The Book! (and a title to boot)

I realized, after looking through all my 2018 posts, that I never “officially” shared on the blog that I’m writing a book. #badblogger

So, yes, it’s actually happening. I could not be more thrilled or more terrified. At first it sounded so cool to share the deepest recesses of my heart and then I panicked. What if people hate it? What if *I* hate it? What if, what if, what if. I knew, deep down, that it’s what God wanted, so I did it anyway.

<<deep breaths>>

I have had an AMAZING team at Ave Maria Press, my publisher. Y’all, I know other authors gush about their publishers, but Ave is legit, legit. You’ll hear more about that whole back story soon. In the meantime, let’s get down to details, shall we?

When will it be published?
The publisher tells me early fall. The exact date hasn’t been established, but as soon as it is, you’ll be the first to know. Books take a long time to dream about, write, edit and publish – much longer than I ever imagined. We can’t all be Reece Witherspoon and knock them out in a few months. HA!

Is it written yet?
Yes! I’ve turned in the initial manuscript and received edits back from my editor. I sent those back to her in early January and next on the docket is copy edits. I’m grateful for the break!

When do pre-orders begin and where?
Those should begin soon-ish and when they do, again, you’ll be the first to know. I’m learning – as a new author – that pre-orders are important. #themoreyouknow They’ll be available via Amazon and Barnes & Noble. And, your Goodreads list will be important, too. I promise to let you know how you can help!

What’s been the coolest thing so far?
Well, there have been many, to be 100% truthful. So far, I think one of the neatest was as I was securing permission to use quotes in the book. One of my favorite musicians gave me permission to use his lyrics and then asked if I would send him a copy of the book. It totally took me by surprise.

Who did you write this book for?
Y-O-U. And the people you love. I grew up Protestant, so while I have a wonderful Catholic publisher making it happen, it isn’t just for Catholics (nor is it just for women). I have an eclectic group of friends and as I was writing I envisioned many of them sitting at my dining room table, listening. To be honest, I had some gracious friends who don’t affiliate with any particular religion or church read it and their feedback was invaluable. I tried, very hard, to make my book as welcoming as my real-life home is. That was very important to me.

What does the cover look like?
I don’t know, yet. But boy, y’all. I have been in contact with the Creative Director and to say I am tha-rilled with the concept direction is a massive understatement. My Texan graphic designer heart is doing cartwheels. I’m pretty sure we’re all going to love it.

Who’s writing the foreword?
That’s still under wraps, but let’s just say it’s the person I hoped and prayed for all along. I’m crazy excited and beyond honored this fabulous person said YES.

Is there a book tour in the works?
There ABSOLUTELY is. A few cities I’ve toyed around with in Texas include Austin (of course), Dallas, Houston, College Station, San Antonio and Amarillo. Outside Texas, I’m considering New Orleans, LA; Fairhope, AL; Athens, GA; Carmel, IN; Cincinatti, OH; Peoria, IL and Washington, D.C./Fairfax, VA. If you have a parish (or a suggestion) that wants me to head your way, leave it in the comments.

What is the title?
Y’all ready? Because I love it.

Live Big, Love Bigger
Getting Real with BBQ, Sweet Tea and a Whole Lotta Jesus

Okay, enough chit-chat for this Wednesday. I hope that answers some questions and gets you excited about what’s to come. It sure will be fun to see what God does with it. Thank YOU for being such a supportive and loyal group of readers. Y’all really are the best.

41 Comments

  1. Shelly on January 23, 2019 at 8:05 am

    Kansas City/Overland Park please!

  2. Sandy Kidwell on January 23, 2019 at 8:10 am

    I cannot wait to read your book!!! I have to say that I love your Instagram & love your blog so I know that I will love your book. My sister was the person who pointed you out to me & I am so glad she did. You really speak your heart & you wouldn’t believe how many times I can relate to what you’re saying. Keep doing what you do & being amazing!

    • Kathryn on January 23, 2019 at 8:29 am

      Thank you so much, Sandy! That’s incredibly kind.

  3. Lisa Robinson on January 23, 2019 at 8:19 am

    Congratulations! Very exciting times for you and your family. No book visits in South Carolina???

    • Kathryn on January 23, 2019 at 8:30 am

      Well there might be now!! We miss y’all so much.

  4. Karen Forte on January 23, 2019 at 8:22 am

    Ft. Myers, Florida please!!

  5. Gina Holtzbauer on January 23, 2019 at 8:29 am

    Ames, IA!

  6. Jenny on January 23, 2019 at 8:31 am

    I’m so excited! I’ve been waiting to hear this news 🙂 Congrats and can’t wait to preorder!

  7. Annamarie Jakos on January 23, 2019 at 8:32 am

    I LOVE the title. So perfect for you!!

  8. Rachael on January 23, 2019 at 8:35 am

    Yes!!! Please come to Carmel!!

  9. Jenny on January 23, 2019 at 8:36 am

    Come to Colorado Springs!!

