{ The Heart of the Maker by Jake Weidman - TLC Book Tour }

 About The Heart of the Maker: How to Put Your Passion to Work

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication date: September 1, 2026

Unlock the transformation of your passion with the keys of purpose-driven work in The Heart of the Maker. Whether you’re an artist or entrepreneur, writer, weekend warrior or looking for a way to activate your calling, this book serves as a blueprint for turning creativity into meaningful action.

With hard-won lessons and a deep connection to the spiritual roots of creativity, this maker’s guide equips you with the tools to face uncertainty and emerge confidently into your creative calling.

Jake Weidmann, renowned self-taught artist and the youngest Master Penman in the world, wants to show you how to:

• balance the sacred and the sellable in the business of soulful creation;
• embrace your gift in less-than-ideal times and spaces for your making;
• grow your skill while balancing the books, working with your spouse, dealing with stress, and fighting burnout;
• discover the importance of faith, family, and relationships as the foundation for great art and a meaningful life;
• grow closer to God by connecting with the spiritual roots of creativity;
• see your challenges as a way to stretch your ingenuity; and
• overcome self-doubt by trusting in God’s plan and stepping boldly into your unique creative purpose.

But this is more than a guide—it’s a call to action for anyone ready to leave behind the ordinary and make a lasting impact in their work and their life. With The Heart of the Maker, readers will learn how to view their creativity not just as a skill but as a gift, meant to be cultivated and shared to glorify God and bless others.

About the Author

Jake Weidmann – Jake is a professional artist and certified as one of nine Master Penmen in the world. Jake was certified through IAMPETH (International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting) in July 2011. He holds the title as the youngest Master Penman by three decades and the youngest to ever attain the title. His journey into calligraphy has been the “special sauce” for everything he now creates, incorporating the traditional calligraphic flourishing into his fine art. Jake is self-taught in each of his disciplines (calligraphy, painting, drawing, woodworking, and engraving). While he typically works with private clients, Jake has worked with Apple, Inc., Crossway Books, and Biola University, and has spoken from countless stages including TEDx and Q, and was featured on the PBS series, A Craftsman’s Legacy.

 

My Thoughts:

If you've ever wondered what your purpose is in life, and why God gave you a specific talent, this book touches on that and attempts to put into words, what to do with your gifts, and how to use them to glorify God.

 

I won't say I particularly enjoyed the book, and to be honest, it's not because there is something wrong with book itself, it is my own issue with certain books or how they are written.

 

I am not one to enjoy self help books or how to's, it's just never been a genre I particularly enjoy or grab to read.

 

But putting that aside, it was a very well written book, littered with faith very well organized.  I will probably come back to it in the future some time, because I would love to hone into my God given talents and learn to use them for His glory.

 

 

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a review copy.