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The home stretch.

Writing a book is hard.

It is stare at blank screens, regret EVER sleeping in, what I wouldn’t give for more days in a week hard.

It is also a gift.

It is an OH EM GEE, I can’t believe this is real, pinch me (not really) gift.

Since I started writing it, I’ve cut back on blogging. As my deadline draws near (and it’s far closer than I am ready for it to be), I’ll cut back more on blogging. While I mostly won’t write new content here again until the book is done, friends and fellow bloggers will step in to save the day. The series of guest posts — to appear Mondays, starting with yesterday’s, by Leah Darrow — will last until Christmas at least.

While I’m “away,” I’ll continue to tweet and share posts on Facebook. And while I write, I will be grateful if you’d support me. Here’s how:

1. Pray for me.

2. Ask St. Francis de Sales to pray for me (He is the patron saint of writers and journalists. We’re homies.).

3. Stay tuned to Twitter and Facebook for links to surveys I’ll use while I write. Take said surveys. Invite your friends to take said surveys, too (and not just your Christian ones!).

And now, I write.

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Click here to read more about my forthcoming book.

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THE BIGGEST ANNOUNCEMENT I HAVE EVER MADE.

Since Feb. 28, 2013 — the last day of Pope Benedict’s papacy — I’ve been harboring a secret.

A secret I’m ready to share.

I sat that morning at the kitchen table, typing grateful Tweets to the pope and waiting to receive news that would make or break my day (and potentially change my life). In Notre Dame, Indiana, 1100 miles north of my house, the people gathered who would determine which kind of news I’d get. They discussed, deliberated, and decided, all from a room at a publishing house called Ave Maria Press.

After the meeting, an editor delivered the news to me like this:

“So,” he said. “How would you like to write a book for us?”

I SAID YES.

I said yes because they (the fabulous people at Ave Maria Press) said yes, too. They had gathered that day to review a book proposal I had written, and to decide whether they’d like me to write the book. Indeed they would, and indeed I am (and it’s been a work in progress ever since).

The book — about love, chastity, and sex — is slated for a Fall 2014 release (and I will reveal the title and cover when they’re ready). In the meantime, two things:

1. Thank you for your readership. I am more grateful than I adequately can express that you read what I write, respond to what I write, and inspire what I write by sharing or challenging my sentiments. More to come!

2. Your support while I write (and eventually launch) the book is so appreciated. Here are four ways you can help, if you’d like: First, pray for me, and for the project. Writing a book is officially the greatest feat I ever have attempted (one at which I will succeed by the grace of God, with the help of a wonderful editor). Second, participate in an upcoming series of surveys I will share (which might result in your being quoted in the book!). Third, invite me to discuss love, chastity, and sex with young adults or parents at your church, school, or other organization. Fourth, share my work with your friends (and let them know I’d love to connect at arleenspenceley.com, on Twitter, on Facebook, and on Google+).

Hope you all are as pumped as I am. And now, I write.