Spread your wings and fly

I have searched my heart for the perfect time to launch With an Open Heart.

And then today at Mass, we heard that beautiful passage from James 1:27

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

A Sunday seems quite appropriate to share our news with you. And maybe I read into things a bit, but it's the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, and Daniel's birthday was 2/2.  And this passage from James? It is included in Pamela Cope's (Author of Jantsen's Gift and founder of Touch a Life Foundation) endorsement on the back cover of With an Open Heart.

I'd say today's a fine day to launch a book.

And so you, our bloggie friends, will receive our news first. Because you've followed all along, through thick and thin.  You've been through it alongside us.

So...here we go...

It is with much joy we announce--that after two years in the making--our book about our precious, departed son Daniel is finally LIVE and ready to go out into the world! 

As we sit here and digest this accomplishment--that Daniel's story will indeed be shared--today we humbly ask you, despite your busy daily lives, if you could possibly take time to recommend Daniel's story to those in your life who may need it. Perhaps to someone who struggles with the loss of a child or loved one. Perhaps to a friend who struggles to find their faith. Perhaps to a couple who might consider adopting a child who needs a home, making one less orphan in this world.

Our son's body died in 2010, but it is our strong belief that Daniel's true mission on earth is alive and just beginning. So now our real work begins. And we would be eternally gratefully for your help to make that a reality. If you happen to think of any ideas to help us share this story (book clubs, book stores, organizations?), we would truly appreciate them!

With an Open Heart is now available for purchase through Westbow Press, and the website link is: http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000540105/With-an-Open-Heart.aspx

Since this is a self-published title, it means that books are printed "on demand;" therefore, you may experience a delay with shipping. We apologize in advance for those of you hoping for instant gratification!

We invite you to share this link, and it is our hope that you do. It is our mission to keep Daniel alive by sharing his story in this world, and it is our intention to give back in his memory. We continue to pray for God's guidance to steer us in the right direction.
 
Forgive us for our blatant redundancy as you see this post on various social media networks. For we wouldn't want to leave anyone out. 

Again, we thank you for opening your hearts to this labor of love. It means so very much to us.

A Quote to remember

After Daniel passed away, my Mother (known to Madi and Charlie as "Bubba") made a beautiful photo collage as a tribute to her Grandson.

On this photo collage was a tiny, little quote (written by Abraham Lincoln) with a very large meaning.

It read, "And in the end, it's not the years in a life, it's the life in the years."

So true.

This Summer, before Bubba and Grandpa headed back to CA, they were kind enough to watch the kids for a night so that Jimmy and I could have a night to ourselves.

The two of us ventured about an hour north to Hutchinson Island. On the way over, we spotted a quaint little downtown area with some shops that were just...ahem...irresistible.

We aimed straight for the best looking gift shop on the block and oohed and aahed over all the cool stuff they displayed. It's been a while since I've been in a gift shop, especially sans two little children at my ankles.

After a while, Jimmy looked up and said, "Wow...those are cool."

I looked up and noticed what he had seen.  They were these giant tags with memorable sayings on them.

And what do you know. When my eyes met that sign, I knew it was mine.

The day that we returned home and looked for the right place to put our new piece of art, we noticed a sticker on the back from the designer.  It kinda took my breath away. 

Danielson Designs

No kidding.

This special quote now sits on the ledge in our living room amongst our collection of large, beautiful photos of Daniel. It's also mentioned in the book:)

Done. But just beginning really.

I faxed approval for the galley (inside) of the book this week.

I am so very relieved to have completed that phase.

And I can't believe this labor of love is already two years in the making.

Bittersweet.

I'm told that we should have an "author copy" in our hands within a couple of weeks to approve.

Now we work on perfecting the marketing materials with Westbow (business cards, postcards, and bookmarks).

I need to concentrate on other unfamiliar areas, too.  Like the Facebook page, creating the website, and setting up a purchasing system on that website. Doing so will allow us to maximize profits so that we can achieve one of our main goals of donating to adoption and orphan care charities in Daniel's name.

