January is almost over. 2012...wow...What did you choose for your goals this year? You will notice that I didn't say, New Years' Resolution. The goal is something that we hold to instead of dismiss as something easily let go. Indulge me here. Take a moment to set at least three goals. I will state mine here:
1. Live my life in a way that there is not doubt that I have been rescued by God and never back down from the message that I am nothing without my Lord Jesus Christ. I will strive to live in the joy of my salvation and not neglect inviting others to come to God's table that he has made available to all mankind.
2. Strive to make sure that everyone I am connected to knows that I care about them. Because I care about them, I will speak the truth in love.
3. Follow the Lord's leading in all things I do whether it is loving my husband, family, and friends, promoting and selling books and writing more books.
Set your goals if you haven't already. I am excited about what God is going to do in us.
Today I would like to introduce you to another author friend of mine.
“Nap-Nap, Quack-Quack”
D.G. Bahtuoh
Children’s
http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Creative-Impact/179032838802420
1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
Writing is a creative outlet for me that I feel inspired to do. There are so many wonderful stories to be told, I am honored to be able to write the few which are given to me. I have enjoyed books all of my life so creating a few has been a wonderful experience for me! I’m 32, and I’ve been writing all my life, when time permitted of course.
This particular story idea came as they usually do, when I least expect them. I have never been inspired, nor motivated to write children’s literature until my daughter was born, a little over a year ago. Since that time my passion for child literacy and development, motivated me to think creatively about how to introduce certain things to my daughter, and how to teach her in creative ways; whether it be via original silly songs, stories written in cadence, or counting everything around her bedroom. The stories I write are efficient, functional, and novel, packed with stimulation, for successful child development.
2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
First it is important to say that I write what I am inspired to write. Second, it’s important to understand that my writing serves many purposes; to entertain, and to inform. When it comes to children’s literature, I write to empower kids, to promote a lifelong love of literacy!
I write from experience, I always use supporting details. I stay in control of the topic, and write showing insight. I use fresh and original ideas; I have a genuine interest in people. Because of that interest my inspirations come from all things far and wide, music, food, my favorite color… all in an entertaining way.
I don’t place myself in a box. I subscribe to creative writing; I subscribe to the concept of being a storyteller. I try to entertain, and enlighten. I’ve written adult fiction, I continue to write poetry and spoken word, I have been inspired to write historical fiction. As of today, “Nap-Nap, Quack-Quack” is the first to be published.
3. Please tell about each title here:
Maggie is the character in the story, a baby duckling, who becomes frustrated because nap time takes away from playtime. It’s a story that addresses sleep time frustrations, and empathizes with parents. Maggie’s parents find the perfect routine to get Maggie down for her nap.
4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
I have done speaking engagements, related to other topics. I have a long history working in municipal government, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to domestic and international social change.
I was on a coordinating committee in Minneapolis, for an umbrella group of local students who are civically engaged. I have also done major work in promoting diversity of all kinds by inspiring and supporting a culture of inclusion
Unfortunately I have yet to speak directly to kids, other than story time readings.
5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
More than 15% of the children in the United States alone lives in poverty. These kids have very little access to age appropriate books in their homes. Some have no books at all. Recent studies confirm that the availability of reading material is the strongest predictor of a child's academic achievement.
I have and continue to donate books to deserving kids. However, the most rewarding experience has been donating a copy of Nap-Nap, Quack-Quack to poorer kids in developing countries. I recently donated a copy to the student Library at a secondary school in Tanzania called Peace House Secondary School, a tuition free school that educates Tanzania’s orphans.
6. Where can your books be purchased?
More information on Nap-Nap, Quack-Quack can be found via my publisher, Tate Publishing & Enterprises http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61346-432-8
Consumers can also find it at their local bookstores, like Barnes & Noble or Border’s. It is also available with major online retailers like amazon.com
7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?
