Cath-Lit Live: Charting the Course by Leslea Wahl

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Cath-Lit Live: Charting the Course

“Cath-Lit Live!” features brief interviews with Catholic authors who are releasing new books. Hosted by Catholic author and speaker Amy J. Cattapan, “Cath-Lit Live!” gives viewers a glimpse into the latest Catholic books while getting to know a bit about the author as well.

 

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Charting the Course by Leslea Wahl

Stuck on a ship with her estranged father for this high school reunion – not a merry way to spend the holidays. But could an onboard mystery and a cute boy be the course correction Liz needs? Set amid the beauty of the Caribbean islands, Charting the Course delves into the topics of fractured families, generational high-school dramas, taking responsibility for your actions, and focusing on faith to keep us anchored. The twists and turns in this high-seas adventure will keep the reader bracing for the next wave of intrigue. 

 

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About the author: Leslea Wahl lives in beautiful Colorado and is the author of several award-winning teen novels. She strives to write stories that encourage teens to grow in their faith through fun adventurous mysteries. Leslea is often inspired by her family, their travels, and real-life adventures. She particularly enjoys including the furry, four-legged members of her family in her novels. Besides writing, Leslea also reviews faith-based novels on her website and is a founding member of CatholicTeenBooks.com. 

 

 

 

You can catch “Cath-Lit Live” live on A.J. Cattapan’s author Facebook page. Recorded versions of the show will also be available to watch later on her YouTube channel and Instagram.

 

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Copyright 2023 Amy J. Cattapan
Banner image via Pexels

A Writer’s Vision

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A Writer’s Vision

I watch a robin nestled upon the branch of my backyard tree singing. As it flies away, I feel wonderment. Perhaps the robin is seeking a better view or its next meal. The breeze picks up ever so lightly and I am transported to the wings of a butterfly.

Most would not give a second thought to these events. As a writer, it is these simple, everyday moments that spur my creativity.

There were times in my writing journey when I turned a simple lawn weed into a complete book chapter. Most would view the yellow dandelion as an irritant and nuisance. In contrast, I saw it as something friendly and a great jumping-off point in my story. Many things feed my creativity, especially in nature. However, over the years, I have learned that my imagination goes into overdrive when I add God to the mix.

Every summer for the past four years, I have attended a retreat focused on painting. It is important to note that I have no talent in that realm, yet that particular retreat has been a favorite of mine. I was a bit intimidated, to say the least, when I first attended, but God quickly showed me why He had sent me there.

Something happens in my brain when I focus on things with a crafty nature. I believe God uses this medium to draw things out of me for His greater purpose. Over the years, the masterpieces I have created in this retreat have looked fabulous in my eyes but not so much to anyone else. I see the exhibits through the eyes of the Spirit, who fed me during each brush stroke.

I’ve learned a lot and have had many inspirations through this faith-based activity. Mostly, I have been able to break through barriers that may have kept me from doing something to which God has called me. Using the skills taught during this retreat, I have brought a creative depth to my writing. I drew inspiration from a mushroom while walking the dog that turned into a colorful, giant umbrella for a snail and caterpillar in my book, Bella’s Beautiful Miracle: A Caterpillar’s Journey.

Due to other events this summer, I was forced to miss the art retreat, and I thirsted for a flicker of creativity. This topic arose in a recent conversation, and I quickly realized why I longed for such a spark. As a writer, I see the beauty and majesty in everyday things that most people take for granted. In the hustle and bustle of the summer and planned and unplanned life activities, I had not allowed myself to bathe in God’s beauty in this way.

It is not only the art retreat that fuels creativity. The combination of nature and faith life are significant components. To rejuvenate my creative side, I ventured outside with my laptop and noticed the little robin in minutes. As I looked upon the little bird, all I had to do was place my hands on the keyboard, close my eyes, and allow the Spirit to lead.

