Even in the busy time of the Christmas holiday season, "Primal-A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity" by Mark Batterson, was a book that I carved out time for. The question: "What would your Christianity look like if it was stripped down to the simplest, rawest, purest faith possible?" is one that my minister-son and I discussed at length about last week. Prayer without clich'es, awed silence, and "The Americanized Gospel" have stirred my spirit as well as my brain. I have recommended this book to many of my friends. I think it is a great study for people who want to get past the varnish and chrome and find the real basis for Faith in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey & Elk's Resolve
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Feeding the 5000
Feeding
the 5000
I was at a meeting last year where the subject was "Feeding the 5000". Perhaps you are an author wondering how you are going to get your book into the hands of the multitudes or you may be someone with a mountain of debt or some other insurmountable task. The speaker that night said that Jesus didn't just plunge in and start feeding everyone. He had the disciples divide the group into companies of 50s and 100s and also the women and children. Some estimates are that the crowd was really about 15, 000 people. They just counted the men. There were 5000 men. He said that when we have something we need to do we need to divide the task up into manageable pieces. The end result will be the same, but the process is a process of faithfulness.
Whether it is putting an extra $20 on each bill or setting your book sales to 10 to 20 books per month. The process is faithfulness. Today one of my author friends celebrated the sale of over 5000 books. (Not everyone is John Grissom so 5000 is huge!) All of the author friends rejoiced with her. She did it one book at a time. Faithfulness..Feeding the 5000!
Today my interview is with Tracey Marley. You will enjoy her story.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Tracey Marley, author of Promise for Tomorrow
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
That I am real and that I face the same struggles, temptations and trials as the next woman. I am very much a work in progress and it is the through the power of God that I wrote this story and have been able to experience the blessing of watching it become a published reality.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
About seven days after I started my first book! I've always enjoyed journaling and such but when I dreamed the story of Promise for Tomorrow and started to write it down, I couldn't seem to stop. In seven months, I wrote it and the other four, possibly five, rough drafts for the remainder of the series as well as a separate stand alone title.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Although I write fiction, I like to keep it real. I purposefully write situations and characters that are sometimes sticky and hard to deal with because that's what we face in reality. The Christian life isn't perfect nor will it be this side of Glory. I like to toss in a little humor to lighten things up, but in the end I want my readers to walk away with insights and truths that they can apply to their everyday life.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes. I love reading Christian romances as well as Bible Studies/Self Help books.
6. What are you reading right now?
This Present Darkness, a fiction novel, written in 1986 by Frank E. Peretti. It deals heavily with spiritual warfare which is something I deal with on a regular basis. There is no doubt as to why God kept putting it in front of me time and time again. I am also doing the study When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, by Beth Moore.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Promise for Tomorrow is the first book in the Heritage House Series. Forgiveness for Yesterday, book two, is what I am currently trying to finish. Where book one teaches the beauty of hope, love and restoration to the broken hearted, book two will teach the cost, gift, and value of God’s forgiveness to the undeserving, and how He expects His children to mirror that forgiveness to others.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Time is always a struggle because I'm not just a writer. I'm also a pastor's wife, a mom and a graphic designer. In addition to those demands, either right before I write or right after I write I will often go through what is sometimes intense spiritual warfare. Depression, anxiety, doubt, fear, temptation—you name it—can often leave me feeling sidetracked and overwhelmed. I battle against this by surrounding myself with the truth of God's word. The Bible tells me in Isaiah chapter 55, verses 10-11 that: "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." These verses remind me that God has given me a message to share through a story and that as long as I'm obedient to Him, He will bless me.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok) Promise for Tomorrow is the tale of a heart’s journey through the changing seasons of life and how God can bring something beautiful out of the ashes of loss and gives promise for the future—whatever it may bring.
