I have been blessed to make friends with quite a few of the other authors connected with my publisher and others with other publishers. These kindred spirits are dear to me.
This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting more of them. When I flitted from booth to booth taking pictures and business cards, I thinks some of them thought I was with a crazy company or something. I think they discovered that I am just a little crazy on my own.
After looking at most of the books available at the book fair I was amazed at the quality of work from these unknown (yet) people. Two of my friends were up for awards in this venue. They are very talented. The competition was tough and one of them was chosen the award winner of the children's category. (Laura Eckroat with The Life of Bud) Another friend was named a finalist in the non-fiction category. (Jane Harber with Here...Have a Miracle)
I was as nervous at that awards dinner for them as I would have been at the Academy Awards!!!
They are lovely women.
I would like to urge you to read books from unknown authors. We have a lot to offer!
This week I am interviewing James Blewett.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is James Blewett and I am the author of Can I get Baptized in Fruit Punch and other questions that new Christians ask that will renew the fire of your salvation.
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I am a full-time youth pastor at a church outside of Orlando, FL. I have been a youth pastor for six years now. My writing comes out of my experiences every day in the trenches, where real life happens and God is moving.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I wanted to be a write ever since I was a little kid. I would watch soap operas with my grandma (that's embarrassing) and then I would go on the back porch and try to write my own.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I believe that the strong point in my writing style is my humor. I hope that when the reader gets through with my book that they will be inspired and challenged, but also feel like they had a fun time reading my book.
5. Are you a reader?
Absolutely, I was taught as a teenager that "Leaders are readers."
6. What are you reading right now?
I am reading Shepherding a Child's Heart by Dr. Tedd Tripp (I do believe though that word should be "sheepherding" because who has ever herded a "shep.") I just finished reading The Shack by William P. Young. I am also reading The Call by Brent Crowe and David Nasser.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
No I do not.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
The biggest obstacle is time. The way I overcome it is through patience. I do not intend to neglect my family or my current ministry in order to write so I just write whenever I can. I began writing my book in 2005 and finished this past Thanksgiving.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Do you ever wish you could return to the days when you were a new Christian, before you got jaded with the things of the Christian faith, when you loved Jesus without compromise? Can I get Baptized in Fruit Punch is an attempt to restore the fire of your salvation and return you to the euphoric state of your salvation story. Through author James Blewett’s real life experiences and observations, this book will be a comical yet thought-provoking approach to the real-life issues that put a wedge between Christians and the excitement of being a believer.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
My blog is http://baptizedinfruitpunch.blogspot.com/
Showing posts with label Tate Publishing and Enterprises. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tate Publishing and Enterprises. Show all posts
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago
Today is the deadline to file your income tax in the USA. Yep, I said it. Sorry if it panics you. I have found that working in a tax/accountant office during tax season is a great way to study people.
In January, people come in and file expecting a refund. In February and early March the waiting room is jammed with people wanting the work done ASAP. In April...things are different. Beginning with April 10 or so it gets pretty busy, but few are expecting a refund. There is a reason for the procrastination. As April 15 dawns upon us many businesses file extentions. The truth is, THERE IS A DEADLINE.
You will notice that the title of this post is "The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago". Let me wax spiritual here. This is a song we sang at church when I was a kid. "There was a time on earth, when in the books of heaven, an old account was standing for sins yet unforgiven. My name was at the top and many things below. I went unto the keeper, and settled long ago. Long ago, long ago, yes the old account was settled long ago; and the record's clear today, for He washed my sins away, when the old account was settled long ago."
I want to remind you that one day the "deadline" will come. For some of us it will be our death. For some it will be when Jesus comes back. Consider doing your business with God before it is too late.
This week I am interviewing Linda Wiggins-Edwards. You will want to read this interview with a real live scientist!!!!
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Linda Wiggins-Edwards and the name of my upcoming book will be "God's Angels in I Am Beautiful" TM
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I think readers would find it interesting to know that I'm a trained scientist. I have a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Medical Sciences. I've previously worked in research & in the diagnostics industry. I also have an education background. I've owned two tutorial services, and I've also been a classroom teacher, teaching 4th & 6th grade science, and 9th grade advanced algebra & Biology. Even though these have been my career choices, I've always made a hobby of writing, ever since I was a little girl. I've written stories, plays, poetry, and started writing children's books for the last 7 - 8 years.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
As I said, I've always made a hobby of writing, ever since I was a little girl. However, I didn't think of publishing any of my work until my husband read a poem that I had written for our youngest daughter when she was born. When he read it, he told me how good it was, and that I could turn it into a children's book. I thought about it for about 6 months to a year, before I really believed that he could be right. Once I decided to really pursue this, I re-wrote the poem into a story and began submitting it to publishers. What happened next however, caused me to stop writing for a while, because it made me feel as if my writing was not any good. I submitted my work to agents and publishers, and started getting one rejection letter after another. Once that happened, I stopped writing, even though I had several stories in progress by that time. It took until I submitted my work to Tate Publishing for me to realize what I had been doing wrong all along. I was submitting my work to publishers that published children's books, but I wasn't specifically looking for a Christian publisher. This is what made all the difference in the world. Once I realized that my purpose was to write Christian children's books and that I needed to find a Christian publisher, my work got accepted immediately, and I've been blessed with being able to write again, with a renewed spirit.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I think my strongest point is being able to write about Christian values, and to honor & glorify God through my writing, but to be able to do it at a level that a young child will be able to understand.
5. Are you a reader?
Absolutely. I've always loved reading. A good writer must also be a good reader.
6. What are you reading right now?
A book called "Hearing God's Voice" by Henry and Richard Blackaby.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes. I have the one that is currently being published, and I've already completed another one and I'm in the process of finishing a 3rd. The 2nd one is about children as God's gifts and the 3rd one is about a parent's love.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I guess my biggest obstacle is being able to focus on what I'm writing at the moment. So many times while I'm writing one book, I get great ideas for other books and then I have to switch to another document to write down my notes and ideas, and then come back to the first book that I was writing. It doesn't cause me too many problems though because I always pray when I write, to make sure that I stay focused, and that I write about the things that God wants me to say.
9. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
When my book is complete (which will be in about 6 months or so), readers will be able to purchase my book from the Tate Publishing website. I am also in the process of building my own website, blog and Facebook fan page, so readers will be able to also find my book and more information about my books on these. These will become active once I have the illustrations completed for my book.
In January, people come in and file expecting a refund. In February and early March the waiting room is jammed with people wanting the work done ASAP. In April...things are different. Beginning with April 10 or so it gets pretty busy, but few are expecting a refund. There is a reason for the procrastination. As April 15 dawns upon us many businesses file extentions. The truth is, THERE IS A DEADLINE.
You will notice that the title of this post is "The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago". Let me wax spiritual here. This is a song we sang at church when I was a kid. "There was a time on earth, when in the books of heaven, an old account was standing for sins yet unforgiven. My name was at the top and many things below. I went unto the keeper, and settled long ago. Long ago, long ago, yes the old account was settled long ago; and the record's clear today, for He washed my sins away, when the old account was settled long ago."
I want to remind you that one day the "deadline" will come. For some of us it will be our death. For some it will be when Jesus comes back. Consider doing your business with God before it is too late.
This week I am interviewing Linda Wiggins-Edwards. You will want to read this interview with a real live scientist!!!!
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Linda Wiggins-Edwards and the name of my upcoming book will be "God's Angels in I Am Beautiful" TM
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I think readers would find it interesting to know that I'm a trained scientist. I have a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Medical Sciences. I've previously worked in research & in the diagnostics industry. I also have an education background. I've owned two tutorial services, and I've also been a classroom teacher, teaching 4th & 6th grade science, and 9th grade advanced algebra & Biology. Even though these have been my career choices, I've always made a hobby of writing, ever since I was a little girl. I've written stories, plays, poetry, and started writing children's books for the last 7 - 8 years.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
As I said, I've always made a hobby of writing, ever since I was a little girl. However, I didn't think of publishing any of my work until my husband read a poem that I had written for our youngest daughter when she was born. When he read it, he told me how good it was, and that I could turn it into a children's book. I thought about it for about 6 months to a year, before I really believed that he could be right. Once I decided to really pursue this, I re-wrote the poem into a story and began submitting it to publishers. What happened next however, caused me to stop writing for a while, because it made me feel as if my writing was not any good. I submitted my work to agents and publishers, and started getting one rejection letter after another. Once that happened, I stopped writing, even though I had several stories in progress by that time. It took until I submitted my work to Tate Publishing for me to realize what I had been doing wrong all along. I was submitting my work to publishers that published children's books, but I wasn't specifically looking for a Christian publisher. This is what made all the difference in the world. Once I realized that my purpose was to write Christian children's books and that I needed to find a Christian publisher, my work got accepted immediately, and I've been blessed with being able to write again, with a renewed spirit.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I think my strongest point is being able to write about Christian values, and to honor & glorify God through my writing, but to be able to do it at a level that a young child will be able to understand.
5. Are you a reader?
Absolutely. I've always loved reading. A good writer must also be a good reader.
6. What are you reading right now?
A book called "Hearing God's Voice" by Henry and Richard Blackaby.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes. I have the one that is currently being published, and I've already completed another one and I'm in the process of finishing a 3rd. The 2nd one is about children as God's gifts and the 3rd one is about a parent's love.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I guess my biggest obstacle is being able to focus on what I'm writing at the moment. So many times while I'm writing one book, I get great ideas for other books and then I have to switch to another document to write down my notes and ideas, and then come back to the first book that I was writing. It doesn't cause me too many problems though because I always pray when I write, to make sure that I stay focused, and that I write about the things that God wants me to say.
9. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
When my book is complete (which will be in about 6 months or so), readers will be able to purchase my book from the Tate Publishing website. I am also in the process of building my own website, blog and Facebook fan page, so readers will be able to also find my book and more information about my books on these. These will become active once I have the illustrations completed for my book.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Time Marches On
This Monday Terry and I celebrated our 35th anniversary. We have had a wonderful life.
What is funny about being married so long is that it is almost like several life times.
At first, it was just the 2 of us and we were putting our lives together.
Then came our 3 boys and watching them grow into wonderful men.
Now we are in the empty nest and enjoying grandchildren...but there is something else...
We are working on our dreams. I am working on writing and Terry is looking forward to doing many projects when he has time.
Terry has taught me to enjoy what ever stage of life I am in. He is the best in making the most of all situations. I do love that man.
We are back to author interviews again. This week we have another soldier. You will want to read his interview. Get some of his books too.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Mark Lanton my book title is "The Fight Is Already Fixed"
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I am a born again Christian. I served two tours in Iraq with the Air Force as a combat medic. I wrote this book during my second tour in Iraq. I am a former Army, Armed Forces, and European boxing champion. I am also a former professional boxer.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I never planned on writing a book, and I do not consider myself a writer. The Holy Spirit gave me the vision to write this book while in the war. To give a brief story on how I wrote this book; I was unable to sleep one night while in Iraq, and the Holy Spirit had me awake and reading the book of Revelation. Revelation 20:10 says, "And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever". I immediately related that verse to the sport of boxing, that as Christians, our fight is already fixed. If you know what it means when you "fix" a fight, that means that you know who the winner is before the fight begins. It doesn't matter what we suffer in this life. It doesn't matter what hardships we experience. It doesn't matter how many times we (Christians) get knocked down, we always get up, and we know that we have the victory in the end. And so my spirit led me to the idea to write a book that glorifies God through the sport of boxing.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I feel that my strong points is the simplistic and direct method of my writing. I like to keep it simple so that anyone can understand my message. I do not "dumb" down my writing, I use a writing style that can appeal to most any reading level.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes I enjoy reading. I like to read biographical literature. I am interested in reading the true life stories of perople who overcame challenges in their lives. I enjoy reading about the perseverence and fighting spirit of certain people, and how they overcame dismal odds.
