Perryton Satellite Arts and Crafts Show

Sat and Sunday I am going to be at the Perryton Expo Center with my book "Nan's Journey". This is the 40th year for the Satellite Arts and Craft Show. It is a fund raiser for the town's school for the mentally handicapped. This school is awesome in the training it gives for the individuals enrolled.

I am excited to see the people who came by my booth last year as well as new folks. I will have booklets to give away with the first chapter of my next book, "Elk's Resolve", including an order form for pre-orders of the new book and also for "Nan's Journey". I think I am better prepared to answer questions and I also have some hand-outs to give away. (bookmarks, speaker/author brochures, magnets, compasses for the children with my logo on them, the new booklets, and push cards) I will bring my laptop and have my book trailer going until the battery goes out...smile smile.

I have a special sale going on through Jan 2, the anniversary of the release of "Nan's Journey". Come by the booth and visit. Buy books for your friends and family for Christmas. Please consider leaving a review on Amazon.com or another book seller blog (Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc) for a free book. It helps to have a lot of reviews on a book seller site because people wonder what is up with a book that has people talking about it. If you can't do that, please tell people about my books. "The Shack" became a best seller because people talked about it and bought it. It was self-published by an unknown author, but God used people to promote it. It is an awesome book. (controversial, but awesome because even if you do not agree with the doctrine, it makes you think about what you really do believe.)

I hope to see you soon!

"My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw & Tom Douglas

I just finished reading "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas. It was a precious book. Having raised three sons, I found that time with a parent was pure gold to each of them. The story is simple, but the simplicity is the beauty of it. I heard it said that love is spelled t-i-m-e. Even though it is definitely a children's book, I think the things the daddy and his little girl do are examples that could spark ideas of easy and fun moments to share with children whether they are a girl or boy. Activities with our sweet little children do not have to cost a thing. I thought that was a great aspect of "My Little Girl". Sometimes we get caught up in the hype that kids really want a lot of stuff when they really would treasure undivided time with their mom or dad.

The illustrations by Julia Denos are colorful and whimsical. The animals are well done and I loved the wardrobe choices for the little girl. She truly looked like she picked out her own clothes. The rural setting was enjoyable and lended itself to more lovely illustrations. Even though it has been many years since I was a little girl, it made me miss my daddy. This book will find a place on my shelf for my granddaughters and their dads to share.

Mentors and Tormentors

This morning I listened to Jentenzen Franklin on television before going to Sunday School. He was speaking about mentors and mentorship. One statement he made caused me to sit up and take note. He said something to the affect that sometimes tormentors can be mentors. What do you think of that?

Suppose you grew up in a home with a parent who perpetrated a lot of physical or mental pain.
As you endured each episode you determined within yourself that you would not treat another human in the same manner. Whether you stayed with your convictions that life would be different in your home after your became an adult or whether you followed the same destructive pattern, your abusive parent was your mentor as well as your tormentor.

Any thoughts?

Review of "Through the Storm" by Lynne Spears

Upon finishing Lynne Spears book “Through the Storm”, I find myself with a better understanding of the pressures families of celebrities face in the fishbowl of fame. As a mother I related to the fears and concerns Lynne shared within the pages of her book. The peer pressure and career traps that are set before our children are much the same.
Mrs. Spears wrote about columnists who misrepresented her concern for her children as their careers took off. The tag “stage mom” was attached whenever decisions of the “powers that be” ran with ideas that were questionable for Brittany as a young teen. The book detailed how quickly things can spiral out of control. How does a parent help their adult child? Prayer is the only answer when the child is not willing to let you into their mess to help.
I found the background of this Louisiana family to be normal. It could have been the story of any of thousands of families across the United States. Many moms and dads spend endless hours taking their children to dance lessons, recitals, sporting events, and gymnastic. When children are excited about doing things like that, parents tend to facilitate progression into these things. How many parents of Olympians have spent hours travelling for their children’s dreams to be given a shot? I saw a lot of people I know in Lynne Spears’ story.
Elaine Littau author of “Nan’s Journey”

Go the Extra Mile

This morning I found a quote from a fellow author that really inspired me. "Go the extra mile, in the long run, its a short cut." - W. Dale Cramer author of "Summer of Light" (Cramer...mmmm my grandma's maiden name was Cramer...I wonder???)



Back to the thought here, the statement is true isn't it. When we rush through and try to hurry the process up we end up going back to explain or fix something. How does this apply to you today? I know it applies to me in almost every area whether it be writing, proof reading, or home improvement.