Back cover copy:
Karen McMasters is tired of trying to convince everyone she is okay. It has been five years since the death of her beloved husband, Eric, and time still feels frozen in the past. The only cure for Karen and her children is to move away from the memories of what they have lost. Now living in Greensboro, North Carolina, Karen meets Amanda, a fun and vivacious spirit who dates Chris Lanning, the handsome bachelor with a past that offers more questions than answers. Chris offers an introduction to his best friend Bret Sears, allowing Karen to meet the first man whose Christian ideals match his striking good looks since Eric. Karen feels God’s spirit telling her it is okay to move on with her life, but what about her children and the memory of her loving late husband? As Amanda unearths more of Chris’ mysterious past, Karen searches for ways to minister to her friends while trying to figure out what God’s plan for her includes. What terrible injustice happened to Chris? Will temptation threaten to ruin Karen and Bret? Or will they rise above and seek the assurance God offers them if they listen to his Promise for Tomorrow?
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
My contact is traceymarley@embarqmail.com or traceymarley.tatepublishing.net. Books can be ordered through my website or anywhere books are sold.
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!
the 5000
I was at a meeting last year where the subject was "Feeding the 5000". Perhaps you are an author wondering how you are going to get your book into the hands of the multitudes or you may be someone with a mountain of debt or some other insurmountable task. The speaker that night said that Jesus didn't just plunge in and start feeding everyone. He had the disciples divide the group into companies of 50s and 100s and also the women and children. Some estimates are that the crowd was really about 15, 000 people. They just counted the men. There were 5000 men. He said that when we have something we need to do we need to divide the task up into manageable pieces. The end result will be the same, but the process is a process of faithfulness.
Whether it is putting an extra $20 on each bill or setting your book sales to 10 to 20 books per month. The process is faithfulness. Today one of my author friends celebrated the sale of over 5000 books. (Not everyone is John Grissom so 5000 is huge!) All of the author friends rejoiced with her. She did it one book at a time. Faithfulness..Feeding the 5000!
Today my interview is with Tracey Marley. You will enjoy her story.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Tracey Marley, author of Promise for Tomorrow
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
That I am real and that I face the same struggles, temptations and trials as the next woman. I am very much a work in progress and it is the through the power of God that I wrote this story and have been able to experience the blessing of watching it become a published reality.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
About seven days after I started my first book! I've always enjoyed journaling and such but when I dreamed the story of Promise for Tomorrow and started to write it down, I couldn't seem to stop. In seven months, I wrote it and the other four, possibly five, rough drafts for the remainder of the series as well as a separate stand alone title.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Although I write fiction, I like to keep it real. I purposefully write situations and characters that are sometimes sticky and hard to deal with because that's what we face in reality. The Christian life isn't perfect nor will it be this side of Glory. I like to toss in a little humor to lighten things up, but in the end I want my readers to walk away with insights and truths that they can apply to their everyday life.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes. I love reading Christian romances as well as Bible Studies/Self Help books.
6. What are you reading right now?
This Present Darkness, a fiction novel, written in 1986 by Frank E. Peretti. It deals heavily with spiritual warfare which is something I deal with on a regular basis. There is no doubt as to why God kept putting it in front of me time and time again. I am also doing the study When Godly People Do Ungodly Things, by Beth Moore.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Promise for Tomorrow is the first book in the Heritage House Series. Forgiveness for Yesterday, book two, is what I am currently trying to finish. Where book one teaches the beauty of hope, love and restoration to the broken hearted, book two will teach the cost, gift, and value of God’s forgiveness to the undeserving, and how He expects His children to mirror that forgiveness to others.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Time is always a struggle because I'm not just a writer. I'm also a pastor's wife, a mom and a graphic designer. In addition to those demands, either right before I write or right after I write I will often go through what is sometimes intense spiritual warfare. Depression, anxiety, doubt, fear, temptation—you name it—can often leave me feeling sidetracked and overwhelmed. I battle against this by surrounding myself with the truth of God's word. The Bible tells me in Isaiah chapter 55, verses 10-11 that: "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." These verses remind me that God has given me a message to share through a story and that as long as I'm obedient to Him, He will bless me.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok) Promise for Tomorrow is the tale of a heart’s journey through the changing seasons of life and how God can bring something beautiful out of the ashes of loss and gives promise for the future—whatever it may bring.
