Several years ago, I decided on premature retirement in order to pursue two interests:  writing a biography on Dorothy Day and helping to lead the charge against pet euthanasia in the metro Atlanta area, which was then averaging 85% in two of its three major counties.  (I am pleased to report that the rate is now 9% in these counties and still dropping.) Always fascinated by Dorothy Day, I decided it was time for another biography of her from a female and non-Catholic perspective. I have loved learning more about her and the social progressive movements of the twentieth century. 

In my courses in American history, I have always been interested in the progressive movements of the first third of the 20th century, both for their own sake and because they were often instigated, if not legislated, by women.  Many of these women figured both before and during the New Deal, but I kept hearing about another woman who, although agreeing with others regarding social justice, had an entirely different way of operating.  I then heard about her personal life and journey, and I was hooked on Dorothy Day.  During my research and writing, I was often bored with myself and with the process, but never with her.

At a certain point in the writing, it was clear that what I was writing was not making agents stand in line.  I contacted an old friend, John Loughery, who had much more experience than I had in writing a biography, for suggestions.  He came back with such good suggestions that I immediately asked him to co-author with me, and the rest is history.  The agent who had kindly agreed to see another draft, Rob McQuilkin of Massie and McQuilkin, signed us and put us in touch with Simon & Schuster.  The book is infinitely better, and I have learned so much!  While John and I have sometimes disagreed about small points, we have totally agreed that this should be a book about a woman, not a saint, regardless of what the Vatican ultimately decides. I hope others will agree.