Ellen Gable's Blog, page 105
May 19, 2012
Sunday Snippets – May 20
Join me and other Catholic bloggers at RAnn’s Place for Sunday Snippets where we share posts from the previous week.
My husband and I will celebrate 30 years of marriage on Tuesday! It’s hard to believe we’ve been married that long.
Here are my posts:
Saints and Scripture Sunday – Happy Mother’s Day
Awards Contest for Self-Published Authors: Are They Really Worth It? (latest post for Catholic Writers Guild)
Catholic Writers To Hold Conference in Texas Press Release for the Catholic Writers Guild
Down to Earth (latest cartoon from Family Foundations)
7 Quick Takes Friday – Quotes on Marriage
Cartoon copyright Full Quiver Publishing/James and Ellen Hrkach
May 18, 2012
7 Quick Takes Friday – Favorite Marriage Quotes
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.
Since my husband and I will be celebrating our 30th anniversary this weekend, I’d like to share seven of my favorite quotes on marriage.
1. “Intense love does not measure; it just gives.” (Blessed Teresa of Calcutta) This quote so perfectly illustrates the sacrificial love of marriage and, indeed, of any relationship. I see this illustrated every day when my husband goes above and beyond to sacrifice for our family. I try to live this quote: every morning I wake up and think, “What can I do to make my husband’s life easier today?”
2. “Marriage is an act of will that signifies and involves a mutual gift, which unites the spouses and binds them to their eventual souls, with whom they make up a sole family – a domestic church. ” (Blessed John Paul II). Love is not merely a feeling; it is a choice. Every day I have an opportunity to choose to love my spouse. Sometimes it isn’t easy, but it’s always worthwhile.
3. “Be not afraid.” (Blessed John Paul II) As shown in the photo below, I certainly wasn’t afraid of what the future would hold for us. I was too happy at that moment to think of future difficulties and challenges. I had no idea what the next 30 years would bring. All married couples will face hardships and challenges. But they will also experience great joy to balance any hardships. Of course, couples who enter into a sacramental marriage (and who live their faith) have the additional graces to assist them in handling any challenges and hardships.
4. “The two shall become one.” (Genesis 2:24) There’s no better illustration of our unity and oneness than our children who are the walking “representations of our love.” (cr Blessed John Paul II).
5. “Be fruitful; multiply.” (Genesis 1:28) 
6. “How can I ever express the happiness of the marriage that is joined together by the Church strengthened by an offering, sealed by a blessing, announced by angels and ratified by the Father? …How wonderful the bond between two believers with a single hope, a single desire, a single observance, a single service! They are both brethren and both fellow-servants; there is no separation between them in spirit or flesh; in fact they are truly two in one flesh and where the flesh is one, one is the spirit.”(24) Tertullian (cr FC Blessed John Paul II) I love this quote from Tertullian, who exquisitely describes the spiritual and physical joys of the one flesh experience of Christian marriage.
7. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Romans 4:6) Prayer is such an important part of a sacramental marriage. But having people pray for you is also essential. In that regard, I’d like to share my favorite anniversary gift: a beautiful card that my sister and some of the other Dominican Novices lovingly made for us. Each sister signed her name to one day in May with a note below saying that “In honor of this occasion, we will offer 30 days (plus one) of prayer with a different sister praying for you each day this month.” Wow. 
For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary.
Text and photos copyright 2012 Ellen Gable Hrkach
May 17, 2012
Down to Earth
Our latest cartoon from Family Foundations copyright 2012 Full Quiver Publishing
May 15, 2012
Catholic Writers to Hold Conference in Arlington Texas
Press Release:
CONTACT: Ann Margaret Lewis
Phone: (317) 755-2693
e-mail: president@catholicwritersguild.com
For Immediate Release
Catholic Writers to Hold Conference in Arlington, Texas
Arlington, TX–The fourth annual Catholic Writers’ Conference LIVE will take place August 29-31, 2012, at the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, TX. Sponsored by the Catholic Writer’s Guild and the Catholic Marketing Network (CMN), and held in conjunction with CMN’s annual retailer trade show, the Catholic Writers Conference LIVE provides Catholic authors with a prime opportunity to meet and share their faith with editors, publishers, fellow writers, and bookstore owners from across the globe.
This year’s conference will focus on “Writing and the New Evangelization.” Speakers include Catholic publishing representatives Claudia Volkman of Servant Books/St.Anthony Messenger Press, Mike Marshall of FAITH Catholic Publishing, authors Ellen Gable Hrkach (In Name Only and Stealing Jenny) and Patti Armstrong (Catholic Truths for Our Children, Stories for the Homeschool Heart), Ann Margaret Lewis (Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes), and EWTN personalities Teresa Tomeo and Father Andrew Apostoli, CFR. More excellent speakers are still being confirmed.
The conference will offer “pitch sessions,” allowing authors an opportunity to meet personally with publishing professionals and pitch their writing projects. In addition, attendees have the opportunity to sign up for critique with professional editors and writers. Information for this event can be found on the conference web site.