By basking in God’s glory of nature, colors, and the physical action of creating, I become fed creatively and spiritually. This summer, I ask you to consider in what ways your spirituality provides your creativity or vice versa. Then, spend time prayerfully considering how God wants you to work that into your lifestyle.

Don’t miss out on your opportunity to shine in ways you may have felt fearful about. I love that I have no talent as a painter, yet I can participate in that action and create something beautiful in another medium. Art, as a spiritual gift or just for fun, is a lovely way to express God’s light and love! Step out of your comfort zone and go for it!

Copyright 2023 Kimberly Novak
Images Copyright Canva

Writing for Children

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Writing for Children

Are you thinking about writing a children’s picture book? Writing a story for a younger audience can be a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. You will want to pick a subject that is not difficult for a child to understand. Put yourself in the child’s shoes. Think about what your potential reader’s likes or dislikes might be.

Do you know someone who has a young child? Once your story is written, ask the parent to read it out loud to their child. Ask the parent and the child questions such as:

  • Did you like my story?
  • Do the characters make sense?
  • Is there something else I should add to the story?
  • Should I take out this part?
  • Do you understand the plot?
  • How can I make the story better?

Getting advice from parents and your target audience will help you decide how to continue with your manuscript. Making your story appeal to a younger audience takes a lot of time and patience.

Should I self-publish my children’s picture book?

That depends. Before jumping too quickly into either the self-publishing or the traditional publishing routes, do some research. Look at the different options. Think about the pros and cons. If you decide to go down the traditional publishing route, be prepared for rejection letters.

Some publishers require writers to go to a literary agent before sending something directly to them. If you do decide to pitch a query letter and a pitch package to a literary agent, make sure that the literary agent accepts new writers and pay close attention to the literary agent’s guidelines.

Get advice from both self-published and traditionally published authors. Ask them what their experience is with self-publishing or traditional publishing. If an author has a good experience with a literary agent, they might recommend their agent to a new writer.

A word of warning

Don’t be surprised if the literary agent still rejects you after they look at your work.

Last advice

Pray about these options. Ask God to give you wisdom about whom you should submit your story to.

Copyright 2023 Angela Lano

Refuge For This Refugee

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Refuge for this refugee

After years of refugee life, my niece-in-law is finally finding refuge with us in the United States. She trekked through the mountains in northwestern Iran to Turkey over a decade ago, and will arrive here this week. Hers is one story among millions who suffer through such storms.  She recently shared a couple of passages that sustained her in dark times:

“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, have not perished.” Malachi 3:6

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”  Psalm 147:3

While I have never experienced the dire circumstances of displaced refugees, I have sought refuge from life many times.  I believe everyone has.  Even the apostles, when fearful of capsizing in the middle of a huge storm, sought refuge by waking Jesus in the boat. But I didn’t always turn to Jesus for calm in the storm, I mostly turned to food for comfort.

It took more than fifty years for me to internalize that my true source of comfort is as close as Jesus was to his disciples in the storm.  These days His words and sacraments are more consoling than any other food, and the more I immerse myself in His word, the less worldly refuge I seek. My niece learned this at a much younger age than me.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Knowing even a fraction of what my niece and others have been through as refugees makes me thankful for my own small crosses and grateful for such a loving, gentle savior.  Today’s gospel passage is all the rescue I need today – I just need to remember to actively reach out and act according to His Word.

The poem which follows was a first step to acknowledging action and can be found in my book: Everywhere Hope.

Lord, Lord

by Paula Veloso Babadi

I cry “Lord, Lord,”
yet stubbornly cling to the darkness of my false god
and yield to enveloping numbness.
It placates and buffers the gnawing
from which I am unwilling to reach up and
grasp the Hand
longing to save me from myself.
I hide from the ugliness I might discover
in the light of a clear mind.
Instead, I remain dazed
from the fleeting pleasure of sweet deceits, and
fall into the pocket of oblivion
where nothing matters
anymore.
What makes me think I will magically say “yes” to
Truth that longs to find me
after a lifetime of submitting to the subtle
and easy lie?
My actions betray my heart.
It is not enough to cry “Lord, Lord.”
I am convicted by Paul’s lament.
If I sincerely ask for rescue, He will come
and sweep me upward.
Jesus, I trust in You.
“Lord, Lord,”
give me strength not just to ask and trust,
but to act.

