Some great stories don’t see the light of day, and yes, bad advice is usually offered at bargain bin prices.
Anne Among Us, a story about a miscarriage from a Catholic dad’s perspective, is completely original and the most successful story l’ve ever shared.
That is saying something because as a writer I’ve been published many times in national magazines as a ghost-writer while employed at an international bank. I’ve done public relations work on a highly successful film, and I’ve also written ads for Aetna, The Hartford, Johnson and Johnson, Becton Dickinson, and others. I was nominated and was a runner-up for a catalog of the year honor in New York. I’ve written greeting cards, helping you wish those you love a “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year”!
The cold truth is the story of perhaps the most well-known miscarried child almost never saw the light of day. Initially it was thought only to be for my family and it was summarily parked away in the bottom drawer of my dresser for many years. It was only my son who kept the memory of her alive as he often mentioned her in prayer.
Moreover, when it was first out for bid it was rejected by two very prominent and famous “life” organizations. You’ve likely donated to them. And when it was finally self-published (much like an indie film) it was ignored by the three dioceses I’d been living in, and ignored by 90% of my extended family. Most of them were avowed Christians.
Two priests that headed up the diocesan life offices where I lived never asked me to speak or be interviewed. Neither did any family institutes or non profits. The diocesan rejection is particularly ironic given the fact that one of these priests was glowingly presented in the story itself, and called out favorably in later (“international”) television interviews.
It’s important for me to point out here that there was nothing presented in the account of the miscarriage that was contrary to the doctrine of the faith. Applicable citations and “official” catechism excerpts were properly appointed.
So, yes, Anne suffered “rejection” and loss of identity “even after a painful miscarriage”. That being said, how many preborns are so influential that they inspire a professional writer (yours truly) to pen their autobiography? Think about that one.
Lest you feel I might be bitter from the non-receptiveness, and the cacophony of rejections, far from it. I would have never entered the field if I feared rejection, or feared bad reviews for that matter, or neglect from those closest to me. As a writer I learned early that I’d better have thick skin because for even the most successful among us, hitting one home run in a hundred at-bats is a minor miracle.
Most writers like myself are never short of hearing from the “I could do better” types: “I know if I wrote a book it would be a success.” That same friend I speak of said to me she’d never do an e-book. I would only do a print book she lectured me. Not many would hear her story perhaps because 93% of the orders for Anne Among Us came from e-book.
I sadly note my own parish priest, in charge of my pastoral care, and tasked with helping me get to heaven, offered not a single word of input.
Still, my ego can take the hits! I do know a good story. I do know what I’m worth.
So, you’re wondering now, how did the story fare…?
Remarkably, actually! My television interviews aired in over 100 countries and were estimated to be seen by about four million people. Anne Among Us enjoys a four-star rating on Amazon. The first edition has risen in value. The book was gratefully helped along at the outset by the Knights of Columbus. Before nearly anyone heard about it, it was endorsed by Priests for Life and Silent No More.
Anne Among Us was released in the summer of 2014 and has steadily moved since. In more recent times, it’s seen orders in India and Brazil. I’ve also appeared on podcasts in the Middle East and the Philippines. The last television interview was in 2022 in my country of origin, Ireland. By the way, I was never asked to be interviewed about it by the local Catholic press there.
My greatest joy in presenting this real-life story is that it also helped other families in their grief. One Monsignor wrote me twice telling me he used it to help those in his parish who lost family members to gun violence. A horrific and unimaginable horror.
To the gatekeepers who tried to keep this story from being heard, may I say it seems Our Lord had other plans.
(The author wishes to acknowledge Mother Angelica. A saint in our times.)
Rob Guinan is the author of “Anne Among Us”; still the only book of a family miscarriage from a Dad’s perspective. He has been interviewed and seen in some 145 countries. As a ghost writer for a London-based bank his work has appeared in BARRON'S, Forbes, Fortune, others. He has also written ads for major corporations. Rob also enjoyed a small publicity role for the movie "Field of Dreams". Rob has written for local radio and been reviewed by a US editor: "(Rob) has a fresh, inventive style and approach." Over the years his work has been welcomed in the U.S., Canada, Africa, Australia, Germany, Japan, and now for the first time, Brazil and India.
