One Author’s Journey

#3

 

Elk’s Resolve, Book II in the Nan’s Heritage Series, seemed to fly from my mind, through my fingers, and onto the computer screen. I learned the importance of writing every day. Readers of the first book were ready as soon as the book was ready. Now, I just had to get word to them. I had a clip board that readers signed on my book table at the book events. If they were interested in being part of my “book club”, I sent them notice when the next book was ready to be sent to them via a postcard. This idea worked really well.  

It amazed me more than anyone that I began my third book, Luke’s Legacy.  Somehow, I actually became a writer. I wrote the first book because I heard the saying that everyone has a book inside of them. The second one was written because there were loose ends that needed tied up from the first one. Now, the third was a choice.

As a writer of Christian books, I believe it is important for each book to hold a message as well as to entertain the reader. As I write each book, I feel like I am in school and the Lord is teaching me things I need to work on in my own Christian walk. Nan’s Journey dealt with forgiveness while Elk’s Resolve was about overcoming depression and prejudice. God has no grandchildren was something Luke’s Legacy dealt with. As much as I wanted to make the decision for my children, it was clear that each person must choose for himself.

Portions of the book dealt with things children of Christians have expressed. Things like: “Mama is praying, so everything will be all right.” “I’ll get into heaven on Daddy’s coattails.” “I grew up in church. God knows me.” Sometimes I am afraid that those who have grown up so close to making a decision for Jesus, have a more difficult time realizing their need for Him.

While I was writing “Luke’s Legacy”, our brother in law almost died. He was one of the people who always came close to choosing God, but never felt he could. The doctors were working on his failing body and he felt his spirit leave the confines of flesh and bone. He walked through a door and found miles of desolation. He screamed out to God to save him. Immediately, he was back into his fleshly body of pain. He repented and asked the Lord to save his soul.

After he began recovering, he spent a lot of time crying to his sweet wife about how much he didn’t deserve another chance. He was so grateful that God let him live so that he could get saved. John, my brother in law, spoke at churches and men’s groups all over the panhandle as well as every individual who would listen to him, about this experience. He wanted them to be ready to meet God when the time came.

John died about two years after this experience. I asked if I could include a version of his vision/experience in Luke’s Legacy. I think the inclusion of that portion is why some readers have tagged it as “paranormal”. It was not. John was a changed man after that. He was not one who had dreams or experiences like that otherwise. He was very shy and his proclamation of his experience was surprising to everyone who knew him. He was wonderful and we all miss him.

God has no grandchildren. You cannot be let into the kingdom of God by default. It is a personal decision. Period. I think that portion of the book is the whole reason the Lord led me to write it. I thought my writing journey was over with that title. Little did I know, it had just begun.

Interview with Jim Hughes and update on "Some Happy Day"

Some Happy Day Update


Some Happy Day is the first book in the series I have just begun writing. Rescued...A Series of Hope follows the Nan's Heritage Series. It is being released this month. For the whole month of February 2012, I am offering "Some Happy Day" for a lower price which includes tax and shipping. After February, the price will go up.

If you want to pre-order, please go to elainelittau.com to get in on the lower price. Your book will be sent to you as soon as they arrive at my house. Thank you.

I would like to introduce you to my author friend, Jim Hughes. He is an inspiration to many authors as well as others that he meets.


1. I need you to tell me your name as seen on your books, your genre, and your title(s), and your website address.

My name is Jim Hughes. I write mainly non-fiction. My book is, C Through Marriage. My website is: www.cthroughmarriage.com.

2. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?

My book was published in May, 2009. I never had any inclinations to being an author. I often wrote things down for my own benefit as a part of my pastoral ministry.

3. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?

The Lord planned it. I was concerned about the many divorces happening in the church and thought I would put down some thoughts I had on what might help to make stronger marriages. It was never my intention to make it into a book. I have written a study guide for my book and I also have another book on Christian marriages written, but not published yet.

4. Please tell about each title here:

The title of “C Through Marriage” stems from the fact I cover 48 different topics relating to marriage, all beginning with the letter C.

5. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.

