Ellen Gable's Blog, page 72
July 6, 2014
There Have Been Many!
Photo copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
This week, I’m joining up with other Catholic bloggers at RAnn’s place for Sunday Snippets where we share posts from the previous week and answer a weekly question. I’ve been swamped with so many different projects so I haven’t been able to participate recently. I’m happy to be back because I love the question of this week: Tell us about a priest (or more) who have been significant in your life. There have been many (but here are just a few).Fr. Morley: The first priest who was significant in my life was Father Morley, who was also my first boss. While I was in 7th grade at St. Richard’s School in Philly, Father Morley approached me and asked whether I’d like to work at the rectory after school every day until 5:00 p.m. I loved the job, I loved the extra money ($3 a week) and Fr. Morley, as I recall, was a joy to work with. He told me I looked like a Kewpie Doll.
Fr. Bob: He not only helped me with my first novel, Emily’s Hope, he was a long-time supporter of and speaker at our annual Humanae Vitae BBQ. He attended for many years and spoke at length to the couples about the importance of faithfulness to the Church’s teachings on this subject of marital love and sexuality. (He eventually moved to another part of the country). He is an experienced writer who has also read most of my books and has given me honest and supportive feedback. Fr. Bob has remained our dear friend for many years.
Any Madonna House Priest: We love Madonna House priests! Whenever I go to confession with a Madonna House priest, it truly is like whispering into the ear of Jesus.
Now for the links to my few posts this past week:
Three Novels in Top Ten And all four were in the top twelve. I believe the surge in sales had something to do with a review in the National Catholic Register (thank you, Sarah!!) Print sales for A Subtle Grace were up 100 percent!
7 QT July 4 This past week, A Subtle Grace (new book) and In Name Only (O’Donovan Book 1) were #1 and #2 in BRITAIN! This was the first time they reached #1 and #2 there, so it was cool! Also included in the 7QT are a video, CALA finalists announced, Catholic Writers Conference Live and a press release about my new book.
Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach
July 4, 2014
7 Quick Takes Friday – July 4
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.
1.Tom Brokaw Explains Canada to Americans
Today is July 4th and earlier this week, we celebrated Canada Day. To celebrate both holidays, I thought I would share this appropriately beautiful video of Tom Brokaw explaining the relationship between Canada and USA (from 2010 Calgary Olympics).
2. Catholic Writers Conference Live
To find out more information about the Catholic Writers Conference Live in Chicago, read this news release!
3. A Subtle Grace #1 and In Name Only #2 in Britain
Yesterday, my books, A Subtle Grace and
4. Love, Obsession and Stalking: New Novel Tackles Challenging Issues
Christian Newswire recently posted this news release on A Subtle Grace!
5. CALA Finalists Announced!
The Catholic Writers Guild recently released the names of the finalists for the Catholic Arts and Letter Award. Check out the announcement here. Congratulations to all the finalists!
6. Goodreads Giveaway
Goodreads is giving away three free copies of Dena Hunt’s book, The Lion’s Heart. Check it out here.
7. Hope For Dad Cartoon
Image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach. Please do not use without permission
Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach
July 2, 2014
June 27, 2014
7 Quick Takes Friday – Reviews, Links and Win a Free Book!
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.
1. The Lion’s Heart Now in Paperback
The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt is now available in paperback.
2. The Lion’s Heart Reviews
Special thanks to Barb S (Franciscan Mom) and Erin (Will Write For Tomato Pie) for the wonderful reviews of The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt. Barb’s review is here and Erin’s review is at this link.
3. A Subtle Grace Giveaway
I’m giving away two Kindle copies and one paperback copies of my new book, A Subtle Grace, to the first three who comment below. The first person who comments (and who wants a free print copy) wins. The other two will win Kindle copies.
4. Difficult Anniversaries/Responsible Parenthood
The end of June brings painful memories. 28 years ago, I nearly died from complications of an ectopic pregnancy. 21 years ago this month, it happened again. Amidst the difficulties, however, was hope in the faces of my two youngest sons. For a more detailed account, check out my previous blog post.
5. Want to Control Your Google Images?
Check out this fabulous post by Lisa Hendey on how to control which images show up on Google.