Copyright 2023 Paula Veloso Babadi

Love vs. Hatred—And the Winner Is?

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Love vs. Hatred—And the Winner Is?

 

There are two kinds of pride: negative pride and positive pride. This essay references negative pride, also known as “selfishness” or “meism.” Positive pride is the pride we take in working hard to do our best while loving our neighbor.

Enter the deadly sin of pride.

Love is all about giving, isn’t it?  Christ loved us and GAVE His life for us. “No greater love is there than to lay down your life for a friend.” Now that is some serious giving. Most followers of Christ do their feeble best to follow His message. But: enter the deadly sin of pride. That demon can grab us in its powerful grip and, frequently, never let go. The great sin of pride is characterized by all those whose persona reflects words such as stuck-up, egotistic, aloof, cocky, dismissive, superior, or pretentious. The list can go on and on and on. It can be summed up by the phrase, “loving oneself more than anyone or anything else.”

Today it seems that pride has filled the hearts of many to a point where people, so consumed, now HATE unconditionally. What many of them hate most is one word and what it means. That word is made up of only two letters. That word is NO. They want no one to dare tell them what to do or how to behave. They have embraced secularism (defined as a system of political or social philosophy that rejects all forms of religious faith and worship). 

 

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Pride can destroy so much

How sad it is that pride can destroy so much, from family relationships to friendships to nations. Many people, when their “personhood” is offended by someone else, will instantly reject any love within them in exchange for a blast of using four-letter vitriol to express themselves. And that may be the precursor of an actual physical attack against their newfound enemy. The love they may have had vanished instantly. Was it even there to begin with?

Feigned love can vanish like a puff of smoke in a windstorm. Have you seen the “love” extended by political candidates toward each other? Have you noticed how it seems to come from those who have fallen in love with themselves over all else? Part of God’s gift of free will is allowing each and every one of us to make choices. Some of us can forgive and turn the other cheek. Others—no way.

 

They even reject natural  law

Here is their problem: the Judeo/Catholic/Christian belief system has boundaries. Christianity tells us what God wants us to do and what NOT to do … why, the NERVE of Him! So, many secularists (not all) take it to another level in their selfish requests to abolish the influence of religions that have the audacity to say NO to certain behaviors. They even reject natural law in favor of their own personal agendas.

Catholics and other Christians are the most persecuted people on earth. Why is that?  Why is there such hatred by so many toward something that is all about goodness and love? All Christians (including 1.2 billion Catholics and 800 million Protestants of varied denominations) follow Jesus Christ. That is 2 billion people (or two thousand million) who follow His teachings and His promise of Eternal Life. What is the crux of His teachings? Well, now, the bottom line is this: loving your neighbor, and forgiveness. Yeah, I know that many who proclaim to follow Jesus do not even attempt to Love their neighbor or forgive anyone for anything. How powerful is the sin of pride?

 

How can love and lorgiveness be things to hate?

The prideful rant against Christmas, which is all about giving. They rail on about using the name of God in schools and at sporting events. They want crosses at cemeteries taken down from the graves of fallen soldiers. In many cases, those who hate Christians kill them. Men, women, and children die every day in different parts of the world simply because they are followers of Jesus. How can love and forgiveness be things to hate? How powerful is the sin of pride?

 

Has anything changed?

Nothing has changed since Jesus walked the earth two thousand years ago. He preached Love & Forgiveness , so they beat Him, tortured Him, and killed Him. The loving crowds who screamed “Hosanna” on Palm Sunday turned fickle and screamed “Crucify Him” the following Friday. The list of people murdered for following Jesus over the centuries (including His own apostles) is countless. Being a Catholic and Christian was never supposed to be easy. Jesus Christ did nothing but love us, each and every one of us. Look what happened to Him. How powerful is the sin of pride?

