Doug Sjoquist makes things.

Some are tangible — wooden castles and toys for grandchildren, landscapes where gardens grow. Some are intangible — software from rough designs, stories from raw ideas.

He thrives in the world God made. A summer sunset with his wife. A solo walk on a quiet trail. A mountain hike. Paddling glassy waters with his grandkids. Worshipping Jesus in the grand cathedral of His creation. These moments ground him and fill his well.

The Sjoquists live on a dead-end road bordering a park and lake in southwestern Ohio—the last vestiges of what passes for wilderness in their corner of the world. They’ve reached a détente with the local deer, offering portions of their garden each year in exchange for use of the nearby woods for zip lines, tree forts, and hiking.

Doug yearns for mountains and true wilderness. While waiting for the next excursion, he sits on his porch, hikes his woods, canoes his lake, and writes tales of mystery and adventure that take him back to the wild places he loves.