At just 17 years old, senior Sarah Sloan is a published author. 

The collaborative project between the senior and her father, Closer to You: A Devotional for Dads & Daughters, was officially released on Nov. 29.

Seeing this finally become a reality has undoubtedly been one of Sarah’s senior year highlights.

“It just feels really surreal,” Sarah said. “We started this project my freshman year, so to see it finally develop is just a ‘wow moment’ for me. I’ve held the book in my hands and it still doesn’t feel real seeing my name on the cover.” 

In 2019, Sloan and her father were approached by a friend to write a devotional book together, and the idea took off from there.

“She said that we should have a devotional together because she saw the relationship that me and my dad had,” Sarah said. “So we started working on it during the pandemic and from there we found a publishing company and began developing our story with them. It was really just an idea from God, truthfully.”

Though the writing process was challenging, Sarah and her father bonded throughout it.

“The writing process was extremely long. We sat down at the coffee house [one day] and created an entire outline of the book,” Sarah said. “From there, we wrote each chapter section by section. We talk about growth, dating, relationships, and friendships, all of which from both the dad’s perspective and the daughter’s perspective.” 

Dr. Timothy Sloan, Sarah’s father who is a local pastor at The Luke Church, is very proud of his daughter and believes that people will be inspired by their book.

“I was just so elated for Sarah because she works so hard at everything she does,” Dr. Sloan said. “It was exciting to see her hard work pay off in a way that I know will encourage so many others.”

Having the unique opportunity to write a book with his daughter means a lot to Dr. Sloan and the two were able to bond as they wrote together. 

“I learned so much about her throughout the process and we grew even closer together,” Dr. Sloan said. “We made some incredible memories that I will definitely need when she’s away at college next year.”

The book is dedicated to Dr. Sloan’s second daughter and Sarah’s younger sister, freshman Soren Sloan. 

When she first laid eyes on the book, Soren couldn’t have been prouder of her sister and father, but learning that the book was dedicated to her was especially meaningful. 

“I was absolutely shocked and at the same time crying,” Soren said. “It was such a sweet moment I got to share with my sister!”

Closer to You: A Devotional for Dads & Daughters can be purchased on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Walmart or at The Luke Church.