Have you heard that saying all of your life like I have? I don't know about you, but before my first book was written and published I had a certain idea about what an author was like. In my mind, I could never enter that elite group.
Somehow, I figured that to be an author one had to be super smart, rich, stylish and serious. While most of the authors I have become acquainted with ARE very smart and stylish, they are also like me in that they are not rich or necessarily serious at all times.
The more I get to know these people, the more I realize that they are a fun bunch of people. The creativity and energy that passes even in emails is contagious. They continue to lift me up and help me more than they know.
This week I am interviewing Mary Barton Wilcox.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Mary Barton Wilcox First Rose (Between Now and Forever)
2. What is one thing you thing your readers would like to know about you?
Perhaps they may want to know how I came up with all the info for my book. Answer: From years of ministry and counseling and all the accounts told me of near death experiences, visions and dreams.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
It occurred rather suddenly and accidentally. I started writing when I became a minister thinking little of it. I wrote several booklets, curriculum and two complete books of daily devotionals.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Short direct sentences. I aim at making my material easy to read and easy to understand. And...if I can "feel" it as I write, and clearly understand it when it is read back to me, I know others will also.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes, yes, yes. I read the Bible and a portion from another book every day and then I still enjoy theology, commentaries and books that stimulate study and thought though I am now retired.
6. What are you reading right now?
Mastering the Old Testament by Lloyd J. Ogilvie
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
First of Ever (Beyond Here and Now) is a sequel to First Rose. It takes up where the other book leaves off. It is already written and edited for the publisher.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
So far I have had no obstacles. I am retired and other than the art work I do, time and inspiration is not a problem...yet.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
FIRST ROSE is an entire book devoted to a detailed description of what Heaven will be like. It is fictional reality based on years of ministry and counseling with those who have had visions, near death episodes and experienced other supernatural phenomenon.
Although fiction, everything written was compared to Biblical precepts and all of its content is in harmony with the Bible. The book was written to bring joy and comfort to those who have ever wanted to know what could be facing them after physical death. It will also stimulate and restore hope in seeing those we love in the life to come. The book is filled with incredible descriptions of angels, gardens and cities. You can go with Rose as she travels from the Judah Gate to the Throne Room of God. Along the way, you will enjoy all the spectacular scenery of Heaven and encounter things only dreamed about on earth.
This is a timeless book. It is a literary masterpiece written by an accomplished artist who understands the importance of intricate detail. It is a fast read and will be hard to put down. FIRST ROSE will keep you spellbound and fascinated at its ability to connect with the reader’s heart.
EXCERPT FROM BOOK: (Chapter Eleven)
There were gossamer cocoon-like chambers to my right and to my left as far as you could see. Each room was like my personal room at the mansion. It glowed all the time and the entrance to each of them were of a filament woven in intricate patterns. Each pattern was unique and lace like. The opening resembled a diaphanous veil that opened and shut upon the approach of an angel. There were layers and layers of them. All I could think of at the time was a honeycomb. All the chambers lined the wall of this level and reached from the top to the bottom. This entire level had and airy and delicate feel to it. Almost everything was transparent in some way. It was ethereal and filmy. The sky was a pale blue with gauzy clouds floating everywhere and there were myriads of angelic beings. Some of the angels appeared to be clothed with light chiffon-like garments that wrapped around their body as they flew weightlessly in the air. They seemed to be busy. Each one had a direction and purpose; you could tell that by the way they flew. Some were carrying objects, and others were reading scrolls and books. It was challenging to keep your eyes in just one place, there was so much going on. I turned to my friend whom I knew wanted to say something. He said, “This is the eternal home of the angels of God. Here you will have your first encounter with authority. There are ranks and positions assigned to every angel here. When you have met Gabriel and Michael, you will know at once they are the high archangels of heaven.” I just stood there, daring not to move until given permission. You could actually sense the organization here. As I pondered what I was seeing, the atmosphere became heavy and weighty. I could see in the distance a very large image approaching. As it neared, I realized it was an angel. His wingspan was tremendous, at least thirty feet. As he fluttered his wings and stretched downward to land, I knew immediately he was Michael.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
http://www.brightok/.
http://releaseofnewbookfirstrose/.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Scratching At Life
One morning I was sitting on my couch having a quiet moment before God. My couch was my “prayer closet” at the time, and I was praying and reading about Him. It wasn’t too long after I sat down that I began to hear noises in the corner of the room … scratching. The sound of scratching got louder and louder. The house I lived in at the time was built on a pier and beam foundation, and it had crawl-space access to the underneath of the house. Hearing that scratching, I remembered that I had forgotten to fix the screen that covered the hole accessing the crawl space. I realized that some sort of animal had probably gotten under the house through that hole, and it was doubtless trying to scratch its way to who knows where.