Then it's on to the most meaningful part of all.

Sharing Daniel's story. And honoring him.

Sharing God's grace. And glorifying Him.

almost there!

We are almost there.

Almost to the finish line.

So very, very close to sharing Daniel's story with you.

The cover was a bit of a hang-up for me. I never realized quite how extensive the self-publishing process is. Or how persnickety I am, for that matter.

Though the workmanship was high quality, Jimmy and I honestly felt like our cover designer did not quite "nail" the feeling (or the gist) of the book through the cover design.

Which led me into totally new territory...designing a book cover.

Three months later, I am pleased to report that the cover has been completed (thanks to the assistance of a few really good people), and I am now in final stages of editing our galley copy (a.k.a. the inside).

This means we could go to print in the next couple of months!  Hallelujah.

Do you Believe?

One of the items that I had to whip up for the Publisher was the back cover text for the book.  Sound simple?  Not for this writer.

I wanted to "open" with a couple of meaningful, thought provoking questions. The two questions that I had originally included seemed, in the words of a good friend, "almost void of God."

She was right. They were far too vague and new-age sounding. And that wasn't the way I wanted the gist of Daniel's story to appear. Because the Good Lord is one of the main characters, so to speak. But I struggled with this for weeks. The right questions just weren't popping into my head. I prayed about it. I discussed it with friends. I continued to come up empty.

During this frustrating process, a friend (and neighbor) of ours lost his father. It was (and is) a very sad time for a wonderful family in our community. Jimmy and I did not know Mr. Roegiers very well personally, but we always regarded him as a very kind and loving family man.

So, you ask, "How is this relevant??"

Well, the evening before the funeral, I sat with one of my besties, Sherril, and described the message that I was trying to properly convey. I explained my struggle for the perfect fit, and also my desire to complete this task at hand. We both felt like I was headed in the right direction but agreed that I should continue to pray and think on it.

The next day, at Mr. Roegiers funeral, the most amazing thing happened.

As Monsignor Tom walked over to the Roegiers family and bestowed his comforting words of wisdom and faith upon them, he eloquently spoke the exact same sentiments that I had been so desperately trying to put into words for the book!

The Holy Spirit gave me my questions.

Right there. In that church. At that funeral. Sherril and I looked at each other in awe and disbelief. Well, actually, in belief...belief in the Holy Spirit. We witnessed it together. And I walked away knowing exactly which two questions I needed to ask:

What happens when WE have one plan, and God has another?  
Do you still  BELIEVE?

Thank you, Mr. Roegiers. I will always remember your hand in this labor of love...

Will you please help?

And who better to help with this task than our family and friends.

Assignment:  please vote for your favorite keynote!  

What is it, you may ask? 

A "keynote" or "marketing headline" succinctly tell readers what a book is about and why they should buy it.

It feels really strange to create marketing materials for our story, but the bottom line is that our little angel can't touch people if we can't get them to read the book!  

And I know that it might be difficult to weigh in on these without actually reading the book yet, but we would love to know which one you prefer and why. And if you have a better idea to add, we welcome your thoughts and suggestions!

So...without further ado...the keynotes.  Which one would entice you to read the book?

A)  A powerful story of one family’s faith-filled journey with their adopted son, Daniel, in an inspirational walk of love and courage that will touch your heart.

B)  A true celebration of life as one family shares their inspirational and faith-filled journey of hope, love, and courage with their adopted son, Daniel.

We thank you for your time and your input:)  Oh...and if you wish to contact me privately, please email me: lisa.michelle.murphy@gmail.com

Done.

Well...

Kinda done.

I had to draw the line. Seriously.

I could edit forever. There's always another thought or a better way to say something. Jimmy believes I suffer from separation anxiety!

But I think I am finally at a point where I am ready to let it fly.

So, as of last night, the manuscript is in the good hands of Westbow Press.

Now I need to focus on the front and back cover material, which should be fun!