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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Fit to Be Tied by Robin Lee Hatcher

I just finished reading "Fit to Be Tied" by Robin Lee Hatcher.  Zondervan sent me an advance reading copy so that I could read it and write a review on it. Even though I had not read Mrs. Hatcher's previous book in the Sisters of Bethlehem Springs Series and best seller, "A Vote of Confidence", I still found the Historical Fiction very enjoyable. The characters were believable and fun. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy a good romantic historical fiction.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Gypsy Phoenix, A Birthright of Hope by Kimberly Thompson

Gypsy Phoenix, A Birthright of Hope by Kimberly Thompson is a true story about an American girl caught between two families. From her earliest years of life Kim had questions about her birth and adoption. Although her adoptive parents never hid the fact that she was adopted, the specific details were never given to her. This is the story of one little girl growing up with mental and physical abuse and many questions. If it hadn't been for the love of her grandparents it is doubtful that she would have survived.




Her life as a young adult began on a downward spiral and it is remarkable that she emerged with a sane mind. After many years of searching she emerged with a love for God and finally the answers she looked for her entire life. It is a gripping story full of pain, loss, love, and hope.



Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey and Elk's Resolve

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Snowed In

Snowed In



This Week I didn't have an author interview. Next week we will pick up with Author, Jane Harber. You won't want to miss this interview.







Today I am snowed in. It is windy and snowy outside so I am very thankful for my wonderful warm home. I have company today. Well...maybe not company...but Terry didn't have to get out into the storm with his 18 wheeler and I am very thankful for that. It is quiet here. The fireplace is going. Thank you, Terry. and I have some hot spiced tea and my laptop. Terry is reading Popular Science. Life is good.







Yesterday I was scheduled to visit the third grade of Wright Elementary in my little town. I dreamed that I forgot to go and went straight to work. I was so happy to find that it was just a dream.







I tore into town running exactly on time. I didn't like that. I wanted to be early. I pulled into the parking lot and ran to the office to sign in. I was at the wrong campus. I was at Williams Elementary. (It was built after my boys were out of elementary school and I hadn't really paid attention to what they named it. It was on the same block at the Wright Elementary.) I ran to my car and realized that I would be about 5 or so minutes late. I really hate being late.
The children were lined up at the door to leave as I arrived. Ugh...but they cheered when they saw me. The teachers and principal were gracious and allowed me into the computer lab where I spoke to several classes every 20 or 30 minutes.
The third graders were wonderful. They were attentive and quiet. They were interested in the things I had to say. We went over the author's side of the publishing process. I showed them the book cover options the cover design team sent me for each book. They listened to several of the options for voices on the audio books as well as a radio announcer who voiced my book trailers. We decided that whether they were aspiring to become a singer, a professional voice person, radio announcer, or television personality, reading well was necessary.
Mrs. Tina Clyburn, Wright Elementary Principal and fellow PHS grad of '74, took me to lunch at the cafeteria where we enjoyed good conversation and shared time with the students. I have pictures on my website of the children and hope that you take time to look at them. They were so sweet. The adults purchased books and really gave me good words of encouragement. Thank you Wright Elementary, Mrs. Clyburn, Mrs. Donna Wright (the teacher who contacted me about coming) and all the students. You made my day.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Inspiration

500,000 new titles (books) are released each year. Many of them are wonderful books that are not discovered by a lot of people. Knowing this, I am determined to get the word out about, not only my books, but books by talented authors who may or may not have sold a lot of books for the sole reason that they get lost in the shuffle. Sometimes I run into a brick wall with ideas of how to get this done. It is a huge task.
I was feeling hopeful but not inspired when I picked up my Bible and began to read. The Scripture came alive to me and I believed that God would give me creative ideas. The book next to my chair was "Primal" by Mark Betterson. I opened it and it was on the chapter of ...creative ideas! He wrote about doing a catalog for people to choose which mission project they wanted to contribute to. The catalog produced over $50,000 in missions giving.
Catalog?...That sounds ...hard. I have done a brochure before. I know, I will do a brochure of 10 books. The first 8 authors to sign up for it would have a spot. I would take 2 spaces 1 for each of my books. From that came a blog to put the participating titles on. I am learning to go with the creativity. If I fail, I failed trying.
I thank God for His inspiration.
The new blog is:

http://titlesforsale.blogspot.com/

Please go and look it over...& PURCHASE SOME BOOKS.

This week I am interviewing author, Pam Bush.

1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?

Pamela Bush
Books - Out of the Whirlwind (Apr 2008 - Authorhouse) -
Out of the Snare (Feb. 2010 - Tate Publishing)

2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?

My husband accepted the Lord on Sept. 7, 1975 at the Pastor's home. About 3 hrs late, we knelt beside our bed and I, too, surrendered my life to Christ. From June 1980 - Oct. 2001 we were missionaries both foreign and in the States doing church planting. Jan. 1, 2002 we became fulltime Pastor & wife to a small country church in Michigan and are still here.

Also, I'm pulling together a mini writers conference with three other Tate authors. It is to be held on March 11th at The Shack in Jugville, Michigan. There is a limit of 75 attendees.

