March Madness

Nope, this isn't about basketball. March 1st is our wedding anniversary. Terry and I have been married 38 years. I could tell you that they have all be bliss, but you would rightfully be able to call me a liar.

While all days have not been moonlight and roses, there has been a certain underlying joy in the years we have spent together. We struggled through the first few years while we were getting used to thinking of someone other than ourselves. We were 19 & 18 years old and, as you know, teenagers are notorious for being self-centered.

I wish I could say that at our 50+ years, the self-centered stuff had ceased, but that would not be the truth. What I can say is that after all these years together, my sweet husband has taught me to not take everything so seriously.

People who know me now would have a difficult time believing how deadly serious I was when Terry married me. I thought I had to be so that people would think I was a grown up. I didn't give myself or anyone else very much slack. Terry taught me how to laugh at circumstances our of my control. He taught me to see the humor behind almost everything that happens. His  favorite saying is: "We are going to have so much fun growing up together." He still says that to the grands.

Our grandson, Zach, used to call him "Grandhappy" instead of Grandpappy. The happy part is a good fit for him. Of course, we have had some very sad days when some of our loved ones passed away, but the overlying atmosphere of our life together has been a deepening joy.

We still have our conflicts. In fact, we might call this month 'March madness' for a reason. The truth is that I am still madly in love with that man.

December Treats!!! Got lots of free or inexpensive ebooks ($.99) on Amazon.com on December 4-8
Go to http://decembertreats.blogspot.com to look at the titles offered.

Also

The Kindle version of Some Happy Day will be free on Dec 6 & 7, 2012 at
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=some+happy+day

Go to my website to get information on how to win the Christmas Kindle I am giving away. There is a tab at the bottom left that gives instructions. It is like a scavenger hunt. You will have a good chance of winning, so join in. http://elainelittau.com . That is the link. Go and see how your name can be in the drawing.

Chairs

Chairs

There is an ongoing dispute between me and chairs. When I was a little kid of 4 years old Mama, Daddy and I had this old swivel rocker that was a problem. It seemed that every time I sat in the thing, it went backwards with me. It was quite the ordeal to get the thing set back to rights.

I remember that I had a very important job that involved that chair. If a guest came to our house, it was my job to hurriedly be rude and take the chair that looked to be the most comfortable in the house. Most of the time I did pretty well at occupying that chair while guests visited.

One time, when I was around ten years old, about 1966,  our new pastor came to visit us. He was a very proper man. He was a painter when he wasn’t behind the pulpit. He wore a severe black suit with pants about an inch or so too short. He wore shiny black dress shoes, horn-rimmed glasses, a white shirt, and white socks.

His knock sounded on the door and I opened it. He walked though quickly and spied the swivel rocker. He folded his lanky frame into it and sat with his elbows on his knees.

Good. If he stays like that, he won’t fall backwards.

Sure enough, after he made the point in his conversation, (I wasn’t listening. I was worrying.) He stretched back and before Mama and I realized what happened, his legs were pointed to the ceiling. He flipped the chair backwards. His white socks and shins shined as bright as mayonnaise.

Mama looked at me and frowned. I knew I missed my assignment that day. Each of us took one of his hands and pulled him and the chair to an upright position.

I don’t know why, but it was years later before Mama and Daddy replaced that chair with a Lazy Boy Recliner. I can’t tell you how glad I was for that purchase.

That wasn’t the end to my chair problems. In 1975 Terry and I got married and bought a brand new Great Lakes mobile home. It was beautiful! Being built in the Spanish style of the day, it had dark brown paneling on every wall except one wall in the living room. That wall had off-white paneling with two wrought-iron keys that were about two feet high. We had red velvet chairs and matching couch trimmed with black vinyl around the edges and buttons. We had a big red glass based lamp with a big red velvet shade trimmed in black lace.

Our dining room/kitchen was awesome in that it had a rectangle table with wrought-iron swivel based velvet dining room chairs. Those things were heavy duty. To top it off, we had a black metal chandelier. We knew we were rich!

As the years progressed in living in the trailer house, things sort of started to happen to the furniture. If you weren’t careful in sitting on the couch, a spring might grab the calf of you leg and bite you. When this happened to me, I got out the cutting pliers and cut off a length of it and forgot it.

One day a friend of mine came over to visit Terry and me and sat on that couch. The girl sat down carefully and the man plopped down quickly. Before I knew what happened, the spring came out and grabbed his pant leg along with a piece of his calf. We apologized and offered them alternate seating.

After they left, Terry turned the couch over and clipped the spring out. It was three years later that we moved from the trailer and left the furniture behind for the renters to use.

 One year, not long ago, probably about 2010, we purchased a cheap chair and a half recliner. Our kids like to sit side by side or on one another’s lap, so I thought it would be a good thing. The thing wasn’t so good. During a Christmas visit, I walk into the living room to find my son and daughter-in-law in the recliner with their feet reaching toward the ceiling.

The story my son told me was that they lifted the foot rest and when they were ready to get out of the chair, it wouldn’t budge. They thought that if they rocked it a little, the catch would release and they could get out. They rocked it a little and the back went down further and got top heavy. The recliner flipped on its back.

The reason they were stuck in the recliner is that it is nestled in the corner of the room. There was no room to get out the side. With the help of a couple of brothers rescue mission, they were freed.

How lame was that! I thought.  Not but a month later I was sitting in that big old chair and did the exact same thing. My head was wedged in the corner of the room between the bookcase and wall. My feet were sticking straight up. The left arm of the recliner was wedged next to a glass front bookcase. The right arm had a glass topped table next to it. There was no place to go.

I had my zip up robe on because it was nine A.M. and I reached into my pocket. I dialed Terry and asked him how his day was going. I then asked him what time he thought he would make it home. He said it would be around eight P.M. I said okay and hung up. (You wonder why I didn’t tell him, don’t you? Well, I didn’t want him to know about it and laugh at me.)

