Read to the end of the post to enter to win the Kindle Fire HD.

OVER $500 ELAINE LITTAU & FRIENDS GIVEAWAY!

We live in the Heartland. It's not unusual at all to see someone walking down the street (or into our home) with spurs jingling on their dirty boots and a gun on their hip. A handkerchief isn't just western decor, it's necessary for keeping the dirt out of your nose during dust storms. Our family loves the song, "Jesus was a Country Boy" by Clay Walker. The idea of walking down a dusty road with Y'shua of Nazareth is stirring. What do you 'reckon visit with Him about?




While the children are playing Cowboys, Mom needs a little entertainment too right? Let me suggest this great opportunity for a nice bundle of goodies. There are books in this bundle that the whole family is going to LOVE!




The harsh consequences of other people's sin leaves Nan bitter and broken, but God's amazing Love prevails in her life and overflows into the lives of those around her. Elaine Littau is the author of eleven published books and many magazine and newspaper articles. She is a mentor/coach for other authors and enjoys public speaking for groups. Many enjoy listening to her humorous take on life. Even the simplest activity takes on a life of its own when Elaine is involved in the telling of it.




 




“Trust me,” she heard a voice say to her. When her deaf daughter, 3-year-old Alexis, goes missing, Stella Brigg faces an incredible struggle. Alone, while her husband serves in the armed forces overseas, Stella must depend on Someone greater than anyone she’s ever known. Someone who loves her even more than Don ever did. Only that kind of love can carry her through in her search for Alexis. R.A. Giggie




 




Joshua and Ruth Brookings are traveling by stagecoach to finally join their parents in Montana. Attacked by murderous outlaws, the teens barely escape with their lives and must survive in the barren Wyoming and Montana territories and escape the man who's hunting them.Seven years ago, Jed Stuart ran away from home and joined Tom's gang. Jed is tired of the lawlessness and wants out. The only problem? He is the boss's right-hand man and will never be able to leave. And what's one more stagecoach robbery, anyway?Can Joshua lean on God's strength to keep himself and his sister alive until they find a town? Will Jed be able to face his anger or will it consume him completely? All three are running--the hunter and hunted. What will happen when they meet? Faith Blum




 




Alyce Lomlossa has never dreamed of visiting King Timson. To a member of a minority group that opposes his rule, his brooding, glum palace is associated only with imprisonment and death. Though it's been a long time since any Sherban was arrested, Alyce feels little in common with her ruler and is quite content to stay unnoticed.




Until a mandatory summons to the King's court dance leaves her no choice.




A 20,000 word novella that enlarges the story of Cinderella. Sarah Scheele




 




One Viking woman. One God. One legendary journey to North America.




In the tenth century, when pagan holy women rule the Viking lands, Gudrid turns her back on her training as a seeress to embrace Christianity. Clinging to her faith, she joins her husband, Finn, on a journey to North America.




But even as Gudrid faces down murderous crewmen, raging sickness, and hostile natives, she realizes her greatest enemy is herself--and the secrets she hides might just tear her marriage apart.




Almost five centuries before Columbus, Viking women sailed to North America with their husbands. God's Daughter, Book One in the Vikings of the New World Saga, offers an expansive yet intimate look into the world of Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir--daughter-in-law of Eirik the Red, and the first documented European woman to have a child in North America. Heather Day Gilbert




 




After the brutal massacre in his village, a broken, grieving boy chooses to live with a golden dragon in the wild rather than go to the mountains to be with his own people. If only he had known then what that simple choice meant… Thirteen years later, Keegan, no longer a boy, learns that his younger sister survived the massacre and so sets off to be reunited with her. When Keegan accidentally interrupts a plot against a princess, what should have been a fairly simple trip turns into a complicated struggle for survival. A mysterious elder appears, full of wit and riddle. Mythical monsters shed their fictional skin and hungrily pursue Keegan and his dragon. Haunting nightmares begin to tear at his mind. As he continues on his quest to be reunited with his sister, Keegan is only just beginning to understand what it means to be The Dragons Son. Kathryn Fogleman




 




Fern Valley is home to a group of wonderful animals who have fun and face some of the same problems children everywhere do. Roberta and Mildred Cornstalk are creative chickens dealing with the loss of their beloved granny, and they’re looking for something to do to cheer them up. Want to know what adventures they find? Want to know 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 isn’t hers? Then follow this endearing cast of characters as they enjoy their time together and learn important lessons.

