New Project: A Woven Friendship!

starlakestories
Dec 15
4 min read

I’m so excited to share my next book project!

Drum roll, please… 🥁

“A Woven Friendship”, releasing in 2026! 🦙❤️🏔️

This story has tugged at my heartstrings! It’s about friendship, loyalty, and the beautiful, invisible threads that connect us.

Here's a little summary:

A Woven Friendship is a tender story of devotion, healing,

and the threads that tie us to those we love most.

High in the mountains of Peru, a girl (Sisa) and her alpaca (Wayki) share a special bond.

When a trial separates them, their connection is tested by distance

but proves stronger than ever.

How It All Began:

This story was first born back in 2016, sparked by a dear friend who had lived in Peru for a couple of years. All I knew at the time was that it would center around a little Peruvian girl and her alpaca. I had drafted many ideas for this story, but it wasn’t until I read those drafts earlier this year that it finally clicked what this story’s true meaning was trying to tell me all along.

I’m so glad I wrote down my story ideas because, when you revisit them with a fresh perspective, those original ideas finally seem to come together. So, what I found years later about this story that should have been so clear in the beginning was that this story is supposed to be about a deep, enduring friendship, the kind that changes you and stays with you forever.

The kind of friendship that doesn’t unravel when life gets hard… it holds.

A Note to Fellow Creatives:

So here’s your sign, friends!

Write the idea down. Even if it’s not fully formed. Even if you don’t know what it means yet.

Your future self may find the missing thread one day,

And it might lead you somewhere magical.

When we don’t write down those ideas, they could be lost forever, or they might drift to the next person and the next, until someone is willing to bring them to life! Start capturing those ideas, start a notes tab in your phone, get a journal, or open a Google document. Whatever helps you to get those ideas out of your head and into the physical world is the first step! Don’t worry about it making any sense yet.

Magic Behind the Art:

I’m beyond thrilled to share that this story is being illustrated by the very friend who inspired it. Her name is Aisha, and you can find her on Instagram at @aishakaytattoos.

When I was first writing stories, we had a dream of teaming up to bring them to life, combining my story ideas with her illustrations. We’ve officially had our full-circle moment; her illustrations for this book have really captured the humor and friendship in the story. I’ve given her complete creative freedom on some of the spreads, and I’ve loved what she’s come up with.

By working on this book with me,

She brings this book to life in a way that feels truly special.

For me, this isn’t just a book; it’s a reflection of our real-life bond, and I hope that when you read it, you’ll feel the warmth of true friendship woven into every page.

Please follow @aishakaytattoos to witness her incredible talent!

Early Stages of a Storyboard:

Here’s a little peek at some early concept sketches for the book:

The story begins high in the mountains of Peru...

Set 1)

Set 2)

Set 3)

Why This Book Matters to Me:

A Woven Friendship is the kind of book I’ve always wanted to create, one that feels emotionally rich, celebrating a beautiful culture while drawing on a personal friendship anyone can relate to and may have experienced at least once or twice in their life.

It’s gentle and playful, but also grounded in something real:

How we care for each other. How we show up. How we grow together.

And how we share unforgettable moments that stay with us forever.

I hope that those who read this story remember the special bonds they had in their lives, or that little ones will start looking for the kind of special bond that Sisa and Wayki share, because there's nothing more magical and powerful than laughing together, being heard, seen, and there for each other, no matter what comes.

Let’s Stay Connected:

This is just the beginning of this story! I’ll be sharing more updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and even printable freebies as the book develops.

Want to come along for the ride? Join my newsletter by going to my website's Home page to get updates, sneak peeks, and early reader access!

And if you’re an indie author or illustrator yourself, don’t forget you can fill out this Form to be featured on the blog! I’d love to help shine a light on your stories, too.

Here’s to…

New beginnings.

Creative magic.

And the friendships that inspire us most. 🧡

With love,

Torrey Lynn Sullivan

Star Lake Stories