Since I seldom have drop in visitors, I knew it was up to me to get out of this situation. I threw my legs up over my head, fuzzy slippers and all, and somehow twisted myself into a knot. I was afraid I might break some of the glass, so I was a tight little ball. I ended up sideways in the chair and figured that if I stood on the back of it, I could climb over it. (I tell you it was truly wedged!) I climbed over it and got myself a cup of coffee.

Not long after that, the church women’s group needed donations for their garage sale. You can guess what I put a price of $5 on. I think they sold it for $3. I decided after I got rid of that one, I would get quality all the way.

Marathon Cooking

One of the most important lessons I have learned while living with the limitations of the chronic pain of fibromyalgia is to take advantage of the windows of opportunity that come up during pain free or days of lesser pain. One of these things is preparing and freezing many meals for the days ahead.

I love looking at blogs and getting advise from sites like examiner and pinterest. On one of these sessions I found a blog about preparing food ahead. It was different than most of the advise from blogs like it because the writer also included a shopping list as well as the receipes and order of cooking.
After a two hour trip to the grocery store (Thank God I had the strength that day.) I had a mountain of groceries to do something with! I almost cried. The notebook of instructions for this marathon cooking spree was on the table, so I proceeded to #1.
Get a piece of paper and note the servings you are making. How many twice baked potato servings are you bagging, the number of meat packs you are dividing out. You will use this information to write your menu on your calendar. Yes, you have to write down what you are going to have for dinner on the calendar. If you rely on yourself to do this day by day, you will forget what you have already used and what is available to use. If you write the meals down after they are cooked, you can plan your menus for a month or two and not have to think of "whats for dinner". If something comes up or you go out to eat, just draw a mark through that dinner and put it after the last date that has a menu. WARNING: MARK ALL OF THE FOOD YOU PUT IN THE FREEZER! The food plays trick or treat with you if you don't. I want to know what I am thawing out for dinner.
I put the perishable groceries in the frig and commenced. Filling my large sink with warm water, I poured 18 pounds of fairly large (not the baking size) potatoes in for a quick wash. I set aside 3 lbs for other dishes and put the rest in a 350 degree oven timed at 1 hr 30 min. (I didn't wrap the potatoes because I wanted crispy skin for the twice baked potatoes these would become. (I found it interesting that cooking 1 baked potato takes as long as baking 15 pounds...hmmmm)
After getting the potatoes going, I opened a small bag of pinto beans and poured them in a crock pot with half a piece of salt pork. I filled the slow cooker with water and plugged it in on high. These beans would be done after all the other things were cooked. One of my hispanic friends advised me not to salt the beans until they are almost finished. (I can't remember the reason, but she was very serious about it so I don't salt them until the end.)
I also put some northern white beans (a small bag) in a slow cooker with the other half of salt pork and covered with water and set it on high also. This is for the white chicken chili I will be making later.
Ground beef was next. I purchased 8 pounds. The hubs likes 90% or higher for our health, but I am a penny pincher and bought both 93% and 86% and mixed them together. I told him that it averaged out to 90%. I don't know for sure, but it is close enough.
I put the ground meat aside and chopped 8 onions and 6 bell peppers. 3 onions and 2 bell peppers were set aside for other recipes. I got a big frying pan out and put half the onions and bell peppers in and stir fried them. After that, I added the ground beef, a small can of jalepeno peppers, a tsp of chili powder, salt, pepper, minced garlic, (and other spices you like in Tex/Mex food). I stirred it over medium heat until all the meat was browned. I divided the mixture into quart sized bags that had the amount I need for the hubs and I. If you have a big family, you will need to adjust the amount you put in each bag. Tag them: Use for Tex/Mex dishes. Leave these bags on your counter until they cool off. It is terribly hard on your freezer and frig to put hot stuff in them.
Using the same pan, I put the rest of the onions and bell peppers in the skillet and added the beef, salt, and pepper. This will be a plainer mix that will be used for spaghetti, lasagna, and other dishes that require a meat mix. Divide,bag, and tag for your use. Set aside to cool. After things cool, put them in the freezer.
At this point, I take the remaining ground beef and form into patties, placing them on a cookie sheet. I put the cookie sheet in the freezer for about 20 min. After that time, the patties are semi frozen and can be placed in quart sized bags. The hubs and I use 3 patties at each meal. He has 2 hamburgers and I have 1....Divide according to your family.
If you have set aside any ground beef for a special recipe, put those recipes together at this point. (millionaire spaghetti...so good...look it up on pinterest)