 

Read the First Letter of John

So, during the trek toward Election Day 2024, the question to be considered might be this. What is love? The answer can be found in the Bible in the First Letter of John:

We have come to know and believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in Him. (1 John 4:16)

 Sadly, the war on Love increases in intensity.

 

©Larry Peterson2023 All Rights Reserved
Image: Pexels

Red Blood Cell or Glob of Plaque?

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Red Blood Cell or Glob of Plaque?

God has entrusted to each of us a unique role, a unique mission of love, within the Body of Christ. That may seem hard to believe at first: God has given me a special mission of love to carry out in life? But it’s true. Each of us is given the great privilege, and the solemn responsibility, of helping to pass on the divine love to other members (and prospective members) of the Body of Christ. Which includes everyone, because God wants everyone to share in his divine life and love forever (Matt 18:14; 1 Tim 2:4). You have been given a unique mission to share the divine love with others. The unique meaning and purpose of your life lies in your mission of love. Your mission is irreplaceable. No one else can fulfill your mission for you. No one else’s life will touch the exact combination of people that your life will touch. No one else can make the contribution to the eternal circulation of love flowing within the Body of Christ that you were born to make. What is the mission of love with which God has entrusted you?

For most of us, the mission of love that God has in mind isn’t some dramatic, world-changing mission, something that will have a huge impact on the world as a whole or draw a lot of attention to us. Instead, most of us are called to local missions of love. There’s a saying that goes something like “Strive to make your little corner of the world a better place.” It’s a good saying. If we all did that, the whole world would be a much better place.

The absolutely best way to make your “little corner” of the world a better place is to spread some of the divine love to that little corner. Start at home. How can you be more loving to your spouse? How can you be more loving to your children? Then extend yourself further: how could you be more loving to your friends? Your neighbors? Your co-workers? The people you perceive to be your “enemies”?

We all have a choice in life: we can be red blood cells flowing within the Body of Christ, helping to carry life-giving oxygen (the divine love) to other members and prospective members of that Body, or we can choose to be globs of plaque, clogging the arteries of that Body and obstructing the flow of divine love. Most of us are a little bit of both. Resolve to be more of a red blood cell and less of a glob of plaque.

 

* This article is an excerpt from Rick’s latest book, The Book of Love: Brief Meditations (https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/thebookoflove/)

Photo by ANIRUDH on Unsplash

Copyright 2023 Rick Clements

Cath-Lit Live: The Chalice Series by Erin Lewis

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Cath-Lit Live: The Chalice Series by Erin Lewis

“Cath-Lit Live!” features brief interviews with Catholic authors who are releasing new books. Hosted by Catholic author and speaker Amy J. Cattapan, “Cath-Lit Live!” gives viewers a glimpse into the latest Catholic books while getting to know a bit about the author as well.

 

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Firetender (Book One)

Sometimes true strength only comes with surrender. Hot-headed Dallas Malone has spent most of his life putting up emotional walls around himself, softened only by his best friend Channing, who he protects with the fierceness of a big brother. When the two are faced with sudden homelessness, Dallas’s impulsive decisions leave them fleeing from law enforcement and land him in prison. While struggling for mere survival in an abusive environment, his mistakes threaten to ravish Dallas like a wildfire, unless he can learn to allow something more powerful than himself into his life.

 

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Enkindle in Me (Book Two)

Dropped back into the real world with a newfound faith following a lengthy prison sentence, 23-year-old Dallas Malone is bombarded by the tantalizations of secular society and all the changes that seem to have occurred overnight. His Catholic faith burns deep inside him, but now he must live it out amidst morally bankrupt co-workers and without the support of his best friend. Struggling to get back on his feet and prove himself, Dallas’s wounds are becoming scars, and he knows he’s not that same person he used to be. When he meets Samantha, enchanting and headed for trouble, his natural protective instinct is inflamed while past demons of failure chip away at what he thought he knew was a true calling from God enkindled in his heart. Can Dallas forgive himself and heal from his past mistakes to discern the life path God has laid out for him as a man?