3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?

I've wanted to write since the age of 12, but never had the confidence. I started many things, but hadn't really finished anything. Now at the age of 55 yrs old, my message is - don't give up your dreams. I've now had two fiction novels published!

4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?

I'm told I have a way of presenting how people should respond to life's difficulties in a non-controversial way. There are always worldly ways to escape situations we fall into. I like to show that there are also spiritual avenues - that work better and long lasting.

5. Are you a reader?

I'm an avid reader! I'm also eclectic in my reading. If I like a book it goes into my extensive library; if not I either give it away or put it in the circular file. I like intrigue, mystery, feel good, self-help, westerns, auto and biographical, plus classics. I never read books with vulgarity or immoral explicit scenes.

6. What are you reading right now?
Crazy Love - Francis Chan
The Seven Pillars of Health - Don Colbert, MD
The Christmas List - Richard Paul Evans (better late than never :)

7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.

I'm working on as yet, an untitled third book in the Whirlwind Series. I'm writing the love story of the main characters in "Out of the Snare" (Detective Quaid Williams and Abigail Sydney Turner) and tossing in a kidnapping situation.

8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Discipline and procrastination! For the life of me I've not been able to incorporate a secure, designated writing time. I do it on the fly when the mood hits. I also carry around writing pads! :) When I hit mental blocks, I discuss the scene with my hubby, one of my married kids, or talk to the Lord Jesus. After all, He is the creator of all wisdom and knowledge!

9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Sydney Larsen’s secret has been discovered - she’s part of an embezzlement scheme in Louisville with accountant Vince Edgar and a third unnamed partner. Quaid Williams is the detective on the case who takes an unusual approach. He works to strike a deal with Sydney if she’ll give the names of her partners. She refuses to give names and is slapped with a payback amount of $100,000 and three months of house arrest. Hope Montgomery (from the first novel) offers to sell her beloved crystal at auction to help with the payback. When Vince goes missing, Sydney realizes she’s caught in the snare, and the third partner becomes someone to be feared. Quaid is willing to protect her, but she’ll have to rules and open herself up to the idea that someone cares about her, possibly even God. As the third partner closes in on Sydney’s hiding place, the race ensues to find the partner’s identity and get Sydney Out of the Snare before she’s trapped forever.”
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
pambush.blogspot.com
tompambush48@yahoo.com
Facebook

**The books can be purchased from my blogspot. "Whirlwind" is also available at amazon.com; barnesandnobles.com; and borders.com

As of right now, "Snare" is only available through my blogspot and can be pre-ordered through barnesandnobles.com

It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Into 2010

We have had a couple of weeks into 2010. What do you think of it? I remember my dear friend and youth leader, Barbara Waterbury, reading a poem about how God's mercies are new every morning. The poem was about a young child in a school room doing a writing assignment. The more she wrote the messier the page became. She tried to erase and mark through but the eraser produced holes and smudges. The assignment looked hopeless so she went to the teacher's desk with tears in her eyes. The teacher looked at the page and wadded it up and put it in the trash. The child hung her head down in despair until the teacher produced a crisp clean new sheet of paper and told her to try again.
It continued by saying that when we bring our broken lives to the Lord, He gives us a fresh start. The words of hope in that poem have helped me through some tough times. According to the Scriptures we can have forgiveness and mercy from our Father every morning. Praise God He loves us that much. We don't have to wait until the next new year.


This week I am interviewing an author who signed with another publisher. Meet Donald Vess.


(1.) What is your name and the title of your book(s)?

Donald D. Vess
1.) One Realm After Another-Oct. 1,2009 published (Xlibris Publishing)
2.)Reflections of UnSpoken Words-Author’s copy in my hands Jan.2010-release date July 2010 (Dorrance Publishing).
 
 
 
(2.) What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?

My writings are non-fiction. My story is one of many sorrows and tribulations. My evil desires began at the age of 5. My life was changed in one night and ever since then I have searched for comfort inside. It took 40 years to get where I’m at in life. Walking through almost every worldly addiction and desire possible. I am one of the few that has survived a guaranteed life of prison, drug/alcohol addiction or even death.
The night my life changed, I received many spankings because my Dad couldn’t see what I was seeing. It changed me inside as a 5 year old forever. I found within me, a voice of comfort and truth. I have walked with this truth for 40 years now and He (God), has now allowed a miracle in the making be known, seen and now I share a message of hope no matter what your religion or belief. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit to be blind to what the world offers now and to give away the hope, truth, love and understanding that He has filled me with. Life is a parable, the Word of God is a parable, a mystery that surrounds us in our selfishly lived realm. Unselfishness is how I got here, it took a lot of selfishness to get here. The one thing to know about me…I represent our Savior, with truth and it isn’t always accepted. Humbled I am for this moment to share with you.



(3.) When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?

In my elementary school years. My first poem was written to my parents at age 8 or 9 while at summer camp. I had the poem until 2003 when a fire destroyed our home.
 

(4.) What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?