I am a preacher so I do a lot of speaking. I rarely have about my book, although I hope to get that opportunity along the way.

6. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?

The opportunities to do good and minister to people’s needs. I have been able to reach a lot more people with the Gospel because I am an author than I did as a pastor.

7. Where can your books be purchased? Through most Christian book outlets, both online and in stores. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Tate Publishing & Enterprises are just some of the online sites where it is available.

8. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?I tweet at 4248. I have a C Through Marriage facebook page. My blog is listed at www.cthroughmarriage.blogspot.com. My website is www.cthroughmarriage.com.

9. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?

I am still amazed at how well my book is being received by those who have read it. I have been surprised at all that is involved in the marketing end of being an author and the commitment it takes.

10. 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?

They take an interest in what I am doing. They are supportive of my efforts, even when it involves so much of my time. They understand that writing is a ministry to me.

10. What is your favorite hobby besides reading or writing?I enjoy sports. I am a couch potato sports enthusiast. I also like to connect with people on the net.

Thank you for the interview Jim.



Elaine Littau is offering a special promotion on her website elainelittau.com.

I am selling all 5 of my books:
Nan's Journey
Elk's Resolve
Luke's Legacy
The Eyes of a Stranger
Timothy's Home

Print versions for $55

Gailya Keller, author of The Secret of Smiley's Woods reviews Nan's Journey

Nan's Journey written by Author Elaine Littau


Join Nan as she finds escape for herself and her little brother from a horrible situation. Nan and her brother Elmer grab your heart and take it with them. You will want to gather them up and let them know it will be ok. They manage to start a new, wonderful life thanks to a special couple. They have wonderful adventures and more heartache as they attempt to heal. Nan finds true love as she learns to trust others and to trust God. Life comes full circle in the appearance of an unexpected person which causes her to question God and His Will. Travel on her Journey and share all the heartaches and wonderful blessings and grow your own faith in God.

Gailya Keller

Review by Author, The Secret of Smiley’s Woods

Deep Cleaning

Sometimes it is a struggle to keep on top of housework. I enjoy having a tidy home so that when people drop in for a visit, I am not ashamed. A lot of things that I do are surface cleaning. I breeze through the house and use the feather duster and keep the dishes in the dishwasher changed out so that all looks really clean as well as a lot of small chores.
We have hardwood floors with a large area rug in our 1929 era home. I spot clean that monster every now and again. It is a cream color with pink roses on it. I thought I had been doing a pretty good job on it until I got a really crazy idea. (DO NOT DO THIS AT HOME.)

I vacuumed the rug and spot cleaned it, as usual, then I carried it to the deck outside and rinsed it with a water hose! Oh my goodness! The grime that surfaced was unimaginable. I stomped on it in the way I saw Lucy of 'I love Lucy' when she stomped grapes. There was more and more dirty water!

I scooted my feet across the surface and tried to wring it out that way, but it still looked dirty. While I was in the middle of all of this, I remembered that it was really supposed to be dry cleaned. I was in over my head. It was my fault.

Some people may think my prayers tend to be silly, but I tell you, I prayed about this mistake I made. I also phoned my husband and told him of this infraction. He laughed and told me that we could take it to the car wash and power wash it there in the back of the pickup truck. While I was glad that he had a workable idea, I was too ashamed for anyone who might be at the carwash in our small town to see what I had done. (Can you relate?)

I hung the heavy wet mess over the rail of the deck and prayed that it wouldn't look like a dirty dog when it dried. It certainly looked like a dirty wet dog at the time I hung it out. It rained that night. We hadn't gotten any rain all summer. Oh well...

The next day, I peeked out the sliding glass door. It looked okay. When I touched it, it was dry. I lugged it into the living room and put it on the floor. It was ruffled around the edges...just a little. After I anchored the worst of the ruffles down with a coffee table, the rest looked like it might smooth out with the vac. After I ran the vac over it, there were a couple of ruffles, but it wasn't bad. It felt a little "crunchy" instead of soft, but it looked okay.

What on earth does this have to do with God? I have to tell you that I am a simple woman. God uses these kinds of things to teach me a lesson. Hang in there with me, please.