6. What are you reading right now?
I am reading a book titled, "Blood Covenant" written by Michael Franzese. This book is about a former high ranking organized crime figure who became a Christian and turned away from his multi-million dollar criminal lifestyle to serve the Lord. This book is fascinating because no one ever turns away from this lifestyle and lives to tell about it. His book is an awesome read and it is hard to stop reading it.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes I do. I am currently working on a second book that glorifies God from the analogies of corporate America. I am excited about this book because I use the business practices of big industry and lift up the Lord in this manner. This book title is, "The Executive Meeting, Jesus Christ, Chairman of the board"
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My biggest obstacles are not knowing about the issue I would like to write about. I can have the idea in my mind, but I do not have the knowledge and verbage about a particular topic. I overcome these obstacles by doing extensive research on the issue that I would like to write about.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
"The Fight Is Already Fixed" is a powerhouse of scriptural encouragement for Christians who may be dealing with struggles and wonder how they can be victorious in their spiritual lives. "The Fight Is Already Fixed" clearly pictures the reality about our actual combat against our adversary (satan). This book is a personal portrait of the Author's life laid out there to be an encouragement for others. You will not be sorry that you have taken the time to read this book.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
The author contact email is: TheFightIsAlreadyFixed@gmail.com and the book is currently in all bookstores nationwide (Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, All Christian bookstores, etc...), and the book can be purchased from the book website at http://thefight.tatepublishing . The book website has a blog and a message board. The book website also talks about how I came to write a book while in a war zone. The book can be purchased from the website and there are pictures of me from over in Iraq.
What is funny about being married so long is that it is almost like several life times.
At first, it was just the 2 of us and we were putting our lives together.
Then came our 3 boys and watching them grow into wonderful men.
Now we are in the empty nest and enjoying grandchildren...but there is something else...
We are working on our dreams. I am working on writing and Terry is looking forward to doing many projects when he has time.
Terry has taught me to enjoy what ever stage of life I am in. He is the best in making the most of all situations. I do love that man.
We are back to author interviews again. This week we have another soldier. You will want to read his interview. Get some of his books too.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Mark Lanton my book title is "The Fight Is Already Fixed"
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I am a born again Christian. I served two tours in Iraq with the Air Force as a combat medic. I wrote this book during my second tour in Iraq. I am a former Army, Armed Forces, and European boxing champion. I am also a former professional boxer.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I never planned on writing a book, and I do not consider myself a writer. The Holy Spirit gave me the vision to write this book while in the war. To give a brief story on how I wrote this book; I was unable to sleep one night while in Iraq, and the Holy Spirit had me awake and reading the book of Revelation. Revelation 20:10 says, "And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever". I immediately related that verse to the sport of boxing, that as Christians, our fight is already fixed. If you know what it means when you "fix" a fight, that means that you know who the winner is before the fight begins. It doesn't matter what we suffer in this life. It doesn't matter what hardships we experience. It doesn't matter how many times we (Christians) get knocked down, we always get up, and we know that we have the victory in the end. And so my spirit led me to the idea to write a book that glorifies God through the sport of boxing.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I feel that my strong points is the simplistic and direct method of my writing. I like to keep it simple so that anyone can understand my message. I do not "dumb" down my writing, I use a writing style that can appeal to most any reading level.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes I enjoy reading. I like to read biographical literature. I am interested in reading the true life stories of perople who overcame challenges in their lives. I enjoy reading about the perseverence and fighting spirit of certain people, and how they overcame dismal odds.
6. What are you reading right now?
I am reading a book titled, "Blood Covenant" written by Michael Franzese. This book is about a former high ranking organized crime figure who became a Christian and turned away from his multi-million dollar criminal lifestyle to serve the Lord. This book is fascinating because no one ever turns away from this lifestyle and lives to tell about it. His book is an awesome read and it is hard to stop reading it.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes I do. I am currently working on a second book that glorifies God from the analogies of corporate America. I am excited about this book because I use the business practices of big industry and lift up the Lord in this manner. This book title is, "The Executive Meeting, Jesus Christ, Chairman of the board"
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My biggest obstacles are not knowing about the issue I would like to write about. I can have the idea in my mind, but I do not have the knowledge and verbage about a particular topic. I overcome these obstacles by doing extensive research on the issue that I would like to write about.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
"The Fight Is Already Fixed" is a powerhouse of scriptural encouragement for Christians who may be dealing with struggles and wonder how they can be victorious in their spiritual lives. "The Fight Is Already Fixed" clearly pictures the reality about our actual combat against our adversary (satan). This book is a personal portrait of the Author's life laid out there to be an encouragement for others. You will not be sorry that you have taken the time to read this book.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
The author contact email is: TheFightIsAlreadyFixed@gmail.com and the book is currently in all bookstores nationwide (Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, All Christian bookstores, etc...), and the book can be purchased from the book website at http://thefight.tatepublishing . The book website has a blog and a message board. The book website also talks about how I came to write a book while in a war zone. The book can be purchased from the website and there are pictures of me from over in Iraq.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Snowed In
Snowed In
This Week I didn't have an author interview. Next week we will pick up with Author, Jane Harber. You won't want to miss this interview.
Today I am snowed in. It is windy and snowy outside so I am very thankful for my wonderful warm home. I have company today. Well...maybe not company...but Terry didn't have to get out into the storm with his 18 wheeler and I am very thankful for that. It is quiet here. The fireplace is going. Thank you, Terry. and I have some hot spiced tea and my laptop. Terry is reading Popular Science. Life is good.
Yesterday I was scheduled to visit the third grade of Wright Elementary in my little town. I dreamed that I forgot to go and went straight to work. I was so happy to find that it was just a dream.
I tore into town running exactly on time. I didn't like that. I wanted to be early. I pulled into the parking lot and ran to the office to sign in. I was at the wrong campus. I was at Williams Elementary. (It was built after my boys were out of elementary school and I hadn't really paid attention to what they named it. It was on the same block at the Wright Elementary.) I ran to my car and realized that I would be about 5 or so minutes late. I really hate being late.
The children were lined up at the door to leave as I arrived. Ugh...but they cheered when they saw me. The teachers and principal were gracious and allowed me into the computer lab where I spoke to several classes every 20 or 30 minutes.
The third graders were wonderful. They were attentive and quiet. They were interested in the things I had to say. We went over the author's side of the publishing process. I showed them the book cover options the cover design team sent me for each book. They listened to several of the options for voices on the audio books as well as a radio announcer who voiced my book trailers. We decided that whether they were aspiring to become a singer, a professional voice person, radio announcer, or television personality, reading well was necessary.
Mrs. Tina Clyburn, Wright Elementary Principal and fellow PHS grad of '74, took me to lunch at the cafeteria where we enjoyed good conversation and shared time with the students. I have pictures on my website of the children and hope that you take time to look at them. They were so sweet. The adults purchased books and really gave me good words of encouragement. Thank you Wright Elementary, Mrs. Clyburn, Mrs. Donna Wright (the teacher who contacted me about coming) and all the students. You made my day.
This Week I didn't have an author interview. Next week we will pick up with Author, Jane Harber. You won't want to miss this interview.
Today I am snowed in. It is windy and snowy outside so I am very thankful for my wonderful warm home. I have company today. Well...maybe not company...but Terry didn't have to get out into the storm with his 18 wheeler and I am very thankful for that. It is quiet here. The fireplace is going. Thank you, Terry. and I have some hot spiced tea and my laptop. Terry is reading Popular Science. Life is good.
Yesterday I was scheduled to visit the third grade of Wright Elementary in my little town. I dreamed that I forgot to go and went straight to work. I was so happy to find that it was just a dream.
I tore into town running exactly on time. I didn't like that. I wanted to be early. I pulled into the parking lot and ran to the office to sign in. I was at the wrong campus. I was at Williams Elementary. (It was built after my boys were out of elementary school and I hadn't really paid attention to what they named it. It was on the same block at the Wright Elementary.) I ran to my car and realized that I would be about 5 or so minutes late. I really hate being late.
The children were lined up at the door to leave as I arrived. Ugh...but they cheered when they saw me. The teachers and principal were gracious and allowed me into the computer lab where I spoke to several classes every 20 or 30 minutes.
The third graders were wonderful. They were attentive and quiet. They were interested in the things I had to say. We went over the author's side of the publishing process. I showed them the book cover options the cover design team sent me for each book. They listened to several of the options for voices on the audio books as well as a radio announcer who voiced my book trailers. We decided that whether they were aspiring to become a singer, a professional voice person, radio announcer, or television personality, reading well was necessary.
Mrs. Tina Clyburn, Wright Elementary Principal and fellow PHS grad of '74, took me to lunch at the cafeteria where we enjoyed good conversation and shared time with the students. I have pictures on my website of the children and hope that you take time to look at them. They were so sweet. The adults purchased books and really gave me good words of encouragement. Thank you Wright Elementary, Mrs. Clyburn, Mrs. Donna Wright (the teacher who contacted me about coming) and all the students. You made my day.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Best Gifts
The best gifts are ones that cannot be opened with your hands. I think that a heart full of love and forgiveness that Terry offers me is just the best gift that one human can give another. Of course the greatest Gift of all is our Lord Jesus.
Now I want to be a little less spiritual for a moment. I remember back when I was 4 yrs old Mother and Daddy gave me a life size "walking doll". She was exactly my size and could wear my clothes. Her official name was Patty Play Pal but I named her Mary. Mama and I didn't change her clothes many times because she wasn't very pliable. It usually turned into a wrestling match between Mama and Mary. Mama liked curly hair and Mary had hair that was as straight as a board. We put curlers in it many times and never made any kind of impact on her hair. I was very jealous of her the first week I had her because Mama and Daddy really seemed to like her a lot. (I felt more than me at times.) I was shy in front of her until it occurred to me that she wasn't real. I put her in bed with me but soon kicked her out because her cold plastic legs and arms never warmed up. They stayed cold. I reminded myself that she was NOT real, again. Would you believe that Mary stands in the corner of my bedroom next to some of the other favorite dolls, Sweetie Pie and Kitty (Yes, I was a Gunsmoke fan...Miss Kitty in particular.) Mary is wearing a little pair of jeans and a red shirt with a beautiful rhinestone crown that my brother bought for me. (That is another story.) I said all of that to say, "Some gifts are for Keeps."
Please read my interview with Emil Kirstein from South Africa.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Thank you for this interview. My name is Emil Kirstein and I’m from South Africa. The name of my debut novel is Quest for Freedom, and it’s published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises.
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Maybe the readers would like to know that I’ve got mileage on my odometer and overtime on my clock. Jokes aside, I write from my experiences and real-life lessons that I’ve learned. Though my stories are fiction, I strive for them to be real.
My experience stems from having been in business, a missionary, a Bible teacher and an English teacher in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, Malawi, and South Korea. Currently my wife, Lorna, and I are semi-retired. We focus on writing books and tutoring English, mostly to Koreans studying here in South Africa.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Since primary school days I’ve been a storyteller, but had never considered sitting down and writing a novel. I felt that I was a missionary and teacher, full stop. I did write a lot of Bible school material and on a few occasions I did consider writing a book on some teachings—but that just never happened. Then about midway into 2006 I was reminded that the greatest teacher, Jesus, was a storyteller. He knew that the vast majority of people are more interested in listening to a story than listening to a teaching—even though a small minority prefers a teaching. Thus my novel was born.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I try to tell a story that’s true to life and has life-lessons embedded in it. I try to tell it simply, but I also try to use good language in the process of telling it. I try to skip the boring parts even though some boring parts are unfortunately necessary to fill in the background and set the scene. The readers will have to judge for themselves whether I’ve been successful in my goals.
5. Are you a reader?
Ironically, no! During my high school days I was an avid reader of Westerns. It took me about two hours to read a cowboy book. Nowadays I like reading study materials like encyclopedias and the like. Rather weird, wouldn’t you say?
6. What are you reading right now?
Please don’t laugh, but I’m busy brushing up on English grammar and South African history. As I said, please don’t laugh.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Quest for Freedom was the first on the drawing board, and has by God’s grace progressed to the bookstore. From the beginning I’d envisaged a trilogy—continuing with Quest for Life and finishing with Quest for Truth.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I’m one of those creatures who have difficulty in multitasking. So, when I write, I’d like to be marooned on an island, cut off from the world—but with all the benefits of civilization intact of course. However, that’s simply not possible. So, it’s start up, pause, step back, restart, pause… an endless cycle. I’m quite sure that I’m not the only writer on a quest—a quest for peace and quiet! Therefore, the best time for me to start writing is about 2am! You may check with my beloved wife if you don’t believe me.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Quest for Freedom is a story about freedom, as the title suggests. It’s a story about relationships— relationships between people and relationship with God. The secondary title expounds on it a bit: Being free amidst life’s ups and downs. The back matter on the book cover reads thus:
Mike and Anne are about to get a divorce. Despite the love between them, the hardships in their lives might be too much for them to take. A fresh start could be the best thing for both of them. Paul and Claire Shaw have a different problem. Paul is a pastor, and Claire is a compassionate wife. After a series of tragedies, however, Paul’s faith in God is severely shaken. What do these couples have in common? They are on a Quest for Freedom from the secrets that have scarred their souls. They are looking for hope despite trauma and turmoil.