Strange how our minds work, but at that point I began to wonder where that animal thought it was going. It didn’t have to scratch its way through anything to get somewhere. To get wherever it wanted to go, or any place else in the whole wide world, all it had to do was to go back through the same hole it came through to get underneath the house in the first place … which was probably that unfixed opening … and it would have all the freedom it was seeking. No struggle, just walk through. It reminded me of something I once heard about a fly being trapped in a glass. It has been said that a fly will buzz around that glass until it dies, without realizing that liberty is only as far away as the top of the open container.
Aren’t we like that? How much do we “scratch” at life, going nowhere, when freedom is right there, just waiting for us to find it? Our moments of refreshing could be closer than we realize because God is closer than we realize.
Those are my thoughts ... what are yours?
Jane Harber, author of Here...Have a Miracle
Strange how our minds work, but at that point I began to wonder where that animal thought it was going. It didn’t have to scratch its way through anything to get somewhere. To get wherever it wanted to go, or any place else in the whole wide world, all it had to do was to go back through the same hole it came through to get underneath the house in the first place … which was probably that unfixed opening … and it would have all the freedom it was seeking. No struggle, just walk through. It reminded me of something I once heard about a fly being trapped in a glass. It has been said that a fly will buzz around that glass until it dies, without realizing that liberty is only as far away as the top of the open container.
Aren’t we like that? How much do we “scratch” at life, going nowhere, when freedom is right there, just waiting for us to find it? Our moments of refreshing could be closer than we realize because God is closer than we realize.
Those are my thoughts ... what are yours?
Jane Harber, author of Here...Have a Miracle
Children's Books
HI! I would like to introduce myself! My name is Laura Eckroat and Elaine has asked me to be a "guest blogger" on this site. She asked if i could help individuals who have children's books with marketing ideas for their books. My first book -- The Life of Bud was released February, 2009 and my latest book A Simpler Time will be released in May, 2010 -- it is available now for pre-sale.
My first tip to give children's authors is to contact local libraries and see if they would like to have you read for a story time. Both of my books deal with nature ... so i have also put together simple crafts for children to complete after the story times. I bring glue, scissors, paper, and crayons to the event and after I read the story, I lead the craft. For a children's story time (usually ages 4 - 8-or so) the craft does not need to be elaborate ... even if it just a coloring sheet -- the children LOVE doing it!
So get out there and contact those local libraries -- with SUMMER READING time almost upon us -- get a jump and see if you can get a story time or two in during the summer. You can then have books available for sale ... REMEMBER -- even if you sell NO books at an event -- it is successful because your name is now out there ...
Laura Eckroat, author of The Life of Bud
My first tip to give children's authors is to contact local libraries and see if they would like to have you read for a story time. Both of my books deal with nature ... so i have also put together simple crafts for children to complete after the story times. I bring glue, scissors, paper, and crayons to the event and after I read the story, I lead the craft. For a children's story time (usually ages 4 - 8-or so) the craft does not need to be elaborate ... even if it just a coloring sheet -- the children LOVE doing it!
So get out there and contact those local libraries -- with SUMMER READING time almost upon us -- get a jump and see if you can get a story time or two in during the summer. You can then have books available for sale ... REMEMBER -- even if you sell NO books at an event -- it is successful because your name is now out there ...
Laura Eckroat, author of The Life of Bud
Soul Searching
Lately I have been thinking about my life. There are things that are so important to me. First, The Lord God is number One. Next, My sweet husband, Terry.Then, My children and grands, my siblings and extended family. My friends are way up there too.The authors I have met have become so important to me. I really mean it. I am in the process of letting all those that I care about know how much they mean to me. I don't want there to be any doubt about my love for them.