In partnership with the Catholic New Media Conference, also taking place in the convention center, writers conference attendees will be able to attend a special track on blogging for $25. Information on this opportunity will be made to attendees upon registration.
“It’s not just writing, it’s not just fellowship, it’s inspiration, too!” says 2011 Conference attendee Sarah Reinhard, blogger and author of Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative or Clueless and several other Catholic family books. “It was great to put faces with names and personalities with suspicions. It was also great to share the Eucharist and evening meals in person with writers who inspire me, encourage me, and motivate me the rest of the year. I enjoyed it so much I’m afraid I’m addicted.”
The Catholic Writers Guild, a religious non-profit organization, sponsors both this live conference in August and an online conference in February to further its mission of promoting Catholic literature. “Our conferences are totally focused on encouraging faithful Catholics to share genuine Catholic culture and faith in their writing no matter what genre,” says CWG President Ann Margaret Lewis. “These events are integral to our mission of ‘creating a rebirth of Catholic arts and letters.”
Registration costs $70 for CWG members, $75 for non-members and $40 for students. There’s also a discounted combined membership. To register or for more information, go to http://www.catholicwritersconference.com.
# # #
Graphics, interviews and further information available upon request.
Click here to download the media release as Word document.
May 14, 2012
Awards Contests for Self-Published Authors: Are They Worth It?
My latest post for the Catholic Writers Guild blog is about awards contests and whether they are worthwhile.
In my post last month, I gave a link which lists some popular awards contests for self-published authors: http://www.selfpublishingreview.com/blog/2009/01/self-published-book-contests/
This list doesn’t claim to be all inclusive, but it is helpful. And be aware that most of these contests require an entry fee.
One award that doesn’t require an entry fee (if you’re a member) is the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval. Sarah Reinhard gives extensive information on the SOA contest in this blog post: http://blog.catholicwritersguild.com/2012/03/seal-of-approval-now-accepting-submissions.html
Another awards contest that CWG members have been quite successful with is the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPYs). In 2010, my Catholic historical romance, , won the Gold Medal in the Religious Fiction category and CWG President, Ann Lewis’, book Murder in The Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes, won the Gold Medal in 2011. Other CWG members have won Bronze medals for their novels in past contests.
As well, CWG member, Karen Kelly Boyce, recently won the Eric Hoffer award (in commercial fiction) for her novel, Down Right Good.
The question is: are awards worth it? Awards are certainly affirmation that we are producing quality books. But do they sell books?
Case in point: A few years ago, at a local Catholic conference, the organizers allowed me to speak briefly in front of the 400 or so attendees. I then proceeded to tell them that my novel, , had won a Gold Medal for Religious Fiction. Later that day, the local Archbishop came to my table. He said he was an avid reader and was interested in the book that “had won the Gold Medal.” “It’s a romance,” I replied, thinking that an archbishop would not be interested in a romance. I continued, “But it has inherent Theology of the Body themes.” “Great,” he said, “I love romance novels, especially one with Catholic themes.”
The archbishop wasn’t the only one who stopped by my table after I mentioned that my book had won a gold medal. During the next three hours, more than 40 people lined up at my table to buy my book.
While medals may help to sell books at conferences, I have to admit that the award didn’t make much difference in my online sales (in fact, I didn’t see any spike in sales following the medal announcement).
Even so, winning an award is an incredible honor, an invaluable addition to a resume and it increases personal one-on-one sales. So…what do you have to lose? The cost of the registration fee. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Contests are definitely worth it.
Copyright 2012 Ellen Gable Hrkach
May 13, 2012
Saints and Scripture Sunday – Happy Mother’s Day
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at The Kennedy Adventures for “Saints and Scripture Sunday.”
On this Mother’s Day, I remember my own mother (who died five years ago). I miss her so much. She often said that the happiest days of her life were the births of her children (she had five), one who was a “Surprise Gift.”
You did not choose Me but I chose you, and I appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. John 15:16
Today’s Gospel reading was the Gospel my husband and I chose for our wedding 30 years ago. Both of us were open to the fruit of many children and I commented to him just before we were married that a dozen kids seemed like a good number. I prayed frequently that God would bless us with many children.
Well, I didn’t give birth to 12 babies, but God indeed answered my prayer.
It hasn’t been an easy journey to motherhood: I’ve been pregnant eleven times with 12 babies. I’ve lost a set of twins as well as five babies through miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. There were times we were accused of being irresponsible. My novel, Emily’s Hope, is based on my true story of love and loss.
The difficulties and challenges have made me more fully appreciate my five sons. I feel so blessed to have them in my life.
It was only recently that I realized that God had indeed answered my prayer. He blessed us with 12 eternal souls, the fruit of our love: five sons here on earth and seven precious babies waiting for us in heaven.
Text and photo copyright 2012 Ellen Gable Hrkach
May 12, 2012
Sunday Snippets – May 13
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at RAnn’s Place for Sunday Snippets, where we share posts from the previous week.
