I first noticed Emily Stimpson when she wrote an article for OSV about Catholic media. And then, lo and behold, I met her later that week at the Behold Conference!

The reality of Emily Stimpson is delightful, let me tell you.

Emily’s book, The Catholic Girl’s Survival Guide for the Single Years: The Nuts and Bolts of Staying Sane and Happy While Waiting for Mr. Right, is just as delightful as she is. (If you want a copy, you should get on over to CatholicMom.com, read my review, and enter to win.)

Emily recently humored me by answering five questions I sent her in 140-characters or less, styling it after a conversation on Twitter.

What inspired you to write your book?

Mommy blog envy. A desire to give single women what mommy blogs give married women: Church teaching and practical wisdom to help navigate the challenges we face.

What’s your greatest hope for people as they read your book?

That they’ll see they’re not alone, discover that joy and freedom come in becoming the women God calls them to be, and learn how to answer that call now, as single women.

What was the best part of writing this book?

Seeing how much the Church really does have to say to single women, even if she hasn’t collected it all in one encyclical. There’s lots of help for us. We just have to look.

What was the biggest challenge in writing this book?

Sharing enough about myself so women knew I could relate to them, but not so much that the book became about me. Plus, keeping it light and fun, not dull or despairing.

And, because I can always use a tip, what’s your favorite writing drink?

Nothing fancy. Coffee to start. A nice Bordeaux or Malbec at the end. And a Pumpkin Spice Latte or hot chocolate to cure writer’s block.

You can learn more about Emily at her website. She blogs at Catholic Vote and writes for OSV Newsweekly and Lay Witness magazine.