A perfect addition for any child’s personal library and a joy for families to share, Fern Valley is a collection to be treasured for many years to come. Aileen Stewart




 




It’s almost the end of summer, and seventeen-year-old Julien is seated around the campfire with his sister and six cousins, waiting for Uncle Frank to begin his story.




He’s the best storyteller in Louisiana, and tonight he’s got something really good—the story of the Alligator King. But first, he has to go back even further and tell another story—that of Eagle Hawk, who became a man and set off to follow his vision, where soon he meets a beautiful Irish girl and falls in love.




“But what does this have to do with the Alligator King?” they all want to know. And Uncle Frank just puffs on his pipe and grins.




The Alligator King is the first novel in the Legends of the Swamps series by Kimberly Thompson. The old (although no one knows exactly) Uncle Frank weaves fact with flair to create a tale worthy of a late-night campfire. Get caught up in the mystery as the boys and girls lean forward in their seats, ready to hear what happens next, begging to interrupt Uncle Frank and ask the question: did this really happen? You can decide for yourself, because this is where Uncle Frank’s epic tale begins… Kimberly Thompson




 




Chloe May's father found his wife's tactics incredulous as she dealt with their impoverished life and her own restlessness. Then came the Depression and the droughts of the Dust Bowl. It took more than their losses, near starvation, and apparent defeat to put a tear in her father's eye. In fact, even the women in the Whitehurst family were seldom reduced to tears-conniving and rash behavior, perhaps, but not to tears! The family knew laughter and fun, balancing heartaches and poverty. Chloe May: Daughter of the Dust Bowl is based on the true story of the author's mother, Chloe May, and her family's frequent moves in, around, and out of the Oklahoma Panhandle of the '20s and '30s. Laced with historical facts of the time, Chloe May: Daughter of the Dust Bowl is a must read for younger readers wishing for a glimpse into one of America's most difficult eras, and older readers who will identify with one family's modes of survival. Grace Lundmark




 




The Life of Bud is the story of life and how important we all are and how hard it is to let go in the end. The story follows Bud, who starts out in life as a tiny bud—he feels insignificant. But Bud grows into a beautiful, vibrant leaf on the Mighty Oak Tree and becomes a very important part of the tree. Those who have looked for a children's book that explains gently about the topic of life and death, look no further. The Life of Bud explains to children and reminds adults that death is an important part of life. A Simpler Time - Oversaturated with the latest video games and iPhone apps, does anyone slow down to remember A Simpler Time? Join A.J. as she discovers a summer of fun with her mom, finding animals in the clouds, and a trek to find the perfect four-leaf clover! What's in the Corner? Sing along to this musical mystery “tail” as Muffin the rescue dog discovers what's in the corner of her suburban backyard, while protecting her owner! What’s in the Corner? A Muffin "Tail" is Muffin's second adventure and is sure to spark the imagination of children of all ages. Went Out To Get a Donut - Came Home With a Muffin - At first, Muffin was scared and hid under her mommy's chair. Muffin found out that training class was fun and interesting, and her mommy gave her treats and affection for doing her lessons correctly—what we call 'positive reinforcement'. Muffin became our 'star student!' Muffin graduated from her first level of classes-Beginner Education and is starting her second level of training soon. Laura W. Eckroat




Christian writer Lynn Baber retired as a National and World Champion horse breeder/ trainer after careers as a business and equine pro. From horses to "contending for the faith" every message is based on God's Word. Lynn shares simple truth even when it's not the popular path.




Lynn teaches worthy leadership, methods for achieving success, and the process of building faith under the brand Christian Horse Training for Amazing Grays Ministry, a 501.c.3 non-profit.




Life is simple when you follow a worthy leader. Peace, joy, contentment, and security are found with proper focus and commitment. Lynn shares messages in print and in person to help folks find blessed simplicity as Christians, horse lovers, and citizens, in a world where complexity and confusion presently reign.




Highly credentialed in matters of leadership, relationship, and most things equine, Lynn offers a unique mix of experience and perspective that is open, conversational, and personal. For folks who love Jesus Christ, horses - or both!