Readers can stay informed and up to date by following me on
Facebook, fan page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Creative-Impact/179032838802420
Twitter - @DGBahtuohWrites
Email me – d.g.bahtuoh@gmail.com
8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
The biggest surprise was the fact that I faced no real struggles! The entire process has been very effortless. Do I expect every project to go as smoothly as this one, sure! No, I am kidding.
I think you have to take challenges one at a time and deal with each one individually. Fortunately I have not faced any real challenges with respect to my creative process nor did I throughout the production process for Nap-Nap, Quack-Quack.
Although writing can be very solitary, the act of publishing a book is not! I give a lot of credit to Tate Publishing & Enterprises. The staff members at Tate I worked with on this project were extremely patient. Moreover, they embraced my overall vision for this book; my acquisitions editor, to my conceptual editor, my illustrations team who did a phenomenal job making this story come alive, and my narrator who did a great job pacing the story, for the audio version of the book.
9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?
I have a great support system; from family to friends. Becoming a published author has been shocking to many because not many people knew of my passion for writing! I didn’t trust my inspirations, my ideas or my creative process. So everything I have ever written went in my personal library.
That’s why I have to encourage aspiring writers to be true to themselves, and most important, be true to their creative process, and have fun! Keep pushing to not only be the best writer, but to learn the industry overall. Also, be advised, rejections aren’t personal! Rejections come for many reasons. Don’t take them personal; look at them as opportunities to share your story with someone else.
10. What was your favorite toy as a child?
Funny you ask this (insert big smile here!). This toy was my favorite for many reasons, the two I will share are because one, it came as a Birthday gift from my Aunt (my mother’s sister). She, I, and my twin sister share a summer birthday. I can remember as a child she would take us to us to get Ice Cream Sundaes to celebrate.
But one very memorable birthday gift from her was an Optimus Prime toy. I was a huge Transformers fan as a little boy. Optimus Prime was my favorite. He’s the leader of the Autobots , a group of transforming robots. He was a robot that transformed into a big rig truck. He is characterized as a brave, powerful, wise and compassionate leader who puts his talent to use to improve the lives around him. I can remember unwrapping the gift partly, and getting a glimpse of the truck, and seeing everything red and blue. I tore the remainder of the package and played with it for as long as I can remember. Thanks for this memory, and thank you again Auntie for the best gift ever!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
TIps for Marketing Your Book
Marketing Tips: Installment #2
Let's Talk About Websites
by Elaine Littau
As an author, whether you are self-published, published by a large or small publisher, or have a lot of money at your disposal for marketing; you need a website. In the first installment the need for a website was approached. This time I would like to break down the elements that I have found important in a website.
First, you need to think about the style and feeling you want to evoke in your website. My books, for the most part, are Christian Western Fiction. You will find a stack of old books on the top left hand side, browntones and old fashioned fonts.
Resist the urge to add a flash page as your beginning page. I opted for that design a couple of times. In the report that breaks down which pages readers are visiting, everytime I had the flash opening, it was the page that was opened and also closed. That meant that the only thing that was seen of my website was the title. If you don't understand what a flashpage is. It is like a pop up that flashes the name of the website. The reader has to hit the close button to turn it off. The report showed me that it was annoying and not the cute and interesting thing I wanted it to be.
Resist the urge to add music to your site. I know that a lot of people will tell you that you have to have music. Think about it. We all have differing tastes in music. If it is a style a reader doesn't like, they will exit quickly. Don't think that elevator music or calming music will work. It is best to not have any music.
The website address is also important. Mine is elainelittau.com. Using your author name helps people find your website. Unless you are only going to write one book, don't use your book title for your website. Nansjourney.com would severely limit who would find me in search engines because I have written 6 other books since Nan's Journey.
Your opening page is very important. A lot of people will not go to a second page so this page has to have the most important elements:
• Your photo
• A statement about you as a writer. I wrote something like, "Welcome, my major focus as an author is writing interesting books that are unpredictable and inspiring." I also mention that I love to speak publically, I am a marketing coach, and ask for those who would like to contact me personally to click on the link to my email. (elainel45@msn.com) Your statement will be different than mine.