After cleaning up the ground beef mess, I get out the steaks and roast that I purchased after the heart attack I had looking at the high prices. (I kid you not!) I divide the steaks according to what the hubs and I eat. The portions are a little smaller than we want to eat, but I am sort of looking out for our health here. I bag them up, mark them, and put them in the freezer.
Then I grab that lovely roast. If I am not planning for a dinner with friends, I divide it. I swear my hubs loves roast so much, he would eat the whole thing. (He isn't overweight...I wonder why. I am and I am the only one who thinks about these things in our house.) I grab some carrots (washed, peeled, and quartered), onions (chopped), a can of cream of mushroom soup, and an envelope of dried onion soup mix. I put all of it in a big cooking bag, tag, and freeze.
Chicken is next. I usually purchase 3. 2 are whole chickens and one is cut up. (Unless the hubs is home to cut it up for me, I get it already cut into identifiable pieces..I blame it on the fibro, but I am just not good at it.) Anyway, put the cut up chicken into a bowl of milk or buttermilk. While the cut up chicken is soaking in milk, I get out two big pots and put a whole chicken in each, cover with water, use 1tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper (hubs and I like pepper), several carrots, half a stalk of celery in each pot, a chopped onion in each pot. Set them on the stove and get them to boil. Boil for an hour and half. Turn them over half way through. You want them to be done to the bone.
While the whole chickens are boiling get a large skillet and put 1/2 inch vegetable oil in it. Wait to turn on the heat. Grag a gallon size zip lock bag and put a cup of flour, salt, and pepper, and any other spices you like to fry your chicken with. One friend said that if you use self-rising flour to coat the chicken, it makes a lighter, crispy crust. I have done this and she is right. Anyway, put about 3 pieces of chicken in the bag and shake. After the chicken pieces are coated, place them in the skillet. Start the burner to medium. Take another 3 pieces and coat them and place them in the skillet. Do this until the skillet is full. Fry chicken at medium heat for 30 min and then turn each piece over and fry for another 20 min. Do not turn a lot unless you don't like there to be a crust.
Put the fried chicken pieces on a wire rack that has paper towels under it. After the chicken is cooled, place half in a bag tagged 'fried chicken'. Then put them in the freezer. One chicken makes 2 meals for the hubs and I.
After the chicken is done, check on the whole chickens that are boiling. They should be done to the bone. Take a knife and cut into the thigh and look at the bone. There shouldn't be any blood. If it is done, then you need to get some tupperware or glad type containers ready. Lift the chicken out of the pot and place on a platter or dish to cool. Use a sieve and pour the water from the pot, which is now a great chicken broth, into small plastic containers. You can use this anytime a recipe calls for chicken stock or broth. Throw the vegetables that are in the seive with the roast in the package after it cools off.
I usually buy 2 cans of salmon and make salmon cakes as an option for dinner. There are some really fancy recipes for this dish online, but I alway go back to my mama's. This is her recipe, more or less:
1 can salmon with juice, 1 egg, crushed saltines, salt and pepper. Mash together and make patties. I have added some chopped onion to this.Form into patties and place on a cookie sheet to freeze individually and then tag and bag.
The boiled chickens should be cool enough to debone. After I take the meat off the bone, I put the chicken pieces in the bowl of my kitchen aide mixer. I use the paddle attachment and it shreds the meat perfectly. I divide the chicken into dinner size servings. I reserve 2 cups for the white chicken chili. The rest, I tag and bag to be used for chicken enchiladad, chicken and noodles, and bbq chicken.
I get the white beans out and proceed to make the white chicken chili. Great recipes for this are on the internet and pinterest. After assembline all the ingredients, I cook them together for 30 min and then tag and place in dinner size containers.
While the kitchen is a mess, I stir together waffles from a mix. I get out my waffle iron and put the setting on the lightest one. These will be toaster waffles. The hubs says these are sooooo much better than the standard frozen waffles. By this time, I am tired...really tired, so I only make one batch. I set them aside to cool and tag and bag. '
I get out the 2 lb bag of bacon and fry it up. Some of it, I have cut into 1 inch pieces for dishes like spinach salad. I take the full sized bacon out and cool on a rack. I divide them into portions for the two of us and place them in bags. I take the bacon pieces and divide them into those silly tiny containers that come with the handy food storage kits. I pour the grease into these containers with the bits. Dishes like spinach salad , and old fashioned green beans require the grease. I freeze all of these.
After everything is in the freezer, I sit with my calendar and list of meals. Last time I spent $300 for groceries. The hubs almost had a heart attack....I had already stressed out about this. BUT AFTER I wrote down a meal on each day on the calendar, we had two and a half or more meals already taken care of. That is really good for us. I am thinking it is a really big savings because every trip to the grocery store costs more than we ever expect because of the other items we purchase while we are there.