This week I am interviewing Ginny Karoub.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
I am Ginny Karoub. My books include,
Oliver and Arthur, Mulberry Lane,
Adventures with Samantha Fellows,The Big Move!
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I've always wanted to write but just started living my dream a few years ago. I say that because a lot of people look at you like you were always a writer or you could always have done something like that anyway. But just the opposite is true. Unless I took that first step of faith, I may never have done it! It started with writing something down.So it is never to late to start something you would like to do. Maybe, today is the right time to begin something readers!
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Actually, when I was very young! At elementary school age, I stayed in my room for hours drawing and writing. I drew pictures and made up stories along the bottom of the pages. I wrote poems throughout my teenage years. It was the best way to express myself through those years. Those teen years can be hard, I am glad I had my journals to talk too! I would talk about writing a book in all those conversations you have with people about your dreams!
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I have been told that in a small amount of writing I am able to bring in the scene and the emotions of it. I had to do that for my book, Mulberry Lane. I had the story a small novel size in my mind but wanted it a gift book size so everyone could read it! So, saying what I wanted to say
and in only roughly forty pages was not easy. I could not waste a word! My strong points in my method of writing for me is, working it around for awhile in my mind till I feel the scene, see it...then I write.
5. Are you a reader?
I am a reader! I have been since I could read! Makes you wonder, are you a reader or a writer first, when you're both? Like the chickenand the egg story. Do I want to write now because of my love for reading books or do I read because deep down I was a writer? I also belong to book clubs! I enjoy those because we pick books I would normally never read. I read for fun, for self help, to learn! I love a good book! I tend to love an easy reading book, meaning it flows for me, I don't have to keep going back because I did not understand something. I love coffee table books, with all the big pictures! I still love a good illustrated book for children! On vacation, I plan my books more then anything else!
6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished, The Catcher in the Rye, I had never read it, so wanted to see what it was all about. I am glad I read it. I am reading, Olive Kitteridge, for my book club. I always have a ready pile of books by the side of my bed! I have an on going account with Amazon!
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes, I have a few! Looking Through the Water, is in the production process. I am scheduled for May 1st for an editor assigned to the project! Very excited about this book. It is my first novel.
In, Looking Through the Water, it is the summer of 1973, in Tipton, Missouri. Cassie Marvin is a very precocious, imaginative, seven year old child whose whole world consists of a few blocks surrounding downtown Tipton. Cassie’s home life lacks in so many areas. This forced maturity does not ruin her innocence. Cassie sees the beauty in simple things. In this wonderful story you will enter Cassie’s life. Cassie will take you on a journey through childhood fun times and then situations that would make us all mature before our time.
I also have one book for children done. Looking for a publisher on the book right now. Worked with a wonderful illustrator from London, UK on the project! His acrylic painted illustrations are wonderful and make the book a must have in your child's library!
I am in the writing process of two novel size books, The Thoughts of Emily Baker and Lilliana, a YA book.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Time seems to be the biggest obstacle! Never enough time, so I have to make it. Getting, Looking Though the Water, edited and ready to go to the publisher was a lot of work! It was double the work for me for my family not to notice! There were a few days there, I think they thought I spent to much time at my computer! My family is very supportive but I still, as a mother/wife, have to make time for my work. Also, being a writer you are not just a writer but a secretary, marketing specialist, computer tech and a wonderful letter writer! Your queries to publishers and agents have to be better then your book, or at least as good!
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Oliver and Arthur- illustrated
for children! Oliver and Arthur
landed in Hooperstown. They
meant only to rest for a little
while before going home. That
first afternoon they walked out
of the woods, they made so many
friends, they made Hooperstown
their new home! Come join the fun!
The kids are having more fun than
they thought possible!
Adventures with Samantha Fellows,
The Big Move! -It's the big move
for Samantha and her family! They
have just moved from California to
the Mid-West! Samantha is a big
sister, fun, adventurous, observant,
full of life youth! With Samantha the
reader will laugh out loud and enjoy
several smiles along the way!