Back cover copy:
Karen McMasters is tired of trying to convince everyone she is okay. It has been five years since the death of her beloved husband, Eric, and time still feels frozen in the past. The only cure for Karen and her children is to move away from the memories of what they have lost. Now living in Greensboro, North Carolina, Karen meets Amanda, a fun and vivacious spirit who dates Chris Lanning, the handsome bachelor with a past that offers more questions than answers. Chris offers an introduction to his best friend Bret Sears, allowing Karen to meet the first man whose Christian ideals match his striking good looks since Eric. Karen feels God’s spirit telling her it is okay to move on with her life, but what about her children and the memory of her loving late husband? As Amanda unearths more of Chris’ mysterious past, Karen searches for ways to minister to her friends while trying to figure out what God’s plan for her includes. What terrible injustice happened to Chris? Will temptation threaten to ruin Karen and Bret? Or will they rise above and seek the assurance God offers them if they listen to his Promise for Tomorrow?
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
My contact is traceymarley@embarqmail.com or traceymarley.tatepublishing.net. Books can be ordered through my website or anywhere books are sold.
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!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
My "Prown"
I am the sixth of six children in my family. (so is Terry) My brothers and sisters were mostly grown up when I came on the scene. My closest brother in age, Jim, was around 13 yrs older than me. He married young and I was the only child left at home. I had a lot of nieces and nephews to play with and I didn't mind that.
I don't know when my fastination with crowns started. I think it was from the old television show "Queen for a day." I LOVED that show. I didn't care that the lucky woman usually got a new refrigerator and washer. All I cared about was the crown. I also liked the robe, but the crown was the thing. I imagined myself with a crown and that was one of the reasons I was so interested in going to heaven. (I know... shallow ...but I was 4!)
One day, before he got married, Jim, came into our little house with something for me. He had gone to the corner drug store (the name of the store was Corner Drug.) and purchased the most beautiful crown you ever laid your eyes on! It had to have been the largest in the store because I still haven't seen one that size for sale at Walmart or anywhere. It had very nice rhinestones and was perfect. My heart skipped a few beats! He put it on my head and I danced like crazy. I called it my "prown". (Remember, I was 4.) There have been few gifts in my lifetime that have meant as much to me. My old walking doll, Mary, wears it now with jeans and a red top in the corner of my bedroom. My brother, Jim, is a dear friend to me still. We have the best conversations. I love him so much.
My other brother, Maynard, is so attentive to everyone in the family. He remembers birthdays and events. He calls often and gives me the gift of time. He is the greatest! I love him, too.
My sister, Geraldine, is my rock! She is someone I couldn't do without. I love her so much. We have lived in the same town my whole life. There have been few days that I haven't seen her or talked with her. She is so precious.
I have two sisters who have gone to be with the Lord. One, Wanda, left at age 35 in 1976. I still miss her every day. I am able to put my arms around her by holding onto her 5 children and loving on them. The other, Donna, passed away in 2001at age 69. She was always an encouragement. We used to talk a lot on the phone. I miss both of them so much but I can still hear their sweet voices and laughter. I could never forget their singing, laughter, stories and love.
One day I will see them again and I will get my crown. Then I will kneel at the feet of Jesus with all the others and place my crown at His feet because He is worthy of all praise and He is the King.
Today I want to introduce to you Shawna Blalock. She is also a Tate Publishing and Enterprises author. You will find this interview very sweet and interesting.
1. What is your name and the title of your book?
Shawna Blalock That Puppy Dog Took My Boots
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Most people ask if I have always been good at writing and the answer is yes, they also ask if I always knew I wanted to be a writer and the answer is no.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
A couple of years ago I prayed for a platform to be able to spread God's word and after about 6 months the Lord showed me that writing children's books was how I could spread His word. I have two small children and he is using them to give me stories to write about.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
God has given me the ability to tell stories.(written or spoken)
5. Are you a reader? Somewhat
6. What are you reading right now?
I am reading Boy-Sterous Living by Jean Blackmer
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication?
Tell about it. I actually have 6 more stories written, they are all about my oldest son and the interesting things he says and does. Two or three of them are experiences involving teaching my oldest son about Jesus and that he lives in our hearts.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
For me my biggest obstacle is time. My two sons provide more than enough stories to write on but between being a stay at home mom, taking my oldest to Playschool and running after my 2 year old the day slips by. Oh did I mention housework and dinner for my husband 5 nights a week? I wouldn't change it for the world because I am doing what the Lord is telling me to.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Jeston is upset! He can't find his favorite pair of cowboy boots. The neighbor's dog, Fred, always liked them too. Did he take them? Author Shawna Blalock brings the reader through Jeston's journey to find out in That Puppy Dog Took My Boots
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books?
