#5Faves: Contemporary Catholic Fiction-Writers Edition

Published by CAstfalk on 08/26/2015

Here are five of my favorite contemporary Catholic authors, listed in the order in which I “discovered” them. (I’ve left off big-name authors such as Dean Koontz since it’s doubtful he needs a promotional boost from my humble blog.)

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Regina Doman

Regina Doman is known for her series of fairy tale novels, which I found at my local library when I was thirsting for contemporary fiction by Catholic authors. My favorite in the series is Waking Rose, a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. You can check out her other books and those she publishes at Chesterton Press.

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Do You Make Room for Spontaneity?

Published by CAstfalk on 08/24/2015

A couple of years ago, I started a list of things I wanted to do with the kids on summer vacation: places to visit, fun things to do, memorizing a psalm and a poem, Mass and doughnuts midweek. For two consecutive summers, I believe the sum total of things accomplished on that list was a big, fat zero.

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Small Success Thursday

Published by CAstfalk on 08/20/2015

Why small success? Because that’s the only kind I know! Even the big ones come in small steps. Here’s my paltry offering for the week:

School Uniforms Ready – School starts for my kids in less than two weeks , so I sorted through all the old stuff, had them try it on, and made a list of what was needed. The school uniform exchange was a disappointment as we went in with a bag of outgrown clothes and walked out with one blouse. On to the uniform store, where I dropped a bundle of money. Luckily the young lady who helped us (and gently tried to up-sell us) moved us through quickly so that the little ones didn’t do too much damage as, for reasons unknown to me, is their wont in that particular store.
Some of our take from the uniform store.

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Relevant Fiction Reviews: Costly Grace

Published by CAstfalk on 08/17/2015

In June, my Relevant Fiction Reviews comprised several reviews on the theme of love, war, and sacrifice. This month, the novels all examine what in Saving Amelie is referred to as “costly grace” (in reference to Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theology). This is the sacrificial love that, in the books below, requires giving up an ultimately destructive relationship, sacrificing romantic love for a higher calling, and risking freedom and maybe life to preserve the lives of others.

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Top 10 Tuesday: 10 Ways Writing a Book Is Like Having a Baby

Published by CAstfalk on 08/11/2015

Comparisons between creativity and procreativity are legion. Here are my Top 10:

The gestation period is perfect for preparation. It’s a long time from conception until delivery. Use that time to prepare.
Last-minute freak-outs are normal. It’s okay to entertain panicky thoughts like “I can’t do this!” or “What have I gotten myself into?”

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Why the Edgy End of the Spectrum Feels Like Home

Published by CAstfalk on 08/10/2015

When I began writing fiction, I wrote. Words came into my head, and I typed them on the screen. Even as I began to learn how little I knew about novel-writing, my concerns were limited to grammar and craft. Big-picture issues such as genre or marketing weren’t on my radar.

Eventually, the time comes when most writers need to categorize their book, if not their writing style. After all, it’s hard to target your niche (and consequently sell books) if no one, including you, knows what it is you write.

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Seven Quick Takes Friday

Published by CAstfalk on 08/07/2015

Lourdes Grotto Edition

Short of a schedule conflict, my husband attends an annual Catholic men’s retreat at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Families are welcome to join the retreatants for Mass on Sunday morning at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Situated on a wooden hillside above the university and seminary campus, the Lourdes Grotto includes paved paths lined by depictions of the mysteries of the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and numerous statues. With its wildflowers, natural spring, towering trees, and native Mountain laurel, it’s one of my favorite places.

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The Giant Mary Statue

This towering statue of Our Lady, visible from Route 15 once you cross the border from Pennsylvania into Maryland, is a sight to behold. She towers over the treetops with outstretched arms, beckoning to passersby below. Giant Mary Statue

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Stay With Me: The Recipes, Part III

Published by CAstfalk on 08/03/2015

Stay With Me will be available in only two months (Kindle pre-orders in one)! In May, I wrote about the music that inspired the book, and in April, I blogged about the settings. In June, I shared several of the recipes for the delicious treats mentioned in the book. The second round of recipes posted in July, and this is the final recipe installment!

Homemade Peach Pie

This seasonal treat serves as dessert for the first dinner Chris prepares for Rebecca. It is perfect for this time of year in Pennsylvania. Here’s a tip: Ripe peaches peel easily after being dipped in boiling water for 10-20 seconds.

I have not yet mastered the art of making pie crust from scratch. I admit I find it simpler to pick up a refrigerated, store-bought crust. That’s what I used for this recipe.

Direct link to Homemade Peach Pie.

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Category: My Scribbler’s Heart

Regina Doman

Lourdes Grotto Edition

The Giant Mary Statue

Homemade Peach Pie