I can't tell you how great it feels to know that I am taking care of my family even while I am sick. Today was one of those days. I couldn't stand and make fried chicken for my husband, but I could reach into the freezer and get the chicken and oven fries that I already prepared when I felt better and put it on the counter for him to heat in the microwave for dinner. That means a lot to me.

The master grocery list, so I am giving it to you here. Remember, your recipes will probably differ from mine, so there may be items on here that you don't need as well as items that I haven't included that you use in your cooking. I try to group things according to the section they can be found it the grocery store. Here goes:

Minced garlic - in jar
8 onions
6 bell peppers
several jaleneno peppers
fresh baby spinach (for the spinach salad)
16 pounds of large (not baking) potatoes (You can use baking potatoes, but I don't)
1 small to medium bag of carrots - (for roast and chicken stock)
1 bunch celery (for roast and chicken stock as well as to munch on raw while I cook)
salsa (We use Pace picante sauce)
BBQ sauce (I use mesquite in the cheapest bottle. Use what you like best.)
2 or 3 envelopes of taco seasoning
1 small bag pinto beans
1 small bag white beans
2 or 3 cream cheese - 8 oz(for the twice baked potatoes & other recipes)
shredded cheddar cheese and mexican mix cheese - lg bag
1/2 - 1 pound salt pork (for beans)
sour cream
milk
eggs
butter - a pound or two
steaks- however many you can afford and the kind you like to cook. You will just be separating these into the amount you will use for one meal. I purchase those that are grouped together and on sale.
roast- 1 or 2
8 pounds hamburger (2 lbs for patties, 2 lbs for meatloaves, 4 lbs for meat mixture for tacos, spaghetti sause, nachos, etc)
1 cut up chicken (or more depending on how much your family uses for a meal. One works for 2 meals for the hubs and I.)
2 whole chickens (to boil for chicken broth, and shredded chicken packets)
2 pounds bacon (to make bacon bits and also to separate out for meals)
2 cornbread mixes (I use Jiffy, but some of you may use cornmeal and assemble it all yourselves. Jiffy is super easy. It is up to you.)
1 box quick oats (for meatloaves)
1 box saltine crackers (for salmon cakes)
brown sugar
pancake/waffle mix
powdered sugar
granulated sugar
all purpose flour
self-rising flour (in case you want to try coating your chicken in it to fry)
2 cake mixes (white or yellow)
1 angel food cake mix (I am going to try that recipe on pinterest where you use an angel food cake mix and dump in a can of crushed pineapples with juice and bake. It sounds good. Look it up to be sure I got it right.)
vinegar (for the fresh spinach salad)
canned goods:
1 crushed pineapple
1 sliced pineapple (for pineapple upside down cake you will make with one of the cake mixes and divide up into meal sized portions)
1 or 2 diced tomatoes 8 oz cans
1 or 2 diced jalepeno peppers 8 oz cans (for tex/mex meat mix)
2 cans salmon (I use the pink because it is cheaper for salmon cakes)
2 large cans of cream of mushroom soup (1 for each roast and 1 for the chicken chili)
white corn (for white chicken chili)
frozen fruit for the fruit dump cake (1 white or yellow cake mix sprinkled over a package of frozen fruit with a can of sprite poured over the top and baked at 350 degrees for 30 min - divide into servings for several meals)
frozen broccoli - for vegetable chowder or vegetable soup (recipe is on pinterest)
1 can sprite
foil
gallon sized zip lock bags
quart sized zip lock bags
cling wrap
freezer containers
The last time I made these purchases, it was over $300. I was able to make meals for 2 for almost 3 months, give or take a day. I didn't include recipes because we all have our favorite ways of making dishes and also, I have to admit, I am a little lazy about doing it.
I have found a lot of freedom in doing cooking this way. Of course, the day I am cooking I am somewhat like Lucy in the chocolate factory, but the payoff is that I know what is for supper for weeks. I don't have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen for weeks...I am able to provide nourishing and tastey meals for us even when I am not feeling well. I am sure that you can adjust the list of food prepared to acomodate your food needs and concerns. This is just a blueprint. I tweaked the list that was on pinterest for the things we like to eat. You can do the same.
Happy eating and have fun on cooking day!

Interview with Barb Malek, author

1. Your name, What is the title(s) of your book(s)? My name is Barb Malek and the title of my book is "Soft Like Steel" (hopefully just the first of many.)

 2. What is your genre and why did you choose to write in this genre? The genre is a mix of narrative non-fiction and biography. I chose this because I wanted to tell my grandmother's story, but in order to bring it more alive I used a mix of narrative and historical fact. This way the reader sees the events through her eyes against a backdrop of the history of the times.

3. Is there a particular message you wish to transfer to your readers? I desire to inspire my readers with the message that there is always hope, even in the midst of the darkest situation. My grandfather came from a long line of families in which the fathers abandoned their children. By choosing to reject anger and bitterness and to cling to her faith, my grandmother broke that pattern with her family. I would love for her example to inspire others.

4. Did you find yourself researching information during the writing process? Yes, I did a lot of research for this book. First, I had to do a lot of digging into my family's history. We knew a lot about my grandmother's side, but not much about my grandfather. Fortunately, his extended family was able and willing to share key information with me. Secondly, I wanted to help my readers to understand the times in which my grandparents were living. I read a lot about the Dust Bowl, particularly in southern Nebraska; the sometimes dark history of my own community, Omaha, NE; and about life in the midwest during World War II.

5. Do you see yourself writing other types of books in the future? I loved the formula of taking one character in history and writing in a blend of narrative about their thoughts and emotions, placed against a background of historical facts. So, yes, I plan to do others. At present, I am researching my Mennonite history in France and Germany.

6. Do you speak to groups? If so, do you enjoy it? I have always loved speaking. I went to college on a speech scholarship, so it is one of my first loves. If I am passionate about the topic, it is a pure joy!

 7. What have you found surprising since becoming a published author? I have been surprised by how much marketing I am expected to do, and how hard it is. I am not a pushy person, and resent others being pushy. So, I am trying to balance a low key approach with being effective.

8.Can you describe the day that you saw the first book you authored in your hands? It was amazing! It was the reality of a dream that I had, frankly, given up on. I will never forget it.

 9. Is there any particular thing that you wish you had known before getting the book in your hands? Hmm... well maybe the difficult marketing road that lay ahead. I would have liked to have gotten more of a headstart than I got. However, maybe it was best I didn't know.

10. What was your favorite childhood toy? It was a box of paper dolls I made myself. I had a whole community, and I made up stories for them to act out. It was like my very own soap opera! What amazing adventures we had.

1. Your name, What is the title(s) of your book(s)? Hi Elaine! Thanks for having me here today! My name is Amanda Stephan, and I have two published books under my belt. The Price of Trust and Lonely Hearts.

2. What is your genre and why did you choose to write in this genre? I write in the Contemporary Christian romantic suspense genre. I chose this genre for several reasons. My main would have to be I wanted to give my children a love letter they would read and keep for the rest of their lives. I want to write books that are clean and spiritually uplifting and bring people closer to God.

3. Is there a particular message you wish to transfer to your readers? In my first book, The Price of Trust, I wanted my readers to understand that they shouldn't settle for abuse. Being in an abusive relationship is never good, and they're worth more than that. In Lonely Hearts, I wanted people to see the beauty in their children and not take them for granted. Only too often in today's world, children are either ignored or passed around because the parents don't want to deal with them. Children truly are a blessing from the Lord and I wanted my readers to be reminded of that.

4. Did you find yourself researching information during the writing process? Yes I did find myself researching a little for The Price of Trust, but not for Lonely Hearts as it takes place in a purely fictitious place.

5. Do you see yourself writing other types of books in the future? *Groan!* I never, ever thought of writing anything except Christian romance, and yet...I feel the dark side pulling me away to the non-fiction side. Mind you, it's not huge yet and so far I've been able to control those silly urges but it's getting more and more difficult. You may need to pray for me...

6. Do you speak to groups? If so, do you enjoy it? Yes and YES! I've been speaking to groups for twelve years and I enjoy every second of it. From the flighty butterflies attacking my stomach at the beginning to the emcee yanking the microphone away from me at the end. Totally fun!