My email address is thatpuppydogtookmyboots@netzero.net and you can purchase the book from www.tatepublishing.com or any major bookstore on-line. I also have a facebook fan page www.facebook.com/shawna.blalock and a blog at www.thatpuppydogtookmyboots.blogspot.com
Authors of Children's Books are amazing. 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 was interesting people!
I don't know when my fastination with crowns started. I think it was from the old television show "Queen for a day." I LOVED that show. I didn't care that the lucky woman usually got a new refrigerator and washer. All I cared about was the crown. I also liked the robe, but the crown was the thing. I imagined myself with a crown and that was one of the reasons I was so interested in going to heaven. (I know... shallow ...but I was 4!)
One day, before he got married, Jim, came into our little house with something for me. He had gone to the corner drug store (the name of the store was Corner Drug.) and purchased the most beautiful crown you ever laid your eyes on! It had to have been the largest in the store because I still haven't seen one that size for sale at Walmart or anywhere. It had very nice rhinestones and was perfect. My heart skipped a few beats! He put it on my head and I danced like crazy. I called it my "prown". (Remember, I was 4.) There have been few gifts in my lifetime that have meant as much to me. My old walking doll, Mary, wears it now with jeans and a red top in the corner of my bedroom. My brother, Jim, is a dear friend to me still. We have the best conversations. I love him so much.
My other brother, Maynard, is so attentive to everyone in the family. He remembers birthdays and events. He calls often and gives me the gift of time. He is the greatest! I love him, too.
My sister, Geraldine, is my rock! She is someone I couldn't do without. I love her so much. We have lived in the same town my whole life. There have been few days that I haven't seen her or talked with her. She is so precious.
I have two sisters who have gone to be with the Lord. One, Wanda, left at age 35 in 1976. I still miss her every day. I am able to put my arms around her by holding onto her 5 children and loving on them. The other, Donna, passed away in 2001at age 69. She was always an encouragement. We used to talk a lot on the phone. I miss both of them so much but I can still hear their sweet voices and laughter. I could never forget their singing, laughter, stories and love.
One day I will see them again and I will get my crown. Then I will kneel at the feet of Jesus with all the others and place my crown at His feet because He is worthy of all praise and He is the King.
Today I want to introduce to you Shawna Blalock. She is also a Tate Publishing and Enterprises author. You will find this interview very sweet and interesting.
1. What is your name and the title of your book?
Shawna Blalock That Puppy Dog Took My Boots
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Most people ask if I have always been good at writing and the answer is yes, they also ask if I always knew I wanted to be a writer and the answer is no.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
A couple of years ago I prayed for a platform to be able to spread God's word and after about 6 months the Lord showed me that writing children's books was how I could spread His word. I have two small children and he is using them to give me stories to write about.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
God has given me the ability to tell stories.(written or spoken)
5. Are you a reader? Somewhat
6. What are you reading right now?
I am reading Boy-Sterous Living by Jean Blackmer
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication?
Tell about it. I actually have 6 more stories written, they are all about my oldest son and the interesting things he says and does. Two or three of them are experiences involving teaching my oldest son about Jesus and that he lives in our hearts.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
For me my biggest obstacle is time. My two sons provide more than enough stories to write on but between being a stay at home mom, taking my oldest to Playschool and running after my 2 year old the day slips by. Oh did I mention housework and dinner for my husband 5 nights a week? I wouldn't change it for the world because I am doing what the Lord is telling me to.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Jeston is upset! He can't find his favorite pair of cowboy boots. The neighbor's dog, Fred, always liked them too. Did he take them? Author Shawna Blalock brings the reader through Jeston's journey to find out in That Puppy Dog Took My Boots
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books?
My email address is thatpuppydogtookmyboots@netzero.net and you can purchase the book from www.tatepublishing.com or any major bookstore on-line. I also have a facebook fan page www.facebook.com/shawna.blalock and a blog at www.thatpuppydogtookmyboots.blogspot.com
Authors of Children's Books are amazing. 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 was interesting people!
