What Inspired Our New Release

When embarking on the magical course of publishing our first book with Sr. Editor, Nicola Martinez, we were presented with what we considered a small “catch”. She wanted to acquire our manuscript entitled Answering Her Call, but... Would we be willing to re-title the novella Jewel of the Adriatic, a more fitting title in Nicola’s opinion in the context of the book?

“Yes, yes, yes!”

A contract package was the thrilling result. And we truly liked the new title better than the original.

Completing a Manuscript Information Sheet, part of the paper flow process working with our publisher, we encountered the question, “Is this is a series?”

Something triggered the response, “Yes.” We filled in the blank and continued writing, “Jewel of the Adriatic, Rose of the Adriatic and Pearl of the Adriatic.” We hit send.

Nicola emailed us to acknowledge receipt and posed, “Did I miss something? This is a series?”

We could only answer, “Thanks to you, it is now.”

What a wonderful miracle of the imagination that a four-word title could spark a clear vision of some 50,000 words. Anna, the visionary, simply had to have her own story and Dr. Matt Robbins apparently became determined to travel to Valselo as Jewel of the Adriatic closed.

Rose of the Adriatic represented so many delightful opportunities for us as authors: we could revisit Valselo and spend time again at Katarina and Mikhail’s pansion, check in with Maya and Colin and acquaint ourselves with the mysterious Anna who bears the awesome responsibility of conveying messages she receives directly from the Mother of God. We also could throw the brilliant, troubled, doubting Matt into Anna’s world where all empirical testing of supernatural occurrences proves nothing. Faith can’t be detected under a microscope.

As with the prequel, historic and contemporary sites of Marian apparitions around the world deeply inspired our writing. In Rose of the Adriatic we explored the types of miracles associated with places on earth where Mary has appeared: healings, supernatural phenomena and most importantly, conversions.

Rose of the Adriatic releases from our beloved White Rose Publishing on Friday, July 31^st! We’re spinning in anticipation. This is our favorite K.M. Daughters book to date (our fifth published book), maybe because its theme centers on the healing power of love, or because the Virgin Mary’s documented messages are woven into our fiction. But surely because the tiny spark that was its genesis ignited when we began our relationship with an Editor to whom we’ll always be grateful. Nicola, we’re still batting around Pearl of the Adriatic. So far heaven hasn’t inspired anything more than a title.

How Our First Reader Graced Us

Our new cover from gifted cover artist, Nicola Martinez.

Isn't it stunning?

Last summer we anticipated the release of our first White Rose book - our first published book ever.  Imagine our excitement, joy and, yes, anxiety about the next step after publishing.  Will we reach Readers?  If they take the chance on unknown authors will they enjoy our voice, be touched by our faith inspired messages and happily travel our story's journey?

A few days after the magical release date of JEWEL OF THE ADRIATIC, my (Pat) husband, Nick, borrowed by car to drive to weekday Mass. [Important note: my license plate reads: KM DAUTR - the vanity plate a gift from Nick after we completed our first manuscript.]  After Mass a woman approached Nick and questioned him, reportedly incredulous, "Are you K.M. Daughters?"

Nick explained that his wife and sister-in-law (Kathie) write under the penname and the woman further inquired how she might purchase our new book.  Turns out the lady, Rosemary Kaenel, is a Wild Rose Press author (Last Rose of Summer, Rosette, It's Called Love) and her interest struck me as heaven sent.

Our book features Marian apparitions and the rose is associated with visions of the mother of God, her favorite flower - a pivotal reason why we submitted to The Wild ROSE Press after we completed the manuscript.  A woman named "Rose" "Mary" wanted to buy this book?  I couldn't deliver it to her fast enough.

An instant connection occurred with Rosemary.  She's a lovely person - interesting, interested, engaging, gracious, funny, quietly - deeply religious.  Amazing, she has sung the Lord's praises in our church choir for seventy years!  I produced the autographed book for her, our first sale, our first official Reader!  When she had finished reading it she took the time to send an email to tell us she loved it and why.  Such a precious gift.

But there's more!  A few months later I received another email from her advising me to call a local bookstore right away.  She had just visited the store and convinced the owner to host a signing for K.M. Daughters.  We made the arrangements and on a bitter cold January day (in the Chicago environs cold is bitter cold) we sold enough copies that the store wants us back to sign ROSE OF THE ADRIATIC! 

Rosemary attended the signing affording us the chance to hug her for her lovely good deed.  Our fellow White Roses are attuned to the angels among us.  How nice to have the chance to single one out and share her with you.

I did seize the opportunity to return the small favor of purchasing her Rosette and sent her an email to tell her why I loved it.  She told me she's eagerly awaiting the July 31, 2009 release of our sequel (ROSE OF THE ADRIATIC). We found a Reader, or should I say, she found us - and we gained a dear friend.

Visit us at:  http://www.kmdaughters.com