7. What have you found surprising since becoming a published author? I've found quite a few things surprising since being published, but the most gratifying is when a reader will seek me out at a venue and gush over my book. There's really nothing that describes that feeling.

8.Can you describe the day that you saw the first book you authored in your hands? Actually, I guess I'm a little weird in this regard. I knew others expected me to be excited and thrilled (which I was to some extent) but I was really more ho-hum as it seemed surreal. Like at any moment I would wake up.

9. Is there any particular thing that you wish you had known before getting the book in your hands? Oh my goodness, there's a TON of stuff I wish I had known! I wish I had become a member of a group first, I wish I would have started building my platform, I wish I had a major in marketing, you get the idea. :)

10. What was your favorite childhood toy? My favorite childhood toy was a panda bear. I loved that silly bear I literally wore it out. My heart was broken the day I came home from school and it was nowhere to be found. (Even to this day no one has fessed up to murdering my bear...)

Interview With Loraine Holman

1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?

In the spring of 2007, I found myself unemployed, in an empty nest, with no church committments for the first time in my adult life.  After seeking God's direction in this unusually quiet time, I felt Him leading me to write about being thankful in (and sometimes for) the trials of life.  The result was two published books which were released in 2010.

2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
 While I was in a quiet, reflective time of my life, I was able to see how God had used all the trials of my life for my own good.  Because of His faithfulness to me in each trial, I could see that my response to Him should be one of thanksgiving.  And this puts me in the Christian Non-fiction category, where I plan to stay for future projects.
3. Please tell about each title here:

Trials: Thanks a Lot! answers the "Why me?" question that suffering people often ask by exploring why trials come into our lives.  I then share ten of my own personal trials and explain why, in the end, I can say that I am thankful for what the experience has taught me.


Trials: Now What? is a play on the tone of this phrase.  Rather than being a phrase of defeat, it's actually a plan of action.  I share over forty practical things, based on Scripture, that a person in a trial can do to not only endure but emerge from the trial with a thankful heart.  This book helps the suffering keep their focus on what God is doing and not on the pain of the moment.




 4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.

Yes, I speak to Ladies groups and do Bible teachings on various subject matters, but I almost always include the topic of being thankful in the trials of your life.

5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?

The most rewarding part of being an author is when someone contacts me and tells me how my books have ministered to them and helped them get through a trial of their life.  I give God all the credit and all the glory, but it sure makes me feel good to hear how He uses those books to touch lives.

6. Where can your books be purchased?
My books are available everywhere books are sold including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.


7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?

I can be reached through my website or my Facebook fan page which is Trials: Thanks a Lot (book).

8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
I was probably most surprised at the amount of work required AFER finishing the book.  Turns out the writing is the easy part!  Marketing is the hard part!


9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?

My husband of thirty-three years is my biggest encourager.  Anytime I'm feeling down in the dumps, he knows just what I need and he can make me laugh at myself!

10. What was your favorite toy as a child?
That's a tough question because several toys come to my mind depending on what age I was.  Even though I had three sisters to play with, I liked playing alone, too, and so I'll say that JACKS was my favorite toy--if playing jacks is considered a toy!  That was something I played with for most of my childhood.

Interview with author, Jordan Maxwell

1. Jordan Maxwell, What is/are the title(s) of your book(s)?

My first novel is titled “Dandyflowers”. My second, which continues the story, is called “Dandyflowers – Laura’s Diaries”.

2. What is your genre and why did you choose to write in this genre?

My books tend to cross over a couple of genres; those being Young Adult and Romance. I write for these two genres because they are the most popular and have the biggest audience. I also write in these styles because I have to children; a daughter and a son, who are both “readers”. I want to have stories available to them that I would approve of.

3. Is there a particular message you wish to transfer to your readers?

The “Dandyflowers” series; I am writing the third and final book in the series right now, has one core message that is: Love the ones you love with all you have all the time because you never know when your last goodbye will truly be your last goodbye.

4. Did you find yourself researching information during the writing process?

Absolutely! The majority of my books take place between August 1962 and August 1969 and a lot of well known events took place during that time period i.e. John Glenn orbiting the earth, the Kennedy assassination, Bobby Kennedy’s murder, Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the Apollo 11 moon landing etc. To include these in the story line I had to do quite a bit of research to make certain I was being accurate. One of the hardest things I had to do was find the name of the man who did the countdown for Apollo 11; it took me weeks to find out his name. By the way, his name is Jack King and as of the 40^th anniversary of the first moon landing he was still alive and well!!

5. Do you see yourself writing other types of books in the future?

I am planning on writing a book about the Holocaust which has so much potential. I’m not sure what direction it will take, but we shall see. I have already adapted my first book into a stage play; that was an interesting process and quite a bit of fun too!

The script with limited production rights is available to any non-profit i.e. high school, college or community theater group at no charge; details can be found at: www.dandyflowers .com

6. Do you speak to groups? If so, do you enjoy it?

I have spoken to book clubs and groups such as that. I do enjoy it, but being in front of groups of people is an easy thing for me to do. My “day job”is a paramedic, but I am no longer on an ambulance every day. Instead, I teach the continuing education for about 1,500 EMTs and paramedics in the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department. If I can make it through that boisterous group, I can make it through anything!

7. What have you found surprising since becoming a published author?
Just how much fun book signings can be; how much of an upper it is when someone tells you how much they loved reading the books!

8. Can you describe the day that you saw the first book you authored in your hands?

I really do not recall the day I got the first copy of my first book, but I do remember with great clarity the day my kids saw it for the first time in Barnes & Noble. It was January 27, 2007 at 1:32 pm; I know this because I still have the picture I took on my cell phone that is time / date stamped.

