Last Wednesday I flew to Denver to see our oldest son and his family. I have to admit that I was somewhat nervous about the flight. The tornadoes at Joplin and Oklahoma City had me a little jumpy. It was no help at all that the panhandle winds were brisk.
My flight from Amarillo was delayed for 45 min. because of high winds. The flight was fine, bumpy, but fine. I spent Wed through Sat afternoon in Denver and brought back my 5 yr old granddaughter with me. It was fun to hear her giggle when the plane took off. At first, she asked if the plane was going to drive all the way to Texas. We were on the runway a long time getting ready for the take off and getting in place. (Kids are funny.)
When we landed in Amarillo, our 4 yr old granddaughter was on hand to welcome her cousin to Texas. You should have heard the chatter from one car seat to the next on the way to Cracker Barrel. My daughter-in-law and I just eves-dropped and laughed at how clever they were.
The 4 yr old had just returned from staying with her other grandparents in the Oklahoma City area. She was explaining what it was like to go into a storm cellar. "We went into the storm cellar because a big tomato was coming."
When you put it like that, it takes some of the fear away doesn't it.
Speaking of the recent tornadoes, I would like to recommend a place for giving to the victims of the tornado in Joplin, MO. The Apostolic Faith Bible College in Baxter Springs, KS is taking donations to help those who lost their homes in this terrible storm. I recommend them.
This is the Bible College that Terry and I attended when we met in 1974. They will give 100% of the donations to the victims.
Mail to:
AFBC Joplin Tornado Donation
P. O. Box 110
Baxter Springs, KS 66713.
Terry and I will be welcoming our grandsons for a summer visit in June. They will join their little sister for a summer of fun...and work... at the Littau place. I lovingly call it "The Almosta Ponderosa Ranch". (7 1/2 acres isn't really a ranch.)
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Ponca City, Oklahoma
Last Saturday I had the pleasure of going to Ponca City, Oklahoma for the first annual event of Northern Oklahoma Literary Arts. The young woman who organized it is, Eyvonna Rains. She did a wonderful job. She is also an author. You will want to read her books. The event was so enjoyable.
It took place in the Marland Mansion. I just have to share the pictures of it.
I had the opportunity to meet a lot of author friends that I had "met" online through our author group on facebook. These people are so sweet. They are dedicated to the work that God has placed on their hearts. Many of them have been interviewed on this email newsletter.
It was a very good event.
On Monday, Terry and I went to Beaver, Oklahoma and spoke to the Friends of the Library group gathered there.
Denise Janko, the head librarian and also an author, welcomed us. She has written a darling children's book. (It is available at His Corner bookstore at the Community Worship Center in Perryton, TX) We had a great time. The ladies were so nice to us.
I love doing events with Terry. He is so fun to hang out with. For those of you who don't know, Terry did the audio voice for Luke's Legacy. If you purchased that book, you have a free download of the audio included in it on the very back page.
If you want Pre-made CDs, just let me know by sending me an email. It is $17 including shipping. The suggested retail is $27, but we never charge that much for it.
The thing about Terry's audio...I love it! His voice fits the tone of the book.
It took place in the Marland Mansion. I just have to share the pictures of it.
I had the opportunity to meet a lot of author friends that I had "met" online through our author group on facebook. These people are so sweet. They are dedicated to the work that God has placed on their hearts. Many of them have been interviewed on this email newsletter.
It was a very good event.
On Monday, Terry and I went to Beaver, Oklahoma and spoke to the Friends of the Library group gathered there.
Denise Janko, the head librarian and also an author, welcomed us. She has written a darling children's book. (It is available at His Corner bookstore at the Community Worship Center in Perryton, TX) We had a great time. The ladies were so nice to us.
I love doing events with Terry. He is so fun to hang out with. For those of you who don't know, Terry did the audio voice for Luke's Legacy. If you purchased that book, you have a free download of the audio included in it on the very back page.
If you want Pre-made CDs, just let me know by sending me an email. It is $17 including shipping. The suggested retail is $27, but we never charge that much for it.