Mulberry Lane - Snowflakes lightly
fell without a sound to the
neighborhood as if they were
blessing what the neighbors were
about to do. What started as a tug
in their hearts that Christmas
became something very magical
for them all.
*This book has an Option Agreement
on it for a motion picture!
10. How can readers contact you or
purchase your books? Please put your
website or blog here.
My website, email me,
ginnykaroub@aol.com My books are
at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.
Signed copies can be ordered at my
web site.
http://www.authorginnykaroub.com/
Ginny Karoub
http://www.authorginnykaroub.com/
Books by Ginny Karoub;
Oliver and Arthur
Adventures with Samantha Fellows,
The Big Move!
Mulberry Lane
http://books.barnesandnoble.
com/search/results.aspx?WRD=ginny+karoub&SZE=25
This week I am interviewing Ginny Karoub.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
I am Ginny Karoub. My books include,
Oliver and Arthur, Mulberry Lane,
Adventures with Samantha Fellows,The Big Move!
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I've always wanted to write but just started living my dream a few years ago. I say that because a lot of people look at you like you were always a writer or you could always have done something like that anyway. But just the opposite is true. Unless I took that first step of faith, I may never have done it! It started with writing something down.So it is never to late to start something you would like to do. Maybe, today is the right time to begin something readers!
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Actually, when I was very young! At elementary school age, I stayed in my room for hours drawing and writing. I drew pictures and made up stories along the bottom of the pages. I wrote poems throughout my teenage years. It was the best way to express myself through those years. Those teen years can be hard, I am glad I had my journals to talk too! I would talk about writing a book in all those conversations you have with people about your dreams!
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I have been told that in a small amount of writing I am able to bring in the scene and the emotions of it. I had to do that for my book, Mulberry Lane. I had the story a small novel size in my mind but wanted it a gift book size so everyone could read it! So, saying what I wanted to say
and in only roughly forty pages was not easy. I could not waste a word! My strong points in my method of writing for me is, working it around for awhile in my mind till I feel the scene, see it...then I write.
5. Are you a reader?
I am a reader! I have been since I could read! Makes you wonder, are you a reader or a writer first, when you're both? Like the chickenand the egg story. Do I want to write now because of my love for reading books or do I read because deep down I was a writer? I also belong to book clubs! I enjoy those because we pick books I would normally never read. I read for fun, for self help, to learn! I love a good book! I tend to love an easy reading book, meaning it flows for me, I don't have to keep going back because I did not understand something. I love coffee table books, with all the big pictures! I still love a good illustrated book for children! On vacation, I plan my books more then anything else!
6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished, The Catcher in the Rye, I had never read it, so wanted to see what it was all about. I am glad I read it. I am reading, Olive Kitteridge, for my book club. I always have a ready pile of books by the side of my bed! I have an on going account with Amazon!
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes, I have a few! Looking Through the Water, is in the production process. I am scheduled for May 1st for an editor assigned to the project! Very excited about this book. It is my first novel.
In, Looking Through the Water, it is the summer of 1973, in Tipton, Missouri. Cassie Marvin is a very precocious, imaginative, seven year old child whose whole world consists of a few blocks surrounding downtown Tipton. Cassie’s home life lacks in so many areas. This forced maturity does not ruin her innocence. Cassie sees the beauty in simple things. In this wonderful story you will enter Cassie’s life. Cassie will take you on a journey through childhood fun times and then situations that would make us all mature before our time.
I also have one book for children done. Looking for a publisher on the book right now. Worked with a wonderful illustrator from London, UK on the project! His acrylic painted illustrations are wonderful and make the book a must have in your child's library!
I am in the writing process of two novel size books, The Thoughts of Emily Baker and Lilliana, a YA book.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Time seems to be the biggest obstacle! Never enough time, so I have to make it. Getting, Looking Though the Water, edited and ready to go to the publisher was a lot of work! It was double the work for me for my family not to notice! There were a few days there, I think they thought I spent to much time at my computer! My family is very supportive but I still, as a mother/wife, have to make time for my work. Also, being a writer you are not just a writer but a secretary, marketing specialist, computer tech and a wonderful letter writer! Your queries to publishers and agents have to be better then your book, or at least as good!