I knew ”Dandyflowers” was on the shelf so I slowly headed towards the aisle where it was and waited to see if my kids would notice it; they were oblivious. I finally put my hand on the shelf immediately underneath the book and drummed my fingers (yes, I’m subtle) when my then nine year old daughter finally saw it and pointed it out to my then six year old son. That day I got the best compliment from my kids. They said as they were holding a copy, “Daddy, we’re proud of you!” I will tell you I walked quite a bit taller the rest of that day!

9. Is there any particular thing that you wish you had known before getting the book in your hands?
I wish I had known about vanity vs. traditional publishing. Knowing the difference would have saved me quite a bit of frustration and three to five years of lackluster results.

10. What was your favorite childhood toy?

That is tough. I had a lot of toys that I enjoyed playing with while growing up. If I have to pick just one I’ll pick my snow sled. It’s about four feet long and has metal runners. It would scream down hills especially after you waxed the runners. It is nearly forty years old now and I still have it. I wish we would have had a good “sled snow” this past winter, my kids love riding on it almost as much as I did!

Murder in West Hollywood:The Dominique Dunne Story by Michael Eastman

This is an interview I did with a young man who has spent the last four years of his life investigating the death of Hollywood movie star, Dominique Dunne.


This interview will give you a glimpse into the work of a dedicated author who wants to get the facts straight for this non-fiction book because it deals with domestic violence and the ultimate crime of murder at the hands of the abuser.
Elaine Littau
Please tell me your author name and the genre you prefer to write.
Michael J. Eastman
I’m Michael Eastman, I hail from Houston, Texas, and I am currently writing a true-crime, non-fiction book about the tragic story of the late actress, Dominique Dunne. The book is called Murder in West Hollywood: The Dominique Dunne Story.

Elaine Littau
When did you know that you were a writer?
Michael J. Eastman
It all goes back to the 8th grade, from what I remember. It was English class; I don't recall the teacher's name, but I suddenly went from getting Ds in English to getting pretty good grades because I found I could enjoy writing and expressing myself. This teacher would always let us write stories in addition to doing the required work. I found it to be a lot of fun, and using my imagination. What was the most rewarding, however, was being accepted as a writer, however much in "infancy" I was at that time. It gave me a sense of something I could do, and be accepted at it. Self-worth really helps a child at that time in their lives.

Elaine Littau
I felt the same way about Jr. High and High School English class. It was something I never let on about lest the other students stone me to death.
Michael J. Eastman
When you come from a dysfunctional background as I did in my formative years, it was important to find something to get me though my life at that time. I wanted to be a football player, and I did play, but was not very athletic, so I found writing was for me, and I enjoyed it.

Elaine Littau
Tell me about your first writing experience.

Michael Eastman
Well, I am a two-time award-winning published poet, but that was mainly just for fun, but as far as anything professional, Hollywood is Dying was the first manuscript. Hollywood is Dying isn't actually about stars dying, but more about the industry itself seemingly dying due to running out of story ideas, lack of acting talent, etc. However, there is a chapter in it which covers those Hollywood stars who died tragically.

I began to write about Dominique's story, and then found that there was so much to tell, that is just simply had to have its own book. Her father, the late author and journalist, Dominick Dunne, had written about his daughter’s tragedy, but this will be the first time anyone has ever written a full book about it in much detail.

Elaine Littau
So, Hollywood is Dying was your first book?
Michael J. Eastman
Yes. A fun book, for the most part, whereas the Dominique Dunne book is a sad one. However, that book is still unpublished and is on hold until I finish my current one. Have some issues with that one, legally and financially, that still need to be worked out, because of all the copyrighted photos I need in it.

Elaine Littau
So what was the hook that got you started on the Dominique Dunne story?

Michael Eastman
Let me preface my comments here, Elaine, by saying that doing a book such as one where a Hollywood star - or any celebrity such as Elvis, Michael Jackson, etc. - can be very, very tough for the writer, especially if the author is an unknown commodity.

I had read Dominick Dunne's story about his daughter's death and the travesty that went on afterward in the courtroom where her killer went on trial, and basically walked away with a slap on the wrist.

I became emotional and angry over it, like many people have, and still are today. I said, "This just has to be told and looked into before this happens again to some poor woman!"

As I mentioned, I was working on my first book at the time and wanted to do a chapter on those Hollywood stars who had died tragically, and Dominique was one of the ones I was looking at to include in that book. Others were Natalie Wood, Mariska Hargitay's mother, Jane Mansfield, etc., but when I came upon Dominique's story, I just felt it needed to be told further than what her dad had mentioned. The more I read about it, the more intrigued and upset I became over the injustice that took place.
Elaine Littau
In telling a true story that is tragic and emotional, have you found that there are mountains of obstacles in getting the information about the circumstances of a victim’s death?
Michael J. Eastman
That is a huge understatement, yes indeed! And there are many reasons for that. Now, I can only speak for myself, and what I have experienced, but again, one is being an unknown author, where respect can be hard to come by. Locating the facts in a case can be a huge obstacle, also. You can get the basic facts from the internet that everyone else already knows, but you really have to dig deeper to find “the rest of the story,” as Paul Harvey used to say.

Other major factors for running into obstacles are that the family does not wish to be disturbed over it, nor reminded, so therefore, they want no part in helping you; plus there are privacy issues you try to not to invade, but at some point, you inadvertently do.

Another factor is that there are so many who have come before you with sleazy, tabloid intentions, that they have nearly ruined it for any good-intentioned authors who come along later.

Elaine Littau
How long ago was the murder?

Michael J. Eastman
1982. The trial took place in '83. Now, I want to say one thing more about Dominick Dunne...Nick, as he was called by his friends, did catch wind of my writing of his daughter's tragedy. And before he died a few years ago - August 2009, I think it was - he basically gave me his blessing via a friend of his, who forwarded me his e-mail.