The thing about Terry's audio...I love it! His voice fits the tone of the book.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Wrong Side of the Tracks
Have you heard the saying, "They live on the wrong side of the tracks"? When I was a kid, I did. I didn't realize what that meant until I got to Jr. High School. I loved the little house Mama, Daddy, and I lived in, so I didn't understand what the problem was. It was one of the more inexpensive housing areas in our small town, but we kept it clean, updated, painted, and had a beautiful yard with pretty trees and roses. We didn't have a garage or carport, but we did always have a good car. Our neighbors took care of their homes also.
There weren't many children on my block so I played alone a lot unless we went to my sister's house and I played with my nephew who was 18 months older than I. It was exciting to play with my twin niece and nephew, too. I never let the words hurt me. I knew that Daddy took good care of us.
When Terry and I married, we bought a new 14' wide trailer house and moved it to a small trailer park on "the wrong side of the tracks" close to Mama and Daddy. It was one of the best parks in town. We loved our home. Eventually, we crossed the tracks and purchased a little rent house and put our trailer behind it. We rented out the house and stayed in our beautiful trailer.
A note about the trailer: It was beautiful. 1975 model Great Lakes home. It had a red...yes I said 'red'...shag carpet throughout. (except for #2 bedroom, bath, and kitchen) The vinyl flooring was off white. It had dark panelling on all walls but one. That wall was white panelling with two large black iron keys on red velvet background. Doesn't that sound sweet?
Our furniture and appliances were furnished when we purchased the trailer. We had red velvet sofa and arm chairs trimmed in black vinyl....pretty...
Really, it did look pretty good. We loved it.
Eventually, we did move into the rent house, then across town, and finally twenty years ago, we moved to the country where we love our life now.
A few weeks ago, Terry and I were sitting in church. Bro. Jeff Hinshaw made a remark that brought me right back to my raising. "We used to be the little church on the wrong side of the tracks. Now we aren't because there ARE NO TRACKS!"
No tracks? True. The tracks were taken up in the past few years. Our town's history is that there were a couple of established communities that picked up all the buildings, banks, homes, and moved the location of our town to the railroad. It is weird that the railroad left the town. They say there were reasons for the tracks being taken up. (structural and economic issues)
So now what do we do? The 'tracks' are still in our mind. I catch myself looking both ways in case the once a week train chose to come through. I am afraid the "wrong side of the tracks" mentality is still there. That is too bad. Some people were never given a chance in school because of that mind set.
Of course, we all have mind sets that are wrong. Sometimes we hold ourselves back. For example, I was a solid B student. I made a few A's but B was my mainstay. Because of this, I never felt that I could really do anything great with my life.
I was not brainy enough to be a doctor or nurse. (I beat myself up about this even though I know I have problems with the sight of blood. Ask my kids.They will tell you that even if the word 'blood' is said too much, I pass out.)
Being a lawyer took more brain power than I thought I possessed. I thought about being a teacher. (Actually, I did teach pre-school for a few years in a Christian school.) The money for college just couldn't be found.
After our boys were born, I knew I was doing what I was supposed to do. I was a Mama.
Writing became my passion, and those old 'tracks' showed up in my mind. "You aren't smart enough to be an author." I remember that when my first book came out, I almost cried when Terry called me 'author-girl'. My face became hot. "I don't deserve to be called 'author'!", I thought.
Now, after 4 published books, I still struggle. I am getting used to the 'tracks' being gone. I still look for the 'train' once in a while, but not as much as I used to.
The purpose of all of this is for you to think about the 'tracks' you have in your mind. What is holding you back? Should it really be holding you back from doing something you know that God wants you to do? Step out. The train won't be coming. The tracks are gone.
There weren't many children on my block so I played alone a lot unless we went to my sister's house and I played with my nephew who was 18 months older than I. It was exciting to play with my twin niece and nephew, too. I never let the words hurt me. I knew that Daddy took good care of us.
When Terry and I married, we bought a new 14' wide trailer house and moved it to a small trailer park on "the wrong side of the tracks" close to Mama and Daddy. It was one of the best parks in town. We loved our home. Eventually, we crossed the tracks and purchased a little rent house and put our trailer behind it. We rented out the house and stayed in our beautiful trailer.