Enter Old Charles Young, a man who has a different kind of secret: he has found true freedom from the pain and darkness of his own secrets, trauma, and turmoil. Walk with these couples as they learn that they were made for freedom, regardless of the challenges life hands them.
Author Emil Kirstein’s easy, conversational style allows the reader to become a “fly on the wall” as each character unfolds his or her Quest for Freedom. The real-life lessons they’ve learned provide clues for the characters—and the reader—to find what they are seeking.
In his review, Jim Miller, Marketing Representative of Tate Publishing & Enterprises, said:
Quest for Freedom tells the story of two struggling couples who find hope in the wisdom of an old man they barely know. Emil Kirstein writes with the heart of a pastor and the insight of a counselor. This book is an enjoyable read, but it is also much more than that. It is useful as a companion to pastoral or Christian counseling, a gift for people who are seeking answers for the difficulties in life, and as edification for fellow believers in Christ. The best part about Emil’s writing style is that it is in no way heavy-handed or preachy.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers can contact me at my website, http://kirsteinonline.com. There are links to email me, buy the book, read my blog, connect with me on Facebook, and the like. I welcome feedback from readers. It helps me keep my stories real.
This was a great interview. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These was interesting people!
Now I want to be a little less spiritual for a moment. I remember back when I was 4 yrs old Mother and Daddy gave me a life size "walking doll". She was exactly my size and could wear my clothes. Her official name was Patty Play Pal but I named her Mary. Mama and I didn't change her clothes many times because she wasn't very pliable. It usually turned into a wrestling match between Mama and Mary. Mama liked curly hair and Mary had hair that was as straight as a board. We put curlers in it many times and never made any kind of impact on her hair. I was very jealous of her the first week I had her because Mama and Daddy really seemed to like her a lot. (I felt more than me at times.) I was shy in front of her until it occurred to me that she wasn't real. I put her in bed with me but soon kicked her out because her cold plastic legs and arms never warmed up. They stayed cold. I reminded myself that she was NOT real, again. Would you believe that Mary stands in the corner of my bedroom next to some of the other favorite dolls, Sweetie Pie and Kitty (Yes, I was a Gunsmoke fan...Miss Kitty in particular.) Mary is wearing a little pair of jeans and a red shirt with a beautiful rhinestone crown that my brother bought for me. (That is another story.) I said all of that to say, "Some gifts are for Keeps."
Please read my interview with Emil Kirstein from South Africa.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Thank you for this interview. My name is Emil Kirstein and I’m from South Africa. The name of my debut novel is Quest for Freedom, and it’s published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises.
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Maybe the readers would like to know that I’ve got mileage on my odometer and overtime on my clock. Jokes aside, I write from my experiences and real-life lessons that I’ve learned. Though my stories are fiction, I strive for them to be real.
My experience stems from having been in business, a missionary, a Bible teacher and an English teacher in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, Malawi, and South Korea. Currently my wife, Lorna, and I are semi-retired. We focus on writing books and tutoring English, mostly to Koreans studying here in South Africa.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Since primary school days I’ve been a storyteller, but had never considered sitting down and writing a novel. I felt that I was a missionary and teacher, full stop. I did write a lot of Bible school material and on a few occasions I did consider writing a book on some teachings—but that just never happened. Then about midway into 2006 I was reminded that the greatest teacher, Jesus, was a storyteller. He knew that the vast majority of people are more interested in listening to a story than listening to a teaching—even though a small minority prefers a teaching. Thus my novel was born.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I try to tell a story that’s true to life and has life-lessons embedded in it. I try to tell it simply, but I also try to use good language in the process of telling it. I try to skip the boring parts even though some boring parts are unfortunately necessary to fill in the background and set the scene. The readers will have to judge for themselves whether I’ve been successful in my goals.
5. Are you a reader?
Ironically, no! During my high school days I was an avid reader of Westerns. It took me about two hours to read a cowboy book. Nowadays I like reading study materials like encyclopedias and the like. Rather weird, wouldn’t you say?
6. What are you reading right now?
Please don’t laugh, but I’m busy brushing up on English grammar and South African history. As I said, please don’t laugh.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Quest for Freedom was the first on the drawing board, and has by God’s grace progressed to the bookstore. From the beginning I’d envisaged a trilogy—continuing with Quest for Life and finishing with Quest for Truth.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I’m one of those creatures who have difficulty in multitasking. So, when I write, I’d like to be marooned on an island, cut off from the world—but with all the benefits of civilization intact of course. However, that’s simply not possible. So, it’s start up, pause, step back, restart, pause… an endless cycle. I’m quite sure that I’m not the only writer on a quest—a quest for peace and quiet! Therefore, the best time for me to start writing is about 2am! You may check with my beloved wife if you don’t believe me.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Quest for Freedom is a story about freedom, as the title suggests. It’s a story about relationships— relationships between people and relationship with God. The secondary title expounds on it a bit: Being free amidst life’s ups and downs. The back matter on the book cover reads thus:
Mike and Anne are about to get a divorce. Despite the love between them, the hardships in their lives might be too much for them to take. A fresh start could be the best thing for both of them. Paul and Claire Shaw have a different problem. Paul is a pastor, and Claire is a compassionate wife. After a series of tragedies, however, Paul’s faith in God is severely shaken. What do these couples have in common? They are on a Quest for Freedom from the secrets that have scarred their souls. They are looking for hope despite trauma and turmoil.
Enter Old Charles Young, a man who has a different kind of secret: he has found true freedom from the pain and darkness of his own secrets, trauma, and turmoil. Walk with these couples as they learn that they were made for freedom, regardless of the challenges life hands them.
Author Emil Kirstein’s easy, conversational style allows the reader to become a “fly on the wall” as each character unfolds his or her Quest for Freedom. The real-life lessons they’ve learned provide clues for the characters—and the reader—to find what they are seeking.
In his review, Jim Miller, Marketing Representative of Tate Publishing & Enterprises, said:
Quest for Freedom tells the story of two struggling couples who find hope in the wisdom of an old man they barely know. Emil Kirstein writes with the heart of a pastor and the insight of a counselor. This book is an enjoyable read, but it is also much more than that. It is useful as a companion to pastoral or Christian counseling, a gift for people who are seeking answers for the difficulties in life, and as edification for fellow believers in Christ. The best part about Emil’s writing style is that it is in no way heavy-handed or preachy.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers can contact me at my website, http://kirsteinonline.com. There are links to email me, buy the book, read my blog, connect with me on Facebook, and the like. I welcome feedback from readers. It helps me keep my stories real.
This was a great interview. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These was interesting people!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Holiday Season
The Holiday Season is upon us. Soon Thanksgiving will be here and then Christmas. It is time for not only shopping, but reflection. How do we want our families to remember the holidays with us. Will they remember a frazzeled mother/grandmother, a stressed out dad/grandfather, laughter or arguments from the siblings and grandchildren. One thing I am going to attempt this year is not striving for perfection. My kids know I am not perfect and so do my sweet daughters-in-law. Don't tell the grandkids they aren't aware yet.
Let us remember the reason for the season...even the Thanksgiving season.
Today I am sending you the interview I did with Kimberly Thompson.
She has written a book that moves your heart.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Kimberly Thompson; the title of my book is Gypsy Phoenix: A Birthright of Hope.
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I think the one thing that readers might want to know, is that I overcame obstacles in my life which were purposed to destroy me, but only made me stronger - and that I believe everyone can do the same.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I've always written, ever since I learned how. I've written Haiku, poetry (rhyming and freeverse), short stories, and also have other books in the works. I've always wanted to write.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My strongest points are that 1) I'm "brutally honest" about everything, including my own faults, 2) I make the reader feel as if they are sitting with me, listening to me tell my tale, and 3) I don't try to dazzle anyone with huge words that would have to be defined before reading more.
5. Are you a reader?
Oh yes! I'm definitely a reader! I have daily devotional time that I spend with the Lord in reading His Word, every day. Usually at night when I go to bed, it's with a book - whether it's poetry or fiction or history, I love to read!
6. What are you reading right now?
Right now, I'm reading "The Island of Time: The Journal of Randy Carr", published by Tate Publishing and authored by Matthew Debettencourt of Southbridge, MA. It's a fast-paced, futuristic science-fiction fantasy novel... very intriguing!
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes, I have several. Actually, one is a children's book about adoption that I submitted as a contest entry a few years back. It wasn't chosen, so I just kept it. It's only about thirty pages long, and there are no illustrations, yet. The second one is a fantasy novel that I've been working on and tweaking since I was 18 years old. A friend and I started it, but never finished it. I'm thinking now, that it should be done in short-story form, for children. I also have numerous poems and Haikus written... but I've not decided to have them published... just yet. I have so many recipes that I've started typing them and printing them out. I have friends that ask for my recipes every time I cook for a special event, so I keep them on my computer and print them out when I need them - I'm thinking now, a cookbook may be in order!
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My biggest obstacle to writing is time - I have very little of it. I work a full-time job, we have an orchard to care for, one child (of five) left at home, a house to run, I'm a "gg", and I'm also a Certified NRA Instructor for Basic Pistol classes - a handgun safety course. I overcome this obstacle by taking the time necessary - TAKING the time, not making the time. While clothes are washing, instead of dusting or vacuuming, I take the time to write, when I can. Things like that... I call it "stealing time". Sometimes I have to stay up late to write, but when the muse hits... well, you know how it is when you're on a roll!
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
I only have one published at this time, so here it is. Gypsy Phoenix: A Birthright of Hope "It was a tiny scrap of paper, faded and yellow, with answers to my past written all over it. Why would she save this? 'We thought you might want to find her one day. She sent a message to you; she said to tell you that she loves you very much, and she didn't want to leave you.' Growing up with the broiling heat and frequently unpredictable tropical weather of Louisiana was the easy part; not knowing who she was or where she came from was the hard part. In Gypsy Phoenix, author Kimberly Thompson recalls her life-to-date through pain, tears, and ultimate joy. Relinquished at birth, Kimberly lived life into her thirties always lacking what she truly wished for—answers about her past. But afraid of hurting her adoptive parents, she waits thirty-two years before the embers that have been smoldering within ignite, threatening to devour her completely. Watch Kimberly's story unfold as she discovers unconditional love and forgiveness, which finally offer the freedom to take flight like a Gypsy Phoenix. Having spent many years in ignorance of her heritage, and without the gospel of truth to guide her life, she has finally come full circle to the revelation of who she is and where she began. Whether you have experienced adoption personally or just someone you know, this powerful story will speak to the lost and encourage those who have questions to continue seeking answers."
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers can contact me on my FaceBook fan page to order... http://www.facebook.com/people/Kimberly-Thompson/100000290615969#/pages/Gypsy-Phoenix-A-Birthright-of-Hope/158557400129?ref=nf They can order directly from Tate Publishing... http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61566-192-3 And they can contact me at my email addresses: 1) ggzplace@yahoo.com2) boudica.rebels@gmail.com
If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These was interesting people!
Let us remember the reason for the season...even the Thanksgiving season.
Today I am sending you the interview I did with Kimberly Thompson.
She has written a book that moves your heart.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Kimberly Thompson; the title of my book is Gypsy Phoenix: A Birthright of Hope.
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I think the one thing that readers might want to know, is that I overcame obstacles in my life which were purposed to destroy me, but only made me stronger - and that I believe everyone can do the same.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I've always written, ever since I learned how. I've written Haiku, poetry (rhyming and freeverse), short stories, and also have other books in the works. I've always wanted to write.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My strongest points are that 1) I'm "brutally honest" about everything, including my own faults, 2) I make the reader feel as if they are sitting with me, listening to me tell my tale, and 3) I don't try to dazzle anyone with huge words that would have to be defined before reading more.
5. Are you a reader?
Oh yes! I'm definitely a reader! I have daily devotional time that I spend with the Lord in reading His Word, every day. Usually at night when I go to bed, it's with a book - whether it's poetry or fiction or history, I love to read!
6. What are you reading right now?
Right now, I'm reading "The Island of Time: The Journal of Randy Carr", published by Tate Publishing and authored by Matthew Debettencourt of Southbridge, MA. It's a fast-paced, futuristic science-fiction fantasy novel... very intriguing!
