It's Kind of a Long Story... BONUS STORY about MICAH PLAYER

How a scooter-lovin' former Mormon made me look good!

Oct 17, 2023

When I wanted to glow-up my Substack, I knew just who to call. My pal Micah Player, who has been delighting and inspiring me with his heart and art for years.

I’m so thrilled with what he did. He sees me. He gets me.

I’m so glad you’re going to get to know him too!

The post I had been working on will go out on Wednesday per the uzhe, but I was so overwhelmed and thrilled by what Micah did for me I had to thank him with a story of his own.

I’m so glad you’re here,

-Lara

My brother from another mother…

Short story:

My friend, the talented and prolific artist, animator, illustrator and children’s book author Micah Player made me branded assets for my Substack.

Long story:

I first met Micah when I had the delight to be assigned to his debut picture book, Chloe Instead. I mean can you stand the cuteness?

We became fast friends, emailing each other on Monday mornings to dissect the previous night’s episode of Mad Men. He called me “Dude” and said “rad” with complete and infectious sincerity.

When he visited the Chronicle Books office, he said, “You make dreams come true!” That really stuck with me. It renewed the already pretty solid sense of pride and responsibility I took in my work. One of the most gratifying things about being a children’s book publicist is making amazing things happen for amazing people.

He also mentioned during that visit that he was a member of the LDS church. I asked him about it via email later, because I knew the owners of Deseret Books, a large indie in Utah, would want to support his work.

At the time, the LDS church was a major sponsor of an anti-gay marriage initiative in California. To my simple query, Micah sent a long email explaining that his marriage was central to his life, and would never want to deny that to anyone. He wasn’t *that* kind of Mormon.

I was so touched and moved. I’ve not met a more decent person than Micah Player.

I’ve since had the pleasure of getting to know his wife and kids and they are the best family ever. I’m honored to be an honorary Player.

No photo description available. — Lara and the Players seeing the sight in San Anselmo. There’s only one, the Yoda and Indiana Jones statues at Imagination Park.

Since then, he has created many, many more books, including several with his good friend, the Grammy and Emmy Award-winning performer Lucky Diaz

He’s also created a few images for me over the years.

An illustration of a dream I had…

The deer that chose the shelter of my yard as her place to die…

And most poignantly, the first photo we ever took as a family, created after my husband died.

He’s also quick to respond to world events with the perfect image.

And sometimes, he just has just the right words.

May be a graphic of text that says 'thank GOD for a good BAD influence. player'

When we had a video chat to discuss the assets for this Substack, it was more than a meeting, it was a meeting of the minds. An hour-long meeting of a mutual appreciation society. Better and cheaper than therapy.

I mean, how great is this?

The cup he chose icon is perfect!

I love coffee
It could be seen as tea-spilling too (which I will be doing here. Mostly on myself, but also on those who have it comin’)
I want to fill my cup with.. LIFE and then share it with my community
Stories are always told over a beverage (even better with a snack)

Raise a cup to Micah. He lifts my spirits. I hope his work lifts yours.