My poor hubby had to re-sand our dining room because I wiped it down with a dust mop that I was certain was clean. It was not and the stain grabbed hold of the dirt and made a very ugly mess. Bless his heart, he is so patient with me. He grumbled a little, but his heart is pure gold and he stayed sweet about it. After the sanding he re stained it and it is fine. (He applied the first coat of finish last night and it looks great....pictures soon.)



How about going the extra mile in relationships? Terry does all the time. I attempt to but I struggle with impatience. I think I am going to chew on this quote by W. Dale Cramer for a while. It is a gold nugget of truth that will bring certain growth.

Thanksgiving

I am thankful for the goodness of God. This past year has been a year of growth for me. It is the anniversary of the day that my first copies of "Nan's Journey" came into my hands. The only thing I can think of that comes close to conveying the emotion of that day is the birth of a baby.

Like birthing a baby, getting a book published is only the beginning. There are responsibilities to the book that require care and attention for it to be successful. I have become more assertive and stronger in voice and confidence. The thought of speaking before a group is less intimidating with each event. Meeting store owners and customers at book signings has become a joy.

A lot of self-doubts threaten sanity at times encouraged by looks of astonishment from acquaintances who can hardly believe that I have the capacity to actually "write something". It has been amusing to watch the various reactions of people. I am blessed that a lot of them are encouraging. That helps soothe the bruises from the others.

If it weren't for the message that is within the covers I don't know that I would have the stamina for this. When a reader approaches me and shares with me the impact this simple story had on their life, it is all worth it. One lady that I have known for years phoned me. She was someone that I thought had it "all together". As she spoke about reading the book she began to cry. She said, "You wrote my story!" It showed me once again that we do not really know the pain behind another person's eyes. She was very grateful that I had written it. I am too.

I am thankful that God lead me to a Christian Publisher who took a risk with me. Every person on the team has been great and I am thankful for them too.

Marketing

Like many people who dream of becoming an author, I had some lofty ideas of what being a published author was like. It must have come from a "Hollywood" movie or something, but I had dreams of going up on a mountain in the quiet of the woods and typing away on my laptop while my publisher marketed my most recent brilliant work of fiction. There were visions of book signings with rabid fans waiting in long lines just to meet me. (Did I tell you I have a vivid imagination?) I hate to burst any one's bubble, but it just doesn't happen that way for most first timers out there.I am so blessed to find a publisher who will read unsolicited manuscripts. I participated in a web instruction event by a book agent. He said that most of the "stuff" he got in the mail was pitched after the first paragraph. If it didn't "grab him as something fresh and compelling" in those few words, it wasn't worthy of his time! After listening to his brilliance for an hour I was one very depressed author. The experience with Tate Publishing and Enterprises is a very personal one. Every phone conversation has been productive and helpful. The professionals assigned to each phase of the book development are invested in the success of each book.I have to say that marketing is not something I knew much about, but after reading a ton of information and studying the blogs of various authors and groups, I have gotten my feet wet. I keep a journal about every last thing that I have tried. Each attempt is marked with the number of books sold or people affected by the event. Every mail out is registered as to how many cards, letters, author/speaker brochures, or event fliers were sent and what the response was. I think I will have a better idea of how to spend my marketing dollars for my second book, "Elk's Resolve".At a book signing in a small book store the proprietor told me that Tate is very aggressive in putting their author's names and titles "out there". With every box of books from Ingram/Spring Arbour are fliers about the offerings from Tate authors. I was impressed with that bit of information. There have been time when I had felt that I was shouldering a lion's share of the marketing, but after talking with her, I realized that there is so much more to the publishing business than I will ever learn or know. I am glad to leave those parts to Tate. The very next time I looked at a blog from a group of authors, I saw that they were discussing how their "big house" publishers were having them do their own marketing. They were upset that times had changed. At this time those publishers are downsizing and a bunch or authors were let out of their contracts. I imagine they would be glad to do a little marketing if they had a chance.I said ALL of that to say this. Tate does a lot of things for the author that we do not see every day. Eventually we see the effects of it. It takes a lot of publicity to get name recognition for authors. If you don't believe me, ask "the man on the street" to name their favorite author. They will most likely say someone from the New York Times best sellers list. Then ask them who their favorite Christian author is or to name ten television preachers. I promise you that the majority of Christians are somewhat stumped. We have to be out there with our face and our voice connecting with people. That has been the best way that I have found to market my books.Elaine LittauTate Authorof"Nan's Journey" and "Elk's Resolve"

Stonecroft Women's Ministry

Last night I spoke to the wonderful women who attended the monthly meeting of the Dodge City, KS Stonecroft Ministries. They were truly a delight to me. My good friend, Jeri Grove, was the featured musical artist. She has a great talent in voice and in songwriting.