Here are my posts:
In the Arms of Jesus (my latest post at Amazing Catechists)
Catholic Family Fun by Sarah Reinhard – Book Review
7 Quick Takes Friday – Canadian March for Life
Catholic Roundup Podcast Interview (with Sean McGaughey, talking about the March for Life)
Text and images copyright 2012 Ellen Gable Hrkach
Catholic Roundup Podcast Interview
I appeared on the Catholic Roundup Podcast yesterday and spoke with Sean McGaughey about the 2012 Canadian March for Life: http://cc.ductapeguy.net/catholicroundup/CatholicRoundup102.mp3 (my interview is the first one of the podcast).
May 11, 2012
7 Quick Takes Friday – Canadian March for Life
Please join me and other Catholic Bloggers for 7 Quick Takes Friday. Hallie Lord is guest hosting for Jen at Conversion Diary. Before I get to the Quick Takes, I wanted to let readers know that my novel, Stealing Jenny, is FREE today on Amazon Kindle. Because of the March for Life yesterday, I decided to offer it for free yesterday and today.
The 2012 March for Life on Parliament Hill in Ottawa was the best attended yet; this, despite the cold weather and constant threat of rain (it only sprinkled a few times). Check out this link at LifeSite News for more information.
1. The March for Life is spiritually enriching. The day started with a beautiful Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral in Ottawa near Parliament Hill. Our bus was a bit late in arriving and it was standing room only, but several kind young adults gave up their seats so that we could sit for the second half of the Mass.
2. The March for Life builds character and virtue. There were many children at the March. Older siblings and other young adults had numerous opportunities to assist their mothers. There was a small group of pro-choicers shouting nasty comments to the pro-lifers. It was a great opportunity to respond charitably and to show good example to our children.
3. The March for Life appeals to young people. I love seeing many young adults so enthusiastic for the pro-life cause!
4. The March for Life is a great place to see and visit with like-minded friends! My sons and I enjoyed the fellowship of the others on the bus to the March (which was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus). At Mass, at Parliament Hill, then on the March for Life, I was constantly “bumping into” fellow NFP teachers, marriage prep host couples and many others in the pro-life movement. Every ten minutes or so, I was hugging someone I hadn’t seen in a while. I also loved seeing so many priests and religious sisters.
5. The March for Life is emotionally edifying. There is nothing quite like the experience of standing with nearly 20,000 people (or as my mom used to call it, a “sea of humanity,”)…knowing that these people believe that human life begins at conception and abortion is morally wrong gives me hope that eventually abortion will be illegal.
6. The March for Life is a “Family Affair.” I love seeing entire families marching for life. Of course, we have to be prepared to shelter our young children’s eyes from those pro-choicers who disrobe (yes, this has happened in the past), but each family’s presence is an important part of the success of the March.
7. The March for Life is always successful! Whenenever thousands of people (in this case, nearly 20,000) show up to demonstrate against abortion, it is successful. When that many people attend, you can be sure there are many more who wanted to be there, but for some reason, couldn’t attend.
For more Quick Takes, visit Hallie’s Lord’s blog.
Text and photos copyright 2012 Ellen Gable Hrkach
May 10, 2012
Catholic Family Fun by Sarah Reinhard
Amidst the busyness of family life with small children, some parents can miss the numerous opportunities to simply have fun with your kids. These are the memories your children will treasure.
One of my favorite things to do with my own children (even those who have reached adulthood) is to play games with them. I’ve always enjoyed a fun game of “Life,” “Scene It” or video games. When they were younger, my sons loved to play pretend games based on movies (like Aladdin, the Wizard of Oz and Return to Oz) and of course, as the only girl in the family, I always got to play the female parts (like Dorothy or Jasmine). As my sons have grown into young men, we still enjoy playing games together (Boggle is our favorite game).
Sarah Reinhard is no stranger to fun. Anyone who reads her columns, blog posts, Tweets or Facebook messages, knows what a wonderful sense of humor she has and what a great writer she is. She has taken two of her strongest talents and made them into a book on how families can have more fun together, not only fun, but fun with a Catholic twist.
Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative or Clueless is a terrific resource that includes nine chapters ranging from a series of light-hearted activities to suggestions on how one can draw deeper into the Catholic faith. Each section lists the activity, the “faith” angle and a way to make the activity your own. It’s filled not only with great ideas for family fun in general, but also specific ideas. I especially enjoyed seeing each activity from a “Faith Angle” and ideas for making the activity your own.
The Appendix is packed with a categorizing of the activities organized by prep time, activities organized by duration and by cost.
I highly recommend this wonderful book for any family looking make their family time more fun and enjoyable.
Catholic Family Fun has a website where families can enjoy more Family Fun ideas. The book is available through
Catholic Family Fun has a Facebook page and I highly recommend you “like” it!
Catholic Family Fun is also available on Amazon in print or on Kindle.
For more “fun” links that will give you a great idea of Sarah’s unique humor, check out these hilarious blog posts:
Taking a Break From the Serious
Copyright 2012 Ellen Gable Hrkach
