Headed for Oregon

Terry and I are going to Oregon for a week. We plan to have fun with Terry's brother and his wife and also go to a coastal town called Tillamook for a book signing. When I spoke with the owner of the Cornerstone bookstore on Monday of this week she was worried about turnout for a book signing in her small store. I assured her that all was well and I wouldn't hold a grudge if I didn't sell a lot of copies of "Nan's Journey".

She told me that her store is now for sale. Mmmmm....that sounds tempting don't you think? The Oregon coast is such a beautiful place in our country. I am excited to meet this friendly and kind woman and I hope that she is able to get a great price on her business. If you are in Tillamook, Oregon on Aug 4th from 2-4 p.m. I would love to meet you.

This leads me to tell you a little story about book signings. They aren't really like they show them on television unless you are one of the people who have sold a gazillion copies of a book. Don't get discouraged when people walk quietly by trying not to make eye contact with you. They don't know you and don't know what a great book you are selling. Some of the funniest questions I get asked is: "Are you Nan?" or "Did you write this?" I don't really know of anyone who would sit in a bookstore for 2 hours at a table of books unless they were the person who wrote it. The skin has to grow thicker with each book signing. After 30 since November, I have a hide like an elephants as far as that goes...

Not everyone is stand-offish. There are some pretty neat people who engage you in conversation. I love that! They each have so much to offer. I met people who have family connected with Tate Publishing and people who are writing books, articles, and short stories. I love to encourage them and tell them to keep going. Kids are fun because there are a lot of them who aspire to be a writer. "Just keep on writing!" is my usual reply because I think that when you enjoy something like writing, you need to continue doing it.

Some of the people I have spoken with have become email friends. I enjoy email, myspace, shoutlife, facebook, and all those social networks. If you want to leave a comment or send an email, I will get back to you. If you are interested in the next book, "Elk's Resolve", be sure to let me know you want a pre-release copy and look at the blog I have for it. elksresolve.blogspot.com. I am going into the process from my end of the work of getting it into book form. All the editorial staff, cover design people, audio people, and the rest have a very big job ahead of them on this... I don't know all the ins and outs of what they do, but you will see what happens from my point of view on the elk blog.

Thank you for stopping by

Patching the Hardwood Floor/Patching Hard Feelings

This week Terry has been taking a few of his extra vacation days off. He decided to tackle the hardwood floor this time. The previous owners had taken out a floor furnace that was located in a doorway between the dining room and the living room. They slapped down a piece of plywood and covered it with wall to wall carpet. He took up the carpet in one of the closets and began prying up the hardwood floor there. After trial and error he was able to get the pieces up with a crow bar without damaging them beyond repair. The plywood was another story. This was done in the times that people used nails the size of spikes...yikes!
After levelling the floor area he began placing the hardwood floor pieces in the area to be patched. With a lot of TLC, sanding, staining, and varnishing...It should look ...pretty good!

Terry has a very hard time staying awake in the evening time. He sleeps like a hibernating bear in his recliner. He has slept through some of the most exciting movies and TV shows out there. When he gets out of the recliner he is wide awake. As I am trying to drift off to sleep he begins talking and talking...mmm. I have tried to explain that I am trying to get some sleep...oh well.

This evening I was writing on my book and was trying to think of that perfect word to finish the thought of a paragraph. Terry came into the room where I was writing and was hurt that I didn't answer his remark for a few seconds. I had to explain that I was in deep thought. (Not that thoughts get all that deep around here.) I had not intended to hurt his feelings. He took it well. It was a vivid reminder that ...When you are writing you need to do it where you cannot be interrupted! I told him that after I finished the sentence he would have my full attention. Guess what? He got in his recliner and fell asleep while we were talking!!! Men!

Writing is FUN!!!

Sunday afternoon I plunged into the third book in the "Heritage Series". It was more fun than a barrel of monkeys. The thing about writing is the amazment of watching a story unfold and getting acquainted with the characters.

Those characters are misfits sometimes. They behave like real people (if you are on the right track) and don't always do the "right" things. "Good" people do bad things and "bad" people do good things. It makes the process interesting and fun. I try to zip myself into each character's skin. I want them to be believable.

The mindset of the west in the 1800s is a lot different than the way people think in the 2000s. My grandparents were raised in the 1800s and a lot of the standards were taught to my parents who did not stray from those standards. I have to admit that I have eased up on some things, but the basic truths are still cemented in my bones. That also helps with writing about this time period.

I am excited for you to read the books following "Nan's Journey". I think you will become invested in the characters and the story. Keep watching...you never know when they will be coming out!

I want to encourage those of you who have a story in you. Write it down! There is a great feeling of accomplishment to see it completed on your own computer screen. Most people don't get that far. Then, take the next step. For me, it was sending it to the publisher. For most, it is finding an agent. Take one step at a time. Don't get bogged down in the process. Like Nike says, "Just do it!"

