“When the work of grief is done, the wound of loss will heal”—poet John O’Donohue might have written it first, but author Roy Smoot lived it. His book, It All Belongs: Love, Loss, and Learning to Live Again, is more than a collection of pages of words and art—it’s a tribute to Judy, his late wife, and a testament to his journey of healing after she passed away.
Over the course of five years, Jenkins Group joined Roy, his sister-in-law and ghostwriter Melinda Folse, and a dedicated creative team on his journey to bring his and Judy’s story to life.
The end result is a literary tapestry honoring Judy’s memory and charting Roy’s path to peace and acceptance. The book weaves together journal entries from the couple, Roy’s reflections, and Judy’s artwork into a beautiful and heartfelt memoir.
A Memorable Journey and Partnership in Purpose
It started when we met Melinda Folse, a ghostwriter and Roy Smoot’s sister-in-law, at a ghostwriting conference and learned about the project she and her brother-in-law envisioned.
Although Roy’s grief was still very present when we began our partnership, Melissa’s deep understanding of his story and sensitivity to his feelings and situation helped us navigate the course of showing and sharing Roy and Judy’s journey.
The Smoots’ story is marked by profound loss and resilience. We saw this in how the project evolved over several years—we went through multiple structural drafts before finding the right balance of poignant narrative and raw emotion.
With Melinda’s loving support and expert guidance and our team of creatives, we worked with Roy to tell his and Judy’s story.
Incorporating his and Judy’s journal entries and his reflections after her passing, It All Belongs: Love, Loss, and Learning to Live Again entwines both their perspectives into a unique dual narrative that captures both the depth of loss and the promise of healing.
Adding the Art and a Touch of Judy’s Spirit
As the book moved into the design phase, Roy realized he needed to include Judy’s artwork, which held significant meaning in their lives.
Jenkins Group worked with both Roy and Melinda to ensure Judy’s art was incorporated thoughtfully, enhancing the manuscript while respecting the intimacy of their story.
Each piece became more than an illustration; it was a window into Judy’s life and her enduring impact on Roy.
Jenkins Group’s Role: Supporting a Transformative Journey
Jenkins Group’s role in bringing It All Belongs: Love, Loss, and Learning to Live Again to the printed page can be seen in every step of the process.
We provided a range of publishing services, including:
- Ghostwriting and Editing: Working with Melinda to develop the manuscript while ensuring Roy’s vision and Judy’s voice came through.
- Proofreading: Polishing the final draft to honor the story’s emotional weight.
- Design and Layout: Crafting a cover and interior design that respectfully highlighted Judy’s artwork, offering a visual harmony that matched the emotional tone.
- Printing and Production: Managing the production of 5,000 copies, bringing Roy’s tribute to life in a tangible form.
“In over 30 years of helping people share their stories, few have been so deeply devastating and genuinely inspiring all at once,” says Jerry Jenkins, founder and CEO of Jenkins Group. “It moved everyone who touched this project, even for a moment. Reading the book that came out of all those drafts and designs and thoughts and tears is a stark reminder of why love, in spite of or perhaps because of loss, makes life worth living.”
Awards, Acclaim, and Honoring a Legacy
Since its release, It All Belongs: Love, Loss, and Learning to Live Again has touched and uplifted readers who share similar journeys, resonating with those who seek healing after loss.
The book has won several awards, including an IPPY, and it stands as a testament to the powerful collaboration between the author, family, and publisher.
Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, REACE, Abbey of the Arts, and author of over 20 books on contemplative practice and creative expression, says, “This is an intimate book, revealing the journey of the heart from the inside. It is also a book of invitations, calling us to press against the edges of our lives through creativity and meditation, and discover what brings us alive. I recommend it for anyone looking for a wise companion who is willing to be vulnerable, to help us embrace our own humanity.”
Get the book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Books, and other places where books are sold.
Ready to Publish Your Own Memoir?
If you’re looking to publish a book to share your own deeply personal story, or you need a trusted partner to bring your experience to the page, reach out to us for a free consultation today. Let our team help you turn your idea into a book that leaves a lasting impact.
