From Belief to Unbelief: A Memoir Series
Chronicling the Journey Within
Hi there,
It’s been an exciting week for me. Last Wednesday, I finished writing my second memoir Saved by a Woman! I’ve also decided on a name for my memoir series: From Belief to Unbelief. That was the name of my finalist award-winning RTE documentary at the New York Festivals World’s Best Radio awards in 2013.
I wrote the first memoir, In My Gut I Don’t Believe, to show how I went from committed Catholic training to be a priest to trusting my doubt, trusting myself and leaving the seminary in 1989.
I am so proud of that book! But I realised upon finishing it that it didn’t complete the story of my transition from belief to unbelief. Sure, I had had my life-changing experience of breaking out of the loop in my brain by getting into my gut and realising that, deep down, I didn’t believe the whole God-thing.
I was flattered that others asked me for a second volume. That’s the book, Saved by a Woman, that I finished writing last Wednesday, 31 May 2023.
I’m delighted to say that you can now pre-order the Kindle edition of the new book by clicking on the following link:
Needless to say, it would encourage me if you pre-order it. So thank you for considering doing so. The publication date is 7 November 2023 so if you pre-order it, it will automatically appear in your Kindle app on that date. Hopefully, the hardback and paperback editions will also be published on that date. And, all going well, the audiobook too.
So, the writing is done. The name of my memoir series has been decided. And I have a publication date! Not bad for a week’s work.
I’ve been giving quite a bit of thought to the cover. There’s a lovely picture of Ruth and me which I’d like to use but I don’t own the copyright so I’ve contacted the copyright holders and I’m hoping that they’ll grant permission for it to be used on the cover. Here’s hoping!
I have also drafted the wording for the back cover. I’d welcome any feedback on it. Here’s my current draft. What do you think?
Draft blurb for back of book cover
Embark on Joe Armstrong's transformative journey in Saved by a Woman, the second volume of his memoir series, From Belief to Unbelief.
After taking leave of absence from his nine-year studies for the Catholic priesthood, Joe faces a decisive moment in his East End flat. Rejecting the priestly path, he is encouraged by a career analyst to pursue writing. However, enticed by money, security, and status, he remains in teaching.
Seeking a soulmate, through a chance encounter Joe meets Ruth. They fall in love and marry. With Ruth’s support, Joe takes a leap of faith in himself by resigning to become a writer.
Witness his gradual detachment from Catholicism, exploration of doubts, and quest for authenticity in this poignant and humorous memoir. Join Joe on his profound journey from Belief to Unbelief, as he confronts doubts, challenges religious constraints, overcomes procrastination and discovers his true self.
Fuller description
Here’s the fuller book description for libraries and retailers. Again, I’d welcome your feedback on this draft:
Embark on a captivating journey through the second volume of Joe Armstrong's memoir series, From Belief to Unbelief. In Saved by a Woman, Joe's transformative story continues as he explores the pivotal six years following his departure from his nine years studying for the Catholic priesthood. This deeply personal narrative reveals the next stage of his gradual transition from belief to unbelief, navigating the complexities of faith, love, and self-discovery.
After taking leave of absence from the Marist Fathers, Joe finds himself at a crossroads. Alone in his East End of London flat, he contemplates his future and makes a definitive decision not to return to his priestly path. Embracing the guidance of a career analyst, who affirms his potential as a writer and thinker, he embarks on a journey to leave teaching and pursue his true calling.
Amidst his vocational journey, Joe seeks love and discovers it in Ruth, the love of his life. Their marriage becomes a backdrop for Joe's career in teaching, which presents a challenge. Despite the allure of stability and societal expectations, he yearns to pursue his passion for writing. Juggling the demands of work and a three-hour daily commute, Joe records his thoughts in an audio diary, offering readers humorous and insightful moments.
Throughout his journey, Joe grapples with the constraints of religion, seeking authenticity and self-expression. As a teacher of religious education, he encourages his students to think independently, even if it challenges the status quo. Joe's honesty and willingness to express his views through writing become paramount, even at the risk of jeopardizing his teaching career.
Supported by Ruth, Joe takes a leap of faith and resigns from his teaching post, coinciding with the birth of their first child. As the memoir unfolds, readers witness Joe's gradual detachment from Catholicism, his exploration of doubts and beliefs, his increasing ability to overcome procrastination and his ongoing transformation from faith to unbelief.
In this poignant and often humorous memoir, Joe offers a candid and introspective examination of his quest for authenticity. With each page, he unearths the complexities of his own identity while shedding light on the experiences of those who have left religious paths. Joe's storytelling invites readers into a world of self-discovery, vulnerability, and the pursuit of personal happiness.
Join Joe Armstrong on his profound and introspective journey through From Belief to Unbelief as he confronts doubts, challenges religious constraints, and embraces the path towards authentic self-discovery.
So, friends, what do you think of the back-cover blurb and the book description for libraries? I’d welcome any suggestions.