• I like to have my latest book trailer soon after my author statement. A great place to get a really good book trailer package done is with Apex Reviews. They produce a great trailer, do reviews of your book on several sites like amazon.com and facebook, Youtube and other places. They also do a press release and give you a copy. They give you the file to download to your blogs and website as well as your personal Youtube page and facebook pages. I did my last one on a special sale that was less than $50.
• Tell the visitor what it is you want them to do. I wrote:
Buy my book
Buy my book
Buy my book
Buy my book
I then place a paypal shopping cart with my book covers and prices listed directly under the appeal.
• Also have a place where they can automatically sign up for your newsletter.
• You will want your shopping cart on the opening page as well as several of your other pages or tabs.
• You will want to list your free offers and tell them to look them over on the tab marked 'free stuff'.
• You will want a list of links to: How to purchase your books on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, smashwords.com and others. (Click on them and be sure that they work.)
• You will want to add your links to your blog(s)
You will want other pages. Some of them will be:
• Author bio
• A tab for each book. This should contain the cover and book description as well as the paypal shopping cart for all books and products.
• An Events tab listing where you will be doing book events and signings in the future. Keep this updated and add maps if you have that option.
• A Tab that says "Book Me for an Event". In this tab have a link to your email and options for times and dates. Vista print has a form that they offer that fills in times and dates. I have 1st choice, 2nd choice, and 3rd choice.
• Home school lesson plans and School discussion questions for each book
• Book Club discussion questions for each book
• Character studies for each book
• photo slide show
• Video and book trailers
• blog posts
• Book development process
• Questions and remarks from visitors.
• Other pages you can have are -cartoons about books, between the book chapters, the sky is the limit.
Be sure to keep your website current. Offer a good sale periodically. Let the visitors engage with you.
Let's Talk About Websites
by Elaine Littau
As an author, whether you are self-published, published by a large or small publisher, or have a lot of money at your disposal for marketing; you need a website. In the first installment the need for a website was approached. This time I would like to break down the elements that I have found important in a website.
First, you need to think about the style and feeling you want to evoke in your website. My books, for the most part, are Christian Western Fiction. You will find a stack of old books on the top left hand side, browntones and old fashioned fonts.
Resist the urge to add a flash page as your beginning page. I opted for that design a couple of times. In the report that breaks down which pages readers are visiting, everytime I had the flash opening, it was the page that was opened and also closed. That meant that the only thing that was seen of my website was the title. If you don't understand what a flashpage is. It is like a pop up that flashes the name of the website. The reader has to hit the close button to turn it off. The report showed me that it was annoying and not the cute and interesting thing I wanted it to be.
Resist the urge to add music to your site. I know that a lot of people will tell you that you have to have music. Think about it. We all have differing tastes in music. If it is a style a reader doesn't like, they will exit quickly. Don't think that elevator music or calming music will work. It is best to not have any music.
The website address is also important. Mine is elainelittau.com. Using your author name helps people find your website. Unless you are only going to write one book, don't use your book title for your website. Nansjourney.com would severely limit who would find me in search engines because I have written 6 other books since Nan's Journey.
Your opening page is very important. A lot of people will not go to a second page so this page has to have the most important elements:
• Your photo
• A statement about you as a writer. I wrote something like, "Welcome, my major focus as an author is writing interesting books that are unpredictable and inspiring." I also mention that I love to speak publically, I am a marketing coach, and ask for those who would like to contact me personally to click on the link to my email. (elainel45@msn.com) Your statement will be different than mine.
• I like to have my latest book trailer soon after my author statement. A great place to get a really good book trailer package done is with Apex Reviews. They produce a great trailer, do reviews of your book on several sites like amazon.com and facebook, Youtube and other places. They also do a press release and give you a copy. They give you the file to download to your blogs and website as well as your personal Youtube page and facebook pages. I did my last one on a special sale that was less than $50.
• Tell the visitor what it is you want them to do. I wrote:
Buy my book
Buy my book
Buy my book
Buy my book
I then place a paypal shopping cart with my book covers and prices listed directly under the appeal.
