Hello, dear readers! I know I only ever post on Sundays, but this is a different kind of post. I am writing to let you know that I will be taking a break indefinitely from this blog and the associated social media accounts.
There have always been two intentions for this blog. First, to build a platform of readership for the hopeful future publication of my book on married Saints and the Catholic marital vows. And second, whether the book is published or not, to share some of what I have learned while researching and writing with anyone who might benefit from that inspiration and knowledge. I hope I have achieved this second goal throughout this past year. I know that I have also continued to learn from you all in the process, especially from my awesome Spotlight Couples!
As far as publishing my book, however, 2021 has not gone as I had hoped. I spent the year writing proposals to 16 different publishers, each one a long and tedious process. Three publishers never responded to me; last week I got my 13th (and probably most crushing) “no.”
It’s tough out there, and God has certainly taught me a lot through the process, not the least being humility. Between my weekly blog posts, daily Instagram posts, writing conferences, publisher solicitations, and peer reviewing with the Catholic Writers Guild each month, I can honestly say that I have done everything I could have done to get my book traditionally published. The fact that it still didn’t work out shows me that it must not have been God’s will for the project.
Not my will but Yours be done, Father. Jesus said this- and meant it- about His own horrible, painful, undeserved death. I only have to say it about publishing a book, and to be honest, I didn’t really mean it until I was left with no other choice. I am still learning. I am still growing.
I am excited to share two more blog posts to finish off the year: one featuring a final Spotlight Couple who actually did publish a book on married Saints, and the other listing some things you might not know about Sts. Mary and Joseph. After those two posts, I will be taking at least a few months off from posting to this blog.
I need to refocus my time and attention on my family and on my own relationship with God. I hope to return in some format, maybe in the late spring, but only if I feel recharged by then and discern that to be God’s will. In any case, this website and all its content will exist at least through the fall (I already paid!), so feel free to revisit past posts and share with friends and family.
As for my book, I will most likely start looking into self-publishing (again, after a much-needed break). We will see if that is more what God has in mind for my work.
If nothing else ever becomes of my research and writing, though, I know it has inspired and formed my own marriage, and maybe just a few others. I thank God for that gift in and of itself, and I thank Him for all of you who have shared this journey with me. May God bless you all and your marriages!
In Christ,
Caitrin Bennett
