The Journey follows Lawrence, a burdened cat whose perilous pilgrimage toward the Celestial City teaches him to trust grace, Scripture, and the companions who help him keep walking. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I wanted to make the spiritual journey tangible for children. Lawrence can feel the weight of his burden, lose his footing, face an enemy, and discover that he needs help along the way. The pilgrimage structure, with its echoes of The Pilgrim’s Progress, let me turn questions about sin, fear, forgiveness, and faith into an adventure. I chose a cat because Lawrence could be curious and determined while also being frightened and vulnerable. I hope young readers see that they do not have to be fearless or have everything figured out to begin following God.

How did you decide which parts of Lawrence’s inner struggle to turn into places such as the swamp, fair, and dungeon?

I looked for struggles children might recognize, even if they would not yet have words for them. The swamp grows out of doubt: the more Lawrence questions the path and fears what lies ahead, the harder it becomes to move. Vanity Fair makes temptation appealing before its cruelty becomes clear. The dungeon gives shape to guilt and despair after Lawrence chooses what looks like an easier road. Making those struggles into places allowed readers to experience them with Lawrence and see how Scripture, God’s promises, and the help of a friend give him a way forward.

What does Lawrence’s response to Apollyon’s accusations reveal about the difference between remembering his failures and trusting the mercy he has found?

Apollyon points to something real: Lawrence did turn back after the swamp. Lawrence does not pretend otherwise. He even admits that Apollyon has left out other failures. But he refuses to let those failures settle the question of who he belongs to. His answer comes from the Book: the Prince he serves is merciful and ready to forgive. I wanted readers to see that remembering a mistake can lead us to seek forgiveness and keep growing; believing that a mistake puts us beyond mercy leaves us trapped in shame.

How did Faith’s death shape what you wanted Lawrence and young readers to understand about grief during a life of faith?

I wanted Lawrence’s grief to have room to be honest. He weeps, feels abandoned, and asks why the King allowed Faith to die. Those questions are part of his story; they do not mean he has stopped caring about God. Hope comes to him while he is still hurting, and he gradually finds the strength to walk again. Faith’s death is painful even though Lawrence later sees him at the Celestial City. I hope young readers understand that faith does not require them to hide their sorrow. They can bring their hardest questions to God and let others help carry them through it.