6. Reading/Review Shelf
Blue by Kasey Jackson
7. Vacation Cartoon
image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach (please do not use without permission)
Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach
June 25, 2014
WWRW: The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt
Special thanks to Erin McCole Cupp for this refreshingly honest and enthusiastic review of FQP’s newest book, The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt.
Originally posted on Will Write for Tomato Pie:
Join up with Jessica at Housewifespice and all the other coolest bookworms for What We’re Reading Wednesday.
“I am not afraid that the book will be controversial. I’m afraid it will not be controversial.”
Flannery O’Connor
Today I’m reviewing one of the best, most powerful, most well-crafted, most heart-challenging books I’ve read in a very long time. I am not exaggerating. It’s The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt.
Writers are often told to perfect “the elevator pitch,” a three-sentence summary of one’s book. If you’re pitching a Catholic novel, I can’t think of a more interest-grabbing elevator pitch than the intro to the Amazon summary for The Lion’s Heart.
Is love ever wrong?
Paul Meyer has never let anyone get too close.
Until Max.
Spoilers: Max is not a girl.
Here’s my review as I posted to Amazon:
Whatever side of controversy you call home, this book is a…
View original 392 more words
June 20, 2014
7 Quick Takes Friday – FQP Books Make Ideal Summer Reads!!
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers for 7 Quick Takes Friday, this week at Team Whitaker.
There’s nothing I like better than to sit under a tree on a warm summer’s day and read a story that will sweep me away. Full Quiver Publishing books make ideal summer reads!!
1. The Lion’s Heart Print Edition
The Lion’s Heart, FQP’s newest novel by Dena Hunt is currently available on Kindle and will be available in softcover by next week. Of The Lion’s Heart, Joseph Pearce, well-known Catholic author, says, “Dena Hunt is a consummate storyteller who does not shirk or shy away from the difficult questions about life and love that her story raises. The Lion’s Heart contains not only the loves of lovers, spouses, parents, and children but also the demons and dragons that selfishness unleashes. The Lion’s Heart is not for the faint-hearted, nor is it for the hard-hearted. It pulsates with a passion that will bring true hearts to their knees.”
2. In Name Only (O’Donovan Family)
3. A Subtle Grace (O’Donovan Family)
A Subtle Grace is my newest book and is available both on Kindle and in paperback. In her review, Trisha Niermeyer Potter, blogger at Prints of Grace, says this:
“This is one of my favorite contemporary works of Catholic fiction. The storytelling is masterful, the characters fascinating, and the writing is of high literary quality. People are imperfect—past, present, and future—but each is given the opportunity to grow, change, learn, and be redeemed. In this story it’s shown how the greatest mistake of our lives can be turned into one of the most amazing blessings and even be a source of hope for others. Life’s messy. People are complex. We’ve all got some skeletons in our closets, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t also fit some trophies and triumphs in there as well. A Subtle Grace has all of the elements that good Catholic fiction should.”
4. Stealing Jenny
This is my biggest seller and most popular book as evidenced by the over 330 reviews on Amazon (and the six months it spent as a #1 bestseller on Kindle). It’s a quick and easy read. Check out the novel website here and the Amazon profile page here. 
5. Don’t You Forget About Me by Erin McCole Cupp
Funny, quirky and great writing! Also referred to as a Theology of the Body mystery! Check out the novel website here and the Amazon page here. 
6. Angela’s Song by AnnMarie Creedon
A beautiful Theology of the Body romance with over 200 reviews on Amazon! 
7. Emily’s Hope
My first book is based on the true stories of myself and my great-grandmother. Check out the novel website here to read an excerpt and reviews.
There are two other FQP books: Growing Up in God’s Image: A New Approach to the Facts of Life Talk and Come My Beloved: Inspiring Stories of Catholic Courtship.
June 13, 2014
7 Quick Takes Friday – FQP New Book And Other Quick Takes
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers for 7 Quick Takes Friday, this week at Team Whittaker (as Jen is on break!)
1. The Lion’s Heart Now Available on Kindle
The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt is now available on Kindle. FQP is releasing the print edition later this month. Check out the new novel website at this link here.
