Circles in My Head

I saw this first at Amy Welborn's blog, which directed me here to the Inside Catholic book circle. It sounds like something worth checking out and following along.

So I ask myself the question:

What is Catholic Fiction?

Is it fiction about Catholics, Catholic themes, characters, etc.? I think that's someone else's answer but I will ponder it.

And do I write it?

I must admit that is one of my worries. I don't know why I worry if my stories are "too Catholic". Should it matter? Does it exclude readers by the nature of my themes, characters and plots? Am I limiting myself to a certain niche or genre? I must admit that all my stories have Catholic characters and themes, but until I started writing my second novel, I never thought I was writing Catholic Fiction. I barely just learned there was a whole genre of Christian Fiction, Catholic Fiction must be a niche within that genre.

Anyway, readers who read my first novel will see that my main character is a product of her Catholic background, but it's not a major theme of the story. She's not practicing, to the dismay of her parents. She baptizes and educates her child in the faith, but it's not strong within her. I don't quite no why. I also don't think she will ever have an epiphany and return to the church (in the story) maybe in later life. My stories never really end, they keep playing on in my head. She truly is the definition of a Cultural Catholic and a product of where she was raised. She's a Hispanic New Mexican-- where Catholicism and Catholic culture are intricately tied together.

In my second story, the circumstances are different. It is Catholic. It is about Catholics. It's actually been the story that has helped me journey back to the faith and has helped me figure out exactly what it means to me.

In looking at my novels so far, perhaps they are Catholic. I hope more so in an universal way, touching upon themes that are common to everyone, that the stories are realistic and my characters are truly fleshed out and human. I want to touch someone with my writing, be it Catholics and non-Catholics alike. I want to show people a world that rings true and opens their eyes to a world they might never see otherwise.

And maybe I'm not a writer who happens to be Catholic, but a Catholic writer. Of course, then the next question I might need to ask, do I write Hispanic fiction. Oy.

Breathe

I hate coming to an end of a book that I'm enjoying. It's silly to say but i get a little sad when I end a good book. Last night I finished "The Seven Storey Mountain" by Thomas Merton. I have lots to say about it and will later, but I was totally in love with this book. I know it's possible to fall in love with books.

Anyway, I logged onto my Google page and this was the quote in the tidbits module:

"Let there always be quiet, dark churches in which people can take refuge...Houses of God filled with his silent presence. There, even when they do not know how to pray, at least they can be still and breathe easily."
— Thomas Merton

The part about knowing how to pray really sums it up for me most times, but sitting in a quiet, dark church is one of the most calming, comforting things in the world. I have noticed in that kind of stillness and quiet, it is easy to breathe.

I thought the quote was rather timely since I just finished reading his autobiography and am anxious to delve into some of his other writings, but meanwhile, I have to find something else to read. I'm trying to stick with non-fiction, spiritual and books not in the genre that I write, which I haven't quite figured out, but contemporary literature/drama/light comedy/maybe angsty chick lit best sums it up.

Was Shakespeare Catholic?

I've been hearing rumors that he was. And then those rumors being refuted saying he wasn't. I hadn't really given much thought about it. I've read Shakespeare. I love his writing, but I haven't studied it since high school and college. Then, I wasn't really looking for a religous message, if there is one in his work, nor did I care then what religion he practiced. I still don't care because he left behind a whole body of truly amazing work and that's what I appreciate. Still, what faith influenced it, if any did. PBS' religion and ethics newsweekly talks about it. It's interesting to read. I don't think it really matters if he was Catholic or Protestant, but I suppose I can see how both religions would love to claim him.

Also on PBS tonight, Rev. Jeremiah Wright was on Bill Moyers. I didn't watch it all, as I was too tired but I'll watch again later. But what I saw was fascinating. He's an incredibly smart and articulate man. I'm reserving a right to voice my opinion later. One of my friends was really intrigued by it and wants to watch it again. I have it on the DVR and we'll watch it later and I might try to come up with some reasonably articulate thoughts about it.

I also am reading "The Seven Story Mountain" by Thomas Merton. I picked it up at the suggestion of a comment from one of the online communities I read and because of the section in "My Life with the Saints" by Father James Martin, which was one of my favorite reads last fall.

I need to do more reading and I want to avoid reading fiction in the genre in which I write, so I thought I'd read something a bit more spiritual. Right now, I'm really enjoying the book. I like his writing style and eagerly follow along on his journey to finding faith and spirituality.

And the Priest is on the Phone...

Title inspired by "Slide" by the Goo Goo Dolls. Lately, I'm listening to them and Lenny Kravitz. I also have a lovely CD my cousin brought me when she stayed here for Easter. It's Molly Johnson, who is the sister of Homicide actor, Clark Johnson. She has a lovely voice and I should probably listen to it more as I do like jazz. Inevitably, I listen to the GGDs a lot when I'm writing.

I heard a John Mayer song at a funeral last week and I don't know if it's a new song or an older one, but now I'm looking for it. I'm also listening to Corrine Bailey Rae. I was in a really bummed out mood last week-- I hate PMS-- but I heard one of her songs and it brightened my mood.

I had a nice weekend, which was good because I had some parent stuff that was really hard to deal with earlier in the week. I'm trying to stay patient. While it's hard for me, I'm sure it's even more difficult for my dad right now. I worry and I don't quite know how to handle aging parents. I'm trying to contain my composure, be helpful and learn how to keep my mouth shut. I really do need to learn patience. It's something I pray for all the time. Though, I'm still struggling with prayer. When I went to confession before Easter, it was the first time I've gone since I made my First Holy Communion, which was a long time ago, nonetheless, my penance while it sounded easy enough, it was difficult because I have a hard time praying.

I'm not sure if it's something that comes easy to some people, or if some people really struggle with it. I just don't have a clue. I'm still trying to work on it. I bought a Catholic Prayer Book today, along with a couple other novels that I DIDN'T NEED TO BUY. There was one that tempted me, I didn't remember the author's name, but didn't buy it. Updated: I ended up buying it later in the summer and well, it disappointed me. I talked a bit about it here.