  10. Laura on January 23, 2019 at 8:36 am

    Would love if you came to a suburbs north of Detroit!! Can’t wait to read it😉

  11. Madeline on January 23, 2019 at 8:45 am

    Peoria, IL!! Ahhh!! Over the moon excited to see that one, I was not expecting that! I just recently started following you on IG. As a young Catholic mom with very few friends in the same season of life, I’ve looked to you for everyday advice and inspiration! You are a phenomenal role model and I’m so excited about your book! St. Philomena Parish in Peoria would love to have you!

  12. Brenda on January 23, 2019 at 8:49 am

    Iowa City, Cedar Rapids…heck, anywhere in Iowa!

  13. Nicole on January 23, 2019 at 9:26 am

    Such an exciting time for you and your family! Congratulations on this adventure!

  14. Stacey on January 23, 2019 at 9:32 am

    Congratulations!! What an exciting time!!

  15. Allyson Martin on January 23, 2019 at 9:42 am

    Houston, Texas. Happy to help in any way I can.

  16. Stephanie Thornton on January 23, 2019 at 9:44 am

    Columbus, OH! I’m very much looking forward to your book. I started reading your blog when my now kindergartener was a nursing newborn. You writing voice is so authentic and I’ve always felt like we would be good friends if we knew each other!

  17. Rebecca Tovar on January 23, 2019 at 10:04 am

    Congratulations
    Love Tovar Family

  18. Holly on January 23, 2019 at 10:41 am

    Oh my goodness! We’re only about three hours from Bonnie in Peoria. Maybe you could swing through?!

  19. Crystal on January 23, 2019 at 10:46 am

    I’m so excited for you! And I can’t wait to read your book! I love watching and learning from you and as a fellow Catholic Texan it makes it all the more FUN!!!! 😃
    We would love to have you come to Lubbock, TX! But If you can’t, I’m totally going to Amarillo.

  20. Nancy on January 23, 2019 at 11:08 am

    I am surprised that it isn’t “Dr. Pepper” instead of “Sweet Tea” in the title. 😉 But congratulations on the book (you’ve got a great publisher), and we are excited to see you here in central IL!!!!

    • Kathryn on January 23, 2019 at 1:18 pm

      Copyright laws!

  21. Kati on January 23, 2019 at 11:26 am

    Denver! Denver! Denver! We will hook you up!

  22. Nikki on January 23, 2019 at 11:27 am

    Alexandria, VA or anywhere in NOVA!

  23. Beth Koons on January 23, 2019 at 12:50 pm

    Bethlehem, PA please!

  24. Nancy on January 23, 2019 at 1:13 pm

    You go girl. So happy for you!!💕

  25. Caitlin on January 23, 2019 at 2:32 pm

    St killians school/ parish – cranberry, PA – 25 min north of Pittsburgh! I love following you and am ready to preorder now haha!! I am thinking of sending my kids to catholic school, something I never would have dreamed of and your posts have been so amazing to read. I love organizing so we would be BFF is real life. 😀

  26. Rebecca on January 23, 2019 at 3:11 pm

    The Woodlands Texas!

  27. Carrie on January 23, 2019 at 3:36 pm

    I second Denver!!!

  28. Michele Faehnle on January 23, 2019 at 4:26 pm

    Congrats! After publishing 2 books with Ave Maria Press I can attest to their amazing staff and totally awesome cover design team! If you want a best seller – make it a group study with videos!!

  29. Ann Timmins on January 23, 2019 at 5:16 pm

    Des Moines , Iowa.

    Congrats! I can’t wait to add it into 2019 Christmas presents. Perfect timing!!!!

  30. Veronica Cogwin on January 23, 2019 at 5:37 pm

    Can I tell you how happy this blog post makes me???

  31. Rozella on January 23, 2019 at 7:28 pm

    The title is PERFECT! can’t wait to read it! I’m proud of upyou, Kathryn!

  32. Alby on January 23, 2019 at 8:29 pm

    Continue to be so amazed at your continued “over the top” accomplishments. And now added to your many achievements including a model family you have written your own book. So very proud of you and yours and the great faith you continue to inspire.

  33. Wendy Floriani on January 23, 2019 at 11:12 pm

    Come to Little Rock, Arkansas

  34. Ann Finch on January 25, 2019 at 5:06 pm

    Katherine, if you do get to Amarillo, I am definitely going to be there! This is so exciting!

  35. Lisa on January 28, 2019 at 6:55 am

    DENVER! Colorado is full of Texans waiting to meet you. 🙂

  36. Sarah Dyson on January 28, 2019 at 1:50 pm

    Come to Boise, ID!!!!!!!!

  37. Clare on April 9, 2019 at 5:28 pm

    ‘A Title to Boot’ seems funnier now that I have seen the cover…lol.

    • Kathryn on April 9, 2019 at 5:40 pm

      Foreshadowing 😉

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