January 2024 Member News

January 2024 Member News

Our Catholic Writers Guild members are always working hard on new projects. From writing articles and works of fiction to developing courses and winning awards, we’re excited to celebrate the following members and their accomplishments from Quarter 4 of 2023!

Join us in celebrating and supporting our fellow members, won’t you?!

Articles

“Back to Basics: Experiencing God at Army Basic Training Camp” by Lisa Livezey

Specialist Livezey with his mom, the author

Published: October 2023

Published in the National Catholic Register, this article highlights the depth and solid foundation the Catholic faith provides to a new army recruit, the author’s son, during Basic Training. Her article can be viewed in its entirety at link: Back to Basics

“Christmas Questions” by Thomas B. Demshuk

Published: December 2023

This article explores the true answer to the question “what did you get?” for Christmas.

Audiobooks

 Perdition’s Heirs by Jane Lebak

Published: Fall 2023

The audiobook for Perdition’s Heirs is the sixth book of the Archangels Series and available on Audible. Link: Perdition Heirs

Awards

“Advent Redux: A Seasoned Colloquy” Poem by Sr. Fran McManus, RSM

Sr. McManus’s “Advent Redux: A Seasoned Colloquy” poem placed Second in the 2023 Marian Advent Prayer Contest: Seeking Intercession poetry category. You can view her listing here: link  Advent Redux – A Seasoned Colloquy

Cinder Allia by Karen Ullo

Winner, Louisiana Indie Author Project, November 2023

The Indie Author Project recognizes the best independently published work across the U.S. and Canada. It is sponsored and judged by public libraries. Cinder Allia is the statewide winner for Louisiana, which includes a cash prize and a feature in Library Journal. Cinder Allia will also be considered at the national competition with winners to be announced in 2024. Cinder Allia can be purchased on Amazon. Link: Cinder Allia

Going To Williamsport by Rich Agnello

Sports Category Finalist, 2023 American Fiction Awards

This Sports Finalist recognition was for Rich’s first published novel. The Sports Category Winner,  Bob Moseley, writes for Sports Illustrated and the New York Times! Not bad for an altar boy going to the Little League World Series from little Keyes, Oklahoma! Going to Williamsport is available on Amazon. Link: Going to Williamsport

Award information is available at Link: Award Info.

“I’m a Wolf, Not a Monster” by Nikos Lambdin

“I’m a Wolf, Not a Monster” is a hilarious short story and fresh take on the Big Bad Wolf as a disgraced grocery store employee. It was published in Niko’s college’s literary anthology, The Lantana Review. Later, in October 2023, Nikos attended a public launch party at the college, which celebrated submitted and published works. This achievement has given Nikos the inspiration and courage to pursue and evangelize through other projects including Catholic children’s novels.

Children’s Books

Gerold’s Dream by Angela Lano 

Published: October 2023

Gerold lives a lonely life at home with his overprotective mother. He dreams of going off to battle in war like his older brothers and finding a beautiful woman to marry. It seems his dreams will never come true, but God has an unexpected future in store for him! To learn more or purchase, visit Amazon at Link:  Gerold’s Dream

 I’m Getting to Fly! by Beth Ann Ramos

Published: November 2023

In Olive and Andy’s latest adventure, I’m Getting to Fly! Andy gets to go on his first airplane ride! Although he’s a bit nervous, he is excited that flying means seeing and exploring even more of the world! With big sister Olive leading the way, the siblings navigate check-in, savor plane snacks, and meet air travel helpers like pilots and flight attendants. This simple and colorful rhyming children’s book is the perfect way to show your child what to expect on their first flight! Available on Amazon. Link: I’m Getting to Fly

Where the Trees of Freedom Are by Suzanne Cruz Published: Fall 2023

Where the Trees of Freedom Are breaks down the complex idea of freedom. From the time of Socrates’ teachings under the sycamores to modern day America’s Liberty Tree, this idea has been discussed under Trees. But the bonus is the Mount of Olives where Jesus taught the real secret to freedom. You can learn more on Suzanne’s website at Link: SuzanneCruz.com

Courses

Catholic Self-Publishing Course and Author Membership by Kate Frantz

Kate recently reopened her Fiat Self-Publishing Academy. She now has a Self-Publishing 101 Course / Roadmap with a comprehensive checklist, videos, and tons of resources for learning how to self-publish. Additionally, she has an affordable author membership for Catholic self-publishers looking for marketing, business, and book coaching. If you are Catholic and considering self-publishing or have already self-published and are looking for support, this is the place for you! You can learn more at link: https://academy.thyolivetree.com/p/products.