• Also have a place where they can automatically sign up for your newsletter.
• You will want your shopping cart on the opening page as well as several of your other pages or tabs.
• You will want to list your free offers and tell them to look them over on the tab marked 'free stuff'.
• You will want a list of links to: How to purchase your books on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, smashwords.com and others. (Click on them and be sure that they work.)
• You will want to add your links to your blog(s)
You will want other pages. Some of them will be:
• Author bio
• A tab for each book. This should contain the cover and book description as well as the paypal shopping cart for all books and products.
• An Events tab listing where you will be doing book events and signings in the future. Keep this updated and add maps if you have that option.
• A Tab that says "Book Me for an Event". In this tab have a link to your email and options for times and dates. Vista print has a form that they offer that fills in times and dates. I have 1st choice, 2nd choice, and 3rd choice.
• Home school lesson plans and School discussion questions for each book
• Book Club discussion questions for each book
• Character studies for each book
• photo slide show
• Video and book trailers
• blog posts
• Book development process
• Questions and remarks from visitors.
• Other pages you can have are -cartoons about books, between the book chapters, the sky is the limit.
Be sure to keep your website current. Offer a good sale periodically. Let the visitors engage with you.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Review for Cordon Bleu by Tony Angelo
Cordon Bleu by Tony Angelo is a story for school aged children and YA. The positive message in this book is something all school children need to hear and think about. I think that reading about how the main character, Carl, deals with peer pressure will help the student to know how they can get through the mine fields at school as well.
Book Review of "Remember Me" by Sanela Ramic Jurich
Before I read "Remember Me", I did an interview for this blog with the author, Sanela Ramic Jurich. The responses to my questions put to this author stunned me. After reading the book, I was even more amazed.
You see, Sanela is a very positive person who has live through probably the most horrible things that could happen in life. I urge you to read this book to awaken compassion for areas of the world that are going through horrific events.
"Remember Me" is a tender love story set in a background of unrest and destruction. Strong family connections are vital to survival in the circumstances of the characters. It is a thought provoking book that will result in meaningful conversations with loved ones and friends.
I read my copy on my Kindle. It is also available in paperback version on amazon.com and other places on the web. Check out her interview with me on http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
You see, Sanela is a very positive person who has live through probably the most horrible things that could happen in life. I urge you to read this book to awaken compassion for areas of the world that are going through horrific events.
"Remember Me" is a tender love story set in a background of unrest and destruction. Strong family connections are vital to survival in the circumstances of the characters. It is a thought provoking book that will result in meaningful conversations with loved ones and friends.
I read my copy on my Kindle. It is also available in paperback version on amazon.com and other places on the web. Check out her interview with me on http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
Never Too Close & interview with Aileen Stewart
There are many times when I think about my family and friends who mean so much to me. I tend to hold them close to my heart.
My little boys would pull away from me when they were toddlers and feel that I was holding them too close. I just wanted to keep on squeezing them and breathing in their 'little boy sweetness/toughness'. There was nothing like it.
I had to release them and let them go on their way to their next adventure as well as let them grow up. As a mother, it is challenging to allow the kiddos to grow up. The hardest part is that sometimes they grow away as they grow up and move on.
The hope is that when they come home for visits, they find love, home, and happy memories. I hope they find a mother and daddy full of the love of God.
I pray that they see that love pulls them into our heart from their first breath and after it is planted, it never goes away. It doesn't matter how many miles or ideas separate us.
I have to admit that I still feel like that young mother who wanted to squeeze tightly and make them submit to my will. Only now, I have to watch as they don't just toddle off to their adventures, but as they make decisions that affect their eternal destiny.
May they always realize that my heart has never let go and my prayers are squeezing them closer. My love is strong, but God's is stronger.
Today I would like to introduce you to another author friend of mine. Meet Aileen Stewart. She has written a delightful children's book that reminds me of the Uncle Wiggley series my boys loved reading years ago.