While I was going through this mess that I created for myself, I thought of all the times I tried to clean myself up on the inside. I made promises to myself and others that I would be more patient, more kind, more loving, more forgiving...and the list goes on. That was like 'spot cleaning' myself. The spots ran deeper than the surface.

The Bible says that our own righteousness is like filthy rags. I can identify with that. If we compare ourself with other people, we might look pretty good, but when we get closer to God, we see that we fall so short of clean. When we realize that we cannot do this for ourselves and place ourselves into His hands, He pulls us to His side and covers us with His robe of righteousness so that our sins are covered.

Psalms 51:7b Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

In church this past Sunday, our pastor brought out the fact that in order to not become polluted by the things around us, we must keep full of God. An artisian well springs out and even flood waters will not corrupt it because fresh water is flowing out of it at all times.

God is the manufacturer of the joy, peace, patience, and all the good things that spring up out of us. If we allow Him to be this wellspring of life in us, there is no need to 'spot clean'. I am so glad that I don't have to do this on my own.

How Does My Background Influence My Books?

I enjoy reading and writing Christian Western/Historical Fiction. In my heart I believe the reason for this is that my parents were born in the early 1900's. They and their parents lived much in the 'old timey' way. In fact, my mother and daddy both moved with their families in wagons from one state to another.

My Dad used to tell the story of being a toddler who fell asleep on the end of the wagon. He rolled into the soft tall grass and woke up just in time to see the top of the wagon disappearing over the rise in the ground. He cried and toddled until he caught up with his family.

I grew up with those kinds of stories. My imagination went wild when I was told different events that happened to friends and family. We also watched many television Westerns. That was also instrumental in the stories I write.

One day, I asked my elderly mother to tell me what a typical day was like for her or her mother when she was a child. The list of chores before school was astounding. People in those days had little or no idle time. I like to tell a little about the mundane chores and how they were so much of the daily life of people in those days. The act of priming the water pump or peeling potatoes or gathering eggs find their way within the pages of my books. I think it gives them a homey feeling.

I also love the books of Grace Livingston Hill and Hilda Stahl. The situations the characters found theirselves in were so entertaining. My mother loved for me to read these books aloud to her through the summer. It helped me with my reading skills and provided a great activity that we enjoyed together.

I hope the books I write resonate with readers. Every one of them have a piece of my heart in them.

Meet Elaine Fields Smith interviewed by Elaine Littau

Last week Terry and I had a lot of fun recording Luke's Legacy's audio version. It should be ready for purchase or download in a month or two.
In case you didn't realize, there is free audio download instructions on the very last page of Elk's Resolve and Luke's Legacy. That is a great value.
Be sure to get your copy. You guys have been very suportive and encouraging to both of us.
I want you to read the interview I did with Elaine Smith.

1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
"Ridin' Around - Taillights in Chrome, 8-Tracks on Wheels" and ebook "The Perfect Place?"
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
That I'm a real person. Down to earth, not fancified-just a regluar gal.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer? Years ago. Just within the past three years has there been time, inclination and available brain cells to devote to writing.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Humor and description

5. Are you a reader? yes

6. What are you reading right now?
Shiny Water by Anna Salter
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication?
Tell about it. A story based on a true crime where a small town young man was caught in a whirlwind of drugs and money and faced with making "The Wrong Move" which may adversely affect his life, as well as others' lives.Crimes such as murder, kidnapping and mutilation are horrific. Making "The Wrong Move" can be deadly.

8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Finding quiet in my home and my mind. Yoga and meditation help tremendously. A walk with the dog also allows me time with myself; my thoughts are more easily sorted and prioritized.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Ridin' Around:

Through the stories of the hilarious escapades—and sometimes heartbreaking experiences—of a group of college-age friends, Ridin' Around: Taillights in Chrome, 8-Tracks on Wheels will take you back to the world of small-town America in 1980. The music, the cars, and all the pleasures of a simpler time—like Saturday nights spent just cruising up and down “the drag”—are the backdrop to this funny and nostalgic story of guys and gals living it up. Hang on and ride along for the pranks, the brushes with the law, and the zany adventures!