Fiction 

All Things New by Victoria Everleigh

Published: November 2023

This book is the first in Angela’s new Connecticut Coastline Series. She published it just 11 days prior to giving birth to her second child! All Things New explores whether a shattered marriage can find redemption in the midst of betrayal. You can learn more at VictoriaEverleigh.com or purchase from Amazon. Link: All Things New

The Charter Class by Anne Faye 

Published: December 2023

Mother John Berchmans Somers of the Sisters of St. Joseph dreamed of establishing a college to serve the Catholic young women of western Massachusetts. With the support of Bishop Thomas O’Leary, that dream became the College of Our Lady of the Elms. In September 1928, thirty-six brave students embarked on the grand adventure of being the charter class for the new institution. In their quest to obtain a college education at a time when that was an unexpected route for young women, these students will face challenges at home, at school, and in their personal lives. Available on Amazon at link: The Charter Class

The Cookie Connection by Sarah Anne Carter 

Published: November 2023

The Cookie Connection is a clean holiday romance that has been well received at events (attended by Sarah Anne) after an article about it was published in the newspaper. Reviews and sales are good so far. This is the first book she has self-published and she is especially proud of all she learned during that process. You can find Sarah’s book on Amazon. Link: The Cookie Connection

Paper & Feathers by Zephyr Thomas 

Published: November 2023

Paper & Feathers is the latest novel by ZMT Books, a unique entry into the literary fantasy genre. Focusing more on characterization and drama than tension and action, the book is a low-stakes, relaxing read with full-color interior illustrations. The e-book is available now. The paperback version will be available in early 2024. You can learn more on his website: link: Paper & Feathers

Newsletter

“The Forgotten Library” by Suzanna Linton

Susan began posting short speculative fiction on Substack. Her stories are about God’s grace bursting into people’s lives in strange and sometimes disconcerting ways. You will find a blend of fairytale, horror, fantasy, and science fiction, all from a Catholic point of view. You can view her newsletter on Substack. Link: https://theforgottenlibrary.substack.com

“Playful Poet–Where Faith and Fun Meet” By Sharon Dodd (pen name Rose of Sharon)

Published: October 2023

Do you have children who think learning about their faith is boring? In Sharon’s newly launched “Playful Poet Newsletter,” jokes, rhyming riddles and mystery poems are beautifully woven together along with saint bios, fun facts and prayers. Playful Poet is published on the first Wednesday of each month and highlights a saint or liturgical theme for that particular month. You can learn more at: https://playfulpoet.substack.com/

Non-fiction

The Peace in the Storm Project by Maureen Pratt

The Peace in the Storm Project is a new model of ministry to help parishes accompany people who live with chronic pain and illness. It is based on my book, Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain and Illness. Over the past few months, it has been approved in numerous archdioceses and dioceses and in early 2024, parishes will begin implementing it (as I introduce them to The Project). I’m beyond grateful for this tremendous blessing and abundant work! Please keep The Peace in the Storm Project in your prayers.—Maureen Pratt

Learn more about The Peace in the Storm Project at http://www.thepeaceinthestormproject.com

Novella

A Paper Snowflake Christmas by Jane Lebak (Pen Name Maddie Evans)

Published: December 2023

Available on Amazon at  A Paper Snowflake Christmas

Poetry

Total of Eight Poems by Carmela Martino

Published: Quarter 4, 2023

Carmela’s poetry was published in three different publications this quarter! Most recently, two appeared in the Christmas-Winter 2024 edition of Parables: Catholic Stories for Children, a magazine for children ages 6-12. Details can be found online in the January 2024 issue of Carmela’s newsletter at Link: https://preview.mailerlite.com/z7e1n3u4w0/2385691276063281723/h0k4/

Poetry by Sr. Fran McManus, RSM

Published: Various Dates, 2023

Sr. McManus had an essay and two poems published!

She contributed an article called “The Revelation of Poetry” to the book Forming Franciscan Minds and Hearts, which is available here: link https://www.franciscanpublishing.com/books/spirituality/forming-franciscan-minds-and-hearts/

Her poem, “The Catch,” was featured in the Catholic Poetry Journal. More information is available here: The Catch

Young Adult Fiction

A Faith Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer

This book is the fifth in Amanda’s award-winning Civil War series. You can learn more on her website at: https://amandalauer.com

Our next Member News blog post will highlight Quarter 1, 2024 accomplishments. Stay tuned for details on how to submit your next accomplishment!

(Some links may include affiliate links by which the authors benefit.)