Aileen Stewart ~ Children’s Author ~ Fern Valley ~ http://aileenw4bobbyg.tripod.com
1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
I had my first taste of writing when I was in fourth grade and won honorable mention in a poetry contest. This and the fact that my father was a freelance writer for hunting and fishing magazines and both my parents were great story tellers helped form my love of reading and writing. I spent many years writing poems and short stories, which I occasionally entered in contests, before I actually became serious about writing. It was while watching cartoons based on books, with my daughter, that I imagined myself writing a book. My husband was instrumental in encouraging me to follow my dream and FernValley-A Collection of Short Stories was born.
2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
Basically I never outgrew my enjoyment of children and young adult books, so it seemed natural for me to choose to write a children’s book. To me there is something fresh, innocent, and joyful about writing for children. It is also a way to revisit my childhood and the memories I have from that time and incorporate them into modern day stories.
3. Please tell about each title here:
Let children discover Fern Valley, and they will step back in time to a place where a nineteen fifties small town feel brings a sense of peace and security. A place where no one locks their doors and everyone knows everyone else. A place where above all, the characters know they are loved and supported by their families, friends, and even the surrounding community.
Told through the eyes of youthful farm animals, this work is a series of short stories about children, their feelings, and how they deal with life. Characters such as Roberta and Mildred Cornstalk, two ordinary but imaginative chickens living on a small farm with their parents and brother, display the resiliency of children even when faced with issues such as the loss of a loved one.
A plethora of other colorful characters from goats to rabbits are sure to entertain with their antics and insights. As the readers find out what happens to Roberta and Mildred’s brother Edward when he goes fishing, what birthday surprise is in store for Betsy Woolrich, or what lesson Kimmy Curlytail learns when she keeps something that is not hers, they will be drawn in as surely as if they themselves were present.
4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
I speak at schools, libraries, or clubs to which I am invited. With children, I speak about my book, reading, and writing. With adults, I generally speak about the writing process and my publishing experiences.
5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
I did a book signing at the local Barnes and Noble in my area and shortly thereafter, I received a call stating that they had a mailing tube for me that someone had dropped off at the store. I stopped by the next day to see what it contained and was pleasantly surprised to find a large pencil sketch of my daughter sitting on my lap reading out of my book. With the sketch was a letter from a retired grocery worker who was also an amateur artist. He stated that he had seen a picture of me and my daughter in the news paper and had decided to use it for sketch material. He went on to say that his father had written many books but had never been published and he wished me much success.
I also received letters from two young girls who had read and enjoyed my book. These pieces of fan mail are so special and most humbling. I still have a hard time believing that people are sending “ME” fan mail.
6. Where can your books be purchased?
My books can be purchased almost anywhere online:
Amazonhttp://amzn.com/1617395277
Barnes and Noblehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fern-valley-aileen-stewart/1100074715
Parable Christian Bookshttp://www.parable.com/i.Fern-Valley-A-Collection-of-Short-Stories-Stewart-Aileen.9781617395277
Tate Publishing http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61739-527-7
7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?
My website is “Fun For Kids” @ http://aileenw4bobbyg.tripod.com
I blog @ http://www.AileenWStewart.blogspot.com
My FB Fan Page can be found @ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fern-Valley/10973681575655
My Twitter Name is @AileenWStewart
8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
Although I have a degree in Business and a Certificate in Sales and Marketing, I think the biggest surprise authorhood has brought me is the realization of how difficult marketing really is in practical application.
9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?
Generally speaking, I am an optimistic sort of a person and don’t get down too often; but when I do, my family reminds me of how far the Lord has already brought me in the writing process. Looking back, I can definitely see a pattern of the Lord blessing what I put my hand to and this is usually enough to cause me to shake off any doldrums and be encouraged once again.
10. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I’m not sure that I actually had a favorite toy, but some of my most memorable toys were my Barbies, my Holly Hobby Colorform Country Store, and my Light Bright Set. Not only did my brother and I love our Light Bright, but our cat did as well. She would take a peg and carry it to the top of our staircase and drop it, watching it roll all the way to the bottom. She would then run down, collect the peg, and start all over. Watching her play was very entertaining. When it came to outside toys, I would have to say that the sandbox my dad made out of an old tractor tire was number one on the list of fun toys.
