By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
“Sugarman the Pony, A Messenger of Love” recently hit shelves at Blooms on Broad and Alabama Gift Company in Gadsden.
The author, Brenda Powell, is an Alabama native who works in marketing. She had an idea for a book based on the real Sugarman pony, an old cookie recipe and God’s love. The book was written on a recorder as she drove around for her job.
Powell had a specific image in mind for the characters, and it was difficult to find an illustrator.
“It took me two years to find someone who could see inside my head,” said Powell.
Eventually, she found Barbara Kilgore of Scottsboro. Kilgore is a full-time art instructor at Northeast Alabama Community College.
Powell was referred to Pathway Press, a Christian publishing company, by her pastor at The River Church of God. The company took her on, despite not normally taking self-published authors.
The book has taken off since then, with another book on the way. Powell hopes the new book will be completed in time for Christmas. The new book will have a new recipe and song.
“I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me,” said Powell.
She would love for the stories to become a movie or DVD series. Aready taught in bible schools and used in mission work overseas, Powell is creating Sugarman related bible school worksheets.
The Sugarman series started as a way to raise funds for mission trips, and now proceeds help many charities, including Hand of Hope, Messenger International, One Child Matters, Operation Smile Angela Waite ministries and more.
For more information about Sugarman or a link to the music video, visit www.brendawpowell.com or her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sugarmanthepony. The book and art prints are available on Powell’s website. The book is also available on Amazon. From her facebook page, Powell sells cookie dough for cookies.
Powell will be featured on Absolutely Alabama this weekend.