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Oliver and Arthur- illustrated
for children! Oliver and Arthur
landed in Hooperstown. They
meant only to rest for a little
while before going home. That
first afternoon they walked out
of the woods, they made so many
friends, they made Hooperstown
their new home! Come join the fun!
The kids are having more fun than
they thought possible!
Adventures with Samantha Fellows,
The Big Move! -It's the big move
for Samantha and her family! They
have just moved from California to
the Mid-West! Samantha is a big
sister, fun, adventurous, observant,
full of life youth! With Samantha the
reader will laugh out loud and enjoy
several smiles along the way!
Mulberry Lane - Snowflakes lightly
fell without a sound to the
neighborhood as if they were
blessing what the neighbors were
about to do. What started as a tug
in their hearts that Christmas
became something very magical
for them all.
*This book has an Option Agreement
on it for a motion picture!
10. How can readers contact you or
purchase your books? Please put your
website or blog here.
My website, email me,
ginnykaroub@aol.com My books are
at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.
Signed copies can be ordered at my
web site.
http://www.authorginnykaroub.com/
Ginny Karoub
http://www.authorginnykaroub.com/
Books by Ginny Karoub;
Oliver and Arthur
Adventures with Samantha Fellows,
The Big Move!
Mulberry Lane
http://books.barnesandnoble.
com/search/results.aspx?WRD=ginny+karoub&SZE=25
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Salvaged" by Stefne Scott Miller
"Salvaged, By Stefne Scott Miller, is a powerful book that adults will enjoy but that young people should read. It brought to my mind that sometimes adults forget that tradegy and suffering impact young people in profound ways. It was also a truthful look at the obstacles teen-agers and young adults deal with in relationships. Stefne addressed sensitive subjects that a lot of parents, teachers, and other influencers skirt. She drew a 'map' of how to navigate through some of the troublesome topics of teen dating and relationships. I know people simular to the characters. People who sincerely desire to live a pure life before God. "Salvaged" doesn't portray them as perfect and I appreciate that. This book is a must read for parents, grandparents, and teenagers.
Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey
Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey
Monday, March 15, 2010
He Throws No Punches
In the book "The Fight is Already Fixed", Mark Lanton holds back no punches. He fearlessly attacks social and spiritual issues that bombard people every day. The Scriptures are written out to prove the points he is making. There is no "candy coating" on the subject matter. I really appreciate this gritty and honest approach to biblical truth. My hope is that this is not Mark Lanton's last book. He is a man who is needed for this era of time.
Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey, Elk's Resolve, & Luke's Legacy
Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey, Elk's Resolve, & Luke's Legacy
Thursday, March 11, 2010
March Forward
I have a love/hate relationship with March. 35 years ago on March 1st, Terry and I were married. 34 years ago on February 29, my sweet sister passed away at the age of 34. It was the hardest thing I had ever been through. 25 years later my oldest sister, Donna, passed away. 1 year to that day 2 of Donna's children died. One died of cancer and the other died of a heart attach one day apart.
It came to the point that I used to hold my breath whenever March came around.
It is very hard to lose friends and loved ones. I am reminded of the hymn, which is the story of my life: "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand."
I am so glad that Jesus is the Solid Rock. I am glad that He is bigger than my mind can wrap around. He is my anchor and I depend on Him. I can get through March or any other month. I am determined to March on with my Lord.
For our author interview we have a pastor/author. You will want to read his interview. Get some of his books too.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Alfred Flatten ( pronounced Flayten ) but Most people call me Reverend Fred. The title of my book is "In It For Life". It is all about the journey of the Christian life from becoming a Christian to living in the overflow of God's blessings and everything in between.
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I have been a pastor and spiritual/biblical teacher for 25 years. I have learned, lived, and taught every chapter in this book.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I have always been a writer of sorts, because as a pastor you write many sermons, studies, and teachings in the process of your ministry. It wasn't until three years ago that God led me to put all of this into book form.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I have been told that my teaching and writing style is simple and easy to understand. Through the combination of word pictures, analogies, stories and scripture, learning becomes fun and interesting.