Flowers by Irene owner, "the friendly florist" of Dodge City, was there with a Christmas centerpiece presentation. She was inspiring in her creativity. If you are ever in Dodge City, go by her shop. She offers specialty cards, candles, gifts, and flowers. She really is a very friendly woman.

The attendees were gracious to me and welcomed me and my story with open arms. It is a pleasure to meet with a group like this. As I understand, there are chapters of Stonecroft Women's Ministries all over the USA. The specific ones I have heard of are in Denver,CO; Dallas, TX, & Oklahoma City, OK. This is a group for all women and is a very enjoyable event.

Thank you ladies!

The Schedule of Conceptual Editing of "Elk's Resolve'

Today I got the schedule for the editing for "Elk's Resolve". The process is well underway. If you enjoyed the action, twists and turns, and emotion of "Nan's Journey", you won't be disappointed with "Elk's Resolve". Already over 100 people have contacted me wanting a pre-release copy. I have no idea what the publisher's price will be for "Elk's Resolve", but for those contacting me during the pre-release phase, I am selling them for $10. You won't have to send the money until I receive them. These copies won't be in my hands until spring/summer of 2009, but if you want me to write your contact information down so that I can send you a notice when I have them, please let me know.
I put the third book in a contest on Christianstoryteller.com. Hopefully it will get some recognition there. The fourth in the series is coming along nicely. I write when I am nervous or bored. Waiting for publishing makes me a little crazy even though it is fun. Please continue to pray for me as I try to follow Him with all my heart.

Do It Yourself Tip on Taking the "Popcorn" Off An Acoustical Ceiling

Terry and I are "do it yourselfers". We have remodeled and lived in a couple of houses. This October we have been in this house 17 years. All the while we have lived here we have been in one project or another. Our house was built in the 1920s so there has been plenty to do.

When the boys were little we built a tree-less tree house and built fence around a big garden area. We planted many trees. The boys helped me plant our orchard. (If we counted on those trees to provide sustenance for us we would be out of luck. I have harvested less than a bushel of fruit from them in all these years. smile)

We spent one summer vacation painting the 32 windows...ugh. Thank the Lord that we had new vinyl ones put in last year. (The bottom story of the house) We have done a lot of work outside and painted inside and are in the process of redoing the hardwood floors. (almost ready for the staining step...Maybe it will be done in 10 days.)

When we began the process of working on the floors I had Terry take a flat hoe and knock off the acoustic balls off the ceiling in the living room. At some point in the past...probably 30 years ago someone had painstakingly sprayed the ceilings in the house to modernize them. Terry and I even did it to one of our other houses. It looks great for quite some time, but after 30 years...the dirt just won't vacuum off anymore.

We scraped the ceilings of our kitchen and dining room in years previous, but I thought that maybe there was a better way to do it than to scrape it "dry". On the home improvement shows they usually show people spraying the ceiling with water and using a putty knife. The way we did it in the past left a nice texture behind. Using water in the way suggested on TV causes it to scrape off to a smooth finish. If that is the look you want then that is the way to do it. It takes a lot more time because you have to climb a ladder and use a putty knife and get the ceiling pretty wet.

I took the spray bottle and sprayed...I thought evenly, and Terry stood on the floor with the flat hoe and scraped. Where it was wetter it went smooth otherwise it left texture. It made sort of a pattern of texture and smooth, so it looks somewhat intentional. Yesterday I scraped the ceiling of the hallway...dry... I was much more satisfied with the look. In the dining room and kitchen we painted over the "left over" texture. The paint soaked in pretty much and flattened the texture even more, but it looks very nice. I have heard of diy people scraping the ceiling smooth and then applying texture. To me that seems like a redundant step when a dry scraping will leave a nice look. Try it. You will be able to see what you are left with for texture. If you don't like the look, then spray it down and scrape it clean.

I am looking forward to the finished product. Two walls will be medium chocolate brown with the other two a couple of shades down the color chip...a tan. I am doing the ceiling in a cream and using a overhead projector to project an over sized vine pattern on the tan wall which I will paint in the cream color. On the ceiling around the ceiling fan I am planning to project and paint a vine in the tan color...mmmm hopefully all will turn out well. I will post pictures so you can judge for yourself.