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes, I have several. Actually, one is a children's book about adoption that I submitted as a contest entry a few years back. It wasn't chosen, so I just kept it. It's only about thirty pages long, and there are no illustrations, yet. The second one is a fantasy novel that I've been working on and tweaking since I was 18 years old. A friend and I started it, but never finished it. I'm thinking now, that it should be done in short-story form, for children. I also have numerous poems and Haikus written... but I've not decided to have them published... just yet. I have so many recipes that I've started typing them and printing them out. I have friends that ask for my recipes every time I cook for a special event, so I keep them on my computer and print them out when I need them - I'm thinking now, a cookbook may be in order!
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My biggest obstacle to writing is time - I have very little of it. I work a full-time job, we have an orchard to care for, one child (of five) left at home, a house to run, I'm a "gg", and I'm also a Certified NRA Instructor for Basic Pistol classes - a handgun safety course. I overcome this obstacle by taking the time necessary - TAKING the time, not making the time. While clothes are washing, instead of dusting or vacuuming, I take the time to write, when I can. Things like that... I call it "stealing time". Sometimes I have to stay up late to write, but when the muse hits... well, you know how it is when you're on a roll!
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
I only have one published at this time, so here it is. Gypsy Phoenix: A Birthright of Hope "It was a tiny scrap of paper, faded and yellow, with answers to my past written all over it. Why would she save this? 'We thought you might want to find her one day. She sent a message to you; she said to tell you that she loves you very much, and she didn't want to leave you.' Growing up with the broiling heat and frequently unpredictable tropical weather of Louisiana was the easy part; not knowing who she was or where she came from was the hard part. In Gypsy Phoenix, author Kimberly Thompson recalls her life-to-date through pain, tears, and ultimate joy. Relinquished at birth, Kimberly lived life into her thirties always lacking what she truly wished for—answers about her past. But afraid of hurting her adoptive parents, she waits thirty-two years before the embers that have been smoldering within ignite, threatening to devour her completely. Watch Kimberly's story unfold as she discovers unconditional love and forgiveness, which finally offer the freedom to take flight like a Gypsy Phoenix. Having spent many years in ignorance of her heritage, and without the gospel of truth to guide her life, she has finally come full circle to the revelation of who she is and where she began. Whether you have experienced adoption personally or just someone you know, this powerful story will speak to the lost and encourage those who have questions to continue seeking answers."
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers can contact me on my FaceBook fan page to order... http://www.facebook.com/people/Kimberly-Thompson/100000290615969#/pages/Gypsy-Phoenix-A-Birthright-of-Hope/158557400129?ref=nf They can order directly from Tate Publishing... http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61566-192-3 And they can contact me at my email addresses: 1) ggzplace@yahoo.com2) boudica.rebels@gmail.com
If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These was interesting people!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Cloudy Days
Cloudy Days
In the 70's I loved The Carpenters. One of their hits was "Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down". It starts with the words: (If I can remember them) "Talkin' to myself and feelin' old. Sometimes I'd like to quit. Nothing even seem to fit. Hanging around nothin' to do but frown. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down."
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm that is upsetting. That seems to describe me. What with the talking to myself, feeling old, hanging around, frowning, rainy days, Mondays....Oh no!!!
Well, we are going from Fall to Winter...I better get used to it.
Please read this interview with new author, Delaine Swardstrom.
1. What is your name and the title of your book?
My name is Delaine Swardstrom and my book is THE PHOTOGRAPH
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about your?
The one thing that always captures everyone's attention is this - I spent twenty-five years in jail...................................
working as a nurse! I'm a registered nurse and I began working in the county jail in Olathe, Kansas in 1974. The first three years of those twenty-five I was a sheriff's deputy as well as a nurse. So as a deputy I attended the Police Academy where I earned the highest score on the shooting range when I qualified with the final day at the range!
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I think it started when I was in the Police Academy. We had a writing course which was supposed to help us in writing our police reports. The instructor had us do some descriptive writing and I surprised even myself with some of the things I wrote. I believe this is when I actually began thinking that I could write - and enjoyed it. However as I look back at some of the first stories I wrote I'm surprised that I've come this far.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
When I was going through the editing process with my book my editor told me more than once that "you're so good with description". So I think this is one of my strong points.
5. Are you a reader?YES,YES,YES!!!! I would read twenty-four hours a day if I could. I love to read. In fact, I'm sorry to say that I have let it keep me from getting my housework done on several occasions.
6. What are you reading right now?
At the present I'm not reading anything. My husband and I are trying to get some building and landscape projects done before winter sets in so I haven't found time to read anything for a while. I did read "First We Have Coffee" by Margret Jensen a couple of weeks ago, sneaking it in between outdoor projects.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication?
I do have a couple. I have another book that is basically ready to send to a publisher. It's about a young couple who found themselves becoming intimate in spite of the fact that they were both Christians. When she found herself pregnant he insisted she have an abortion. After the deed had been done they both regretted the decision they had made. The story describes the pain-filled days following and the difficult time she had in forgiving him for insisting she have the abortion. It's a fairly emotional book.I'm also working on a sequel to The Photograph after so many of my readers asked if there would be one. It isn't coming along as well as I would like.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Like most people, time seems to be the biggest problem. Also a husband who keeps wanting me to help him with something when I get an idea flowing!! :) I also come up with a lot of good ideas when I'm supposed to be sleeping so I often just get out of bed and go to my computer. I know if I don't get it down while it's flowing in my head it will be lost by morning. Also, I'm likely to stay awake for hours developing the idea instead of sleeping if I don't go get it in the computer.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Jennifer Mast has been forced to leave college after the untimely death of her parents to take over her father's successful picture framing shop in the small tourist town of Pine Bluff. The reputation of the frame shop, The Master's Shop, encourages Jennifer to keep up the family name and tradition. Despite missing her family she throws herself into her work, perfecting the matting and framing techniques her father taught her years earlier. Preparing for the tourist season leaves her little time to grieve or relax. When a new photographer in town, Brent Hamblin, walks in the first day she has reopened her shop after the death of her father, she can't believe how he impresses her. He notices the framed picture of a small cabin on the wall and Jennifer explains that it is the home where her great-grandfather lived. She goes there often to soak up the atmosphere of the old homestead up in the hills of the Smoky Mountains. Brent is eager to find out about Jennifer's ancestors and she shares the godly heritage handed down to her through the generations. Discovering that Brent does not share her Christian beliefs she wonders if she should continue keeping company with him. When the picture of the cabin comes up missing Jennifer wonders if she should have been so trusting of this man who wandered into her shop and insists on keeping company with her.The rest of the story you will have to read for yourself if you want to find out what happens. Some very unexpected things happen in the book and you might be pleasantly surprised as you read. There is some intrigue, some romance, and parts of the story tug at your emotions. If this is your kind of story then I know you will like The Photograph.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books?Check out my website - www.dswardstrom.com. The book is available through Tate Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Nobel and Borders. If you have questions or comments you can contact me at deesbook@rap.midco.net.
This was a great interview. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These was interesting people!
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
In the 70's I loved The Carpenters. One of their hits was "Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down". It starts with the words: (If I can remember them) "Talkin' to myself and feelin' old. Sometimes I'd like to quit. Nothing even seem to fit. Hanging around nothin' to do but frown. Rainy days and Mondays always get me down."
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm that is upsetting. That seems to describe me. What with the talking to myself, feeling old, hanging around, frowning, rainy days, Mondays....Oh no!!!
Well, we are going from Fall to Winter...I better get used to it.
Please read this interview with new author, Delaine Swardstrom.
1. What is your name and the title of your book?
My name is Delaine Swardstrom and my book is THE PHOTOGRAPH
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about your?
The one thing that always captures everyone's attention is this - I spent twenty-five years in jail...................................
working as a nurse! I'm a registered nurse and I began working in the county jail in Olathe, Kansas in 1974. The first three years of those twenty-five I was a sheriff's deputy as well as a nurse. So as a deputy I attended the Police Academy where I earned the highest score on the shooting range when I qualified with the final day at the range!
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I think it started when I was in the Police Academy. We had a writing course which was supposed to help us in writing our police reports. The instructor had us do some descriptive writing and I surprised even myself with some of the things I wrote. I believe this is when I actually began thinking that I could write - and enjoyed it. However as I look back at some of the first stories I wrote I'm surprised that I've come this far.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
When I was going through the editing process with my book my editor told me more than once that "you're so good with description". So I think this is one of my strong points.
5. Are you a reader?YES,YES,YES!!!! I would read twenty-four hours a day if I could. I love to read. In fact, I'm sorry to say that I have let it keep me from getting my housework done on several occasions.
6. What are you reading right now?
At the present I'm not reading anything. My husband and I are trying to get some building and landscape projects done before winter sets in so I haven't found time to read anything for a while. I did read "First We Have Coffee" by Margret Jensen a couple of weeks ago, sneaking it in between outdoor projects.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication?
I do have a couple. I have another book that is basically ready to send to a publisher. It's about a young couple who found themselves becoming intimate in spite of the fact that they were both Christians. When she found herself pregnant he insisted she have an abortion. After the deed had been done they both regretted the decision they had made. The story describes the pain-filled days following and the difficult time she had in forgiving him for insisting she have the abortion. It's a fairly emotional book.I'm also working on a sequel to The Photograph after so many of my readers asked if there would be one. It isn't coming along as well as I would like.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Like most people, time seems to be the biggest problem. Also a husband who keeps wanting me to help him with something when I get an idea flowing!! :) I also come up with a lot of good ideas when I'm supposed to be sleeping so I often just get out of bed and go to my computer. I know if I don't get it down while it's flowing in my head it will be lost by morning. Also, I'm likely to stay awake for hours developing the idea instead of sleeping if I don't go get it in the computer.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Jennifer Mast has been forced to leave college after the untimely death of her parents to take over her father's successful picture framing shop in the small tourist town of Pine Bluff. The reputation of the frame shop, The Master's Shop, encourages Jennifer to keep up the family name and tradition. Despite missing her family she throws herself into her work, perfecting the matting and framing techniques her father taught her years earlier. Preparing for the tourist season leaves her little time to grieve or relax. When a new photographer in town, Brent Hamblin, walks in the first day she has reopened her shop after the death of her father, she can't believe how he impresses her. He notices the framed picture of a small cabin on the wall and Jennifer explains that it is the home where her great-grandfather lived. She goes there often to soak up the atmosphere of the old homestead up in the hills of the Smoky Mountains. Brent is eager to find out about Jennifer's ancestors and she shares the godly heritage handed down to her through the generations. Discovering that Brent does not share her Christian beliefs she wonders if she should continue keeping company with him. When the picture of the cabin comes up missing Jennifer wonders if she should have been so trusting of this man who wandered into her shop and insists on keeping company with her.The rest of the story you will have to read for yourself if you want to find out what happens. Some very unexpected things happen in the book and you might be pleasantly surprised as you read. There is some intrigue, some romance, and parts of the story tug at your emotions. If this is your kind of story then I know you will like The Photograph.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books?Check out my website - www.dswardstrom.com. The book is available through Tate Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Nobel and Borders. If you have questions or comments you can contact me at deesbook@rap.midco.net.
This was a great interview. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These was interesting people!
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Face Book Tate Authors Group
A few weeks ago I started a group on Face book for the authors of Tate Publishing and Enterprises. From doing the interviews with authors on this newsletter I have learned a little about each one of them who have contacted me about doing an interview. It started out with an email plea from me to them. Thank goodness most of them have wanted to share their vision for their books with me here.
Honestly, if you are interested in having your interview here, just go to my website and contact me. http://elainelittau.com I will email you the questions and schedule your interview. (clean books only)
If you are a book lover and not an author...yet, give us unknown authors a try. There are some very good books out there by people who are not house-hold names...yet. Tate does have a few authors who have movie contracts so it can happen.
This week I am interviewing Craig Gleerup:
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Craig Gleerup and I authored the book, “The Type of Marriage that Endures.”
2. What is the one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Most people want to know how long I have been married. I guess they want to make sure I have enough experience to be able to write about a successful marriage. They can relax, I have been married for over 25 years. I am still passionately in love with my wife and we act as if we are still newlyweds.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I don’t know if I can pinpoint a time when I knew. I still struggle to call myself an author. I was never good in English classes in school and still struggle with diagramming sentences. It would have to be a God-thing for me to write. My dream is to write fiction as opposed to non-fiction. However, I will have to work on my creative writing skills to get that one down.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I work to make my book conversational in style. The topic I write about can be a little academic, but if I write it that way I will lose readers. So I work hard at making the book come across more conversational by using stories to illustrate points. I have always been called a storyteller.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes, most definitely! I have a mini library at home. I am running out of shelf space, but that won’t stop me. I generally read fiction. I seem to learn more from fiction than non-fiction. For example, I’ve learned more history from Jack Cavanaugh’s books than from text books.