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Christmas Sweater by Glen Beck
The Christmas Sweater by Glen Beck is destined to become a classic. My brother-in-law warned me to be ready to read until the end when I opened the book. I grinned and told him that those kinds of books are my favorite. I have to say that I agree with him. I couldn't stop until I had finished it.
Viewing life from a young boy's perspective was very eye-opening. While some would say that a child is self-absorbed at Christmas time and doesn't appreciate the efforts behind the gifts given to him, I say that we are all like children in that way. Reading this book made me pause and think about the blessings in my life and the many things that I take for granted. I am ashamed to say that even in my adult life I have not appreciated the varied and unusual gifts given to me by my husband. He does try very hard, but seems to miss the mark often.
The Christmas Sweater is a textured story telling of the importance of family, including not only parents, but grandparents as well. Sometimes the message of the wisdom of grandparents gets lost in our day and time. While the story is thoughtful it is also one in which the reader becomes invested in the outcome. I would say that this book is a must read.
Viewing life from a young boy's perspective was very eye-opening. While some would say that a child is self-absorbed at Christmas time and doesn't appreciate the efforts behind the gifts given to him, I say that we are all like children in that way. Reading this book made me pause and think about the blessings in my life and the many things that I take for granted. I am ashamed to say that even in my adult life I have not appreciated the varied and unusual gifts given to me by my husband. He does try very hard, but seems to miss the mark often.
The Christmas Sweater is a textured story telling of the importance of family, including not only parents, but grandparents as well. Sometimes the message of the wisdom of grandparents gets lost in our day and time. While the story is thoughtful it is also one in which the reader becomes invested in the outcome. I would say that this book is a must read.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Best Gifts
The best gifts are ones that cannot be opened with your hands. I think that a heart full of love and forgiveness that Terry offers me is just the best gift that one human can give another. Of course the greatest Gift of all is our Lord Jesus.
Now I want to be a little less spiritual for a moment. I remember back when I was 4 yrs old Mother and Daddy gave me a life size "walking doll". She was exactly my size and could wear my clothes. Her official name was Patty Play Pal but I named her Mary. Mama and I didn't change her clothes many times because she wasn't very pliable. It usually turned into a wrestling match between Mama and Mary. Mama liked curly hair and Mary had hair that was as straight as a board. We put curlers in it many times and never made any kind of impact on her hair. I was very jealous of her the first week I had her because Mama and Daddy really seemed to like her a lot. (I felt more than me at times.) I was shy in front of her until it occurred to me that she wasn't real. I put her in bed with me but soon kicked her out because her cold plastic legs and arms never warmed up. They stayed cold. I reminded myself that she was NOT real, again. Would you believe that Mary stands in the corner of my bedroom next to some of the other favorite dolls, Sweetie Pie and Kitty (Yes, I was a Gunsmoke fan...Miss Kitty in particular.) Mary is wearing a little pair of jeans and a red shirt with a beautiful rhinestone crown that my brother bought for me. (That is another story.) I said all of that to say, "Some gifts are for Keeps."
Please read my interview with Emil Kirstein from South Africa.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Thank you for this interview. My name is Emil Kirstein and I’m from South Africa. The name of my debut novel is Quest for Freedom, and it’s published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises.
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Maybe the readers would like to know that I’ve got mileage on my odometer and overtime on my clock. Jokes aside, I write from my experiences and real-life lessons that I’ve learned. Though my stories are fiction, I strive for them to be real.
My experience stems from having been in business, a missionary, a Bible teacher and an English teacher in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, Malawi, and South Korea. Currently my wife, Lorna, and I are semi-retired. We focus on writing books and tutoring English, mostly to Koreans studying here in South Africa.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Since primary school days I’ve been a storyteller, but had never considered sitting down and writing a novel. I felt that I was a missionary and teacher, full stop. I did write a lot of Bible school material and on a few occasions I did consider writing a book on some teachings—but that just never happened. Then about midway into 2006 I was reminded that the greatest teacher, Jesus, was a storyteller. He knew that the vast majority of people are more interested in listening to a story than listening to a teaching—even though a small minority prefers a teaching. Thus my novel was born.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I try to tell a story that’s true to life and has life-lessons embedded in it. I try to tell it simply, but I also try to use good language in the process of telling it. I try to skip the boring parts even though some boring parts are unfortunately necessary to fill in the background and set the scene. The readers will have to judge for themselves whether I’ve been successful in my goals.