My strength is found in my trust of the Holy Spirit. His voice I can hear as clearly as my Fiance’s when I do something wrong in the house. He is real, I have tested Him all of my life in many ways. As a rebellious child of both here and of God, I endured much discipline and was well deserving of it. I don’t know why I lived this way, deep inside I always wanted the better things in life. I’ve tasted the life of success and walked away from it many times to fill my evil desires. But through everything, I have always been personally counseled by the Holy Spirit. When I write, it comes with two voices, mine and the Holy Spirits.



(5.) Are you a reader?

I am a vivid reader of the Word of God and have been for the past 28 years . It is no longer just a Bible to me, it (He)is alive and dwells within my heart, soul, mind, spirit and every thought. Opening a Bible now is like continuous conversation outside of myself. I use to read a lot of other Author’s work but I am sorry to say, I read no more books.



(6.) What are you reading right now?

The Bible & whatever is posted on the face book walls by other Authors and the writings that I receive from Authors through email.



(7.) Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.

1.) Through Spiritual Eyes “Fall“- going to publisher in Jan. 2010 (Xlibris Publishing) with 3 follow up titles, “winter”, “spring” & “summer”, to be released in 2010 w/pictures.
This book and it’s follow ups will have on one page, a picture w/ one of my writings from my face book postings. Seasonal pictures w/ a short message of hope.
2.) When A blind Man See’s- it’s going to publisher in Jan./Feb. 2010 (Xlibris Publishing)
This book will be writings from my past. My writings have always been my own hope of a better day. Through the end of my addictions these writings of crying out for mercy and grace were written. It is also compiled with my writings as I walked into a new life without addictions. This that I have in my life now is very new to me, in it’s own way it’s like being 5 years old in a 45 year old body. Life is great but I feel it very important to release hundreds of my past writings just to stay in touch with those that need guidance through life’s trials and tribulations.
  3.) I also have a children’s book that has been written but needs animation. This book will walk 4-6 year olds through each of the 4 seasons with a squirrel as a narrator that the children will be able to name.
4.) I have been working on a auto biography for a year as well that begins when I was 5 years old and was mistakenly given a pain pill and hallucinated all night long, the night before my first day of kindergarten and will go to present date.
 
 
 

(8.) What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?

Hmmm…I never plan a writing. I could write what’s inside of me all day long. Sometimes the Holy Spirit just says to share this one or that one and I do. : ) I write what I have lived and about what I have gone through in life and that in itself I guess could be a stopping point. Sometimes when I go back in time I will say to the Lord, “hey, you wanna explain this one?” I feel it is very important for us to go back in time with the Holy Spirit. Many of our problems lie in the way we were raised and taught by the world. No one really explains the reasons why we go through ‘hell’ in life. There is reason and purpose though and I learn more each day as we all should. I have many point of views that I keep to myself because I know they’ll cause someone to walk away.It's important to me to touch everyones heart and that can be an obstacle in itself but the Holy Spirit gets me through it. Thank God… : )



9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)

Describing any one of my books is to describe one of them. There is the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of others hearts that I have prayed for. I wanted spiritual wisdom and knowledge because what I was seeing being taught by man, was self intended and misleading. I have sat back for years sharing the Word in the darkest allies, streets, bars, jails and prisons as one who lived in those places, places where most would never dare go. Now I am out of my self righteous prison pity party and I share what I have been taught by the Holy Spirit to help others get through a moment in time.
Making a difference through poetry…Almost three decades ago, poet-author Donald D. Vess struggled to climb out of a well, a bottomless hole where he continuously searched for the unseen and the true meaning of love. It was in this search that he found the inspiration to write, to converse with the Holy Spirit through the written word. One Realm After Another is a compilation of these conversations—a collection of inspirational poetry that recounts his walk with the Holy Spirit. “My intentions are not to gain for me but for the reader to gain anything or something from what I write. Then, turn a negative into something positive and then, make a difference in someone else’s life.”
Redefine your understanding of unselfishness and wisdom through this book today.
 
 
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog
here.
DonTam06@live.com

www.DonaldVess.com

One Realm After Another, Donald D. Vess, Book - Barnes & Noble

http://www.amazon.com/realm-after-another-donald-vess/dp/1441574611/ref=sr_1_?ie=utf8&qid=1257775959&sr=1-1


Donald Vess on Face Book


It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!

http://nansjourney.blogspot.com

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls

Half Broke Horses by Jennette Walls rings a little too true to life for me. I have known people like Lily, the main character of this book. The work was hard, the weather cruel, death was as natural as life, and hardships were meant to be endured. The elderly people I knew at my childhood were tough as nails. In fact, it was a sign of weakness to nurse many emotions at all. I remember a time in the 1970s (much later than this book is set) when an elderly man told his middle-aged son that he loved him for the first time. Most folk in those days, at least in the southwest, were like that for years. That generation knew that to keep the family fed the only option was hard work and grit. There wasn't much time for sentimentality. I really connected with Lily. To me this book was not only sobering about the hard times people endured but also incredibly funny. I found hiliarity in very obscene times. The thought of hauling school children in an old hearse with the words "school bus" & "taxi" on it sent me over the edge. I did find that Lily's personality became stronger and more interesting as the years passed by. Many people do that as they age. I can see where other people in the book were not a little afraid of her. As a gushing emotional woman I wouldn't make the list of practical people for Lily, but I appreciate the person she was and the people she represents played their part in making this country great. This book will marinaide in my mind for years. It is definately unforgetable. Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey & Elk's Resolve