Author Elaine Fields Smith, drawing on real-life experiences, vividly captures the joy and the pain of young adulthood…and how the friendships that help us get through it can last a lifetime.


The Perfect Place?

Come to a Spiritual Place Where Endless Knowledge Can Be Acquired Just By Being There. The Perfect Place is a supernatural plane of existence where knowledge is literally in the air. The place truly seems perfect—with no evil or need—only the pursuit of learning. What question would you ask Plato given the chance? Could one find the answer to a crucial inquiry from the sage words of Benjamin Franklin? What would Dr. Seuss say about the 21 century? Would Alexander Graham Bell like cell phone texting? Katie and her three spirit guides enthusiastically explore this Perfect Place of Knowledge. They encounter important and obscure historical figures in their search for answers. Actually talking with legendary people is a wonder Katie is amazed to experience. The spirit companions—loved ones from Katie's own past—have extraordinary powers, whisking her through a supernatural portal to experience the Place of Knowledge. But time is running out for the Place due to the flaw Katie has stumbled upon. Only one person or spirit will be chosen to determine the fate of the Perfect Place. Who will it be? Take an inspirational journey to an amazing place—a Perfect Place. Or is it?

10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.www.blazingstarbooks.com

Found on

http://elainelittau.com/

Book discussion questions for both book clubs and home school/schoole age children are available for free at my website.

For new chapters

"Between the Books" go to http://elainelittau.com/ and click on the tab.
I plan to write a new chapter per week (If possible)
First Chapter of Nan's Journey (free)

First 6 Chapters of book #5 (rough copy) Gertie's Grace (Renamed: "The Eyes of a Stranger")

I have a few open dates if you would like to contact me to set something up.

http://elainelittau.com

Voices of the Characters of Nan's Heritage Series

I am Nan and named after my Ma. Her name was Nancy. It has been difficult since her death. It could be said that the difficulty began when Pa died after the logging accident. Our idyllic life ended that dark day.

Today was filled with worry. My step-mother has been riding little Elmer over ever little thing. She is a harsh woman. She better not take a hand to my little brother. He is only five and can't do all the chores she expects.

I am so frustrated I don't know what to do. I have taken many beatings, but if she touches Elmer...What! What will I do? How can I protect him?

I finished the dishes and spread the dish rag on the basin. Stretching the kinks out of my back I look out the window to see where he is. I see his white/blond head just across the farm yard. He is okay.

I step across the board floor of the porch and sit down on the top step and contemplate. Why do I tolerate the beatings? Why don't I say no more to it? It must be that Elmer is so young. Mary Dewy can do what she will to me, but she better not touch one hair of Elmer's head!

HOT HOT HOT

Yay Summertime!


It is Summertime for sure isn't it. I do want to tell you that I am still living without pain. God is so good! Terry thinks he has the girl he met all those years ago back. I just had to give the Lord another Praise over that. I am so grateful.

Elk's Resolve sales are clipping along. I can't help but daydream about what it would be like to be a best-selling author, but that is in God's hands.
A friend of mine from Australia emailed me the other day. She blogs a lot about books. She reads a ton of them. We "met" when I asked her a little over a year ago to do a blog for me on Nan's Journey. She read it and wrote a very nice review for me. She interviewed me at Christmastime again and has been very supportive and encouraging. She sent this email to a herd of us authors to see if we would like to do another interview and promote our latest books. I jumped at the chance.

I couldn't help but think about how kind and helpful she is to all of us...non-best-sellers out there. I decided to "pay it forward". I sent a similar email to the authors I had in my email list. (If you didn't get this email, you are still invited.) I want to do an interview of each of the responders. I know some pretty amazing writers and I think you will be interested in what they have to say.
Elaine

The first author I want to introduce you to is John Shumaker.
John, I am so happy you took the time to answer a few questions that I think my readers will be interested in.

1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?

My name is John H. Shumaker. The two books I’ve written are: The Mystery of the Alpha and Omega and The Strategy of Spiritual Warfare Exposed (What Goes on Behind the Scenes and Why).