5. Are you a reader?
Ironically, no! During my high school days I was an avid reader of Westerns. It took me about two hours to read a cowboy book. Nowadays I like reading study materials like encyclopedias and the like. Rather weird, wouldn’t you say?
6. What are you reading right now?
Please don’t laugh, but I’m busy brushing up on English grammar and South African history. As I said, please don’t laugh.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Quest for Freedom was the first on the drawing board, and has by God’s grace progressed to the bookstore. From the beginning I’d envisaged a trilogy—continuing with Quest for Life and finishing with Quest for Truth.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I’m one of those creatures who have difficulty in multitasking. So, when I write, I’d like to be marooned on an island, cut off from the world—but with all the benefits of civilization intact of course. However, that’s simply not possible. So, it’s start up, pause, step back, restart, pause… an endless cycle. I’m quite sure that I’m not the only writer on a quest—a quest for peace and quiet! Therefore, the best time for me to start writing is about 2am! You may check with my beloved wife if you don’t believe me.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Quest for Freedom is a story about freedom, as the title suggests. It’s a story about relationships— relationships between people and relationship with God. The secondary title expounds on it a bit: Being free amidst life’s ups and downs. The back matter on the book cover reads thus:
Mike and Anne are about to get a divorce. Despite the love between them, the hardships in their lives might be too much for them to take. A fresh start could be the best thing for both of them. Paul and Claire Shaw have a different problem. Paul is a pastor, and Claire is a compassionate wife. After a series of tragedies, however, Paul’s faith in God is severely shaken. What do these couples have in common? They are on a Quest for Freedom from the secrets that have scarred their souls. They are looking for hope despite trauma and turmoil.
Enter Old Charles Young, a man who has a different kind of secret: he has found true freedom from the pain and darkness of his own secrets, trauma, and turmoil. Walk with these couples as they learn that they were made for freedom, regardless of the challenges life hands them.
Author Emil Kirstein’s easy, conversational style allows the reader to become a “fly on the wall” as each character unfolds his or her Quest for Freedom. The real-life lessons they’ve learned provide clues for the characters—and the reader—to find what they are seeking.
In his review, Jim Miller, Marketing Representative of Tate Publishing & Enterprises, said:
Quest for Freedom tells the story of two struggling couples who find hope in the wisdom of an old man they barely know. Emil Kirstein writes with the heart of a pastor and the insight of a counselor. This book is an enjoyable read, but it is also much more than that. It is useful as a companion to pastoral or Christian counseling, a gift for people who are seeking answers for the difficulties in life, and as edification for fellow believers in Christ. The best part about Emil’s writing style is that it is in no way heavy-handed or preachy.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers can contact me at my website, http://kirsteinonline.com. There are links to email me, buy the book, read my blog, connect with me on Facebook, and the like. I welcome feedback from readers. It helps me keep my stories real.
This was a great interview. 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 was interesting people!
Now I want to be a little less spiritual for a moment. I remember back when I was 4 yrs old Mother and Daddy gave me a life size "walking doll". She was exactly my size and could wear my clothes. Her official name was Patty Play Pal but I named her Mary. Mama and I didn't change her clothes many times because she wasn't very pliable. It usually turned into a wrestling match between Mama and Mary. Mama liked curly hair and Mary had hair that was as straight as a board. We put curlers in it many times and never made any kind of impact on her hair. I was very jealous of her the first week I had her because Mama and Daddy really seemed to like her a lot. (I felt more than me at times.) I was shy in front of her until it occurred to me that she wasn't real. I put her in bed with me but soon kicked her out because her cold plastic legs and arms never warmed up. They stayed cold. I reminded myself that she was NOT real, again. Would you believe that Mary stands in the corner of my bedroom next to some of the other favorite dolls, Sweetie Pie and Kitty (Yes, I was a Gunsmoke fan...Miss Kitty in particular.) Mary is wearing a little pair of jeans and a red shirt with a beautiful rhinestone crown that my brother bought for me. (That is another story.) I said all of that to say, "Some gifts are for Keeps."