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Every Day Heros

Not long ago I went into my bank to deposit some checks. I saw a display on a board that was prominetly displayed in the lobby. It was across the room from where I was standing but the picture that was next to the write up was familiar. Upon closer examination I found that the beautiful woman pictured was my sweet niece. "Home Town Hero" I whispered. I read the things it said about her. She had helped raise her 4 brothers after their mother, my sister, passed away at a young age. Tina was 14 and a very responsible young girl. She also married young, finished high school, and started her own business. She ownes "The Added Touch of Hair Design". On the paper it was stated that the people who come to her salon leave, not only looking better, but feeling better for having had contact with her. She allows absolutely no gossip in her shop and has been known to pray for her clients and lift them up. Now she is the legal guardian of her neighbor who suffered a stroke some years ago. She sees to her care and coordinates her caregivers and business. Tina is a hero.

I happened to have a camera in my purse so I took the picture and did my deposit. When I got in the car it hit me and I sat there and cried. Her mama would have been so proud of her.

Upon reflecting on this I have thought about my various other nieces and nephews. There are 20 nieces and nephews and 20+ great-nieces and nephews. Among their number are many "heros". Some are teachers, preachers, doctors, therapists, plumbers, contractors, consultants, stay-at-home moms, and every other profession. They are the "salt of the earth" type people. Most of them would do whatever it takes to help their family or friends. I love them all so much.

This week I am interviewing a young man who is a hero in his own right. Please take the time to read his story.

1. What is your name and what is the title of your book(s)?
My name is Steve Newman and the title of my first book is “The Night Eagles Soared” and the second book, which I am currently working on is titled, “Burnt Yellow and Red.”


2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Well, I am a real person, a real person with an extraordinary past. I spent twenty one years as a member of the Green Berets and that had a profound impact upon my entire life. By the grace of God, I came home in one peace time after time and I hope that folks can enjoy my book and perhaps take away a bit of pride in their military.


3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
While I was in the Army, guys would always say stuff like, “Can you believe that we are getting paid to do the kind of things they write books about!” It was true, but I didn’t decide to actually become a writer until February of 2008. That is when my wife told me she wanted me to quit my full time job and start writing that book I always talked about. She made it possible for me to take the time off and complete my first book, “The Night Eagles Soared.” Even then, I didn’t really think of myself as a writer, but every time I crossed a threshold, every small success that took place, every time I finished a chapter, I slowly realized that I was becoming a writer. I didn’t really set out to become a writer. I still saw myself as a soldier who just wanted to write a book about an idea I had. My sweet wife started to introduce me as “Her husband the writer” and I would blush and kick the floor or some dirt around depending on where we were. It wasn’t until after I received word from Tate Publishing that I was one of the select few to be selected for publication that it started to sink in, I had become a writer. That is when I started my next project and the rest is history. Perhaps one day I will be famous. I must add that my mother was an English Teacher and unpublished Author and it was her love of language and desire to write that inspired me.


4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My wife says it’s my style of writing, but I am not exactly sure what that style is. I used mostly first person narrative in “The Night Eagles Soared” and I am using third person limited narrative in “Burnt Yellow and Red.” I just tell the story as it comes to me.
When I was younger, back in 79, I took an English composition course at the University of Oklahoma. In a classroom with over two hundred students, in a class room that looked more like a movie theater than anything else. The professor gave us an assignment to write a story about a person, place and occupation. I went home that afternoon and pumped the story out in about two or three hours, sharpening my pencil several times, filling the blue booklet, I finished the story using all the pages and both sides of the back cover.
Two weeks after I turned in my work, I went to class and it was standing room only. Everybody must have shown up to get their grade for that paper. The professor walked in and we all took our seats, some on the steps that went down through the middle of the classroom down to the professor’s podium. It was soon very quiet as he walked in with an assistant who was carrying all the booklets under his chin. The professor took his place behind the podium, reached into his briefcase and pulled out one of the booklets and said; “I thought I would give this student an F. The grammar in this paper is terrible; but I would like to read it to you all and see what kind of reaction it gets from a live audience.”
Horrified, I sat there with my mouth open as he began to read my paper. I don’t want to retell the entire story that I had written but as the professor got to the love scene, the girl sitting next to me elbowed my shoulder. Holding her hand over her mouth she said, “Can you believe somebody would write that in a class like this.” The entire classroom was gasping, then laughing, and clapping at the end. When it all settled down, the professor said, “well I guess I can’t give this person an F, it appears that he is a natural born story teller.’
Then he announced my name and asked me to come down to the front. I walked down the steps, and as I did the entire classroom broke into applause. When I reached the podium the professor handed me the paper, on the front cover he had written a large F with a circle around it. He had crossed it off with a red marker and then he had written C-, that as my grade. As he handed me the paper, he said, “Your grammar stinks, do better next time!”
I guess my strong point is that I love to tell a story, that is how I relate to the world, and believe it or not, that is how I met my wife! I haven’t stopped telling her stories; well, I guess I should say I haven’t stopped talking since the day we met!