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One Author's Journey #6

If my dad were alive today, he would be 104. When he was a small boy (There is a dispute in the family as to exactly how small he was.) he was asleep in the back of a wagon. His family did not own an automobile at this time so they were using horses and wagons to move from Kansas to Oklahoma. As he slept, he rolled off the tailgate of the wagon and landed in the tall grasses or the prairie. He hit his head and was knocked out for some time. When he came to himself, the wagon was just disappearing down a dip in the flat land. He followed the trail the wagon wheels made from denting the grass until he reached the camp of his family. They had not missed him because they were occupied with the livestock and gathering cowchips for fuel for the cooking fire.

This story always scared me when my mother recited it at family gatherings. The grass was as tall as my dad was. She said that many children were lost forever in the old days because of situations similar to this. Because of the danger and family connection, I had to use this story in my sixth book, Some Happy Day, Book I of the series, Rescued...a Series of Hope.

I changed the story to me a baby girl who was around fourteen months old. A cowboy who was running from the law found her in the tall grass. She was not old enough to even tell him her name. The story grew from this.

As I worked on this book, I found myself even more engrossed in marketing all the books I had written. I am so thankful for the authors who have written great marketing books as well as for those who have befriended me an helped me hammer out a good marketing plan. I have discovered many kind and generous friends within the 'author community'. It is a pleasure to network with people who do not feel that we are in competition.

Rescued...a Series of Hope is a series that is still in progress. It intersects the books in the Nan's Heritage Series. There were nine girls who were rescued from a bad situation. This series details each girl's life before, during, and after their kidnapping. It as been interesting how ideas in these story lines have developed. I think a lot of the situations and challenges the characters face come from the old timey stories my mother and daddy told us. They also had friends who loved to tell about their lives. I am thankful for the time my parents invested in me.

I had tackled one of the rescued girls in this book. The next book had to follow two of the others. The setting was close to home, so I had to get it right. I will attempt to tackle the job of telling you about those challenges next week.

Elaine Littau

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

Reformatting Myself, Too!

This week I have been working on getting "The Eyes of a Stranger" reformatted for both e books and printing. I had no idea the scope of the task.
I know just enough about computer work to get into it ok, but I can get bogged down really quick. I was blessed to have a link to a free e book that told me how to reformat my manuscript for smashwords. (You can go to their site and find it and copy it off your printer if you need it.)

Anyway, the document was 86 or 89 pages long. It takes you step by step through the process. Patience is the key. Hyperventilating is not recommended.

The first task of getting the manuscript cleaned up so that it can be used by all venues is to remove all previous formatting. I had to take off the spell check, the fancy fonts, hard returns, tabs, and anything else that my computer, in it's fancy version of Office Word, put in the document to make it look pretty.

Like I said, I know enough to get myself into trouble. I did a lot of work on the document and then I couldn't find the buttons I was supposed to push to get everything really 'clean'. After a few hours of working on this, I decided to drive to town and visit my sister. I needed to get away from the computer.

On the way to town I prayed. "Lord, open my eyes to see where those options are on my computer." I was able to have a nice visit with Geraldine and then I went home and took up the laptop to continue.

Miraculously, to me it was a miracle, after looking at the downloaded paper one more time, I saw the correct symbols and buttons on the top of the page that I was supposed to select . After that, even though it took me several more hours, the process worked.

I have to say here that smashwords does have a list of people that you can choose from for you to hire to reformat. I wanted to learn how to do it myself because I have a bunch more books that need to be published in the future.

In reading the instructions, the writer said that all of these things had to be stripped away so that smashwords can take a 'clean' file and put it through it's processes to format the manuscript into a dozen or more e reader formats so that the book can be used by all e readers. The book can go everywhere and be used by many more people!!!

Today, I was thinking about what that process was like. I seem to apply stuff to myself spiritually all the time.

When I come to Jesus to visit with Him, He doesn't want me to come with all my "fancy formatting" that I have done to myself.

All my 'self-righteousness' is like filthy rags to Him. When I thought about this, I cried out to God and asked Him to strip away all the 'goofy junk' I had added to myself and to replace it with the things He did for me at Calvary.

The pure joy I feel is beyond words. There is nothing I can add to His Sacrifice. And...you know what? Now he can distribute me around the world with His message of love and forgiveness.

Isn't that like God? He uses imperfect people like me, an earthen vessel, to carry His treasure (the message of the gospel of Christ Jesus). It is beyond words.

