This book was a long time coming because it was more than I expected it to be and I wanted to be worthy of the task. I wanted a strong sci-fi element, strong expressions of Catholic faith, complex characters, and a plot that moved. I had to overcome some intimidation especially where my knowledge of science and my own Catholic faith weren't as sure as I needed them to be. Sometimes, the sheer complexity of handling almost a dozen important characters and 30 named characters overwhelmed me. However, in August, I finished, and I love the result.
I knew exactly who I wanted to publish it: Ignatius Press. They are one of the top Catholic publishers in the United States, possibly the world, and they are just starting to break into genre fiction. I'd been telling the publisher, Mark Brumley, about this book for years at the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show, where the Catholic Writers' Guild holds its annual live conference. It was kind of embarrassing to tell him, "I'll get it to you this year," only to have another year pass. What a relief as well as a joy to print it up and send it their way.
Mid September, I got a facebook message from Mark: Can you send me an e-copy? Fr. Fessio has the print copy and I want to read it on my Kindle. What a way to make my day! So I know Ignatius is looking at it, and even (dare I assume?) eager to consider it. Now, it's up to the story to impress them.
If Ignatius decides it's not right for them, I'll of course be sad, but I'll also know that I reached for that brass ring and almost made it. I'll try again with them with something else, I'm sure, and in the meantime find another home. If they DO accept it, be ready to hear the squeals across the nation.
In the meantime, I'm resisting the urge to bite my nails and make deals with God. Thy will be done, Lord. it's in Your hands now.
