Writing, Faith, and the Fear of “Getting It Wrong"

Writing a book is rarely just about the words on the page, as any author will tell you. When you write about faith, history, and the lives of holy women, it feels less like a project and more like a stewardship. For months, I wrestled with a persistent, quiet question: Is this Catholic enough?

It wasn’t a fear of bad grammar or poor sales—it was deeper than that. I worried that my voice, however sincere, might misinterpret the holiness of the women I was writing about. I worried that I was projecting my own modern lens onto their extraordinary lives. As the first edition of Important Catholic Women of the 20th Century made its way into the world, that nagging doubt remained.

When I started receiving questions from readers about formal declarations like the Nihil Obstat, it became clear that this wasn't just a research problem; it was a desire for connection. My readers wanted to know that these stories were anchored in the heart of the Church, and truthfully, I needed that assurance just as much as they did.

Watch the video below to hear the story behind the foreword—including my decision to reach out, the nervous waiting period, and the deeply moving moment I finally read my Bishop's response.

Asking for a foreword wasn't a matter of seeking initial approval, after all the Bishop had already read the first edition and offered his encouragement. Rather, it was a realization that my own voice, however sincere, wasn't enough to fully anchor these stories. I wanted to build a bridge between my work and the institutional Church. When Bishop Taylor finally replied, his words did more than validate my research—they provided the authority and weight the project needed, affirming the "sanctifying grace" at work in these women’s lives. It was the confirmation I hadn’t realized I was searching for.

This journey has reminded me that our work is part of a larger conversation, and that faith is never a solo pursuit. We don't have to carry the burden of "getting it right" all by ourselves.

I am so proud to share that the Second Edition of Important Catholic Women of the 20th Century, complete with Bishop Taylor’s beautiful foreword, will be arriving this fall. It is a more refined, more confident version of these stories, and I cannot wait to share it with you.

Stay tuned for more updates on the official launch date. Thank you for walking this path with me.