Hi, friends!

I promised a quick update on the progress of my book as I move towards publication. It is fitting that I would write now, on the eve of both my seventh wedding anniversary and Divine Mercy Sunday, which is a big deal for my publisher, Marian Press.

Marian publishes the diary of St. Faustina and owns the rights to the beloved Divine Mercy images. Whenever I see one on a prayer card or on the back wall of my parish, I think about Marian and the path that brought me to them. I had the opportunity to pitch my book to two of their editors on 2/15/22- my birthday! That day, I started praying a daily Chaplet of Divine Mercy, and I have kept that habit going now for more than a year. I like to listen to it on Hallow, narrated by Jonathan Roumie (aka Jesus from the Chosen). It is such a comfort to me. I pray it for my book, and for other Marian authors like my new friend, Maria Gallagher, author of ‘Joyful Encounters with Mary: A Woman’s Guide to Living the Mysteries of the Rosary.‘ And, of course, for Jesus to “have mercy on us, and on the whole world!”

Since I signed my contract in October, I have researched and written two more chapters, added some word count, and made some changes to fit Marian’s house style. I helped find photographs and artwork of my married Saint friends to use within the book, and had my husband snap a headshot of me, too! I emailed with some of the contacts I have worked with throughout this process to get final questions answered and permissions granted. Not going to lie- it is pretty cool to have contacts like this in France, Italy, and Belgium. Thank goodness for Google Translate!

When I spoke to Maria (check out her book for Marian linked above!) recently, she helped me anticipate what might be next in my publishing process. Now that the “regular” editors have been back and forth with me, it’s about time for a priest or someone with much more theological knowledge than I have to look over my work and make sure I haven’t written anything heretical. When we get through all that, I should have an imprimatur and nihil obstat declaring that my book is doctrinally sound.

What else is coming up? Cover design, reviews, and marketing, oh my! It sounds like we are still on track to see the book published by the end of the year. I am very excited and feel very blessed to have you all supporting me on this journey. Thank you for your continued prayers. Tomorrow, if you can, pray a Chaplet of Divine Mercy for my book, and celebrating my seven years of marriage with Chris.

In Christ,

Caitrin