2. Two of My Favorite Authors on Ave Maria Radio
Hey, check out this episode of “Meet the Author” on Ave Maria Radio recently with Dena Hunt and Jason Evert. Check out it out here.
3. Prayer Intentions
First, please join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Fr. Kenneth Walker, a young priest who was murdered a few days ago in Arizona and Fr. Joseph Terra, who was also injured in the attack, but will likely survive. More information here at this Patheos post.
Please also continue to pray for Meriam Ibrahim (who has been sentenced to death for being a Christian and is currently held in prison in Sudan along with her toddler son and newborn daughter). and for the 300 Nigerian schoolgirls who were abducted and are still missing.
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
4. Catholic Writers Conference Live
If you are a writer and are interested in learning more about writing, networking AND your Catholic faith, the 2014 Catholic Writers Conference Live (held in conjunction with the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show) will be held just outside of Chicago July 30th to August 1st. For more information, check out this press release here and the Conference website here.
5. Father’s Day
Happy Father’s Day to my husband! Check out this previous Father’s Day post from two years ago!
6. St. Anthony Feast Day
Happy Feast of St. Anthony, patron saint of lost things!
7. Man Up Cartoon
image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach (all rights reserved, do not use without permission)
Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach
June 12, 2014
The Lion’s Heart Now Available On Kindle
Full Quiver Publishing, my company, has just released on Kindle a compassionate and compelling story about two men dealing with same sex attraction, The Lion’s Heart, by Dena Hunt. This book has the endorsement of Courage International.
We have also created a new novel page for this book. Check it out here: www.thelionsheart.ca You can read reviews, an excerpt and a synopsis.
First, a synopsis:
Is love ever wrong? Paul Meyer has never let anyone get too close. Until Max. The Lion’s Heart is a heart-rending story about love and sacrifice. The emotional struggle of Paul’s same-sex attraction, the guilt he feels, and his ambivalence toward his Catholic faith all come together in this look inside the heart of a tortured man.
Here’s an excerpt:
“No, it wasn’t the deception, unpleasant as it was, that troubled him. In fact, he simply couldn’t put his finger on it. All he knew that was truly different with Max was that he loved him. And it was that, that single stark truth, which made everything different. He never loved before …. He put the empty wine glass on the balcony floor beside him and tried to find again that mysterious, interior quiet that city noise always brought him. But he felt instead a kind of disquiet that seemed urgent …. Love was never wrong. He’d heard that so often from sincere people, good people … ‘Love is never wrong.’ More than a platitude, it became a mantra. No one could argue with it, not without being judgmental or bigoted. Paul himself always believed it, although he never thought much about it before—never had much reason to think about it. But then, he’d never really loved anyone before….”
Here are a few reviews for The Lion’s Heart:
“Dena Hunt is a consummate storyteller who does not shirk or shy away from the difficult questions about life and love that her story raises. The Lion’s Heart contains not only the loves of lovers, spouses, parents, and children but also the demons and dragons that selfishness unleashes. The Lion’s Heart is not for the faint-hearted, nor is it for the hard-hearted. It pulsates with a passion that will bring true hearts to their knees.”
Joseph Pearce, author of The Unmasking of Oscar Wilde, co-editor of the St. Austin Review
“It may be fiction but The Lion’s Heart reflects a truth that is as real as the sunrise. The moral conflicts and dilemmas are treated with dignity and there are no easy answers, though, thank God, there are answers. The style, beauty, and flow of Dena’s writing speaks for itself. I could not give this book a higher rating, for it is at the top of the charts. I thank Ms. Hunt for having the courage and the beauty of heart to see, feel, and love as she did – for this book is, above all, a work of love. May it be accepted as such.”
A.K. Frailey, author The Deliverance Trilogy http://www.akfrailey.com
“The Lion’s Heart moved me to the core. Dena Hunt managed a rare feat: a delicately crafted novel that is at once a work of beauty and existential weight, and yet forces you to keep reading with all the urgency of a thriller.”