6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished a Terri Blackstock novel. She’s one of my favorite authors. I am reading Road to Nowhere by Paul Robertson and Relentless by Robin Parrish.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn’t been submitted for publication?
Actually, I am working on a couple of books for the Christian market. They are taking subjects that we have let church tradition get in the way of truly understanding God’s purpose and plan.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them? Time in 2 different ways. One is just finding the time to write when life keeps getting in the way. The other is the amount of time actually spent on the book. I have to confess that after a while I begin to get tired of the book. After you spend so much time with the book and you have to keep reading it for each rewrite, it gets monotonous for me.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
I currently only have the one book and it’s best if I just give you the description from the Tate website. "The Type of Marriage that Endures will open up new avenues of insight on your spouse, as well as yourself. Based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Craig Gleerup will guide you to understanding the wonderful gift of personality that God has given each of us. You will also develop the knowledge to understand God's gift of your spouse to a whole new level. Armed with this knowledge, The Type of Marriage that Endures will help you develop strategies that will build the type of marriage that endures a lifetime of challenges and leaves a legacy of love for our children to carry on."
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books?
They can purchase them through Tate and any online bookseller. They can also order them through any bookstore. Currently, many LifeWay stores have copies on the shelf. One of the cheapest ways to purchase is Christian Book Distributors. They have it listed for $3.00 off the list price. Here is the link: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=67836&item_code=WW&netp_id=486237&event=ESRCN&view=covers
Honestly, if you are interested in having your interview here, just go to my website and contact me. http://elainelittau.com I will email you the questions and schedule your interview. (clean books only)
If you are a book lover and not an author...yet, give us unknown authors a try. There are some very good books out there by people who are not house-hold names...yet. Tate does have a few authors who have movie contracts so it can happen.
This week I am interviewing Craig Gleerup:
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Craig Gleerup and I authored the book, “The Type of Marriage that Endures.”
2. What is the one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Most people want to know how long I have been married. I guess they want to make sure I have enough experience to be able to write about a successful marriage. They can relax, I have been married for over 25 years. I am still passionately in love with my wife and we act as if we are still newlyweds.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I don’t know if I can pinpoint a time when I knew. I still struggle to call myself an author. I was never good in English classes in school and still struggle with diagramming sentences. It would have to be a God-thing for me to write. My dream is to write fiction as opposed to non-fiction. However, I will have to work on my creative writing skills to get that one down.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I work to make my book conversational in style. The topic I write about can be a little academic, but if I write it that way I will lose readers. So I work hard at making the book come across more conversational by using stories to illustrate points. I have always been called a storyteller.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes, most definitely! I have a mini library at home. I am running out of shelf space, but that won’t stop me. I generally read fiction. I seem to learn more from fiction than non-fiction. For example, I’ve learned more history from Jack Cavanaugh’s books than from text books.
6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished a Terri Blackstock novel. She’s one of my favorite authors. I am reading Road to Nowhere by Paul Robertson and Relentless by Robin Parrish.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn’t been submitted for publication?
Actually, I am working on a couple of books for the Christian market. They are taking subjects that we have let church tradition get in the way of truly understanding God’s purpose and plan.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them? Time in 2 different ways. One is just finding the time to write when life keeps getting in the way. The other is the amount of time actually spent on the book. I have to confess that after a while I begin to get tired of the book. After you spend so much time with the book and you have to keep reading it for each rewrite, it gets monotonous for me.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
I currently only have the one book and it’s best if I just give you the description from the Tate website. "The Type of Marriage that Endures will open up new avenues of insight on your spouse, as well as yourself. Based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Craig Gleerup will guide you to understanding the wonderful gift of personality that God has given each of us. You will also develop the knowledge to understand God's gift of your spouse to a whole new level. Armed with this knowledge, The Type of Marriage that Endures will help you develop strategies that will build the type of marriage that endures a lifetime of challenges and leaves a legacy of love for our children to carry on."
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books?
They can purchase them through Tate and any online bookseller. They can also order them through any bookstore. Currently, many LifeWay stores have copies on the shelf. One of the cheapest ways to purchase is Christian Book Distributors. They have it listed for $3.00 off the list price. Here is the link: http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=67836&item_code=WW&netp_id=486237&event=ESRCN&view=covers
Thursday, September 24, 2009
I Always Fall in Love in the Fall
I always fall in love in the Fall.
Thirty-five years ago I left my little house in my little Texas panhandle town and went to a little Bible College. The year was 1974. I drove to one of my good friend's house and picked her up along with her stuff and we headed to Baxter Springs, Kansas to the Apostolic Faith Bible College. We were very excited to be all grown up and on our own. When we registered we realized that we were in different dorms but we made the best of it.
I carried a basket full of her stuff to her dorm and the heel of my shoe got caught in a massive crack on the sidewalk. I fell with a great flourish of stuff and basket. Looking up to see if my grace was noticed by anyone, I saw Terry Littau sitting on the hood of his car with a very pretty girl named Priscilla. Boy was I embarrassed. They didn't say a word.
Picking myself up and realizing that my knee was scraped and bleeding, I smiled weakly and said, "I believe I met you last month at Camp meeting didn't I?"
Terry responded. "I don't remember you."
Can you imagine how I felt? "Oh well, I think school is going to be fun. See y'all later."
I went to my dorm room and swore I would never come out again. That is until I met a really sweet girl named Elva Lu. She told me to call her Lulu. She had the confidence that I lacked and we spent the rest of the month laughing the day away. The next month she had to go home to Hempstead, TX because she was ill. I will never forget her. I missed her like crazy.
Back to Terry...His memory got better. He took me out a couple of times and then asked me to marry him. Six months later we were married. Every year when the weather changes and the mornings air is brisk and sweet, I think of falling for my true love. Going to Bible College was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
Since we have been married Terry has learned that whenever there is an opportunity for someone to fall, that would usually be me. He declared that I am accident prone...He is right. I fell for him in the fall.
This week I am interviewing Angela Harris.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Dance in the Rain: His Joy Comes in the Mourning
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Its hard to pick one. I have a very fun and blessed life. I'm a twin. My best friend and I have known each other since kindergarten. My 12 yr old son has already scuba dived with sharks, and my 14 yr old daughter is in training to be a professional ballet dancer.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I don't know if there was ever a specific time. I've always loved writing. It became a dream to be published in 1998 after this book began pouring out of my heart.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I write from my heart. I'm not afraid to deal with hard topics or situations, in fact, they fuel me to dig deeper.
5. Are you a reader?
I read in phases. A lot or not at all. The Bible, always.
6. What are you reading right now?
Home school curriculum honestly. My husband and I home school, so I've been gearing up for the year. Have read some of my son's 7th grade required novel over the summer as a refresher.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I think every author has another book, we all have stories to tell. I am working on a novel, another bible study, and a book looking at specific behavior/belief trends in church attending men and women.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Time. Also, I get bored and easily distracted. I haven't decided if working on more than one project is helpful or not. It helps with variety for sure but other than that, the jury is still out. I write a lot at night, when I should be sleeping, but it's when ideas flow. I try just to embrace it as it comes. I have a tape recorder by my bed because without fail as soon as I lay my head down, there is always a thought.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Have you lost someone significant in your life?
Do you feel swallowed up by sorrow?
Are you trying to find the purpose and plan for your life so you can move forward?
Where is God now?
Why did He allow this to happen?
What if the person I love is not in heaven?
So many painful thoughts surround those hurting from a loss. Those in the midst of such pan-come. Journey with author Angela A Dockter-Harris as she guides you through the healing process.This book is a two part book. Part one is a journal which can be personalized to each loss or situation. Includes journal sections for: spouse, child, (infant, miscarriage, stillborn, toddler, or adult), grandparent, parent, sibling, friend.
Also includes a very special section for someone facing death--such as a terminal illness or perhaps a military member facing deployment and unsure of the future. A person can fill out this journal section as a gift to leave for a loved one.
The second half of the book is a bible study. The bible study looks in-depth at sorrow and suffering, anger, acceptance, making amends, letting go, finding purpose, discovering a personal story from the pain and moving forward. Discusses how to find God in the midst of such pain. The bible study also addresses concerns for people who believe in heaven and the concern of dealing with uncertainty of a loved ones eternal decision. This book focuses on making amends, so it can be used in the loss of strained or broken relationships, not just death. This book can be filled out and used/given as a gift, not just after death of a loved one, but to help in the death and dying process to bring open communication and healing. Great for mature teens (with adult guidance recommended) up through adult. Good tool for counselor, lay people, pastors, etc. You can experience hope and healing during mourning.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
I haven't been blogging for long-- and I write on a variety of topics that are different pieces of who I am. It surprises a lot of people who know just a specific part of me, but those who know me know that I'm all over the map so to speak. I've actually blogged very little about the book, which I even find ironic. angelaadockterharris.wordpress.com My book is available through Tate Publishing, Amazon, Barnes and Noble. etc....
Thirty-five years ago I left my little house in my little Texas panhandle town and went to a little Bible College. The year was 1974. I drove to one of my good friend's house and picked her up along with her stuff and we headed to Baxter Springs, Kansas to the Apostolic Faith Bible College. We were very excited to be all grown up and on our own. When we registered we realized that we were in different dorms but we made the best of it.
I carried a basket full of her stuff to her dorm and the heel of my shoe got caught in a massive crack on the sidewalk. I fell with a great flourish of stuff and basket. Looking up to see if my grace was noticed by anyone, I saw Terry Littau sitting on the hood of his car with a very pretty girl named Priscilla. Boy was I embarrassed. They didn't say a word.
Picking myself up and realizing that my knee was scraped and bleeding, I smiled weakly and said, "I believe I met you last month at Camp meeting didn't I?"
Terry responded. "I don't remember you."
Can you imagine how I felt? "Oh well, I think school is going to be fun. See y'all later."
I went to my dorm room and swore I would never come out again. That is until I met a really sweet girl named Elva Lu. She told me to call her Lulu. She had the confidence that I lacked and we spent the rest of the month laughing the day away. The next month she had to go home to Hempstead, TX because she was ill. I will never forget her. I missed her like crazy.
Back to Terry...His memory got better. He took me out a couple of times and then asked me to marry him. Six months later we were married. Every year when the weather changes and the mornings air is brisk and sweet, I think of falling for my true love. Going to Bible College was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
Since we have been married Terry has learned that whenever there is an opportunity for someone to fall, that would usually be me. He declared that I am accident prone...He is right. I fell for him in the fall.
This week I am interviewing Angela Harris.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Dance in the Rain: His Joy Comes in the Mourning
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Its hard to pick one. I have a very fun and blessed life. I'm a twin. My best friend and I have known each other since kindergarten. My 12 yr old son has already scuba dived with sharks, and my 14 yr old daughter is in training to be a professional ballet dancer.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I don't know if there was ever a specific time. I've always loved writing. It became a dream to be published in 1998 after this book began pouring out of my heart.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I write from my heart. I'm not afraid to deal with hard topics or situations, in fact, they fuel me to dig deeper.
5. Are you a reader?
I read in phases. A lot or not at all. The Bible, always.
6. What are you reading right now?
Home school curriculum honestly. My husband and I home school, so I've been gearing up for the year. Have read some of my son's 7th grade required novel over the summer as a refresher.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I think every author has another book, we all have stories to tell. I am working on a novel, another bible study, and a book looking at specific behavior/belief trends in church attending men and women.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Time. Also, I get bored and easily distracted. I haven't decided if working on more than one project is helpful or not. It helps with variety for sure but other than that, the jury is still out. I write a lot at night, when I should be sleeping, but it's when ideas flow. I try just to embrace it as it comes. I have a tape recorder by my bed because without fail as soon as I lay my head down, there is always a thought.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Have you lost someone significant in your life?
Do you feel swallowed up by sorrow?
Are you trying to find the purpose and plan for your life so you can move forward?
Where is God now?
Why did He allow this to happen?
What if the person I love is not in heaven?
So many painful thoughts surround those hurting from a loss. Those in the midst of such pan-come. Journey with author Angela A Dockter-Harris as she guides you through the healing process.This book is a two part book. Part one is a journal which can be personalized to each loss or situation. Includes journal sections for: spouse, child, (infant, miscarriage, stillborn, toddler, or adult), grandparent, parent, sibling, friend.
