The Book is Finished!

Wow! So it has been quite some time since I wrote a blog post! I want to update those of you who graciously took the time to read my posts about The Sacred Feminine. During my writing process, I received quite a bit of feedback that this topic was of interest to men as well as women. It took me about six months to discern whether or not I needed to focus exclusively on women or expand my audience to men. I finally realized that as passionate as I am about women embracing their feminine identity in Christ, that I am even more passionate about the topic of intimacy. Throughout all my life, career, and writings, intimacy with God, others, and even creation has remained my anthem of song and praise to God.

As I was talking to my husband Keith about this change of focus, we began brainstorming about a new book title. He suggested Choosing Intimacy! I loved it. New name in tow, I added new chapters and began to pitch the book to a few publishers that specialized in helping new authors. I was delighted when Terry Whalin at Morgan James Faith Publishing came to me with a book offer. Morgan James has been such a delight to work with and has allowed me to be a part of each step in the publishing process. I will have a few hard copies in November and the book will be officially released in April of 2024. I was rather shocked to see the book on Amazon for pre-sales already! Apparently, you can also order at Barnes and Noble and your local Christian bookstore, should you have the inclination. I am told by my publishers that pre-sales help the bookstores determine which new releases they will purchase. Thank you in advance if you indeed pre-purchase a copy of the book.

I must say, I have been quite overwhelmed by how daunting this publishing world can be. The most difficult part has been and continues to be getting more acquainted with social media, now so much a part of the publishing and marketing world. That being said, I would like to introduce you to Choosing Intimacy: Exploring Christ's Model for Deeper Relationships! I rather feel like I have birthed a baby rather than written a book. It has felt very vulnerable and it has been a long, hard labor. Like in the case of giving birth to a child, you long to see the face of that new child you have been nurturing in your womb for so long.

The front and back covers are now finished and the interior was completed in September. I hope and pray that both women and men find freedom in Christ’s example of intimacy and mutuality which is the foundation of this book. My editors convinced me that I could not get away with simply talking about intimacy but would need to show and tell intimate stories to illustrate the theological topics so dear to my heart. I tried to find that balance between vulnerability without oversharing.

Some of you were my informal editors and have given me important insight, correction, and support every step of the way. I am so grateful to finally introduce this baby of mine. We will be having a "shower" at some point, otherwise known as a book launch. Whether you read the book and attend the launch or not, please know that your support for my journey has been vital. You will begin to see more activity on my social media platforms under choosingintimacy and on the website now under the domain name of cindijmartinlcsw.com.