5. Are you a reader?
I wouldn’t say that I am an avid reader, but I do enjoy reading non-fiction and of course I love reading Historical Military Fiction like my book, “The Night Eagles Soared.”


6. What are you reading right now?
Joel Osteen’s “Your Best Life Now, 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential.” Joel’s book is a refreshing look at how God has equipped us to face life’s challenges through faith. He does an excellent job of detailing the importance of how our words, thoughts, and deeds shape our vision of the world, and our place within it. He presents an extraordinarily uplifting and positive message, something we could all use. I tell everyone that Joel’s book has helped me to stay focused on the future and the possibilities of a positive life lived in faith. I think many people could benefit from a message like that.


7. Do you have another book that you are working on and haven’t submitted for publication?
Yes I do! It is titled “Burnt Yellow and Red,” and it is about a young boy named Kyle. Kyle has a tendency to count things, and to keep the numbers going in his head, that takes up a lot of time and energy. It keeps him from focusing on other things that most children love. He is special but he doesn’t know why. Folks say that about him and rub his head in amazement; his hair, as white as snow.

“Burnt Yellow and Red” is set in the late 1960’s at a small rural school in South Western Oklahoma and follows Kyle as he comes out of his shell and learns how to relate to the world and others in a normal manner. He starts his journey as the family leaves California during what I call the reverse dust bowl era when his family moved from the desert in South Eastern California back to Oklahoma.


I haven’t quite figured out where the story will end, but I am having a blast developing the characters and following the journey as it unfolds. Kyle is a very special Kid; perhaps he is just a little too smart for his own good.

8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Just getting started each day, it is very difficult to turn creativity on and just as hard to turn it off. I try not to read back through what I have written before starting again the next day. I’ll read the last paragraph and take it from there. Then, if I can just get the first sentence of the next paragraph started, I’ll usually knock out an entire page without stopping.


I’ve learned to also set short term goals, with one overall long term goal, finish the book. It has been my experience that writing more than two or three pages a day is very, very difficult. I feel satisfied if I can complete one page each day, although there was a three week period while I was trying to finish “The Night Eagles Soared” that I couldn’t stop writing and I knocked out four chapters, over 120 pages in that short period of time. It took me six months to write the first six chapters.


The other thing I will do when I am finished for the day is to quickly go back through the entire chapter, editing for spelling and obvious grammar mistakes. When I finish a chapter I will read it out load to my wife. She says she enjoys hearing me read but I think she just puts up with it to make me happy. Either way, it helps me to read out loud to an audience. It helps me hear the flow or rhythm of the sentences and gauge reaction to the scenes.


I just read this to my wife and she said, “I really like to hear your stories dear,” and then she winked.


9. Please put a description of each of your books here.


“The Night Eagles Soared” is set immediately after the attacks on 9-11 as a Special Forces team departs from its base of operations in flight towards Afghanistan. They are the initial infiltration of American troops into that country as the hunt for Osama Bin Laden and the effort to take down the Taliban are set into motion.


Throughout the flight, the Team Sergeant; Mike, examines his life as a member of the Green Berets and the experiences that placed him into the position of being the first Senior Non-Commissioned Officer to lead his team into combat via a High Altitude Low Opening parachute Operation (HALO) since the Vietnam War.


“The Night Eagles Soared” tells the story of one man’s effort to succeed and survive as a Special Forces soldier throughout many operations over twenty years leading up to the liberation of Afghanistan from its oppressors.


About the Author:

In my first work of fiction “The Night Eagles Soared” I drew upon my own experiences having served for over two decades with the United States Army Special Forces. Over the years, I oversaw and participated in numerous military operations to include operations as part of the Global War on Terror. I hold a Bachelor in Science, Business Administration from Columbia College, Columbia Mo., and I continue to work towards a Masters Degree in Asymmetric Warfare. I live in South Florida with my wife Brig and I am writing everyday about the world in which we all must live.


The description of my second book Burnt Yellow and Red” is written above in line 7.


10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
“The Night Eagles Soared” will be released sometime in the summer of 2010 and I will start taking advance orders for signed pre-release copies in January for delivery sometime prior to the release date. We still haven’t set up a formal process as of yet to take the orders so just send me an email at: sbnou@live.com


It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!

http://nansjourney.blogspot.com

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Hannah's Journey by June Venable

In November 2009 my husband and I were in Austin, Texas for a book fair. Across the isle from our table was an author whose book was titled "Hannah's Journey". I spoke with June Venable, the author, and we traded books. It was an honor to meet Mrs. Venable.

"Hannah's Journey" is a historical fiction for young adults. It follows a young girl who was one of the more than 200,000 orphaned or abandoned children who rode the Orphan trains from the mid-1800's until 1930. They were placed with families along various routes. Hannah was placed with a family in Texas. The character of Hannah is fictional but she is a compilation of a number of the children in this situation.