Bernardo Aparicio Garcia, Publisher, Dappled Things
“Whatever side of the controversy you call home, this book is a game-changer. With The Lion’s Heart, Dena Hunt gives us a compassionate story courageously told, depicting the truth in all its dimensions. Readers will never be the same, and with The Lion’s Heart, the landscape of faith-based fiction is changed forever.”
Erin McCole Cupp, author, Don’t You Forget About Me
“Dena Hunt conveys some of the very real struggles of those persons who have same-sex attractions (SSA), especially the shame, confusion, and misery that can accompany such feelings. She shows how that suffering can affect family and friends. The path to understanding homosexuality requires abundant patience, prudence, and good will because the topic is not primarily a controversial cultural issue, but rather a complex personal reality. It is one for which there is not one simple or general explanation – or response. This novel gives us a glimpse into the lives and hearts of those touched by SSA who are striving to understand themselves, and so to love genuinely after the example of Jesus Christ and the teachings of His Church.”
Rev. Paul Check, Executive Director, Courage International
“If I had not been familiar with Dena’s writing, I would have passed on this novel due to the subject matter. I read the book because I know Dena as a daily Mass communicant and fellow parishioner. I know I can trust her to have something meaningful to say and to say it in a beautiful way. “The Lion’s Heart” does not disappoint. The topic of same sex attraction might be troublesome at first but Dena goes for the heart of the human condition. She writes about the universal conditions of desire, betrayal, contrition, and forgiveness. As a devout Catholic she includes characters we will all recognize, showing us their shortcomings as well as their redeeming qualities. At the core of it all is a human heart made in God’s image to be redeemed only by our loving God.”
Deacon Paul Worth, Texas
If you would like a FREE Kindle copy, please leave a comment below or email me: fullquiverpublishing(at)gmail.com
June 10, 2014
Don’t You Forget About Me FREE on Kindle Today Through Thursday
Who doesn’t love FREE books? Erin McCole Cupp’s Don’t You Forget About Me is FREE today through Thursday on Kindle.
Excerpt:
“Doesn’t signing in at the Technology Annex check-in desk blow the whole cloak-and-dagger bit?” I asked.
Gene furrowed his brow for a moment. “I’m not looking for cloak-and-dagger. I just want to buy enough time to get some answers and put a stop to whatever is making people sick. But Mary Catherine—I don’t know what kind of wasp nest we might be kicking at here.”
“Nice image.” My stomach knotted.
Gene gently but firmly grasped me by my upper arms. “I’m not kidding. If what our coffee shop friend said is true…”
I picked up where he trailed off, “Then Walkerville wasps carry some pretty wicked stingers.”
Gene nodded. “I’m willing to give it all to find the truth. I’m not sure I want you to.”
He was right. This wasn’t picking up rocks in Quaker Creek and looking for water pennies. This was digging up what two potentially deadly forces—Big Pharma and The Mob—wanted kept buried. I forced myself to look directly into his eyes. “Search softly,” I said, “and poke with a big stick.”
Reviews:
“Don’t You Forget About Me…is a rollicking fun and exciting cozy murder mystery. I found it genuine and fascinating in every way: the characters, the setting, the plot, and the twists. The author’s strong and clever command of the written language makes this book an entertaining page-turner. Don’t You Forget About Me is well- plotted with never a dull moment. From a narrow escape from a window, to a gunfire-in-the-woods scene, this novel will have you reading with bated breath. Fans of Christian fiction will particularly enjoy the elements of faith that add to the richness of the story without hampering the plot. Fallen away from the Catholic faith of her childhood, Cate encounters not preaching, but simple, strong faith in action, even in the face of deadly adversity. I recommend this highly-enjoyable, cozy, clean, lively mystery to all readers!” Therese Heckenkamp, award-winning author, Frozen Footprints
“Mary Catherine Whelihan leaves her hometown– and the gruesome memory of discovering a dead body– to become a successful author. When she reluctantly shows up for her class reunion, she finds herself running for her life. Don’t You Forget About Me is a quirky, fun, mystery-romance that will tickle your funny bone while making your hair stand on end.” AnnMarie Creedon, author, Angela’s Song
“This captivating murder mystery made me laugh, cry, and crave Italian food; ‘80s pop tunes are still stuck in my head. If you like mysteries that offer a good mix of suspense and science, don’t miss this book.” Barb Szyszkiewicz, “Franciscan Mom” http://www.franciscanmom.com