Nick Dunne told his friend to tell me he appreciated what I was doing, but that he was too sick, too old, and didn't want to hurt all over again. Nick Dunne was dying of pancreatic cancer by then.

Mr. Dunne was very generous to have given me his approval, permission, or whatever you want to call it. That meant so very much to me!

Elaine Littau
For my readers and I, could you remind us of the movies, etc. that Miss Dunne appeared in.

Michael J. Eastman
Well, her most famous role was as the older daughter, Dana Freeling, in Poltergeist, but she also turned a memorable performance on TV's Fame, among her many other television appearances. She was an up-and-coming actress, so she really was just getting started in the business, but had a promising career. I feel her future, after all my research, would have been more in television than in films, but that's just my opinion.

Her brother is actor/producer/director, Griffin Dunne. Her aunt is author and playwright, Joan Didion, and her uncle, the late author and screenwriter, John Gregory Dunne.
Elaine Littau
Did you have to become part detective/part author in your research?
Michael J. Eastman
Indeed I did! You have no idea. And part archaeologist, too, recovering all the records and all the names of those involved; we’re talking hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles to comb through, as well as official court documents. And it was very frustrating at times, too, because of either the lack of information, wrong information, or lack of cooperation. For example, it took me a good six months before I found out the name of the priest who did Dominique’s funeral. It was very difficult to find because it had never been published, to my knowledge, and the church refused to help due to privacy issues, I presume. Her dad kept this priest’s name out of any write ups he did about the case, and I think I know why, but because of necessary detective work, I have uncovered this, as well as many other names and details never before revealed, including all the way down to the alternate jury members in the case.

Elaine Littau
When you began writing the story, where did you start?
Michael J. Eastman
At her grave, as morbid as that sounds. I mean, if you are going to do this, you really have to involve yourself, emotionally, and what better way to do that than to start there at reality 101?

Elaine Littau
In addition to locating all the information about the case, what other hurdles might you have had to clear when writing about this case?
Michael J. Eastman
When you do a story such as this one, where there are feelings to consider of the family, you want to do it the right way, and respectfully. So, you have to keep the family in mind, but this book is “pro-Dunne family” anyway, so I don’t think I did too much to offend her brothers or relatives. It is basically an unauthorized biography of Dominique and her case, but that doesn’t mean when you write an unauthorized version of someone’s life you have to offend the family.
Elaine Littau
Despite not getting all the help and cooperation you needed, you have kept yourself going with your goal of getting this story told. Have you reached your goals you set out to accomplish?

Michael J. Eastman
Although I've gotten little help or respect, I walk on, and you have to, because you know despite all, you are doing the right thing in telling this story.

You see, my intentions are two-fold:

To, in some way, help prevent this thing from happening to another woman. It's a story about a domestic abuse case turning deadly. If in the end with this story I can help save even ONE life, then it will be worth it.

I also wish to educate potential future jury members on what to be on the lookout for in cases such as this one, where the sleazy defense attorneys will turn the tables on the victim and put her on trial instead of the guilty party, as if she deserved what she got. So, this is what has kept me going with this story, keeping those goals in mind. And it’s not entirely a negative story; you get to see the good side of Dominique Dunne’s life, as well. I did not write solely about her death and the trial.

Elaine Littau
Those are angles I hadn't thought of.

Michael J. Eastman
Yes...You must have a goal if you are going to write about a true story, and if you are not a sleazy tabloid writer, than you need to have positive goals that many can benefit from.

I have spent thousands of my own dollars going back and forth to Los Angeles for this story, as well as spent countless hours in research, so one would have to really believe in what one is doing in order to spend the money and the time and the effort on a project like this.

Elaine Littau
It seems to be a true calling.

Michael J. Eastman
Just to elaborate some more on what I said, I’ve spent countless hours telling this story in writing; traveling to locations having to do with this tragedy; interviewing people that really do not want to be interviewed about this; making cold calls to places such as courts, hospitals, studios, ambulance companies, homes of people who knew her, etc., so it is not easy at all - I do not want to paint a false picture here.

Writing fiction is so much easier than doing a non-fiction story, because of the aforementioned reasons I listed, but also because you had better have your facts in order, because I guarantee you someone will come along later to correct you, if not sue you!

Elaine Littau
This is true.

Michael J. Eastman
I wanna tell ya, that is one of an author's biggest fears is being sued. You must retain a copyright attorney, and if you're writing about a celebrity, find one who has experience in that field, as well, an entertainment lawyer. I got lucky and found one who does both.

Elaine Littau
Those steps are vital. The copyright attorney, etc.

Michael J. Eastman
You bet! Now, don't let those obstacles prevent you from doing your story if you really believe in it, and are searching your best to find the facts.

Elaine Littau
Were you surprised with any of your research that was easier than you thought, or was it all difficult?

Michael J. Eastman
Well, I was pleasantly surprised at times when those few people stepped up to the plate for me. Like for example, one of the witnesses to the assault on Dominique, six weeks before she was murdered. That woman's name is Denise Dennehy, and she was actually there, so I got a star witness, if you will, to help me out and tell the story with facts! Very important, and gives your story much needed credibility.

Also, I am grateful to the Los Angeles County courts for keeping great records on microfiche after all this time passed. The personnel there at both the courthouse and the archives building were very, very helpful to me! Then there are the public libraries in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and in Houston that were really wonderful. There were also some that weren’t so wonderful, like the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Department, or the Schaeffer Ambulance Company, who transported Dominique that night to Cedars-Sinai.

Can I tell you real quick about meeting the jury foreman in the case?

