Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page for my interview with Shari England.
November is National Novel Writing Month. (NaNoWriMo for short) During this month anyone who has the desire to meet the challenge that the NaNoWri Mo people have set before them are to write a novel of at least 50,000 words within the month. Beginning November 1 through November 30 people or all walks of life are writing their fingers to the bone. What do the writers who accomplish this feat receive?
The accomplishment of writing a novel.
a badge for their website
and a few other things.
I have decided to do this, so I have posted the first 6 chapters of Book #5 on my website. Click here to read the first of the book "Gertie ". On the left hand of the opening page of my website, there is a list of the pages offered. Gertie is the last on the list. Click on that and you will get into the story. Write me an email by clicking here and let me know what you think. I will be writing more every day this month to attempt to meet this challenge.
For Home School/Private School/Public School
I have placed Chapter 1 of Nan's Journey on my website along with a Lesson Plan and Reading Comprehension questions. http://elainelittau.com
I am working on completing the work of doing Lesson Plans and questions for all the books I write. The links are free. The books are on the accelerated reading list for Perryton Jr. High School. It is for readers 13 and up. If you are a teacher or parent who needs this, just log in the lesson plans and questions are free.
Between the Books Chapters
For new chapters "Between the Books" go to http://elainelittau.com and click on the tab. I plan to write a new chapter per week (If possible) until Luke's Legacy is in my hands. All the chapters written are available on the website.
I have a few open dates if you would like to contact me to set something up.
http://elainelittau.com/
Need help with book sales and marketing?
Go to my website and sign up for my coaching/consulting services. The first week is $5.
Try it before you subscribe by the month. Go to http://elainelittau.com and click on the coaching tab for more information.
I have begun a new blog that features books for sale for some of the authors I have interviewed. Please take time to look at it. http://titlesforsale.blogspot.com
Book III, Luke's Legacy will be in my hands in a couple of weeks.
If you want to take advantage of special pricing for pre sale click on the button. The special price is $11. That is a big reduction from the cover price when it comes out.
Nan in the hand made dresses are on sale for $10.
The Nan Doll in Overalls are on sale for $8.
I was at my sister's house one day and noticed a cute little doll she had. It was Anne Shirley from the Anne of Green Gables Book series. I searched the Internet for a simple doll to buy wholesale to sell as a Nan doll. I didn't have much luck with it until one of my author friends pointed me to a website that had one of the cutest little dolls I have ever seen.
She is 6 3/4" tall. I hand sew the clothes. Each doll is unique.I sell them for
$10 + postage or I give one with the purchase of 5 or more books.
For those of you who haven't read the interview that I recently did, click on this link:Interview with Elaine Littau [laineygirl] in Whohub Source: http://www.whohub.com/
Click Here for 3 old fashioned recipes available for free.
and
50 marketing tips for first time authors.
These are ideas that I have gleaned from books and the Internet...some from my own mind. I have tried all of them and they work and are inexpensive, unless I note otherwise. I will happily send these to anyone who asks for them.
The book trailer, recipes, photos, and freebies can all be found on the website also.
Book I of the Nan's Heritage Series is Nan's Journey.
Book II of the Nan's Heritage Series is Elk's Resolve
Book III of the Nan's Heritage Series is Luke's Legacy (in my hands soon)
Book IV of the Nan's Heritage Series is Timothy's Home. (almost ready to submit)
Book V of the Nan's Heritage Series is Gertie. (The title has not been decided.)
The Next Series will be called something like "The Chosen Ones". It will be about each of the young girls who were rescued by Fred, Elk, and Ted in "Elk's Resolve". I can hardly wait to get started. My plans are to release a new book each year. (maybe 2 if at all possible) If you would like to sign up to my Book Pre-Order Club, click here and leave me an email. The book club is for those who want to get a $5 discount on pre-ordered books. These would be future books by Elaine Littau. You do not pay before the books are available. You are simply signing up to be on the list for upcoming books as a pre-order club member
Titles
I have been making videos of the book covers of the authors who contact me. I am amazed by the titles that they have come up with. My titles are a little tame next to some of them.
I have to tell you something kind of funny about figuring out how to name Book #4.