“As a reader whose preferred genre is non-fiction, I hardly expected to find myself so completely engrossed in Don’t You Forget About Me. The book has all the elements of a good novel, with its principal charm resting in Erin McCole-Cupp’s affable and believable characters. I read Don’t You Forget About Me in a single sitting, and then put the book down with the wistful feeling of someone departing a gathering of friends.” Celeste Behe, writer
“It’s easy to identify and sympathize with protagonist Cate Whelihan as she returns to her hometown and faces not only the classmates who bullied her in school but also her junior high sweetheart and fellow nerd, Gene. But before the might-have-been couple has time to ponder the what-might-yet-be, scary things start to happen. Suspicious deaths. High incidence of cancer among Cate’s classmates. Living in denial by some. Fear of speaking out by others. Should Cate and her ex even bother trying to help the people who rejected them so many years ago? Readers will be chuckling one moment as Cate tries to wisecrack her way through social awkwardness, and biting nails the next as she faces threats, corrupt police, and the business end of a gun.” Daria Sockey, Author, ‘The Everyday Catholic’s Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours’
“I could not put the book down! What a fast-paced, intriguing, captivating story line – full of surprises! The characters are so very real … Do yourself a favor …. crack open your copy of Don’t You Forget About Me. You will be glad that you did.” Mike Seagriff, Author
Download Don’t You Forget About Me for FREE today through Thursday (June 10-12, 2014) at this link: Don’t You Forget About Me Kindle Edition
June 9, 2014
My Writing Process Blog Tour
Special thanks to Erin McCole Cupp for tagging me in “My Writing Process Blog Tour.”
1) What am I working on?
I just finished the edits for the next FQP novel, The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt, which is set to be released in the next few days on Kindle. The print edition will be coming a little later this month.
As well, I’m currently working on two separate novels of my own: Julia’s Gifts, a Christmas novella set to be published on Kindle 2015 and the third O’Donovan Family novel (as yet untitled) which is currently in the outline, characterization stage. I’m continuing the marketing/promotion stage of my fifth book, A Subtle Grace (O’Donovan Family).
2) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I actually write in a couple of different genres, but if I had to name one, I’d say “Religious Fiction.” How does it differ from others? It’s probably more Catholic than most in this genre.
3) Why do I write what I do?
I write religious fiction because I not only want to entertain readers, I want to give them a positive, life-affirming message. I like to call it Edutainment (although I didn’t actually come up with that word).
4) How does your writing process work?
Depending on what I’m working on…if it’s a new novel, I develop an outline and character studies first. This takes the longest, sometimes two years (given I am usually working on 10 projects at one time). Writing the actual story, for me, is the easiest part of the novel writing process. Editing and polishing are the hardest.
I’m “tagging” the following two writers who will be taking part in the Writing Process Blog Tour next week. Please visit them!
Ann Frailey:
A. K. Frailey is a wonderful writer and homeschooling mother of eight children. Here’s the bio from her website:
Ann has a B. S. in Elementary Education and has taught in Milwaukee, WI, Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA, Wood River, IL and for Peace Corps in the Philippines. She was married to John Frailey who was an educator for many years. John died from cancer complications December 2013. Ann has eight children and she home educates them while maintaining a mini-farm. Ann devotes her time to writing books that delve into the deep questions of life while entertaining the reader with reflections on the human condition. She is a grateful mother and enjoys spending her time with her children, extended family, and friends.
Imogen Elvis:
Imogen blogs at http://imogenelvis.blogspot.com.au/ and this is what she says about herself:
“I am a nineteen year old Australian writer. While currently unpublished, I am working on publishing a Young Adult Fantasy novel in the future. I study writing, and am in my second year of a degree in Professional Writing and Publishing, with the aim of working as an editor. As well as writing, I also enjoy blogging about reading, writing, and procrastination. You can find me at my blog Gossiping with Dragons. In my spare time I explore imaginary worlds, defeat dragons and eating chocolate while curling up with a good book.”