Also includes a very special section for someone facing death--such as a terminal illness or perhaps a military member facing deployment and unsure of the future. A person can fill out this journal section as a gift to leave for a loved one.
The second half of the book is a bible study. The bible study looks in-depth at sorrow and suffering, anger, acceptance, making amends, letting go, finding purpose, discovering a personal story from the pain and moving forward. Discusses how to find God in the midst of such pain. The bible study also addresses concerns for people who believe in heaven and the concern of dealing with uncertainty of a loved ones eternal decision. This book focuses on making amends, so it can be used in the loss of strained or broken relationships, not just death. This book can be filled out and used/given as a gift, not just after death of a loved one, but to help in the death and dying process to bring open communication and healing. Great for mature teens (with adult guidance recommended) up through adult. Good tool for counselor, lay people, pastors, etc. You can experience hope and healing during mourning.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
I haven't been blogging for long-- and I write on a variety of topics that are different pieces of who I am. It surprises a lot of people who know just a specific part of me, but those who know me know that I'm all over the map so to speak. I've actually blogged very little about the book, which I even find ironic. angelaadockterharris.wordpress.com My book is available through Tate Publishing, Amazon, Barnes and Noble. etc....
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Authors and Other Stuff
Mikey, my son, called and told us that he and Cari had been talking to Maci, our 2 yr old granddaughter. It went like this:
"Maci, do you know that you have a middle name?"
"No"
"Your name is Maci Hope."
"Maci ope?"
"Yes, Maci Hope Littau"
"Maci ope itta?"
They then had lunch the next day and Cari was sitting there. Mikey said to Maci,
"Maci, do you remember your whole name?"
"Maci ope itta." She declared.
Mikey said, "Yes, I am a Littau, Mommy is a Littau, Mee Mee and Pea Paw are Littau."
"OOOOOOh"
Cari said, "Mam ma and Paw paw are not Littau, they are Warren."
Maci grabbed her by the face. One palm on each cheek and said, "That's too much!"
I hope you are enjoying getting to know about the authors I have been interviewing. These people are inspiring to me.
I have "met" most of them through facebook and the Tate Publishing fan page. This week I am interviewing Esther LoPresto
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Esther LoPresto and my book is “Where’s My Other Sock?”
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I am usually a quiet person, but I can be very random. In addition to being a writer, I am a dancer, and a flutist. I graduated in 2007 and I am in community college working on my associate’s degree in accounting. With all these things going on, writing is a great stress reliever.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Well, I have always enjoyed making up stories since I was about three years old. As time went on and others encouraged my writing, I dreamed of seeing my works published. In high school, I found that I liked accounting and decided to major in it in college. During my second year, I had a professor that made the concepts so difficult that I became discouraged. With only one class remaining for my degree, I plan to finish it, but the contract from Tate has encouraged me to write more than ever. I hope to write as long as the ideas come and as the King’s scribe, my only hope is to write the words He wants to be read.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?Much like the filming of a movie, I write out of sequence. Usually, I see an interesting scene in my head and start from there, molding the story around that point no matter where it winds up in the finished product. I’m also pretty picky about proper grammar and punctuation, etc. It bothers my friends, but editors seem to like it.
5. Are you a reader?
I think I love reading more than writing! My favorite categories would be fantasy and mystery, but I’ve been getting a little bit into thrillers too. Anything that puts me on the edge of my seat, or makes me think (or both) will find its way to my shelves.
6. What are you reading right now?At the moment, I’m in the middle of a Brandilyn Collins mystery.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I’m constantly making notes on various ideas that might make a good story and I have several works in progress. To explain them would take awhile and I’m pretty private about them until I feel I need an outside opinion. After awhile, you may notice that I use “legends” quite frequently in reference to myself or my stories. This is my biggest project. It is an allegorical fantasy trilogy about life’s trials and faith in the One True King..
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Motivation and time. Ideas come to me at very obscure times: right before falling asleep; walking through a store; in the shower; while reading another book; listening to music, just to name a few. Also, in my last year as a teenager, I find myself using every excuse possible to procrastinate. Then, when I finally do sit down to write, and I get stuck, I feel like giving up. That’s where I am with my next story: stuck and not sure how to continue. But once that obstacle is defeated, I find out where the story is taking me and have a lot of fun with it.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Two socks go into the washer, only one comes out of the dryer... Tori never could have imagined the cause of her missing socks. But one day, after finishing a load of laundry, she started hearing voices in the basement. The voices discussed stealing her family's socks! She knew she had to get to the bottom of this mystery. After her brother calls her crazy, Tori recruits the help of her friends, Sally and Suzie. Together, they learn of secret alliances and sinister plots taking place literally under their feet. The only way to uncover the truth is to send their faithful pets into an unknown world linked directly to the dryer. Join Tori and her friends on this journey to a strange place where they encounter the most unlikely creatures and ultimately answer the question “Where's my other sock?”
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
My book is still in the publishing process, but when it becomes available, information will be on my blog. Readers can email legends149@gmail.com and my blog is Ramblings of a Random wRiter found at http://legendsofxenos.blogspot.com
p://www.facebook.com/pages/Esther-LoPresto/127908277538
Enjoy!
To see other author interviews go to
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
"Maci, do you know that you have a middle name?"
"No"
"Your name is Maci Hope."
"Maci ope?"
"Yes, Maci Hope Littau"
"Maci ope itta?"
They then had lunch the next day and Cari was sitting there. Mikey said to Maci,
"Maci, do you remember your whole name?"
"Maci ope itta." She declared.
Mikey said, "Yes, I am a Littau, Mommy is a Littau, Mee Mee and Pea Paw are Littau."
"OOOOOOh"
Cari said, "Mam ma and Paw paw are not Littau, they are Warren."
Maci grabbed her by the face. One palm on each cheek and said, "That's too much!"
I hope you are enjoying getting to know about the authors I have been interviewing. These people are inspiring to me.
I have "met" most of them through facebook and the Tate Publishing fan page. This week I am interviewing Esther LoPresto
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Esther LoPresto and my book is “Where’s My Other Sock?”
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I am usually a quiet person, but I can be very random. In addition to being a writer, I am a dancer, and a flutist. I graduated in 2007 and I am in community college working on my associate’s degree in accounting. With all these things going on, writing is a great stress reliever.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Well, I have always enjoyed making up stories since I was about three years old. As time went on and others encouraged my writing, I dreamed of seeing my works published. In high school, I found that I liked accounting and decided to major in it in college. During my second year, I had a professor that made the concepts so difficult that I became discouraged. With only one class remaining for my degree, I plan to finish it, but the contract from Tate has encouraged me to write more than ever. I hope to write as long as the ideas come and as the King’s scribe, my only hope is to write the words He wants to be read.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?Much like the filming of a movie, I write out of sequence. Usually, I see an interesting scene in my head and start from there, molding the story around that point no matter where it winds up in the finished product. I’m also pretty picky about proper grammar and punctuation, etc. It bothers my friends, but editors seem to like it.
5. Are you a reader?
I think I love reading more than writing! My favorite categories would be fantasy and mystery, but I’ve been getting a little bit into thrillers too. Anything that puts me on the edge of my seat, or makes me think (or both) will find its way to my shelves.
6. What are you reading right now?At the moment, I’m in the middle of a Brandilyn Collins mystery.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I’m constantly making notes on various ideas that might make a good story and I have several works in progress. To explain them would take awhile and I’m pretty private about them until I feel I need an outside opinion. After awhile, you may notice that I use “legends” quite frequently in reference to myself or my stories. This is my biggest project. It is an allegorical fantasy trilogy about life’s trials and faith in the One True King..
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Motivation and time. Ideas come to me at very obscure times: right before falling asleep; walking through a store; in the shower; while reading another book; listening to music, just to name a few. Also, in my last year as a teenager, I find myself using every excuse possible to procrastinate. Then, when I finally do sit down to write, and I get stuck, I feel like giving up. That’s where I am with my next story: stuck and not sure how to continue. But once that obstacle is defeated, I find out where the story is taking me and have a lot of fun with it.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Two socks go into the washer, only one comes out of the dryer... Tori never could have imagined the cause of her missing socks. But one day, after finishing a load of laundry, she started hearing voices in the basement. The voices discussed stealing her family's socks! She knew she had to get to the bottom of this mystery. After her brother calls her crazy, Tori recruits the help of her friends, Sally and Suzie. Together, they learn of secret alliances and sinister plots taking place literally under their feet. The only way to uncover the truth is to send their faithful pets into an unknown world linked directly to the dryer. Join Tori and her friends on this journey to a strange place where they encounter the most unlikely creatures and ultimately answer the question “Where's my other sock?”
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
My book is still in the publishing process, but when it becomes available, information will be on my blog. Readers can email legends149@gmail.com and my blog is Ramblings of a Random wRiter found at http://legendsofxenos.blogspot.com
p://www.facebook.com/pages/Esther-LoPresto/127908277538
Enjoy!
To see other author interviews go to
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Busy Season Begins
This Saturday I have a book signing at Liberal, Kansas at the Hastings Book store. September 12 from 1-3 p.m.
Hastings stores are very active stores so this is going to be fun.
As you see I have a few things scheduled and I am really happy about the events. I will always try to squeeze in more though.
I am continuing with featuring Tate Publishing and Enterprise Authors. I have "met" most of them through facebook and the Tate Publishing fan page. In the following weeks you will have the opportunity so see the dedication and heart each person puts in their writing. This week I am interviewing Richard Nance and Rhonda Roth.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Richard Nance and Rhonda Roth, The Hidden World Chronicles Book 1, Journey of the Chosen
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Who or what we are and where did this book come from
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
About 1963. Only realized I had the time after retirement.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Keeping the reader going from page one to the last. Getting the readers to relate to the characters. The books are
like watching a good movie that you don't want to end.
5. Are you a reader?
Have been for sixty years. Many good books out there.
6. What are you reading right now?
Fireproof, having a hard time finishing it.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes The Dragon Princess, which is book three in our series.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I'm sorry but it comes easy to me. Only time is my biggest problem. The biggest thing is to know where you are going but not let the reader know, only give vague hints.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
BACK OF BOOK:
Richard Nance with the help of his youngest daughter Rhonda Roth has created a whole new genre of fiction. This unique work, The Hidden World Chronicles Book 1, Journey of the Chosen takes you on a breathtaking ride through all the secret and covert centers of our world. When Dr. Charles Jennings and his co-worker, Sarah Parker uncover a strange discovery in an obscure temple in Tibet, they are instantly whisked away to a government facility where they are sure they will be tossed into prison. What they find is an operation kept secret for centuries. These secrets eventuallly lead Dr. Charles Jennings and Dr. Sarah Parketr, along with three others, to a hidden world that some believed to only exist in myth or spiritual realms. These adventures were made known in a journal left in the faithful hands of a man named Gavin Graham, who has been chosen by Charles to carry on a mysterious legacy begun years ago. Gavin was inexorably drawn in to the complications of an epic battle between good and evil simply by touching the hand of Charles when he was a child when Charles first returned from the Hidden World. With a dazzling incorporation of numerous genres and a challenging mystery to be solved, don't be surprised if at the end of this book you will ask yourself just what your part will be in the saga of The Hidden World Chronicles.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Journey of the Chosen can be found at all major book sellers or on the internet at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Target.com, Borders.com, or directly from the publisher at tatepublishing.com. Signed copies can be purched directly from me through our web site below.
... www.thehiddenworldchronicles.com ...
Enjoy the web site and send us an e-mail from there. Don't forget to turn up the sound, it adds drama to the site. or e-mail us directly at nancechronicles@aol.com .
Hastings stores are very active stores so this is going to be fun.
As you see I have a few things scheduled and I am really happy about the events. I will always try to squeeze in more though.
I am continuing with featuring Tate Publishing and Enterprise Authors. I have "met" most of them through facebook and the Tate Publishing fan page. In the following weeks you will have the opportunity so see the dedication and heart each person puts in their writing. This week I am interviewing Richard Nance and Rhonda Roth.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Richard Nance and Rhonda Roth, The Hidden World Chronicles Book 1, Journey of the Chosen
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Who or what we are and where did this book come from
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
About 1963. Only realized I had the time after retirement.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Keeping the reader going from page one to the last. Getting the readers to relate to the characters. The books are
like watching a good movie that you don't want to end.
5. Are you a reader?
Have been for sixty years. Many good books out there.