June Venable's "Hannah's Journey" is well-written and engaging from cover to cover. Her writing pulls the reader into the lives of the characters. I am thrilled that she is working on another book.
Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey & Elk's Resolve

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Second Chance-A Summers Saga Novel by Karina Harris

Second Chance by Karina Harris is a Christian Suspense Fiction published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises. It can be purchases online at Barnes and Nobel, Amazon, and Borders or any site that sells books.

The premise of ordinary people becoming operatives in the FBI and its connections in Portugal and other far away places is intriguing. For five years the children of the couple mourned the death of their parents. They grew up and started lives of their own. Everything changed when Special Agent Ian Martin recognized the couple in a surveillance video while working on another case.

The story is suspenseful, exciting, and romantic. Karina Harris' imagination and skill as a writer is very enjoyable. I look forward to more books from this writer.
Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey & Elk's Resolve












Today's Wild Card author is:





and the book:



100 Ways to Simplify Your Life

Publisher: FaithWords; Lrg edition (November 12, 2008)



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:




JOYCE MEYER is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, she has written more than seventy inspirational books, including The Confident Woman, Look Great, Feel Great, and the entire Battlefield of the Mindfamily of books. She has also released thousands of audio teachings as well as a complete video library. Joyce's Enjoying Everyday Life® radio and television programs are broadcast around the world, and she travels extensively conducting conferences. Joyce and her husband, Dave, are the parents of four grown children and make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.



Visit the author's website.



Product Details:



List Price: $16.99

Paperback: 240 pages

Publisher: FaithWords; Lrg edition (November 12, 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0446509396

ISBN-13: 978-0446509398



AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:





Introduction



Everyone has them: those days where nothing seems to get done, except maybe what you’ve added to your already lengthy to-do list. Are you tired most of the time? Are you spent? Do you find yourself wish- ing for a better day—a simpler day? Too many things compete for your limited resources of attention, energy, and time. You may be suffocat- ing and not even know it. If you feel like this, you’re not alone.



Most people today live complicated lives that leave them frustrated and confused, weary and worn out. But I have good news: your life does not have to be that way. You can choose a life of simplicity, fruitfulness, fulfillment, peace, and joy. I want to warn you, however, unless you are determined not to, you will do what everyone else does. You will get sucked up in the system and spend your life wishing things were different, never realizing you are, in fact, the only one who can change things. Unless we are resolute and remain undaunted in our quest for simplicity, we are destined for complication and frustration.



I recall a time when I was complaining to God about my schedule being absolutely insane. How could anyone be expected to do all I had in front of me? Then the realization hit me that I was the one who made my schedule and nobody could change it but me. You can spend your lives wishing things were different, but wishing won’t change anything. Smart decision making and decisive action is what changes things. If you picked up this book looking for change, are you willing to make a decision and follow it up with action?



I wasted many years hoping life would change and things would calm down until I finally realized life itself doesn’t change; in fact, it has the potential to get worse. I understood my only real option was to change my approach to life. I had to say no to another day of rushing around and feeling frustrated. I didn’t want the doctor giving me another pre- scription to mask another symptom of the real problem—stress.



In my search for simplicity, I have come to believe life can never be simple unless I learn to approach all things simply. It is my attitude toward each event in life that determines how easy or complex each situation will be. Perhaps life is complicated because people are compli- cated. Is it possible that life is not complicated, but rather, individuals complicate life in the way they approach it?



I discovered it wasn’t really life or circumstances or other people as much as it was me that needed to change. My problem wasn’t the problem—I was the problem! When you spend your life in frustration trying to change the world and everyone in it, you fail to realize it could be you just need to change your approach to life. It can be very easy for someone to live an entire lifetime and never entertain the notion that the way they do things is the real problem.



Have you ever attempted to have friends over for what you initially intended to be a simple afternoon of food, fellowship, and fun, but somehow, it turned into a complicated nightmare? I remember those days vividly. I’d be at church on Sunday and, without much forethought, invite three couples over for the following Sunday to a barbecue. My initial thought was hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, baked beans, potato chips, and iced tea. My motive was fellowship and fun, but by the time the guests arrived, I didn’t even want them there. Fun was not going to happen, at least not for me. Why? I turned my simple get- together into a nightmare of preparation, expensive food, and fourteen people instead of the original six. My complicated approach to life and my complicated thought process convinced me hot dogs and hamburg- ers weren’t nice enough so I bought steaks we could not afford. My potato chips turned into a huge bowl of homemade potato salad. The simple baked beans became four side dishes I labored over.



Insecure and wanting to impress everyone, I had to spend the week cleaning and getting everything in the house to the point where I thought it would be impressive. Of course, the lawn chairs were old, so I bought new ones. I got angry at Dave because I thought he wasn’t help- ing me enough, and by the time our friends arrived, I resented them, wished they hadn’t come, and had a miserable day of pretending to be the happy hostess when in reality I was frustrated and miserable.



