. Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds!
PSALM 45:3-4, NLT
The Lion Heart and Alessio Project began in 2007 when I was going through some health challenges. It was a difficult time because I wasn’t able to teach my fitness or dance classes—or run a design business. It seemed as though every door in my life had been closed as far as work was concerned. But as a right brainer, I’d lose my mind if I wasn’t creating something. Long story short, I was inspired to write a book for my family to encourage them about flying in God’s power. In other words, encourage them (and me) not just to believe in God but to be the fearless warriors He created us to be. That’s where the idea for two superheroes flying on their skateboards was born.
I always enjoyed creative writing in school but never called myself a writer or aspired to be an author. But then a friend invited me to a writer’s group at the University of the Nations where I also attended several writing workshops. The group encouraged me to pursue publishing, and within three-and-a-half years, the little book for my family developed into a series of novels.
As a newbie to the writing world, I knew it would be hard to be recognized and taken seriously as an author, so I hired an agent who recommended a publisher that was a perfect fit for LH&A. And in order to raise money for illustration and marketing the project, I made jewelry—lots of it. Then friends and family helped host parties where I shared my testimony. I also had support through financial donations from people who really believed in the book.
It has been a huge group effort – and has been far from easy. But I’m so thankful to everyone who has supported and encouraged me along this journey!
Book Testimony: Tragedy to Triumph
Why Megan Wrote Lion Heart and Alessio: The Victory Ride
I began writing Lion Heart & Alessio as a gift for my family. Since we spanned the globe from Hawaii, Boston, and Greece, I wanted to find a way for us to stay connected. I especially wanted to encourage my two skateboarding nephews, who inspired the main characters, and show them that God has an amazing destiny and unique purpose for their lives.
The plan was to share the first book at a Boston family reunion in the summer of 2008. But just before my twelve-year-old nephew—one of the heroes of the book— was to leave Greece to meet the family in Boston, he was struck by a car and died.
In my grief, I thought I misunderstood the purpose for writing the book. The story I had prayed would bring encouragement to my family was met with this horrible tragedy that made no sense. The family’s reunion turned into a time of mourning. But after much prayer, God clarified that my nephew’s death was the real reason I was telling the tale. More than that, God could use it not just for my family, but for anyone who has suffered.
Lion Heart & Alessio: The Victory Ride is my first book of a four-book series. As the series developed, it became a testimony about believing God’s promises and overcoming fears and doubts—no matter what the circumstances. My prayer is that God will use my books to reach out to youth and their families, showing them the way to salvation. To learn more about my book project, go to Books.
Check out the cover illustration process by Julie Bergeron.
Book Two Cover Art by Julie Bergeron
Book Three Cover Art by Julie Bergeron
