This is so wonderful, Danielle! I knew you had worked as the publisher of CATHOLIC DIGEST (may it rest in peace), but I didn't know the backstory.
I can relate to a lot of your journey from mom with no writing/publishing credentials to, bit by bit, getting pieces published--then books, too.
But it's been a long three years for me since I walked away from Catholic publishing. Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing, but it took me two years to discern. The content about which I was writing seemed "outside the box" for what most Catholic publishers were willing to stand behind. And I think, since I had been a grief writer and speaker for ten years, I learned that many hurting Catholics needed a way to ask the unthinkable questions and shake their fists at God without fearing recrimination or reprimands.
That's a big part of why I walked away. That, and God basically spoke to my heart: "You're playing it too safe."
A few friends told me, "Your message is needed for a broader audience than just Catholics."
So here I am, plugging away, receiving rejection after rejection from the mainstream industry. At the same time, I feel as you once did when you tucked that rejection letter away--that it's not the end of my story and that I just need to hang on and trust in God's timing.
So I show up every day with a good heart, like my spiritual director tells me. And it is good to be here with you!
Thank you for sharing this, Jeannie. You are speaking right to my heart! I know God has a unique plan for you and your work. Praying for you as it comes to fruition. I am SO grateful for your presence here.
I first met you when you were the editor at Catholic Digest! Thankfully, you said yes to my submission. My sting came from Ave Maria Press, OSV and AngelusNews. So true to trust that "No" is in God's plan and an opportunity to grow.
This is so wonderful, Danielle! I knew you had worked as the publisher of CATHOLIC DIGEST (may it rest in peace), but I didn't know the backstory.
I can relate to a lot of your journey from mom with no writing/publishing credentials to, bit by bit, getting pieces published--then books, too.
But it's been a long three years for me since I walked away from Catholic publishing. Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing, but it took me two years to discern. The content about which I was writing seemed "outside the box" for what most Catholic publishers were willing to stand behind. And I think, since I had been a grief writer and speaker for ten years, I learned that many hurting Catholics needed a way to ask the unthinkable questions and shake their fists at God without fearing recrimination or reprimands.
That's a big part of why I walked away. That, and God basically spoke to my heart: "You're playing it too safe."
A few friends told me, "Your message is needed for a broader audience than just Catholics."
So here I am, plugging away, receiving rejection after rejection from the mainstream industry. At the same time, I feel as you once did when you tucked that rejection letter away--that it's not the end of my story and that I just need to hang on and trust in God's timing.
So I show up every day with a good heart, like my spiritual director tells me. And it is good to be here with you!
Thank you for sharing this, Jeannie. You are speaking right to my heart! I know God has a unique plan for you and your work. Praying for you as it comes to fruition. I am SO grateful for your presence here.
I first met you when you were the editor at Catholic Digest! Thankfully, you said yes to my submission. My sting came from Ave Maria Press, OSV and AngelusNews. So true to trust that "No" is in God's plan and an opportunity to grow.
I remember having the privilege of working with you Sherry! And we all have our stories of the "sting."
What a great story!
Thanks Krista. More for us to talk about!
Thank you for this. You're speaking right to my heart.
Thank you for reading Michaelyn! I'm so encouraged to know it was helpful to you. <3