Introducing, "The Eyes of a Stranger" by Elaine Littau

"The Eyes of a Stranger, Gertie's Grace" is getting closer to production. This week a very talented young graphic designer took my ideas and developed several options for a bookcover. I am definately going to use her again. Her name is Jonna Feavel. (Contact me via email if you want to get her to work for you.)


Here is the bookcover:

I will tell you a little about what "The Eyes of a Stranger" is about. Gertie is an eighteen-year-old girl who finds herself at the threshold of life. Rejected by her father and sent off to become a mail-order bride by her mother, she realizes that many options are open to her.

We met Gertie briefly in "Luke's Legacy" when she helped her fellow traveler, Sheriff Roy Miller, on the train in his care for baby Rose.

After finishing "Luke's Legacy", I couldn't get Gertie out of my mind. The story she shared with the sheriff begged to be built upon. It has been a pleasure to bring this character to life. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did when I wrote it. It has the feel of "Nan's Journey", plus a little mystery.

Now, I would like to introduce you to Terri Burnell. She writes wonderful children's books.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?

Terri Burnell



Garden of Eden

2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?

My goal is to write children's Christian books that spark a child's imagination while teaching them historical, cultural, and scriptural facts.

3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
About three years ago, my son Andrew loved to read The Magic Tree House books. At that time, Andrew was 8 years old. After reading one of the Magic Tree House books with Andrew, I realized the reason children love these stories so much is because they are taken to a magical place where they can experience the adventures first hand. It gave me the idea to write a book based on a biblical story in which the main characters could actually go back in time to experience what it would be like to have lived at that time.
4. What are your hobbies?
I enjoy scrapbooking, playing games with my family, line dancing, and attempting to sing Karaoke.
5. Are you a reader
Yes, but much more now than in my younger years. I love to read Christian inspirational books.
6. What are you reading right now?
Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo and the "Answers" magazine.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes, I'm working on my second book titled Joseph, The Loyal Servant. This book takes place in ancient Egypt about 1725BC. The children go back in time to experience what it was like to travel in a camel caravan across the desert, learn the culture and customs of ancient Egyptian life, and witness Joseph being sold into slavery, and then later, through his faithfulness to God, see how Joseph is restored and uplifted to be the second in command over all of Egypt.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My goal is to be as accurate as possible with scientific, historical, and biblical facts. I need to accumulate a lot of data to be accurate. Sometimes the resources may not be in agreement concerning certain details. As always, the Bible is first and foremost my most valuable, infallible resource. When other online sources or reference books don't agree, I continue to search for more resources to obtain the most accurate information possible. This can be time consuming, but necessary.
For the book I'm writing now, Joseph, The Loyal Servant, I've needed to research more materials to obtain the historical and cultural data. For Garden of Eden, my only two resources were the Holy Bible and my own imagination. At times, I get writer's block. When this occurs I usually just stop writing and come back to it another time.
Before writing, I pray that God will give me guidance, and that my story will bring honor to Him.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Garden of Eden is a delightful story that will open a child's mind to explore the amazing possibilities of God's truth. Beth, an angel of God, takes brother and sister, Andrew and Shelby, back to the Garden of Eden to experience firsthand the new earth just ten days after creation.

Garden of Eden brings this well-known Bible story to life through imagination. Join the adventure as Andrew and Shelby make friends with the animals, explore the wonders of the garden, and discover the plan God has for all of his children. Along the way they will learn valuable lessons that can be carried with them, even after returning home.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
My personal email is: mag440ptas@peoplepc.com and the book website is: http://www.gardenofedenbookseries.com/
As you know, I gave away a Kindle on April 1st. The winner was Melissa Kidd from IL. Congratulations Melissa.

The author's group I belong to got a few of us together to give away another Kindle on May 15, 2011 so it is not too late to get in on the drawing. To get in on it you have a choice to either set up an event for me or purchase 1 or more of my books. It counts if you want to pre-order "The Eyes of a Stranger" for $9 including s/h.
Last week I shared some exciting news. Book #5 - The Eyes of a Stranger (formerly known as Gertie's Grace) will be coming out this spring/summer.

#4 - Timothy's Home will be a few months later. It is #4 because it is in the Nan's Heritage Series. #5 is loosely conected with the story line. If you would like a sample of a rough draft of The Eyes of a Stranger, go to my website by clicking here to take a look at the first few chapters.