Ali Gilkeson: Story time has always been an important part of the day for me: a moment of calm after a day of chaos to sit and connect with your child over a story or even just artwork. However, with time I found it more and more difficult to find children's picture books that we both enjoyed. I often found myself thinking "No! Not that one!" and so, the desire and passion to create a story for the whole family to enjoy was birthed. As the song "My Lighthouse" grew in popularity amongst Rend Collective fans, as well as in schools across the UK and camps and Sunday schools, I thought it was a good place to start.

Ali: Sometimes I still wonder how it all happened. I know that it was during a particular busy season of touring and having three children on the road didn't leave room for a lot of time, but any minute I could steal away to write I did. I love writing and storytelling so it never felt like "work" to me. It was another way to express creativity and I could include my kids in the process. I would share parts of the story as I wrote it and changed it a million times.

Ali: I got connected with him via my publisher Waterbrook. I felt so honored that he wanted to illustrate my story and he did a phenomenal job. As soon as I saw his artwork I knew it was a perfect fit.

Ali: I really enjoyed the whole creative process. I did come with very clear ideas of what I wanted for each spread and how I envisioned the whole book to look. Lee was so receptive to my thoughts and ideas and his genius creativity enhanced it in many ways. He added his own perspective on the story and as you said it was "just right."

Ali: Yes, I wanted to write a story that sparked conversations and questions without being too obvious. I wanted to write a story that reminded everyone that no matter where you find yourself in life, you are not alone and that there is constant light shining ready to guide you home... should you choose to follow it.

Ali: Firstly, thank you. This is exactly what I wanted to accomplish with the story. I love to write in a manner that shows both the adult and child were thought about. What Pixar did, with movies like Toy Story, revolutionized family entertainment. Creating animation that the whole family could enjoy was brilliant. This is the heartbeat behind my writing. A book that will have funny comments and beautiful, whimsical artwork for the adults and a great story with compelling characters for the kids. My dream is that when a child picks My Lighthouse off the shelf for their bedtime story, the adult reader will smile knowing this is something they will find joy in too.

Ali: Yes, I'm very excited for the sequel to come out next year. You can expect tension and drama as Fynn decides to take control of the lighthouse and turn it on or off depending on who is passing by. Learning that we are to let our light shine no matter who is before us is the main heartbeat of the book. And there may be the odd pirate or two.

Ali: Honestly, I mostly remember my dad telling me Bible stories over and over again. He was an incredible storyteller and used to use those felt boards. It was like YouTube for the 80's! Haha.

Ali: Now this I'm passionate about. Top 5 would be: Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers, It Came in the Mail by Ben Clanton, I Don't Want to Read this Book by Max Greenfield, Stuck by Oliver Jeffers, The Storm Whale by Benji Davis. Oh and anything by Roald Dahl.

Ali: Oliver Jeffers is truly a huge inspiration of mine and he happens to be from Northern Ireland also. He always incorporates a good sense of humor in his stories, and I have always admired his whimsical artwork. I love books where you can open a page and imagine putting the artwork on your wall.

Ali: I have actually stepped back from touring with Rend Collective as life on the road with three children was taking its toll, as you can imagine. But the band continues to create worship music for the church and is touring the US this fall.