A note about the trailer: It was beautiful. 1975 model Great Lakes home. It had a red...yes I said 'red'...shag carpet throughout. (except for #2 bedroom, bath, and kitchen) The vinyl flooring was off white. It had dark panelling on all walls but one. That wall was white panelling with two large black iron keys on red velvet background. Doesn't that sound sweet?
Our furniture and appliances were furnished when we purchased the trailer. We had red velvet sofa and arm chairs trimmed in black vinyl....pretty...
Really, it did look pretty good. We loved it.
Eventually, we did move into the rent house, then across town, and finally twenty years ago, we moved to the country where we love our life now.
A few weeks ago, Terry and I were sitting in church. Bro. Jeff Hinshaw made a remark that brought me right back to my raising. "We used to be the little church on the wrong side of the tracks. Now we aren't because there ARE NO TRACKS!"
No tracks? True. The tracks were taken up in the past few years. Our town's history is that there were a couple of established communities that picked up all the buildings, banks, homes, and moved the location of our town to the railroad. It is weird that the railroad left the town. They say there were reasons for the tracks being taken up. (structural and economic issues)
So now what do we do? The 'tracks' are still in our mind. I catch myself looking both ways in case the once a week train chose to come through. I am afraid the "wrong side of the tracks" mentality is still there. That is too bad. Some people were never given a chance in school because of that mind set.
Of course, we all have mind sets that are wrong. Sometimes we hold ourselves back. For example, I was a solid B student. I made a few A's but B was my mainstay. Because of this, I never felt that I could really do anything great with my life.
I was not brainy enough to be a doctor or nurse. (I beat myself up about this even though I know I have problems with the sight of blood. Ask my kids.They will tell you that even if the word 'blood' is said too much, I pass out.)
Being a lawyer took more brain power than I thought I possessed. I thought about being a teacher. (Actually, I did teach pre-school for a few years in a Christian school.) The money for college just couldn't be found.
After our boys were born, I knew I was doing what I was supposed to do. I was a Mama.
Writing became my passion, and those old 'tracks' showed up in my mind. "You aren't smart enough to be an author." I remember that when my first book came out, I almost cried when Terry called me 'author-girl'. My face became hot. "I don't deserve to be called 'author'!", I thought.
Now, after 4 published books, I still struggle. I am getting used to the 'tracks' being gone. I still look for the 'train' once in a while, but not as much as I used to.
The purpose of all of this is for you to think about the 'tracks' you have in your mind. What is holding you back? Should it really be holding you back from doing something you know that God wants you to do? Step out. The train won't be coming. The tracks are gone.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Our Visit to Lake Victor, Texas
On last Thursday, April 28th Terry and I went to Lake Victor, Texas for a book event. If you don't know where that is, it is close to Austin. More specifically, it is between Lampasas and Burnet, TX. It is a beautiful place in the Hill Country of Texas.
I was invited to speak to the ladies of the Burnet County Extention Education Association Club. The women were so nice. They also invited my author friend from Fort Worth, TX, Laura Eckroat. While I spoke about writing Christian Historical/Western Fiction and my process, Laura spoke on the process of writing children's books. Laura won the North Texas Book Award for Children's Books in 2010 for "The Life of Bud". The picture is of us hanging around on the Live Oak Tree at the front of the building we met in.
I tell you what, if I had that tree in my yard...I would live in it.
Terry stuck around at my request and enjoyed visiting with all the women present. There were around fifty in attendance. Most all of them purchased books. This was such a blessing for Laura and I. Thank you so much, Susan Tiemann, for the invitation. We are looking forward to returning.
Besides going to the book event, Terry and I were blessed to visit our mid-kid and his wife. Marlin and April. It had been a long time since we had been down to see them. It is 500 miles from our home.
We were also blessed to have dinner with my niece and her husband, Diane and Christopher. Their daughter, Haley, my great-niece, was also there. We ate at Marble Falls at Russos. Our table was on the deck overlooking the river. What a beautiful sight.
We also met Marlin's boss at Capstone Comics in Round Rock, TX. That is a super nice store. Everything is very well organized.Of course, Marlin is the manager.