I could not figure out why I wasn’t able to enjoy much of anything in life until God revealed to me I was killing my joy with complication. For years, I prayed God would change the people and circumstances around me when, in reality, He wanted to change me and my approach to life. He wanted me to simplify so, ultimately, He could be glorified.



Let me share with you 100 ways to approach living that can simplify your life and, in turn, release and increase your joy. I believe they will dramatically improve the quality of your everyday experience if you incorporate them into the way you do things. Jesus said He came so we might have and enjoy our life in abundance (see John 10:10). His prin- ciples are simple. Faith is simple! Trusting God is simple! A childlike approach to Him is simple! The plan of salvation is simple!



Jesus offers us a “new way of living,” and I believe it is a simple, yet powerful way that enables us to enjoy everyday life. Are you ready to simplify your life? Are you ready to say good-bye to the complexities you’ve allowed to take over? Let’s get started.





Do One Thing at a Time



The feeling of being hurried is not usually the result of living a full life and having no time. It is, on the contrary, born of a vague fear that we are wasting our life. When we do not do the one thing we ought to do, we have no time for anything elseówe are the busiest people in the world.



ÓERIC HOFFER






Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].



—Hebrews 12:2




When we do things without truly focusing our minds on them, we immediately decrease our strength to do the work before us and do it well. By putting our hands to one thing and our mind to another, we divide the muscle behind our abilities and we make the task much more difficult. It’s like removing an egg yolk from the egg white—both can be used separately but the result isn’t as effective (or tasty) as it would be if we leave the egg whole. However, by directing all of our faculties to the one thing we are doing on a particular day, at that hour, at that moment, we find it much easier to do. The ability to concentrate and stay focused can only come from discipline.



The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6 to be anxious for nothing. Anxious people are always trying to live ahead of where they currently are. They spend today trying to figure out tomorrow and the result is the loss of simplicity. God expects us to trust Him with tomorrow just as He instructed the Israelites to do when they crossed the barren wil- derness, pressing toward the Promised Land.



Practice living one day at a time; give yourself—your thoughts, your conversation, your energies, every part of you—to the day at hand.





100 Ways to Simplify Your Life



1. Develop an ability to give yourself to what you are doing. You will sense an awareness enabling you to enjoy the current activity, instead of going through each day in a blur of activity and confusing thoughts which leave you drained and exhausted.



Do you fear you will not accomplish as much if you try to live this way? It’s true you may not do as much, but you will also enjoy what you do a whole lot more. One key to simplicity is realizing that quality is far superior to quantity.



The Blog Tour for "Nan's Journey" Begins July 23



It is time to play a Wild Card! Every now and then, a book that I have chosen to read is going to pop up as a FIRST Wild Card Tour. Get dealt into the game! (Just click the button!) Wild Card Tours feature an author and his/her book's FIRST chapter!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!





Today's Wild Card author is:


and his/her book:


Nan's Journey

Tate Publishing & Enterprises (January 2, 2008)


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Littau is a life-long resident of Perryton, TX. She met husband, Terry at the Apostolic Faith Bible College in Baxter Springs, Kansas in 1974. They married March 1, 1975 and reside on a small acreage near Perryton where they enjoy spending time with their family and friends. They raised three sons and now have three daughters-in-law and four grandchildren added to their family. They also enjoy visiting with their extended family located in Perryton, Clear Lake, Laverne, and Amarillo.

Author Elaine Littau is a busy woman who by profession is the church secretary for Harvest Time First Assembly of God Church in Perryton. Among other things she has led women’s groups and taught preschool, and was a mentor for the M.O.P.S. (Mothers of Preschoolers) group in her community. She has been active in Toastmasters and enjoys painting, crafts, and playing piano and organ. She was recently appointed to the Campus Education Improvement Committee for Wright Elementary in Perryton. She belongs to Christian Storytellers and Faith Writers writing groups.

“Nan’s Journey” was written over the course of several years. “A salvation message is at the core of the book.” Littau says. “If it weren’t for the Lord, I wouldn’t have been able to do this. I truly enjoy meeting new people.”

Littau is currently working on two other books that are continuations of “Nan’s Journey.” Book signings and speaking engagements are currently set up for venues in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Oregon.


Visit the author's website.

Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Paperback: 188 pages
Publisher: Tate Publishing & Enterprises (January 2, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602478325
ISBN-13: 978-1602478329

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:


Chapter One

It was late. The moon had risen and the night symphony was in full force. Crickets chirped at their rivals, the frogs, and dominated the night chorus. Only one sound in the forest was foreign—a whimper from under the ferns. At the base of the largest pine in the woods was a small form crying, moaning, and whimpering. Black hair, matted and dirty, hung in long ropes down the front of the tiny girl. She had been in this spot for hours. At least that is what it felt like to her. Stretching, she cried out in pain. The blood-covered welts burst open to bleed again. Her back was wet with blood, and her dress was torn and useless.

Why had she dared to speak to the woman that she was obliged to call mother in that way? She knew that talking was not allowed from children before chores were finished. The accusations being made by “Ma” were totally false and she could not let Elmer take the blame for something she herself had forgotten to do. She shut her eyes tight against the memory, but it intruded anyway.