6. What are you reading right now?
Fireproof, having a hard time finishing it.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes The Dragon Princess, which is book three in our series.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I'm sorry but it comes easy to me. Only time is my biggest problem. The biggest thing is to know where you are going but not let the reader know, only give vague hints.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
BACK OF BOOK:
Richard Nance with the help of his youngest daughter Rhonda Roth has created a whole new genre of fiction. This unique work, The Hidden World Chronicles Book 1, Journey of the Chosen takes you on a breathtaking ride through all the secret and covert centers of our world. When Dr. Charles Jennings and his co-worker, Sarah Parker uncover a strange discovery in an obscure temple in Tibet, they are instantly whisked away to a government facility where they are sure they will be tossed into prison. What they find is an operation kept secret for centuries. These secrets eventuallly lead Dr. Charles Jennings and Dr. Sarah Parketr, along with three others, to a hidden world that some believed to only exist in myth or spiritual realms. These adventures were made known in a journal left in the faithful hands of a man named Gavin Graham, who has been chosen by Charles to carry on a mysterious legacy begun years ago. Gavin was inexorably drawn in to the complications of an epic battle between good and evil simply by touching the hand of Charles when he was a child when Charles first returned from the Hidden World. With a dazzling incorporation of numerous genres and a challenging mystery to be solved, don't be surprised if at the end of this book you will ask yourself just what your part will be in the saga of The Hidden World Chronicles.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Journey of the Chosen can be found at all major book sellers or on the internet at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Target.com, Borders.com, or directly from the publisher at tatepublishing.com. Signed copies can be purched directly from me through our web site below.
... www.thehiddenworldchronicles.com ...
Enjoy the web site and send us an e-mail from there. Don't forget to turn up the sound, it adds drama to the site. or e-mail us directly at nancechronicles@aol.com .
Thursday, August 27, 2009
God is Good
God is So Good!
I have to admit that I have been less than excited about Book IV on the Series. It seemed to have a dead end. Today the story line came alive to me. I am really excited about the development of this book. Keep on praying for me.
I am continuing with featuring Tate Publishing and Enterprise Authors. I have "met" most of them through facebook and the Tate Publishing fan page. In the following weeks you will have the opportunity so see the dedication and heart each person puts in their writing. This week I am interviewing Dee Dee Wike.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Dee Dee Wike and my book is titled Good to the Last Drop: Refreshing Inspiration for Homeschool Moms & Other Busy Women (Tate Publishing, release date TBA -- currently in production)
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Gosh, that's a hard question. They might like to know how I came to write the book in the first place, but it's not important that they know about me -- I want them to know about God.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Many years ago when, as a teen, I was hooked on Christian romance novels.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I write clearly, concisely, and with a great command of the English language. My high school English instruction at St. Mary's Episcopal School helped hone my writing skills.
5. Are you a reader?
Now that I am an adult and a homeschool teacher, I read every chance I get. The older I get, the more I appreciate knowledge and learning. I hardly ever read fiction.
6. What are you reading right now?
Besides the Bible, The Money Answer Book by Dave Ramsey. The last book I completed was Scott Hamilton's The Great Eight: How to Be Happy (Even When You Have Every Reason to be Miserable).
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
It is an untitled book of devotions which I expect to have completed by this time next year. I am also working on a book for teens and pre-teens based on the mistakes I have made that I hope others can learn from and not repeat. This will be dedicated to my two children, with whom I have these conversations often.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Like most, finding the time to write is a great challenge. I have found that blogging has unleashed the creative juices that were waiting to be released for so long. When I write in small spurts, I can usually find time to write every day. I am eating the elephant one bite at a time.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
In Good to the Last Drop, author Dee Dee Wike offers encouragement and insight to busy women as she shares her thoughts on the difficulties of finding peace amidst the chaos of everyday life, the adventure of stepping out in faith and obedience to God’s call, and the joy of a lifelong relationship with the Lord. Written from the heart, her reflections on relationships, homeschool, anxiety, and the relevant issues of modern-day living are seasoned with hope, humor, and truths from God’s Word. Good to the Last Dropwill encourage and inspire you to live confidently and joyfully as you pursue the dream God has placed in your heart.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here. www.deedeewike.com and www.deedeewike.blogspot.com.
I have to admit that I have been less than excited about Book IV on the Series. It seemed to have a dead end. Today the story line came alive to me. I am really excited about the development of this book. Keep on praying for me.
I am continuing with featuring Tate Publishing and Enterprise Authors. I have "met" most of them through facebook and the Tate Publishing fan page. In the following weeks you will have the opportunity so see the dedication and heart each person puts in their writing. This week I am interviewing Dee Dee Wike.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Dee Dee Wike and my book is titled Good to the Last Drop: Refreshing Inspiration for Homeschool Moms & Other Busy Women (Tate Publishing, release date TBA -- currently in production)
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Gosh, that's a hard question. They might like to know how I came to write the book in the first place, but it's not important that they know about me -- I want them to know about God.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Many years ago when, as a teen, I was hooked on Christian romance novels.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I write clearly, concisely, and with a great command of the English language. My high school English instruction at St. Mary's Episcopal School helped hone my writing skills.
5. Are you a reader?
Now that I am an adult and a homeschool teacher, I read every chance I get. The older I get, the more I appreciate knowledge and learning. I hardly ever read fiction.
6. What are you reading right now?
Besides the Bible, The Money Answer Book by Dave Ramsey. The last book I completed was Scott Hamilton's The Great Eight: How to Be Happy (Even When You Have Every Reason to be Miserable).
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
It is an untitled book of devotions which I expect to have completed by this time next year. I am also working on a book for teens and pre-teens based on the mistakes I have made that I hope others can learn from and not repeat. This will be dedicated to my two children, with whom I have these conversations often.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Like most, finding the time to write is a great challenge. I have found that blogging has unleashed the creative juices that were waiting to be released for so long. When I write in small spurts, I can usually find time to write every day. I am eating the elephant one bite at a time.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
In Good to the Last Drop, author Dee Dee Wike offers encouragement and insight to busy women as she shares her thoughts on the difficulties of finding peace amidst the chaos of everyday life, the adventure of stepping out in faith and obedience to God’s call, and the joy of a lifelong relationship with the Lord. Written from the heart, her reflections on relationships, homeschool, anxiety, and the relevant issues of modern-day living are seasoned with hope, humor, and truths from God’s Word. Good to the Last Dropwill encourage and inspire you to live confidently and joyfully as you pursue the dream God has placed in your heart.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here. www.deedeewike.com and www.deedeewike.blogspot.com.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Fishing and Camping
Terry and I went with our oldest son and family on a weekend camping trip into the mountains of Colorado. We were tent camping! Yay! I love it. We purchased some cheap little fishing rods for the grandkids and all the stuff that goes with fishing. (We aren't that practiced at fishing...or would that be: We aren't that good!) Anyway, I love the mountains and the kids so we had fun!
The only problem was...We had visitors!
Terry had taken the kids to the bathrooms in the car and my son and his wife were sitting with me around the campfire. We had just finished dinner (chicken fajitas cooked on a plow disc with a propane flame...I am so thankful for that gift from my nephew-in-law, Clifford!...) anyway, we were drinking campfire coffee and sitting around the campfire. My son very quietly said, "Mom, there is a bear."
I responded, "Stevie, you are not funny."
He said, "For real!"
I turned my head and a medium sized black bear with a tan muzzle casually walked about 12 feet from us. He maneuvered the length of our campsite. I then remembered what my mid-kid's wife told me about bears and stood up with one hand over my head. (the other hand held my coffee) and said, "Git outta here."
He turned his head and walked on into the dark.
We went to the van (my door was locked) and watched him as he came back and looked through the high cabinet at the table. Terry and the kids came at that time and the bear walked to the other side of the table and stretched his neck and stared at Terry. He then walked into the darkness.
Terry and Steve took a pitiful little flashlight and searched for him. He came and went off and on to the cabinet thingy.
I went to the tent and went to sleep. They said that the bear walked next to the tent....I didn't know it and he didn't care that I was there. We discovered that he had swiped our bread and marshmallows and bitten through Steve's deodorant and eclipse gum.
The next night about 2 or 3 a.m. we heard a racket that sounded like a train wreck. Two or so bears were dumping our cast iron pots and pans out of the box. Then we heard the sound of bubble wrap busting...They found Terry's jug of tea in the stream and were drinking it!
By the way, we fished a bunch and caught no fishes, but had a ball with the grandkids. Terry and the little boys biked around the lake a couple of times and all over the campground. We still love camping.
I am continuing with featuring Tate Publishing and Enterprise Authors. I have "met" most of them through facebook and the Tate Publishing fan page. In the following weeks you will have the opportunity so see the dedication and heart each person puts in their writing. This week I am interviewing Caroline Alden.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)? My name is Caroline Alden and the names of my books are "Blended" and "Unspoken Story".
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
When my youngest child was in kindergarten. I began writing at age 32 as a hobby and became hooked.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My main characters develop
so easily because I feel passionate about them once they are created.
5. Are you a reader?
I enjoy reading a lot.
6. What are you reading right now?
I am currently reading a Nora Roberts book.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication?
Tell about it. I am working on my third book. The title has not been determined yet. The main idea of the book is learning to trust. Like my first and second novel (Unspoken Story) my third work is also family fiction.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My biggest obstacle has been in choosing the perfect settings for my story's.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Blended is about a New Hampshire family. The main character Sarah will capture your heart, with her cheerful outlook on life. Sarah is full of passion and warmth for her not so functional family. Sarah can handle the worst situations, while wearing a smile. You will laugh at Sarah's not so typical mother. You will cry when you learn why Sarah's nephew Ryan doesn't like being alone. As you journey through many of life's twist and turns with the Benson family.
Unspoken story is about a boy named Danny who has never spoken a single word. Danny has no voice but can communicate better without words than most able to speak can. You will feel a strong connection to Danny as his world crumbles around him. Danny shows us how one small mistake can have years of consequences. He also shows us that time is a healer and that actions definitely speak louder than words.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here. I can be contacted at shancar3@hotmail.com My book can be purchased through Tate publishing, or at Amazon, Target, Borders books and Barnes and Noble.
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
The only problem was...We had visitors!
Terry had taken the kids to the bathrooms in the car and my son and his wife were sitting with me around the campfire. We had just finished dinner (chicken fajitas cooked on a plow disc with a propane flame...I am so thankful for that gift from my nephew-in-law, Clifford!...) anyway, we were drinking campfire coffee and sitting around the campfire. My son very quietly said, "Mom, there is a bear."
I responded, "Stevie, you are not funny."
He said, "For real!"
I turned my head and a medium sized black bear with a tan muzzle casually walked about 12 feet from us. He maneuvered the length of our campsite. I then remembered what my mid-kid's wife told me about bears and stood up with one hand over my head. (the other hand held my coffee) and said, "Git outta here."
He turned his head and walked on into the dark.
We went to the van (my door was locked) and watched him as he came back and looked through the high cabinet at the table. Terry and the kids came at that time and the bear walked to the other side of the table and stretched his neck and stared at Terry. He then walked into the darkness.
Terry and Steve took a pitiful little flashlight and searched for him. He came and went off and on to the cabinet thingy.
I went to the tent and went to sleep. They said that the bear walked next to the tent....I didn't know it and he didn't care that I was there. We discovered that he had swiped our bread and marshmallows and bitten through Steve's deodorant and eclipse gum.
The next night about 2 or 3 a.m. we heard a racket that sounded like a train wreck. Two or so bears were dumping our cast iron pots and pans out of the box. Then we heard the sound of bubble wrap busting...They found Terry's jug of tea in the stream and were drinking it!
By the way, we fished a bunch and caught no fishes, but had a ball with the grandkids. Terry and the little boys biked around the lake a couple of times and all over the campground. We still love camping.
I am continuing with featuring Tate Publishing and Enterprise Authors. I have "met" most of them through facebook and the Tate Publishing fan page. In the following weeks you will have the opportunity so see the dedication and heart each person puts in their writing. This week I am interviewing Caroline Alden.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)? My name is Caroline Alden and the names of my books are "Blended" and "Unspoken Story".
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
When my youngest child was in kindergarten. I began writing at age 32 as a hobby and became hooked.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My main characters develop
so easily because I feel passionate about them once they are created.
5. Are you a reader?
I enjoy reading a lot.
6. What are you reading right now?
I am currently reading a Nora Roberts book.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication?