My little boys would pull away from me when they were toddlers and feel that I was holding them too close. I just wanted to keep on squeezing them and breathing in their 'little boy sweetness/toughness'. There was nothing like it.
I had to release them and let them go on their way to their next adventure as well as let them grow up. As a mother, it is challenging to allow the kiddos to grow up. The hardest part is that sometimes they grow away as they grow up and move on.
The hope is that when they come home for visits, they find love, home, and happy memories. I hope they find a mother and daddy full of the love of God.
I pray that they see that love pulls them into our heart from their first breath and after it is planted, it never goes away. It doesn't matter how many miles or ideas separate us.
I have to admit that I still feel like that young mother who wanted to squeeze tightly and make them submit to my will. Only now, I have to watch as they don't just toddle off to their adventures, but as they make decisions that affect their eternal destiny.
May they always realize that my heart has never let go and my prayers are squeezing them closer. My love is strong, but God's is stronger.
Today I would like to introduce you to another author friend of mine. Meet Aileen Stewart. She has written a delightful children's book that reminds me of the Uncle Wiggley series my boys loved reading years ago.
Aileen Stewart ~ Children’s Author ~ Fern Valley ~ http://aileenw4bobbyg.tripod.com
1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
I had my first taste of writing when I was in fourth grade and won honorable mention in a poetry contest. This and the fact that my father was a freelance writer for hunting and fishing magazines and both my parents were great story tellers helped form my love of reading and writing. I spent many years writing poems and short stories, which I occasionally entered in contests, before I actually became serious about writing. It was while watching cartoons based on books, with my daughter, that I imagined myself writing a book. My husband was instrumental in encouraging me to follow my dream and FernValley-A Collection of Short Stories was born.
2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
Basically I never outgrew my enjoyment of children and young adult books, so it seemed natural for me to choose to write a children’s book. To me there is something fresh, innocent, and joyful about writing for children. It is also a way to revisit my childhood and the memories I have from that time and incorporate them into modern day stories.
3. Please tell about each title here:
Let children discover Fern Valley, and they will step back in time to a place where a nineteen fifties small town feel brings a sense of peace and security. A place where no one locks their doors and everyone knows everyone else. A place where above all, the characters know they are loved and supported by their families, friends, and even the surrounding community.
Told through the eyes of youthful farm animals, this work is a series of short stories about children, their feelings, and how they deal with life. Characters such as Roberta and Mildred Cornstalk, two ordinary but imaginative chickens living on a small farm with their parents and brother, display the resiliency of children even when faced with issues such as the loss of a loved one.
A plethora of other colorful characters from goats to rabbits are sure to entertain with their antics and insights. As the readers find out what happens to Roberta and Mildred’s brother Edward when he goes fishing, what birthday surprise is in store for Betsy Woolrich, or what lesson Kimmy Curlytail learns when she keeps something that is not hers, they will be drawn in as surely as if they themselves were present.
4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
I speak at schools, libraries, or clubs to which I am invited. With children, I speak about my book, reading, and writing. With adults, I generally speak about the writing process and my publishing experiences.
5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
I did a book signing at the local Barnes and Noble in my area and shortly thereafter, I received a call stating that they had a mailing tube for me that someone had dropped off at the store. I stopped by the next day to see what it contained and was pleasantly surprised to find a large pencil sketch of my daughter sitting on my lap reading out of my book. With the sketch was a letter from a retired grocery worker who was also an amateur artist. He stated that he had seen a picture of me and my daughter in the news paper and had decided to use it for sketch material. He went on to say that his father had written many books but had never been published and he wished me much success.
I also received letters from two young girls who had read and enjoyed my book. These pieces of fan mail are so special and most humbling. I still have a hard time believing that people are sending “ME” fan mail.