5. Are you a reader?
I am an avid reader. I read the Bible of course, but also many other books. I am not a big fan of novels or fiction. I read to learn and better my life and the lives of those around me.
6. What are you reading right now?
I am currently reading "You Were Born For This" by Bruce Wilkinson and "Just Like Jesus" by Max Lucado.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes I do. My second book is titled "Show and Tell" which is sort of a follow up to my first book. It is about the fact that if you profess to be a Christian - a follower of Christ - then it ought to "show" in your life and lifestyle, and you ought to be willing and excited about telling someone - if not everyone - through witness and testimony. God's hand is always at work in our lives in many different ways. If it doesn't show and we have nothing to tell, there is a definite problem! This 2nd book has a lot to do with what God is doing "in" us and "through" us.
8.What do you hope to accomplish with this book?
“In It For Life” is not only a good read, it is a teaching tool that can be used by pastors and small group leaders alike to scripturally take seekers, believers, and followers, through the discipleship process from beginning to end. It would be my prayer that lives would be changed and transformed by this work. Wherever you may find yourself along this journey now, by the time you finish this book, you too will be “In It For Life”!
9. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers may contact me, or order my book at http://revfred-initforlife.blogspot.com
It came to the point that I used to hold my breath whenever March came around.
It is very hard to lose friends and loved ones. I am reminded of the hymn, which is the story of my life: "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand."
I am so glad that Jesus is the Solid Rock. I am glad that He is bigger than my mind can wrap around. He is my anchor and I depend on Him. I can get through March or any other month. I am determined to March on with my Lord.
For our author interview we have a pastor/author. You will want to read his interview. Get some of his books too.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Alfred Flatten ( pronounced Flayten ) but Most people call me Reverend Fred. The title of my book is "In It For Life". It is all about the journey of the Christian life from becoming a Christian to living in the overflow of God's blessings and everything in between.
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I have been a pastor and spiritual/biblical teacher for 25 years. I have learned, lived, and taught every chapter in this book.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I have always been a writer of sorts, because as a pastor you write many sermons, studies, and teachings in the process of your ministry. It wasn't until three years ago that God led me to put all of this into book form.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I have been told that my teaching and writing style is simple and easy to understand. Through the combination of word pictures, analogies, stories and scripture, learning becomes fun and interesting.
5. Are you a reader?
I am an avid reader. I read the Bible of course, but also many other books. I am not a big fan of novels or fiction. I read to learn and better my life and the lives of those around me.
6. What are you reading right now?
I am currently reading "You Were Born For This" by Bruce Wilkinson and "Just Like Jesus" by Max Lucado.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes I do. My second book is titled "Show and Tell" which is sort of a follow up to my first book. It is about the fact that if you profess to be a Christian - a follower of Christ - then it ought to "show" in your life and lifestyle, and you ought to be willing and excited about telling someone - if not everyone - through witness and testimony. God's hand is always at work in our lives in many different ways. If it doesn't show and we have nothing to tell, there is a definite problem! This 2nd book has a lot to do with what God is doing "in" us and "through" us.
8.What do you hope to accomplish with this book?
“In It For Life” is not only a good read, it is a teaching tool that can be used by pastors and small group leaders alike to scripturally take seekers, believers, and followers, through the discipleship process from beginning to end. It would be my prayer that lives would be changed and transformed by this work. Wherever you may find yourself along this journey now, by the time you finish this book, you too will be “In It For Life”!
9. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers may contact me, or order my book at http://revfred-initforlife.blogspot.com
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Oh Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say
There is an old song from Sunday School that says, "Oh be careful little mouth what you say." Jane Harber, in her book, Duct Tape for the Christian Mouth, restates the wisdom of that little tune. When we think of watching what we say we generally think about speaking to other people. Mrs. Harber devotes a number of pages to "self-talk" and how we trip up ourselves with the words we say. She begins the book with the subject of communication and walks us through the steps in an understandable and practical way. I especially appreciated the down-to-earth approach to the subject as well as the additional Scripture references in the back of the book for further study.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Time Marches On
This Monday Terry and I celebrated our 35th anniversary. We have had a wonderful life.
What is funny about being married so long is that it is almost like several life times.
