7 Quick Takes Friday – New Book Updates Etc. | Plot Line and Sinker (Ellen Gable, Author)

Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.

1. First Proofs Have Arrived
The first proofs of my new book, A Subtle Grace, have arrived! I’ve already given them to the proofreaders so I missed a photo opportunity. But I’ve ordered more to arrive next week and will have photos then.

2. A Subtle Grace on Track for March Kindle Release
Right now, my proofreaders are poring through the proofs looking for typos and format issues. I have a second medical person reading through for accuracy of medical situations. I hope to hear from the gun experts soon.

3. Long Books Have Less Readers…but Series Books Often Have More
I knew this book was as long as its prequel, so I had a short panic attack when I received it, feeling its heavy 420 pages in my hands. Holding the two books side by side, there’s no denying that they are very similar. Total pages, if one wants to read them one after the other, will be 840 pages. That’s as long as Gone With the Wind. The publishing world’s recommendation for book size has always been under 400 pages and, no matter what I did, I could not get this book down to only 400 pages. I recognize this could limit the number of readers and, frankly, I don’t care, especially since “series” books do tend to sell more because readers are invested in the characters. However, one need not read the first book (In Name Only) to be able to read this one. The books are stand alone books that can be read independent of the other.

4. The Spiritual Works of Mercy: TOB Style
In my latest post at Catholic Mom, I talk about practicing the Spiritual Works of Mercy through the Theology of the Body.

According to the Catholic encyclopedia, mercy is “a virtue influencing one’s will to have compassion for, and, if possible, to alleviate another’s misfortune.” The spiritual works of mercy are one way Catholics can show charity and compassion to others. Since my husband and I are trained in the Theology of the Body (TOB) and teach Natural Family Planning, we have always tried to practice the spiritual works of mercy through our NFP ministry.

Many Catholics do not understand the Church’s teachings on sexuality. Mother Teresa once said, “If you judge someone, you have no time to love them.” Sharing the truth with charity and without judgment is extremely important. To read the rest, click here.

5. Pope Francis on Confession
During his Wednesday audience, Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to go to Confession. He said, “The sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing.”

6. Reading Shelf
A Pius Legacy by Declan Finn

7. Burgers Cartoon