2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I’ve been a Bible teacher since 1985. My wife, Carol, and I have 5 kids, 10 grandkids, and 3 great grand kids. I’ve been a professional firefighter for 40 years and have started a Chaplain program with the Colorado Springs Fire Department. I’ve also started chapters of the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters and a chapter of Firefighters for Christ. Through Firefighters for Christ I’ve given out over 65,000 cassette teaching tapes and have mailed them world-wide.

3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?

I decided to try writing about 3 years ago. I didn’t do this because I felt led to be a writer, but I just wanted to try my hand at it and see where it led.

4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?

The books I’ve written can be used for Bible studies. This would include Sunday School, home Bible studies and private Bible study. The strong points of my books is that I use the Bible to comment on the Bible – in other words, going through my books you will explore the Bible in it’s entirety. I also include the Bible verses in my book so you don’t have to set the book aside to look up the reference. In addition I spent about 2 years studying one-on-one with a Messianic Rabbi.

5. Are you a reader? What are you reading right now?
I love to read. My daily schedule is to get up between 0300 and 0330. I spend a couple of hours every day studying the Bible and reading. I’m currently reading Marriage: Fantasy vs Reality.

6. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
In my first book, The Mystery of the Alpha and Omega, I took 18 verses from the Old Testament and expounded on how Jesus is revealed in the original Hebrew text. I have found that there are over 570 references in the Hebrew text that identifies Jesus and His role as God and as Messiah. I’m currently writing a commentary on these verses. Due to the size of the book, I’m not sure if it will go to print or not. At any rate, it will be available on my web site: www.jhshumaker.info

7.What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them? The biggest obstacle I’ve found so far is not in writing the books, but in getting them marketed. Since I’m an “unknown” and I don’t have an alphabet to put behind my name, it’s hard to get the books into the hands of people that have the right connections to get the books promoted in Christian book stores. They are currently in Boarders and Barnes and Nobel, but the people that would be interested in what I’ve written about would look in Christian bookstores – not Boarders and Barnes and Nobel.

8. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
I can be contacted in several ways:
· E-mail: jhshumaker@comcast.net
· Web site: www.jhshumaker.info
· Phone: 719-337-4545
· Snail mail: John H. Shumaker
P.O. Box 7187

Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7187

Thank you so much John. (His wife is a hoot! I love her so much.) Pictures of his books will not load on this format, so you can check them out at his websites or at http://nansjourney.blogspot.com

See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.

Persistence and Battle:The modern world of book publishing

Fellow Tate Publishing and Enterprises author, Cliff Graham posted this article on the Tate Author Forum Blog today. He has a fantastic book about to be released, "Lion of War", (First book, "Day of War" - Lion of War series--novels based on King David's Mighty Men.) Get your copies at Tate Publishing.com or at his website. (I will post the address here soon.)

I am humbled that he chose my experience as a first time author for his post. Thank you Cliff and good luck and great sales for you series!

Persistence and Battle: The modern world of book publishing
My first order of books arrived today, and we have been busy getting orders ready to ship. Since the release of the book to distribution (bookstores, online retailers like Amazon) is not until October, it is up to me, and only me, to get the word out about my product.That's the right word, after all: product.Gone are the days when a writer could just sit back and wait for someone else to do their work for them. The industry does not operate that way anymore, and if you still labor under the illusion that an unknown author with no platform has any prayer of magically striking rich with the debt-ridden and tanking traditional publishers, you might need to take a deep breath.This blog is operated by a career literary agent, and look at how dour a picture she presents for those who are trying to write nonfiction. If you don't have a platform, your blood, sweat, and tears alone will sell that book.This is a report on the transformation of publishing as we know it, in the form of a Q/A with a notable Writer's Digest figure. It has fantastic analysis on the state of publishing.This is a blog post about how even fiction writers need platforms nowadays.