Camping in the Mountains

A couple of weeks ago Terry and I traveled through Trinidad, Colorado and tent camped in the forest on a mountain above Monument Lake. The spruce and Aspen were beautiful. A roaring creek cut through our camping spot and the air was crisp and clear. I felt like I had gone to heaven. It is one of my favorite places on this earth.

I found myself thinking of the people in my family who had camped in this same campground with us. A lot of them are gone. I sat by the stream and cried. I miss our conversations around the roaring campfire my dad always tended. I also miss his strong campfire/cowboy coffee. The sweet laughter from my sisters and brother-in-law were missed. I promised myself that I would get my two brothers, my only sister that is left and my children up on that mountain to camp with me...soon.

I know the past cannot be recreated, but I do want some new memories from the time I am living in NOW. I think I have a good chance of getting at least some of us together. The tranquility of the spot is needed and wanted.

Confidence

Confidence... pause and think about the word. To many it is illusive. To others it is as natural as breathing. To me, it is a struggle. This morning I listened to Joyce Meyer talking about confidence. She has taught to "do it afraid" for years. The premise is that when you are afraid do the things you need/want to do anyway. Step out and try while your heart is pounding.

The reason it took me so long to get the first draft of "Nan's Journey" written was lack of confidence. One day I decided that I was going to finish writing it because, if nothing else, it was an accomplishment to actually finish the "book that is in me." I did it for myself! I decided that it was worth the trouble even if it was only for my enjoyment. The Lord lead me so gently. When I finished my friend, Rhonda, told me that her niece worked for a publisher in the acquisitions department. I was blown away. She said to send it in because they promote new authors! Of all things!!!

You know the rest of that story. Even with the miracles that have happened with "Nan's Journey", fear creeps in. What if the sales stop? What if no one shows up for my book signings? What if...? I keep pretty detailed records on "Nan's Journey" sales and promotion and addresses of the people who have purchased it. When I get discouraged I look at those records. Yesterday I got a newsletter from Tate Publishing and Enterprises, my publisher. Their marketing department had just returned from a big meeting of publishers and "book people" in general. They had great success in the time they were there. Where other publishers are downsizing, they have increased by more that 200%!!!

I have to admit that when I heard about Thomas Nelson downsizing, I worried about Tate. God has His hand in all of this. He is with all the publishers that are getting out His word. Big publishers and small. So... I keep my hand in God's capable hand and keep on typing away on the books He leads me to write.

I am about 1/2 way on the first draft of book 3 in the "Nan's Heritage" series!!!! Pre-release sales of "Elk's Resolve" are going well and since November "Nan's Journey" has sold over 815 copies. (I know that is a far cry from 50,000 but it is in God's hands!) If you haven't ordered a copy of "Nan's Journey", sign the guest book or hit the link. If you want to be one of the first 100 to get a pre-release copy of "Elk's Resolve" sign the guest book. (the links won't know what you are talking about ...smile smile)

A Voice in the Wind

I just finished reading "A Voice in the Wind" by Francine Rivers. In many ways it was a disturbing read in that Rome in the first century was much like our world today. So much for the "good old days" huh! The challenges the main character overcame made me come face to face with the reality that even on my worst days, I am blessed. In the days that Hadessah lived in Rome every religion and thought was accepted and held in high esteem, EXCEPT for Christianity and Judaism. Does that sound familiar to anyone? The difference is that today, at least for now, in the United States the persecution meted out is humiliation or slander instead of facing literal lions in the coliseum.

When we watch the History channel on television and they show the coliseum we often think of the place as a place of games. IT WAS A PLACE OF SLAVERY AND DEATH! The blood thirst of the spectators held them prisoner as well as the gladiators and Christians. Most of the time the reality of the place never reaches our brain. God, forgive me!

My fear of offending or conflict has been hard to overcome. I know the Lord will be with me to stand for my beliefs to the end. This book has given me much to think about. The characters were interesting, complex, and infuriating. It is worth the time and energy to read and explore the deeper issues of life.

Contract for "The Sequel"!!!

Yesterday I was contacted by Tate Publishing and Enterprises. They sent me a contract for the sequel to "Nan's Journey". The story continues with twists and turns that I think you will like.

Now the work begins: edits, book cover design choices, voice choices for the audio version, and a boat load of other things. I am excited to get my sleeves rolled up and begin the process. "Nan's Journey" took about 10 months to get the pre-release copies in my hands. The acquisition process took about 2 months of that so I am thinking (not promising) that "Elk's Resolve" (the working title) pre-release copies should be ready in 8 months. (Feb or March?)

Terry and I have decided that we want to do something special for the first 100 orders for "Elk's Resolve". You will be the first to get a copy and we will let you have it for a special price. $10. This will be a $4 or $5 savings! Send in your name and I will save one for you and let you know when to send in your $10.

I desire your prayers over this book and a continuation of prayers for "Nan's Journey". As you know each book has an underlying theme. Nan's was forgiveness and Elk is overcoming depression along with other sub themes.

God bless you!