Tell about it. I am working on my third book. The title has not been determined yet. The main idea of the book is learning to trust. Like my first and second novel (Unspoken Story) my third work is also family fiction.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My biggest obstacle has been in choosing the perfect settings for my story's.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Blended is about a New Hampshire family. The main character Sarah will capture your heart, with her cheerful outlook on life. Sarah is full of passion and warmth for her not so functional family. Sarah can handle the worst situations, while wearing a smile. You will laugh at Sarah's not so typical mother. You will cry when you learn why Sarah's nephew Ryan doesn't like being alone. As you journey through many of life's twist and turns with the Benson family.
Unspoken story is about a boy named Danny who has never spoken a single word. Danny has no voice but can communicate better without words than most able to speak can. You will feel a strong connection to Danny as his world crumbles around him. Danny shows us how one small mistake can have years of consequences. He also shows us that time is a healer and that actions definitely speak louder than words.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here. I can be contacted at shancar3@hotmail.com My book can be purchased through Tate publishing, or at Amazon, Target, Borders books and Barnes and Noble.
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
Friday, June 12, 2009
June is one of my Favorite Months
June is one of my favorite months of the year.
Terry and I really enjoyed the time we spent with our grandchildren. We look forward to the summer visit from our Colorado kids and grandkids.This time we were able to have our Texas granddaughter join in on the fun. I think they have gotten very close to each other and will miss one another very much.
I am trying to get events lined up for the summer. Book signings, speaking, and just keeping in touch with everybody. One of the things I have to keep reminding myself to do is write. Book #4 is started on my computer. I need to get back at it, but stuff happens. You know, important stuff like:
Hugging those grandkids while they are here.
Keeping up with my marketing plans.
and, let me make a confession here...farming. Yes, I am a face book farm town addict. I wonder what they call the 12 step program on a cruise ship for that- "memorial for friends of Old MacDolald"? For subscribers who don't have a clue what I am talking about, you will have to log in to my blog and watch the video I made called "Cruise Ship Blunder". It is the video where I am wearing a dopey hat. (nansjourney.blogspot.com)
Anyway, a friend or two convinced me that farm town was fun. It is. It is a stress reliever as well as a stress producer...kinda like husbands and kids huh! I wish my real garden would grow as well as the one on facebook, but I guess that would mean that I would have to actually plant one. (bummer)
I have Book III of the Nan's Heritage Series written. It is tentatively called "Luke's Legacy". I will level with you. It does cost a good bit of money to get the books published. Although Tate Publishing and Enterprises is not a vanity publisher, they are a partnership publisher. That means that each author contributes money to the publishing of their books. The more books that have sold, the less contribution has to be made for each title. After 5000 copies of the books have been sold, the money I put in to the publishing process will be refunded to me. I said that to say this: I am saving back $1 per book sold to go toward getting "Luke's Legacy" published. Some readers have given a $5 deposit toward their purchase of "Luke's Legacy" when it comes out to speed up the process a bit. When any of my books are sold it does help my credibility with the publisher so I want to thank you for your purchases. I wanted you to know why it takes so long before the next book comes out. I am striving to get the word out and sell as many copies as I can because Book III is my favorite to date. I am sure that if you liked "Nan's Journey" and "Elk's Resolve", you will love "Luke's Legacy". Don't give up on me. We will see it in print sooner than later...hopefully.
Until next time, your taking the time to talk about the books is the best advertisement I could ever get and I thank you for all that you do.
Elaine
Terry and I really enjoyed the time we spent with our grandchildren. We look forward to the summer visit from our Colorado kids and grandkids.This time we were able to have our Texas granddaughter join in on the fun. I think they have gotten very close to each other and will miss one another very much.
I am trying to get events lined up for the summer. Book signings, speaking, and just keeping in touch with everybody. One of the things I have to keep reminding myself to do is write. Book #4 is started on my computer. I need to get back at it, but stuff happens. You know, important stuff like:
Hugging those grandkids while they are here.
Keeping up with my marketing plans.
and, let me make a confession here...farming. Yes, I am a face book farm town addict. I wonder what they call the 12 step program on a cruise ship for that- "memorial for friends of Old MacDolald"? For subscribers who don't have a clue what I am talking about, you will have to log in to my blog and watch the video I made called "Cruise Ship Blunder". It is the video where I am wearing a dopey hat. (nansjourney.blogspot.com)
Anyway, a friend or two convinced me that farm town was fun. It is. It is a stress reliever as well as a stress producer...kinda like husbands and kids huh! I wish my real garden would grow as well as the one on facebook, but I guess that would mean that I would have to actually plant one. (bummer)
I have Book III of the Nan's Heritage Series written. It is tentatively called "Luke's Legacy". I will level with you. It does cost a good bit of money to get the books published. Although Tate Publishing and Enterprises is not a vanity publisher, they are a partnership publisher. That means that each author contributes money to the publishing of their books. The more books that have sold, the less contribution has to be made for each title. After 5000 copies of the books have been sold, the money I put in to the publishing process will be refunded to me. I said that to say this: I am saving back $1 per book sold to go toward getting "Luke's Legacy" published. Some readers have given a $5 deposit toward their purchase of "Luke's Legacy" when it comes out to speed up the process a bit. When any of my books are sold it does help my credibility with the publisher so I want to thank you for your purchases. I wanted you to know why it takes so long before the next book comes out. I am striving to get the word out and sell as many copies as I can because Book III is my favorite to date. I am sure that if you liked "Nan's Journey" and "Elk's Resolve", you will love "Luke's Legacy". Don't give up on me. We will see it in print sooner than later...hopefully.
Until next time, your taking the time to talk about the books is the best advertisement I could ever get and I thank you for all that you do.
Elaine
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Elk's Resolve is Ready to Send Out ...to You!
This afternoon the boxes of "Elk's Resolve" were on the deck when I came home from work. They arrived sooner than I expected and I am very happy about that. Complete your order with the paypal button or send me a message at elainel45@msn.com and let me know how many and how you want your books signed. Of course you can give those instructions on paypal too! It is very easy.
Thank you for walking with me through this process! Just think book #3 is ready to submit for consideration to the publisher. I just need to sell a bunch of these other books before I send it in to them. They need to know that there is a demand for books by Elaine Littau. (smile smile)
Please tell your friends about these books and blog about them...help me spread the word if you like them. I really appreciate it!
Thank you for walking with me through this process! Just think book #3 is ready to submit for consideration to the publisher. I just need to sell a bunch of these other books before I send it in to them. They need to know that there is a demand for books by Elaine Littau. (smile smile)
Please tell your friends about these books and blog about them...help me spread the word if you like them. I really appreciate it!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
"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.
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.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Tomorrow by Jeral Davis
Never trust appearances.
Juliana DeLauer, clothed by trendy designers, awakes beside the blood-drenched, silent body of her best friend, Tomorrow. Benjamin Powers, box-office sensation, seeks the privacy only the common man can afford.
When the destinies of these two powerful people collide, both are left contemplating the purpose of their lives. And both are left with remorse—hopeless as they replay events, wondering if they could have made bigger differences.
Someone is always watching, threatening their future. And both of them know it. Their lives depend on what happens Tomorrow.
This gripping page-turner is part romance, part suspense and the author rivets the reader from the breathtaking opening scene to its shocking climax.
Endorsements
“Tomorrow is a powerful story that grabs your attention from the very first page! The gentle message of God's love flows throughout this book, and the characters’ struggles and triumphs will touch your heart. This beautifully written book will stay in your thoughts long after you finish it.” —Sheri Martin
“Jeral Davis does everything right in her debut novel, Tomorrow. It’s wonderfully romantic and always surprising; yet at its tantalizing core, Tomorrow is an enduring testament of God’s redeeming love that will prove to be a landmark contribution to Christian literature.” —Marcus Folmar
“I am not an avid fiction reader. Yet, once I picked up Jeral Davis’ debut novel, Tomorrow, I simply could not put it down. Once you delve into the lives of Ben and Juliana, it will be hard to turn away.” – Judith Nelson
Author Bio
Author Jeral Davis actively ministers at Victory Praise Christian Center, a ministry she and her husband founded in 2006. She has also served as a small group leader through Life Exchange Group Ministries. Jeral believes everyone is created to fulfill a divine ambition and is passionate to assist others to discover their gifts and encourage them to fulfill their God-given purpose. Jeral and her husband, Richard, reside in Colorado with their two sons.
Juliana DeLauer, clothed by trendy designers, awakes beside the blood-drenched, silent body of her best friend, Tomorrow. Benjamin Powers, box-office sensation, seeks the privacy only the common man can afford.
When the destinies of these two powerful people collide, both are left contemplating the purpose of their lives. And both are left with remorse—hopeless as they replay events, wondering if they could have made bigger differences.
Someone is always watching, threatening their future. And both of them know it. Their lives depend on what happens Tomorrow.
This gripping page-turner is part romance, part suspense and the author rivets the reader from the breathtaking opening scene to its shocking climax.
Endorsements
“Tomorrow is a powerful story that grabs your attention from the very first page! The gentle message of God's love flows throughout this book, and the characters’ struggles and triumphs will touch your heart. This beautifully written book will stay in your thoughts long after you finish it.” —Sheri Martin
“Jeral Davis does everything right in her debut novel, Tomorrow. It’s wonderfully romantic and always surprising; yet at its tantalizing core, Tomorrow is an enduring testament of God’s redeeming love that will prove to be a landmark contribution to Christian literature.” —Marcus Folmar
“I am not an avid fiction reader. Yet, once I picked up Jeral Davis’ debut novel, Tomorrow, I simply could not put it down. Once you delve into the lives of Ben and Juliana, it will be hard to turn away.” – Judith Nelson
Author Bio
Author Jeral Davis actively ministers at Victory Praise Christian Center, a ministry she and her husband founded in 2006. She has also served as a small group leader through Life Exchange Group Ministries. Jeral believes everyone is created to fulfill a divine ambition and is passionate to assist others to discover their gifts and encourage them to fulfill their God-given purpose. Jeral and her husband, Richard, reside in Colorado with their two sons.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Marketing
Like many people who dream of becoming an author, I had some lofty ideas of what being a published author was like. It must have come from a "Hollywood" movie or something, but I had dreams of going up on a mountain in the quiet of the woods and typing away on my laptop while my publisher marketed my most recent brilliant work of fiction. There were visions of book signings with rabid fans waiting in long lines just to meet me. (Did I tell you I have a vivid imagination?) I hate to burst any one's bubble, but it just doesn't happen that way for most first timers out there.I am so blessed to find a publisher who will read unsolicited manuscripts. I participated in a web instruction event by a book agent. He said that most of the "stuff" he got in the mail was pitched after the first paragraph. If it didn't "grab him as something fresh and compelling" in those few words, it wasn't worthy of his time! After listening to his brilliance for an hour I was one very depressed author. The experience with Tate Publishing and Enterprises is a very personal one. Every phone conversation has been productive and helpful. The professionals assigned to each phase of the book development are invested in the success of each book.I have to say that marketing is not something I knew much about, but after reading a ton of information and studying the blogs of various authors and groups, I have gotten my feet wet. I keep a journal about every last thing that I have tried. Each attempt is marked with the number of books sold or people affected by the event. Every mail out is registered as to how many cards, letters, author/speaker brochures, or event fliers were sent and what the response was. I think I will have a better idea of how to spend my marketing dollars for my second book, "Elk's Resolve".At a book signing in a small book store the proprietor told me that Tate is very aggressive in putting their author's names and titles "out there". With every box of books from Ingram/Spring Arbour are fliers about the offerings from Tate authors. I was impressed with that bit of information. There have been time when I had felt that I was shouldering a lion's share of the marketing, but after talking with her, I realized that there is so much more to the publishing business than I will ever learn or know. I am glad to leave those parts to Tate. The very next time I looked at a blog from a group of authors, I saw that they were discussing how their "big house" publishers were having them do their own marketing. They were upset that times had changed. At this time those publishers are downsizing and a bunch or authors were let out of their contracts. I imagine they would be glad to do a little marketing if they had a chance.I said ALL of that to say this. Tate does a lot of things for the author that we do not see every day. Eventually we see the effects of it. It takes a lot of publicity to get name recognition for authors. If you don't believe me, ask "the man on the street" to name their favorite author. They will most likely say someone from the New York Times best sellers list. Then ask them who their favorite Christian author is or to name ten television preachers. I promise you that the majority of Christians are somewhat stumped. We have to be out there with our face and our voice connecting with people. That has been the best way that I have found to market my books.Elaine LittauTate Authorof"Nan's Journey" and "Elk's Resolve"
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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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