At first, it was just the 2 of us and we were putting our lives together.
Then came our 3 boys and watching them grow into wonderful men.
Now we are in the empty nest and enjoying grandchildren...but there is something else...
We are working on our dreams. I am working on writing and Terry is looking forward to doing many projects when he has time.
Terry has taught me to enjoy what ever stage of life I am in. He is the best in making the most of all situations. I do love that man.
We are back to author interviews again. This week we have another soldier. You will want to read his interview. Get some of his books too.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Mark Lanton my book title is "The Fight Is Already Fixed"
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I am a born again Christian. I served two tours in Iraq with the Air Force as a combat medic. I wrote this book during my second tour in Iraq. I am a former Army, Armed Forces, and European boxing champion. I am also a former professional boxer.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I never planned on writing a book, and I do not consider myself a writer. The Holy Spirit gave me the vision to write this book while in the war. To give a brief story on how I wrote this book; I was unable to sleep one night while in Iraq, and the Holy Spirit had me awake and reading the book of Revelation. Revelation 20:10 says, "And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever". I immediately related that verse to the sport of boxing, that as Christians, our fight is already fixed. If you know what it means when you "fix" a fight, that means that you know who the winner is before the fight begins. It doesn't matter what we suffer in this life. It doesn't matter what hardships we experience. It doesn't matter how many times we (Christians) get knocked down, we always get up, and we know that we have the victory in the end. And so my spirit led me to the idea to write a book that glorifies God through the sport of boxing.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I feel that my strong points is the simplistic and direct method of my writing. I like to keep it simple so that anyone can understand my message. I do not "dumb" down my writing, I use a writing style that can appeal to most any reading level.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes I enjoy reading. I like to read biographical literature. I am interested in reading the true life stories of perople who overcame challenges in their lives. I enjoy reading about the perseverence and fighting spirit of certain people, and how they overcame dismal odds.
6. What are you reading right now?
I am reading a book titled, "Blood Covenant" written by Michael Franzese. This book is about a former high ranking organized crime figure who became a Christian and turned away from his multi-million dollar criminal lifestyle to serve the Lord. This book is fascinating because no one ever turns away from this lifestyle and lives to tell about it. His book is an awesome read and it is hard to stop reading it.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes I do. I am currently working on a second book that glorifies God from the analogies of corporate America. I am excited about this book because I use the business practices of big industry and lift up the Lord in this manner. This book title is, "The Executive Meeting, Jesus Christ, Chairman of the board"
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My biggest obstacles are not knowing about the issue I would like to write about. I can have the idea in my mind, but I do not have the knowledge and verbage about a particular topic. I overcome these obstacles by doing extensive research on the issue that I would like to write about.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
"The Fight Is Already Fixed" is a powerhouse of scriptural encouragement for Christians who may be dealing with struggles and wonder how they can be victorious in their spiritual lives. "The Fight Is Already Fixed" clearly pictures the reality about our actual combat against our adversary (satan). This book is a personal portrait of the Author's life laid out there to be an encouragement for others. You will not be sorry that you have taken the time to read this book.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
The author contact email is: TheFightIsAlreadyFixed@gmail.com and the book is currently in all bookstores nationwide (Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, All Christian bookstores, etc...), and the book can be purchased from the book website at http://thefight.tatepublishing . The book website has a blog and a message board. The book website also talks about how I came to write a book while in a war zone. The book can be purchased from the website and there are pictures of me from over in Iraq.
What is funny about being married so long is that it is almost like several life times.
At first, it was just the 2 of us and we were putting our lives together.
Then came our 3 boys and watching them grow into wonderful men.
Now we are in the empty nest and enjoying grandchildren...but there is something else...
We are working on our dreams. I am working on writing and Terry is looking forward to doing many projects when he has time.
Terry has taught me to enjoy what ever stage of life I am in. He is the best in making the most of all situations. I do love that man.