All of this is interesting reading. One of the complaints I have heard about Tate is that no one likes to talk about their sales figures for their books if they aren't a famous author because it can be a bit embarrassing. True enough. But did you know that only 2-3% of all books published in the world sell more than 5,000 copies? That is sobering. It tells us two things.1) Only 2-3% of authors are ever looked at again by publishers in New York, even if they get good contracts for their work.2) Even less than that actually make a living writing books. Even if you sell 5,000 copies and succeed in becoming one of the 2-3% of authors who do so, that does not add up to a full-time career. Let's say that your contract gives you 7% of distribution royalties (the standard rate for New York publishers--Tate offers 15%, by the way). 7% of every copy from that 5,000 copy run will not pay your mortgage for 30 years. It might get you a new garage door or help repair your roof from hail damage, but it won't guarantee milk in your refrigerator. Especially if the books sells only 5,000 copies, and it sells them through distribution, for which the author only gets a tiny amount of the royalties. It won't sell more than that unless word of mouth is powerful (which can happen, see The Shack) or you work your tail off marketing, sacrificing writing time.

There is a happy medium to be found. I am not able to list the specific sales numbers for other authors I have spoken with, but I know that Tate author Elaine Littau had a counter on her blog that was well over 1,000 copies sold when I checked it last. 1,000 copies for an unknown first time author in just 2 years is a remarkable figure, especially considering that she did not get heavy television promotion and her novel did not appear on shelves nationwide. Many books do get that kind of attention and never even sell 1,000 copies.

The Gargoyle, a book whose marketing I frequently point to as the standard for everything wrong with the industry, coughed up just 15,000 in sales after months on prominent bookstore shelves, and that unknown author was paid over a million dollars in an advance. Elaine's perseverance and belief in her book (call it a product) are driving sales. She has built a loyal fan base of genuine fans and not just people duped into buying because of a corporate marketing scheme. She recently published her next book in the series, and the first wave of fans will be getting the sequel they have been waiting for.Elaine's story is fascinating because it is quintessentially American: hard work, dedication, and driving faith will see better results than haunch-sitting. She has been dramatically effective at self-promotion, and she still found time to write another novel in her series while working at a job. Now that's efficiency.

Tate is doing what other publishers are just now starting to understand: they set their authors up for success. They don't guarantee it. I had a drill sergeant when I first joined the army who always shouted to us, "None of this training will guarantee that you will survive battle--it just guarantees that you will be in the battle."An author in the modern times is in a battle, and it is better to have a publisher who provides tools and training to equip that author for battle than a publisher who just hopes on a wing and a prayer that something will be the next "Purpose-Driven Harry Potter."It's all about incentive. Do we have what it takes to swallow our pride, realize that no one likes us or cares about our book, certainly not enough to spend money on it, and go from there? That's how Rick Warren, John Grisham and J.K. Rowling started. Persistence won the day.
Posted by Cliff Graham at

"Elk's Resolve" will be in my hands the end of April!

"Elk's Resolve" will be in my hands the end of April!
I will get my copies for sale here and on the Tate Publishing website at the end of April. Order here at the Paypal button to get a signed copy and I will send you a signed and numbered copy of "Elk's Resolve" and "Nan's Journey" if you haven't read it."Elk's Resolve" will be released worldwide in June/July of 2009 to bookstores and amazon.com, target.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com...etc.When you read your copy, do me a great favor and write a review on your blog, facebook page, myspace page, and amazon.com. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to get the word out for books. Also, if you have an event coming up that is in need of a speaker...I'M YOUR GIRL! (or old lady depending on who you are...hee hee) Contact me here to set things up.

"Nan's Journey" is now on the Christian Book Video website!

Friday I felt so blessed and grateful to see my first book trailer, "Nan's Journey" listed among the titles on the Christian book video site I posted about a couple of weeks ago. It is amazing to see it there with the work of the other authors. Take a look at the site. The books look like some I am going to have to read...

Progress Continues on "Elk's Resolve" the Sequel to "Nan's Journey"

I am happy to say that the progress on the sequel to "Nan's Journey" is moving along steadily. At this time the script for the "Elk's Resolve" audio book is completed. Terry and I have made our selections on the voice to deliver the story. Also, the book cover selections have been sent to me and I polled our family and some of our friends about their opinion on them. Tate does such a good job that is it difficult to make the selection. Soon I will post the finished product selection for the book cover of "Elk's Resolve".