Please read my interview with Emil Kirstein from South Africa.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Thank you for this interview. My name is Emil Kirstein and I’m from South Africa. The name of my debut novel is Quest for Freedom, and it’s published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises.
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Maybe the readers would like to know that I’ve got mileage on my odometer and overtime on my clock. Jokes aside, I write from my experiences and real-life lessons that I’ve learned. Though my stories are fiction, I strive for them to be real.
My experience stems from having been in business, a missionary, a Bible teacher and an English teacher in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, Malawi, and South Korea. Currently my wife, Lorna, and I are semi-retired. We focus on writing books and tutoring English, mostly to Koreans studying here in South Africa.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Since primary school days I’ve been a storyteller, but had never considered sitting down and writing a novel. I felt that I was a missionary and teacher, full stop. I did write a lot of Bible school material and on a few occasions I did consider writing a book on some teachings—but that just never happened. Then about midway into 2006 I was reminded that the greatest teacher, Jesus, was a storyteller. He knew that the vast majority of people are more interested in listening to a story than listening to a teaching—even though a small minority prefers a teaching. Thus my novel was born.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I try to tell a story that’s true to life and has life-lessons embedded in it. I try to tell it simply, but I also try to use good language in the process of telling it. I try to skip the boring parts even though some boring parts are unfortunately necessary to fill in the background and set the scene. The readers will have to judge for themselves whether I’ve been successful in my goals.
5. Are you a reader?
Ironically, no! During my high school days I was an avid reader of Westerns. It took me about two hours to read a cowboy book. Nowadays I like reading study materials like encyclopedias and the like. Rather weird, wouldn’t you say?
6. What are you reading right now?
Please don’t laugh, but I’m busy brushing up on English grammar and South African history. As I said, please don’t laugh.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Quest for Freedom was the first on the drawing board, and has by God’s grace progressed to the bookstore. From the beginning I’d envisaged a trilogy—continuing with Quest for Life and finishing with Quest for Truth.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I’m one of those creatures who have difficulty in multitasking. So, when I write, I’d like to be marooned on an island, cut off from the world—but with all the benefits of civilization intact of course. However, that’s simply not possible. So, it’s start up, pause, step back, restart, pause… an endless cycle. I’m quite sure that I’m not the only writer on a quest—a quest for peace and quiet! Therefore, the best time for me to start writing is about 2am! You may check with my beloved wife if you don’t believe me.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Quest for Freedom is a story about freedom, as the title suggests. It’s a story about relationships— relationships between people and relationship with God. The secondary title expounds on it a bit: Being free amidst life’s ups and downs. The back matter on the book cover reads thus:
Mike and Anne are about to get a divorce. Despite the love between them, the hardships in their lives might be too much for them to take. A fresh start could be the best thing for both of them. Paul and Claire Shaw have a different problem. Paul is a pastor, and Claire is a compassionate wife. After a series of tragedies, however, Paul’s faith in God is severely shaken. What do these couples have in common? They are on a Quest for Freedom from the secrets that have scarred their souls. They are looking for hope despite trauma and turmoil.
Enter Old Charles Young, a man who has a different kind of secret: he has found true freedom from the pain and darkness of his own secrets, trauma, and turmoil. Walk with these couples as they learn that they were made for freedom, regardless of the challenges life hands them.
Author Emil Kirstein’s easy, conversational style allows the reader to become a “fly on the wall” as each character unfolds his or her Quest for Freedom. The real-life lessons they’ve learned provide clues for the characters—and the reader—to find what they are seeking.
In his review, Jim Miller, Marketing Representative of Tate Publishing & Enterprises, said:
Quest for Freedom tells the story of two struggling couples who find hope in the wisdom of an old man they barely know. Emil Kirstein writes with the heart of a pastor and the insight of a counselor. This book is an enjoyable read, but it is also much more than that. It is useful as a companion to pastoral or Christian counseling, a gift for people who are seeking answers for the difficulties in life, and as edification for fellow believers in Christ. The best part about Emil’s writing style is that it is in no way heavy-handed or preachy.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers can contact me at my website, http://kirsteinonline.com. There are links to email me, buy the book, read my blog, connect with me on Facebook, and the like. I welcome feedback from readers. It helps me keep my stories real.
This was a great interview. 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 was interesting people!
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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
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.
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:
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.”
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.”
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