We are back to author interviews again. This week we have another soldier. You will want to read his interview. Get some of his books too.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Mark Lanton my book title is "The Fight Is Already Fixed"
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I am a born again Christian. I served two tours in Iraq with the Air Force as a combat medic. I wrote this book during my second tour in Iraq. I am a former Army, Armed Forces, and European boxing champion. I am also a former professional boxer.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I never planned on writing a book, and I do not consider myself a writer. The Holy Spirit gave me the vision to write this book while in the war. To give a brief story on how I wrote this book; I was unable to sleep one night while in Iraq, and the Holy Spirit had me awake and reading the book of Revelation. Revelation 20:10 says, "And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever". I immediately related that verse to the sport of boxing, that as Christians, our fight is already fixed. If you know what it means when you "fix" a fight, that means that you know who the winner is before the fight begins. It doesn't matter what we suffer in this life. It doesn't matter what hardships we experience. It doesn't matter how many times we (Christians) get knocked down, we always get up, and we know that we have the victory in the end. And so my spirit led me to the idea to write a book that glorifies God through the sport of boxing.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I feel that my strong points is the simplistic and direct method of my writing. I like to keep it simple so that anyone can understand my message. I do not "dumb" down my writing, I use a writing style that can appeal to most any reading level.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes I enjoy reading. I like to read biographical literature. I am interested in reading the true life stories of perople who overcame challenges in their lives. I enjoy reading about the perseverence and fighting spirit of certain people, and how they overcame dismal odds.
6. What are you reading right now?
I am reading a book titled, "Blood Covenant" written by Michael Franzese. This book is about a former high ranking organized crime figure who became a Christian and turned away from his multi-million dollar criminal lifestyle to serve the Lord. This book is fascinating because no one ever turns away from this lifestyle and lives to tell about it. His book is an awesome read and it is hard to stop reading it.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes I do. I am currently working on a second book that glorifies God from the analogies of corporate America. I am excited about this book because I use the business practices of big industry and lift up the Lord in this manner. This book title is, "The Executive Meeting, Jesus Christ, Chairman of the board"
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My biggest obstacles are not knowing about the issue I would like to write about. I can have the idea in my mind, but I do not have the knowledge and verbage about a particular topic. I overcome these obstacles by doing extensive research on the issue that I would like to write about.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
"The Fight Is Already Fixed" is a powerhouse of scriptural encouragement for Christians who may be dealing with struggles and wonder how they can be victorious in their spiritual lives. "The Fight Is Already Fixed" clearly pictures the reality about our actual combat against our adversary (satan). This book is a personal portrait of the Author's life laid out there to be an encouragement for others. You will not be sorry that you have taken the time to read this book.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
The author contact email is: TheFightIsAlreadyFixed@gmail.com and the book is currently in all bookstores nationwide (Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, All Christian bookstores, etc...), and the book can be purchased from the book website at http://thefight.tatepublishing . The book website has a blog and a message board. The book website also talks about how I came to write a book while in a war zone. The book can be purchased from the website and there are pictures of me from over in Iraq.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Jane Harber Has Your Number
"Here...Have a Miracle" by Jane Harber is a real nuts-and-bolts approach to Chrisitianity. She touches on issues that we all struggle with. The sub-title, "Experiencing Rest & Refreshing in This Harried, Hurried World", says it all. It is a book from a woman who has experienced great sorrow and has come out on the other side. I appreciated her openness in the expression of her life. In seeing how she overcame these things in her life, I found hope for mine.
The practical applications suggested within these pages will work for you. I recommend that you purchase it today!
The practical applications suggested within these pages will work for you. I recommend that you purchase it today!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Common Cents...and Dollars
I found "In the Trenches, Financial Survivial During Times of Hardship" by Carol Schultz-Weil to be a very down-to-earth approach to finances. The advice is helpful for the affluent as well as those of us who must pinch the life out of our pennies. There is advice for people who are out of work and out of money. The charts are a little on the small side, but my copy machine can enlarge them for my personal use. She gives a bare bones budget for those in dire straits. There is also a chart with a few more items listed in the budget. This thought provoking read is not only informative but entertaining. The true life stories rang true. I urge anyone who needs financial advice on the home front to buy this book. It is well worth the money and may help you dig out of a pit.
Elaine Littau, author
of Nan's Journey, Elk's Resolve, and Luke's Legacy
Elaine Littau, author
of Nan's Journey, Elk's Resolve, and Luke's Legacy
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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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