Book number 4 is getting so close. When we got home the sample proofs were in the mail. I had to shift around some of the paragraphs to make things line up properly. I took a day to work on this and resubmitted it. The next proof will be in soon and I will check to see if they meet expectations. I have to tell you, the book really looks good. It is the same size as Luke's Legacy and Elk's Resolve. The print is a 12 point font which is the same as Elk's Resolve. It is larger than the words in Nan's Journey. Purchase price for The Eyes of a Stranger is $9 including s/h when you purchase from my website. http://elainelittau.com.
From Amazon, it will cost $10.45 plus s/h.
The ebook version made it through all the hoops so it is available for purchase at Barnes and Noble and Amazon and all ebook formats for $1.99.
Here is the book cover Jonna Feavel did for "The Eyes of a Stranger"
It looks so cool in person:
I will tell you a little about what "The Eyes of a Stranger" is about. Gertie is an eighteen-year-old girl who finds herself at the threshold of life. Rejected by her father and sent off to become a mail-order bride by her mother, she realizes that many options are open to her.
We met Gertie briefly in "Luke's Legacy" when she helped her fellow traveler, Sheriff Roy Miller, on the train in his care for baby Rose.
After finishing "Luke's Legacy", I couldn't get Gertie out of my mind. The story she shared with the sheriff begged to be built upon. It has been a pleasure to bring this character to life. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did when I wrote it. It has the feel of "Nan's Journey", plus a little mystery.
I was invited to speak to the ladies of the Burnet County Extention Education Association Club. The women were so nice. They also invited my author friend from Fort Worth, TX, Laura Eckroat. While I spoke about writing Christian Historical/Western Fiction and my process, Laura spoke on the process of writing children's books. Laura won the North Texas Book Award for Children's Books in 2010 for "The Life of Bud". The picture is of us hanging around on the Live Oak Tree at the front of the building we met in.
I tell you what, if I had that tree in my yard...I would live in it.
Terry stuck around at my request and enjoyed visiting with all the women present. There were around fifty in attendance. Most all of them purchased books. This was such a blessing for Laura and I. Thank you so much, Susan Tiemann, for the invitation. We are looking forward to returning.
Besides going to the book event, Terry and I were blessed to visit our mid-kid and his wife. Marlin and April. It had been a long time since we had been down to see them. It is 500 miles from our home.
We were also blessed to have dinner with my niece and her husband, Diane and Christopher. Their daughter, Haley, my great-niece, was also there. We ate at Marble Falls at Russos. Our table was on the deck overlooking the river. What a beautiful sight.
We also met Marlin's boss at Capstone Comics in Round Rock, TX. That is a super nice store. Everything is very well organized.Of course, Marlin is the manager.
Book number 4 is getting so close. When we got home the sample proofs were in the mail. I had to shift around some of the paragraphs to make things line up properly. I took a day to work on this and resubmitted it. The next proof will be in soon and I will check to see if they meet expectations. I have to tell you, the book really looks good. It is the same size as Luke's Legacy and Elk's Resolve. The print is a 12 point font which is the same as Elk's Resolve. It is larger than the words in Nan's Journey. Purchase price for The Eyes of a Stranger is $9 including s/h when you purchase from my website. http://elainelittau.com.
From Amazon, it will cost $10.45 plus s/h.
The ebook version made it through all the hoops so it is available for purchase at Barnes and Noble and Amazon and all ebook formats for $1.99.
Here is the book cover Jonna Feavel did for "The Eyes of a Stranger"
It looks so cool in person:
I will tell you a little about what "The Eyes of a Stranger" is about. Gertie is an eighteen-year-old girl who finds herself at the threshold of life. Rejected by her father and sent off to become a mail-order bride by her mother, she realizes that many options are open to her.
We met Gertie briefly in "Luke's Legacy" when she helped her fellow traveler, Sheriff Roy Miller, on the train in his care for baby Rose.
After finishing "Luke's Legacy", I couldn't get Gertie out of my mind. The story she shared with the sheriff begged to be built upon. It has been a pleasure to bring this character to life. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did when I wrote it. It has the feel of "Nan's Journey", plus a little mystery.