6. Where can your books be purchased?
My books can be purchased almost anywhere online:
Amazonhttp://amzn.com/1617395277
Barnes and Noblehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fern-valley-aileen-stewart/1100074715
Parable Christian Bookshttp://www.parable.com/i.Fern-Valley-A-Collection-of-Short-Stories-Stewart-Aileen.9781617395277
Tate Publishing http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61739-527-7
7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?
My website is “Fun For Kids” @ http://aileenw4bobbyg.tripod.com
I blog @ http://www.AileenWStewart.blogspot.com
My FB Fan Page can be found @ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fern-Valley/10973681575655
My Twitter Name is @AileenWStewart
8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
Although I have a degree in Business and a Certificate in Sales and Marketing, I think the biggest surprise authorhood has brought me is the realization of how difficult marketing really is in practical application.
9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?
Generally speaking, I am an optimistic sort of a person and don’t get down too often; but when I do, my family reminds me of how far the Lord has already brought me in the writing process. Looking back, I can definitely see a pattern of the Lord blessing what I put my hand to and this is usually enough to cause me to shake off any doldrums and be encouraged once again.
10. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I’m not sure that I actually had a favorite toy, but some of my most memorable toys were my Barbies, my Holly Hobby Colorform Country Store, and my Light Bright Set. Not only did my brother and I love our Light Bright, but our cat did as well. She would take a peg and carry it to the top of our staircase and drop it, watching it roll all the way to the bottom. She would then run down, collect the peg, and start all over. Watching her play was very entertaining. When it came to outside toys, I would have to say that the sandbox my dad made out of an old tractor tire was number one on the list of fun toys.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
New Year New Day
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year Celebration. I find myself excited for the chance at a brand new start.
It reminds me that the Bible says that God's mercies are new every morning. God gives us strength through the day...every day. Remember that He is holding our hand and will be with us through each day.
Today I would like to introduce you to another author friend of mine. You will enjoy this interview with Mike Culbertson who writes Outdoor Humor, CampingTitle: Adventures that Bite adventuresthatbite.com
1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
How ironic, when did the writing bug bite and the title is 'Adventures that Bite.' Haha. The writing bug, mmm...I'd say the writing bug hit me with this last book 'Adventures that Bite.' I had so much fun embellishing stories that I fell into a different world. I'm sorry, the stories really are all true. I have been an author since 1988 when I wrote my first how-to book. The writing was just ok but the layout was horrible. Back then we didn't have Word Perfect and I ended up paying someone lots of money to do the layout. My editing skills were also in what I call the infant stage.
2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
Humor has always been a part of me and when I began this last book I finally felt free. Writing humor is so much fun. I do have another humor book written but needs more tweaking. Still working on the twist. If the publisher wills it, the title might be 'Adventures that gave me the Willies.'I think everyone wants to write a mystery and so do I. Whether I could pull it off would be a different story. The hero in my mind has been established but not on paper. A page turner might develop but not anytime soon.
3. Please tell about each title here:
The Backyard Tanner - How-to-book, tanning hides and furs, antler mountingAdventures that Bite - Campfire tales of dangerous creatures (mosquitos, porcupine, bobcat, bear, etc.) Adventures that gave me the Willies - Still cranking out the twist.
4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
Have only done one speaking engagement and had a ball. Every year the local library has a reading from a local author to kick off the camping season in late spring. One of the gals at the library had read my book and suggested to her superior that I should do the reading. After finding me via email it was confirmed. The library posted flyers and sent word to the schools. The place was packed and the questions kept a coming. Funny how out here in the Pacific Northwest, when camping stories are introduced, the name Bigfoot always comes up. One example from a listener, "you mean there are more than one of them?" Had a blast!
5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
When the manuscript was accepted by the publisher of my choice. It went something like this; Email from the publisher three months after submission...We have received your manuscript and it is currently under review. You should hear from us in 8 to 10 days.Email 10 minutes later...I have just finished two of your chapters and am still laughing. You are the funniest writer I have ever read and am willing to offer you a contract right now.
Mission accomplished.