Elaine Littau
Sure, please do.
Michael J. Eastman
I tracked down the jury foreman from the trial in 1983, and he was shocked to hear from me and that a book was being done about the case. He was a real jerk, for the most part, but he did give me some insider information about what went on in the jury room during the trial, and also how it effected him, etc. We were supposed to meet at L.A.X. in person for an in-person interview, but he failed to show. I called him later, but he said he was busy. I've never attempted to call him back. You see, I am of the attitude that I will take help from anyone who wishes to, and brush off any who don't. The story is going to be told, either way, but it sure is nice to get the cooperation when I can get it.

Elaine Littau
How long have you been on this project?

Michael J. Eastman
Four years now. I am finding new info. all the time, but then again, most of my research work is done now.

Elaine LittauIt takes a lot of courage to write on this subject matter. Thank you for your work.

Michael J. Eastman
Yes, it does. But, again, an author with the right heart is the only one who should be writing a book like this. It's shameful that tabloid writers have come along prior to make it tough for legitimate writers, but it can be done!

You gotta have a tough, determined attitude about you when you write non-fiction, realizing that you may not get the cooperation from many people. Do it anyway - write the story! Put your heart into it, make your readers feel the same emotions you do, or those of the victim’s family!

Finally, Elaine, I want to tell those authors wishing to write a story like I am this: be ready for false accusations or assumptions made about you as to what your intentions are. For example, people, even the media, may rip you for trying to make a buck off a tragedy, dead celebrity, or whatever, but if that is not your mission, than ignore it and carry on.

Elaine Littau
It is too bad that many women have died by the hand of an abuser even since Dominique's death.

Michael J. Eastman
Sure is, but the system is getting better, and women are becoming more educated as to what to do. I am not an expert in the field of domestic abuse, but I have called in some who are in my book. I have interviewed a couple, or quoted them from their own books.

Elaine LittauHow on Earth do you find a way to put an end to a story like this one?

Michael J. Eastman
With hope, you know, that’s how I want to end it; hope for those domestic abuse victims still out there. It’s also important to remember the victim, Dominique Dunne, and what a wonderful person she sure seemed like.
I wish to have all this done by the end of this summer, and self-published soon after.
In closing, I would like to thank you for your interest in this book, and helping to get the word out! Again, the book is titled, Murder in West Hollywood: The Dominique Dunne Story.

Elaine Littau
Thank you, Michael Eastman. May your efforts be rewarded with lives saved and changed.
Michael Eastman
Thanks, and may God bless your work as an author, as well

Opportunity to Win a Kindle and Interview with Katy Williams

I want you to enjoy the interview with Katy Williams. After reading it, you will see how to get in on the opportunity to win a Kindle on May 15, 2012.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?

Katy Williams – Where’s My Cowboy Hat


2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
The first heifer I ever showed, Nikki, was a handful. I sang jingle bells to her every time we stepped in the show ring to calm us both down.



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

When reading to my children I realized there were not enough books that told the daily story of ranch life. And through our everyday activities I knew people could learn more about agriculture through children’s books.


4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Short stories are my favorite but I always want to include a hidden lesson.

5. Are you a reader?
Yes, I love to read more now than ever, but it’s finding the time because I never want to put a book down.


6. What are you reading right now?

Waiting for it to come in the mail!!! Winners Don’t Whine, They Hustle by Chris Boleman



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

Yes, I have several stories written and lots of titles for future books. One of my future books is about the ranch dog that was lost in town!!



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

Time. I stay organized by writing down my thoughts and keeping up with the general idea of a story until I get a chance to sit down and write the whole thing.



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

What was a boy to do without his cowboy hat? It just wouldn’t feel right doing my chores without it.
Sam wears his cowboy hat every day as he helps out around the ranch. But he can’t find it this morning! Where could it be? Follow Sam around the ranch as he retraces his steps to find his missing cowboy hat.

10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.

I can be reached by email at katyleewilliams@gmail.com or at 806-202-3925.

The book can be purchased through:
http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61862-208-2
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
...as well as myself for autographed copies.


A Request from Elaine Littau- You can be in a drawing to win a Kindle

You reader friends are so encouraging to me. A lot of you have sent me emails and mailed me notes to tell me that you appreciate my books and the other writing I do. I keep all of it. The emails are in a folder on my computer and the letters and notes are in a couple of boxes. This encouragement goes a long ways.

My first three books were published by a partnership publisher. This means that they put in their efforts and resourses and I had to contribute almost $4000. The contract said that when I sell 5000 copies of Nan's Journey, they will send me a refund of the $4000. Since 2009 I have sold 1785. I still need to sell 3215 copies.

It can happen. I believe that Nan's Journey is something that God wanted me to write. It might have been for my own heart. I had to learn to forgive and how to be forgiven and believe that I could have complete forgiveness. That is the main theme of Nan's Journey.


I have been trying to figure out how to get those 3215 copies sold. I did have an idea for groups and individuals to request copies to sell for a percentage of the sale. (Sell the book for $10 and you will get $3. I provide the books and there is no minimum order.)

If you want to do this, I would appreciate it. Another idea is that if you want to purchase them to give to prisons, rest homes, anyone you think could benefit from it, I would sell them for $7 each. There would be a charge for mailing if they would have to be sent out from Perryton. (It costs about $3 to mail a book. I could send it directly to the person of your choice with a note indicating it was from you.)


I don't know. The task is daunting. I still go to bookstores, homes, craft shows, other events...and sell as many as I can. If you would like to have a home show, I will come and give a humorous speech or topical speech to your group. I just charge travel expense and ask that I can sell books. (or you provide books (Nans' Journey) for everyone at the cost of $7 each. (I am open for rates on the other books as well.)


I know this sounds like a televangelist pleading for support. I am sorry about that. I also am open for suggestions you might have about increasing sales of Nan's Journey.


If you respond to this email, even if you don't request a book or event, your name will be in a drawing for a Kindle on May 15th. I also ask that you pray for me. This author business is a hard, but rewarding road. I dont want to do anything that is offensive, so if you are offended by this email, know that it was not my intention. I do pray for you and love you. - Elaine