 

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About the author:

Erin Lewis is a first-time author who has combined her interest in writing fiction with her love of her Catholic faith and her desire to support religious vocations. Her inspiration for writing the Chalice series came three years ago when she completed a story based on characters she had originally created over twenty years earlier. She lives with her husband and four children in Georgia.

 

 

You can catch “Cath-Lit Live” live on A.J. Cattapan’s author Facebook page. Recorded versions of the show will also be available to watch later on her YouTube channel and Instagram.

 

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Copyright 2023 Amy J. Cattapan
Banner image via Pexels

How to Deal with Rejections

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How to Deal with Rejections

Rejections are hard. Sometimes it’s very tempting for a writer to toss cold water on their computer and then go away and burst into tears. Feeling hurt is a normal response, especially when it relates to your own story. Is it helpful? No, as a matter of fact, getting into an angry fit and yelling at a publisher will not get your book published. It will only make things worse.

Your little outburst will ruin your reputation as a writer! If you just dig in your heels more and more, you won’t get any writing opportunities. Let’s face it, being a writer is sort of like getting a job. If you want to make a good impression on a publisher, put yourself in their shoes.

How would I respond if this situation happened to me? What if I was the publisher or the editor? Would I be happy about this writer’s actions? No, probably not. You might just cross off the writer from your list or delete the email right away.

New writers tend to get possessive of their manuscripts. Their “babies.” They push away their critics, telling them, “I don’t want to hear this type of information! I worked too hard on this story. It’s mine!”

But did you know that rejections can actually help you to become a better writer if you are willing to stop and listen? Perhaps there is something that is missing in the story or in the character development. It’s very important to have another pair of eyes look at your work.

Think about the well-known stories that you might have on your bookshelf, like The Lord Of The Rings and The Chronicles Of Narnia. These stories are famous because of the time and energy that J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis took to make them memorable in the minds of the readers. They probably had to deal with criticism and feedback about their stories.

If a story is bad, with poor writing, characters, or plot, no one is going to read it. Don’t take the rejection personally! Take it to heart! Learn from your mistakes and move on! Keep writing even when it’s tough. Ask God to help you along the way. And when you are tempted to throw the computer across the room, calm down. Take a break.

God will give you the strength to continue the story.

Copyright 2023 Angela Lano

A Place at the Table

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A Place at The Table

Our Italian/Irish family get togethers are large. Typically, at least ten or fifteen gather for dinner, even when it’s only immediate family. I have always loved how we celebrate birthdays and holidays, but how do we look to outsiders?

Though full of love, our often loud and borderline obnoxious group probably looks like a three-ring circus at times. Possibly we are more normal than I give us credit for. In either case, bringing family together is very important to me. The family unit, however, does not only apply to those related to you but also to the body of Christ. God unites us all as the body of the Church, which is cause for celebration as well.

Recently I hosted my family for a holiday, and as the hostess, I kept busy cooking and ensuring my guests had an enjoyable time. I love having my family and friends over to our home. Over the years, we have invested in many updates that make the space more inviting and comfortable. One of those new additions which I am particularly proud of is a portrait of the Last Supper.

Jesus celebrated with his disciples at the last supper by reclining at the table and sharing bread and wine. The warmth of the picture I chose to display is very inviting. The faces of those in the room appear captivated by Jesus. The scene draws my faithful heart in, and even a non-believer would find it compelling.

Since the scene is Jesus having a meal with the disciples, I knew the dining room was our only option when deciding where to hang it. Wall space was an issue because of a couple of windows in that room. Because of the space limitations, the picture appears larger than life. I don’t think that’s all bad. It brings Jesus right to our table.