6. Where can your books be purchased?
Amazon, tatepublishing.com or adventuresthatbite.com
At this time the audio is only available from Tate Publishing. I don't have a link on the website yet. In the last chapter 'Sasquatch the Savage Rock Chucker,' there is an actual sasquatch scream that sends the hairs up on yer neck. Skeptics beware.
7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?
Feel free to write me on the Adventures that Bite facebook page anytime. Hopefully I will have a contact button on the website soon.
8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
I guess when I was called an author, always considered myself a (well I can't use that word) a mmm...master storyteller.
9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?
Nothing lonely when I write, I get charged up from it. Almost always ok in my surroundings and try to be available when someone else is down. Haven't done it yet but if I do get a little down I'd probably make a phone call to one of my quirkie friends. Is that a word?
10. What is your favorite past time or hobby besides reading or writing?
Traditional archery, I love the smell of cedar.
It reminds me that the Bible says that God's mercies are new every morning. God gives us strength through the day...every day. Remember that He is holding our hand and will be with us through each day.
Today I would like to introduce you to another author friend of mine. You will enjoy this interview with Mike Culbertson who writes Outdoor Humor, CampingTitle: Adventures that Bite adventuresthatbite.com
1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
How ironic, when did the writing bug bite and the title is 'Adventures that Bite.' Haha. The writing bug, mmm...I'd say the writing bug hit me with this last book 'Adventures that Bite.' I had so much fun embellishing stories that I fell into a different world. I'm sorry, the stories really are all true. I have been an author since 1988 when I wrote my first how-to book. The writing was just ok but the layout was horrible. Back then we didn't have Word Perfect and I ended up paying someone lots of money to do the layout. My editing skills were also in what I call the infant stage.
2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
Humor has always been a part of me and when I began this last book I finally felt free. Writing humor is so much fun. I do have another humor book written but needs more tweaking. Still working on the twist. If the publisher wills it, the title might be 'Adventures that gave me the Willies.'I think everyone wants to write a mystery and so do I. Whether I could pull it off would be a different story. The hero in my mind has been established but not on paper. A page turner might develop but not anytime soon.
3. Please tell about each title here:
The Backyard Tanner - How-to-book, tanning hides and furs, antler mountingAdventures that Bite - Campfire tales of dangerous creatures (mosquitos, porcupine, bobcat, bear, etc.) Adventures that gave me the Willies - Still cranking out the twist.
4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
Have only done one speaking engagement and had a ball. Every year the local library has a reading from a local author to kick off the camping season in late spring. One of the gals at the library had read my book and suggested to her superior that I should do the reading. After finding me via email it was confirmed. The library posted flyers and sent word to the schools. The place was packed and the questions kept a coming. Funny how out here in the Pacific Northwest, when camping stories are introduced, the name Bigfoot always comes up. One example from a listener, "you mean there are more than one of them?" Had a blast!
5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
When the manuscript was accepted by the publisher of my choice. It went something like this; Email from the publisher three months after submission...We have received your manuscript and it is currently under review. You should hear from us in 8 to 10 days.Email 10 minutes later...I have just finished two of your chapters and am still laughing. You are the funniest writer I have ever read and am willing to offer you a contract right now.
Mission accomplished.
6. Where can your books be purchased?
Amazon, tatepublishing.com or adventuresthatbite.com
At this time the audio is only available from Tate Publishing. I don't have a link on the website yet. In the last chapter 'Sasquatch the Savage Rock Chucker,' there is an actual sasquatch scream that sends the hairs up on yer neck. Skeptics beware.
7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?
Feel free to write me on the Adventures that Bite facebook page anytime. Hopefully I will have a contact button on the website soon.
8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
I guess when I was called an author, always considered myself a (well I can't use that word) a mmm...master storyteller.
9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?
Nothing lonely when I write, I get charged up from it. Almost always ok in my surroundings and try to be available when someone else is down. Haven't done it yet but if I do get a little down I'd probably make a phone call to one of my quirkie friends. Is that a word?
10. What is your favorite past time or hobby besides reading or writing?
Traditional archery, I love the smell of cedar.
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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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