She had just gotten up to take the water off the stove to make up dishwater for the supper dishes. Ma had stepped outside the room to turn down her bed and prepare for sleep. When she reappeared in the kitchen, she realized that the wood supply next to the stove was low. Elmer was standing next to the table gathering the plates for washing. “Elmer, where is the wood you were supposed to bring up to the house?” Before he could answer, a hand had slapped him across his face. Getting back onto his feet and standing as tall as a five year old can stand, he looked her in the eye and said, “Ma, I was sick today, ‘member?”

“So, Elmer, you’re going to play up that headache trick again. Nan, didn’t your good for nothing Mama teach you people how to work, or are you just lazy?”

“Our Mama was good! Don’t you say mean things about her!” Nan yelled as her heart raced at the assault against her real Mama’s character.

“What about it, Elmer, are you like your weakling Mama or what?” Elmer’s eyes became very large and filled with tears. He could barely remember his real Mama, but when he did, he remembered soft kisses and sweet singing and a beautiful face. “I’m sorry; I’ll get the wood now.”

“No, Elmer, don’t. I promised you I’d do it today when your head was hurting, but I forgot. I’ll get it after I do these dishes.”

“Listen here, Nan, I’m the boss around here and Elmer will do what I say, when I say, and you will respect me.”

Nan’s eyes widened.

“Don’t look at me like that, little girl.”

Nan held her breath.

“Well, I guess you will be making a trip to the wood shed…with me!” Ma had grabbed her by the arm and jerked her along behind the shed. The strap was hanging there, waiting. Whippings were becoming more and more frequent. After Ma’s husband left, they had taken on a more cruel form. The last whipping was more like a beating. It took days for the marks to scab over and heal. Little Elmer had come in that night and brought some horse medicine from the barn and applied it to the oozing marks.

The next afternoon when the schoolteacher came over, Ma had already formulated a story. “Mrs. Dewey, we missed Nan and Elmer today at school. Are they sick?” Ma lied the first time in her life and said, “Well Miss Sergeant, since Mr. Dewey is going to be gone for another four weeks, I need more help around here to get things done. I’m holding the kids out until he gets back.” Week after week went by, and Mr. Dewey still hadn’t come home. Everyday Ma grew more and more angry. It became more and more impossible to please her. When she began hitting Elmer, it was too much. Nan had to do something— right or wrong; things couldn’t stay the way they were.

The coolness of the earth had settled into Nan’s bones. She stood silently for a minute and carefully crept up to the farmhouse. As she opened the door, she saw that Elmer was in the pallet at the foot of the stove next to her bedroll. Ma was asleep in her room. The door held open with a rock. Slowly she began peeling off the dress and the dried blood stuck to it. She reached for the old shirt she normally wore over her wounds and under her dress. She had washed it today. It had bloodstains on it, but it would keep her from ruining another dress. She retrieved the old work dress that she wore when chores were messier than usual; it was the only one left. She put it on swiftly and shook Elmer awake with her hand over his mouth. “Baby, we must leave. Do you understand? Stay quiet and I will get some stuff to take with us.”


She found large old handkerchief and began looking for food supplies. There was one sourdough biscuit and about a cup of cold brown beans. She located her tin cup and another rag. She would probably need that. Three matches were in the cup on the stove. She would just take two. Suddenly she heard a sound from Ma’s room. A scampering sound… just a rat. Ma turned over. Her breathing became deep and regular. For once Nan wished that Ma snored. She tied the handkerchief in a knot over the meager food supplies, grabbed their bedrolls, and slowly opened the door.

“Come on, Elmer. Can you carry this food? I’ll get your bedding. That’s a good boy. We must hurry!”



The cold air bit at their faces, but they walked bravely on.

“Elmer, we must go tonight so we can get as far away as we can before Ma wakes up and sees that we are gone.”

For the next half hour the pair walked in silence through the familiar woods past the graves on the hill. In one, a mother dearly loved, in another, an infant who had died the same day as his mother, and the third, a father that only Nan had memory of. Elmer was only two years old when Pa died in the logging accident. Nan snapped out of her reverie and urged Elmer on. Molasses, Pa’s good old workhorse, stood in the pasture. He skidded the logs Pa cut with his axe. His legs hadn’t healed quite right, but Mama hadn’t let Mr. Dewey kill him because he was all she had left of the husband of her youth. Molasses was a faithful friend to Nan and Elmer. He stood there and waited for them to mount him.

“Molasses, take us to…” Nan realized then that they had nowhere to go. Mrs. Dewey had said that they were ungrateful little imps who didn’t realize she and Mr. Dewey were taking care of them out of kindness, and they could easily be put into an orphanage. Nan didn’t know anything about orphanages except what Mrs. Dewey…uh, Ma had told her. “Molasses, just take us out of here.”

Cruise Blunder

Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Westminster CO

Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Westminster CO
Great book signing in Colorado!

Mardel Bookstore in Littleton, CO

Mardel Bookstore in Littleton, CO
Booksigning - Elaine

Elk's Resolve Proof is Here