On the afternoon of our holiday, as my Dad rose from his seat, he commented on one area of the painting, bringing a sense of intrigue to those of us present. The disciples and Jesus are all seated around the table. In one area between Jesus and another disciple is a large gap. The lighting in the picture has a beautiful shadow on the wall behind Jesus and the others. No shadow is in this area, suggesting an open space. A place at the table, so to speak. 

I cannot recall Dad’s exact wording, but his comment was beautiful. He wondered if the area of space alongside Jesus was for us. Remembering it now as I put these words to the page fills me with love. I grew excited and thanked him for giving me a topic to write about. It wasn’t until later that I focused on inserting myself in that spot.

I studied the disciples’ expressions and thought about what mine would look like. Would I look surprised by Jesus’ words or have the appearance of peace and comfort? Upon another glance, I noticed that one of the disciples had his face against his folded hands. Does this represent sadness or concern? After contemplating the scene, I concluded that my facial expression would be as it is now, joyfully expressing God’s light and love. 

A relationship with Jesus brings pure joy, which looks different for everyone. Some may appear calm and peaceful, and others are joyful when they rest within praying hands. Dad has given me a new glimpse into this part of my journey with Christ, and for that, I am grateful. God has invited me to the table through the conversation that day. An invitation that I choose to accept every day, and I pray the same for you. God Bless.

Copyright 2023 Kimberly Novak
Images copyright Kimberly Novak and Canva

Why I Chose to Self-Publish

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Why I Chose to Self-Publish

 

My only lifelong goal has been to write a book, and after years of ideas and dreams, I finally penned my first book. Once the writing and rewriting and rewriting some more had finally ended, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Just like every other aspiring author, I then arrived at the daunting fork in the road: should I publish traditionally or through self-publishing?

I researched both publishing options, and I spoke with an interested publishing company. For some authors, traditional publishing simply isn’t an option because they are never offered a contract from a traditional publishing company. I chose to self-publish when both avenues were viable options for me. After extensive prayer and speaking with loved ones, I decided to self-publish for two main reasons: time and money. But not exactly in the way you might think.

My books are a series called Adventures with the Saints, which are Catholic chapter books designed for kids in 1st through 3rd grade. They are modeled after the Magic Tree House series: the kids time travel, but in my books, they meet a saint and learn a lesson from them. I wrote this series primarily for my own children; my inspiration bloomed while reading aloud with them. In the discussions with the publishing house, I was told my first book would take over two years to release, and any additional books in the series would follow that.

As an aspiring author, I desired for my own children to read and enjoy my books while they remained my target audience age. Because I chose the path of self-publishing, less than a year from those conversations I have the first two books in my series published and in the hands of my own children. This timeline wouldn’t have been possible if I had chosen to traditionally publish.

My other main motivator was money, but not the desire to make more. If you are in the business of writing books, especially Catholic ones, rarely is money a motivator. It is true that as a self-published author I see a larger cut of every book sold, but that’s because I’ve paid out of pocket for my own editor and publicity. The money that motivated me was the price I pay for author copies.

Traditionally published authors typically receive a 40%-50% discount on their author copies, a similar rate to what retailers pay for copies. The list price is also set by the publisher, so there is little wiggle room for that. For self-published authors, the rate of discount for author copies is closer to a 60%-70% discount depending on the printer and the list price. This made a huge difference for me, because this means that I can discount and give away more copies of my book with less of a financial strain to my family. My goal is to have my books in as many kids’ hands as possible, and one of the ways I do this is by donating copies to Catholic schools, libraries, churches, and other places so kids will have access to them. Then with the higher royalty rate for the books I sell, I have enough money to invest in more copies to give away.

My decision to self-publish instead of pursuing traditional publishing was not made hastily, nor without time in prayer. Ultimately, I chose the path to which God led me. In my experience, when I follow wherever God leads me, I am never led in the wrong direction.

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