"Elk's Resolve" is the continuation of the story begun in "Nan's Journey". The question of "What happened to the baby?" is answered and more issues are addressed. The main thought behind this book is dealing with depression, prejudice and demonic attack. Hopefully, the reader will be encouraged and uplifted after finishing the last page of this book.

I don't want to write for the sake of writing. I want to bring hope and help to people who read my stuff. I have been in prayer for everyone who reads these stories, praying that they will find the help they need through our Lord.

Reflection of 2008

My best friend from Jr. High and High School sent me a Christmas card with a sweet note jotted in it. She reminded me that 2008 has been a remarkable year for me. I was struck that she wrote about me instead of herself. (I want to know her things too!) The point is: She spent those several words encouraging me. That is so like her!

Sometimes I get bogged down with talking about the book and promoting, selling, and writing, that I forget how awesome it is that it is published. Man alive, IT IS PUBLISHED!!! If you know me, you know that I'm not all that...but God is! You may not believe in miracles, but I want to tell you, This has been a real life miracle!

2008 has been a year of discovering priorities. What is my platform? What am I trying to say? What is important to me? What will I spend my time on? What will I spend my money on?
Answers to these questions coming soon...I will have to chew on them a bit to put the right words to it.

Libraries and Prisons

Libraries and Prisons??? What are you talking about? I just wanted to say that they are my favorite places to give books to. This morning I gave a copy of my audio book to my local library. I have also given away a bunch of hard copies of "Nan's Journey" to school and public libraries and prison libraries.

There is a process for giving to prisons. You have to find someone connected to a ministry or service to a particular prison that is authorized to take a copy in to the library. If you are reading this and have access to this type of ministry, contact me. We will see about getting a copy into the prison or library you have in mind.

Right now I am in the middle of preparing the manuscript for "Elk's Resolve" for the audio process. It is exciting to see the sequel to "Nan's Journey" come along. It has made it through the first stage of the conceptual edits and now I am waiting for the next editing step. I should get some selections to choose from for the book cover soon. It is a fun process. I will keep you updated. Be sure to check in and not miss anything.

Twitter???

I just joined Twitter! My name there is nansjourney. What do you think of twitter? I don't know much about it.

Perryton Satellite Arts and Crafts Show

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

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

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

I hope to see you soon!

Mentors and Tormentors

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

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

Any thoughts?

Thanksgiving

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

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

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

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

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

Wheatheart of the Nation Celebration and Pioneer Fun at the Museum of the Plains

August 23, 2008 was a great day for me. (It did get very hot, even in the shade, but it was great!) After the annual parade honoring the birthday of Perryton, TX, The Museum of the Plains on highway 83 had a great day of fun for families and friends.

I am impressed with the size of our museum. There are a number of buildings and exhibit halls. My book table was in front of the "General Store" building. Thankfully, it had an ample porch that provided shade all day. I truly enjoyed visiting with the people who stopped by to look over the general store exhibit and my book, "Nan's Journey". I had a drawing for a free book at the end of the day.

The winner of the drawing/free copy of "Nan's Journey" is Vanessa Lester. I will be mailing it on Tuesday of this week. Congratulations Vanessa!

I gave away a ton of toy compasses with the "Nan's Journey" logo on them to the children. They seemed to really enjoy getting something for free! Another freebie I gave away was a folder with the first chapter of "Elk's Resolve", the second book in the Heritage Series. I gave around 60 of those away. There is an order form for "Nan's Journey" and the first batch of pre-released copies of "Elk's Resolve" in the folder. If you are reading this and wish to order either of these books, leave a private message in the guestbook.

I could hardly believe that after living here all my life, there were so many people I didn't know. We are a small town... Oh well, I did get the opportunity to meet a number of them and everyone was very kind. That is one of the perks to living in a small town, right!

The museum had a hamburger feed, local singers and a great band. There were a dozen or so vendors selling jewelry, metal work, balloons, face painting, etc. Bouncing games for the children were a hit as well as a cow milking contest. My personal favorite was the team of large work horses and wagon rides for everyone. If you missed it this year, make plans to come next year.