Book #1 is Nan's Journey
Book #2 is Elk's Resolve
Book #3 is Luke's Legacy
Book #4 was going to be Thomas' _____
Then I decided that I might have trouble saying the title in speeches that I give. I decided that I needed to change the name of the main character based on this fact. I renamed him Timothy so the title will be...Timothy's Home
Today I want to introduce you to Shari England, author.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Shari England - Lessons from the Sticker Patch
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I have received new life both physically and spiritually. Physically through the accidental death of my donor giving me a new liver nine years ago, and spiritually through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I took a creative writing class my senior year of high school and won a college scholarship in a writing contest, but even then, did not know of the gift that lay inside me. It took nearly 20 years for it to come full circle in order to be transformed into that for which God designed it.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I love creativity and I feel I am able to generate meaning through the most inanimate objects, and to parallel them with the profound. I gather ideas from the most mundane situations or conversations. I also love rhythm and movement in words and love words that dance. People often tell me my writing is "smooth" and easy to read.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes, I love to read, though I did not like to in my early years. I never get books from public libraries. I prefer to buy my books so I can mark them up, and return to them often. I need more shelves.
6. What are you reading right now?
It's hard for me to have only book going at a time. Besides the Bible, I am reading a couple devotionals by other new authors, plus a book on marketing, and Phillip Yancey's "The Jesus I Never Knew". I just finished a wonderful book called "Things Forgotten" by Thomas N. Tabback. Fabulous fictional read.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I have two books in progress now. One is a continuation of the first book. The other is a book targeted more as a ministry to women, young and old, using one of the stories in my first book as the foundation. I plan to use my own experiences, and combine them with the experiences of others through personal interviews with women who have come through their own issues and struggles victoriously through Christ.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Patience! My perfectionism comes out in things like dwelling too much on one thought or item and it burns up precious time. I've had to work at writing quickly, even if it's very messy and disorderly at first. Just write! Then put it to bed until later, sometimes much later, weeks or even months, and then resurrect it in its proper time.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Lessons from the Sticker Patch (published) is a compilation of short stories of inspiration and encouragement through the creative combination of real life and real faith. The author's vivid accounts from childhood through parenthood will cause you to revisit wonderful memories of your own, while laying a foundation of truth and wisdom found only in God's Word. Whether it's a ballerina in an old jewelry box, a message in a jar of peanut butter, a child lost in a grocery store, or an aluminum Christmas tree, there's a lesson to be learned in all of life's occurrences about God's unfailing love and faithfulness.
More Lessons from the Sticker Patch (not published) - the same
Ballerina in a Box - (not published) - I was six years old when I received a pink jewelry box as a birthday gift. Upon opening the lid, I found a tiny tutu-clad ballet dancer poised at center stage. She exhibited such beauty, elegance, and grace. Balancing faultlessly on one toe, she spun gracefully to the dainty twinkling tune of the "Ballerina" melody. Occasionally hanging up on a single note, she quickly regained her position to continue her magnificent performance. At least that was until someone or something closed the lid... Discover through personal reflections of women of all ages how God takes our hurts, hang ups, and habits, and transforms them into a thing of beauty, poised in the center of His will for a magnificent endless performance of His glory at work in the lives of women--at work in you.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
http://stickerpatch.tatepublishing.net/
http://www.shariengland.blogspot.com/
Showing posts with label appointment book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label appointment book. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
As Big As My Head! by Heidi A. Mark
Memory Lane
I love to scrapbook. The only problem with that is that when I go to the old pictures of my sons, I find myself going back to those long ago days.
I worked very hard trying to be a good mother, but I find myself thinking of my failures when I look at those dear little faces. They were all boy and I was wanting to be a perfect mother, housewife, friend, daughter...you name it.
I didn't learn to say the word "no" for a very long time. I thought that I owed everyone a hunk of my time if they asked for it. I am afraid my boys had a harried mother because of it.
I write this, not to do anything but to remind you to say "no" to the things that are optional. By that, I mean to realize that not everything is going to fall apart if you do not do it. (With the exception of caring for your small children and husband.)
Your kids will rise up and call you "blessed" if they recall that your were there for them, you were regular with meals (I raised boys you know.) and they had clean clothes/socks to wear. It seems all the other stuff is secondary.
Give yourself some credit and don't get all of your worth from things that you do. Be there. Be available. Be fully attentive. It is not all in what you are doing.
Today I want you to meet Heidi A. Mark, my author friend.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
As Big As My Head! by Heidi A. Mark
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I have been a teacher for 22 years and have loved every minute of teaching.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
When I was in high school. I have always been a reader of children's books. When I got into high school, I started writing poetry and keeping journals.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Because my books are for young children ages 4-10, my strongest points are my ability to rhyme and my humorous flow.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes. I work in the library at my school as the learning resource specialist and read books for younger readers as they are my favorite, but like many light topic fiction books.
6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished The Lovely Bones.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I have another book, but have not submitted it because I have not reached the 5000 number sold needed and do not have the money to have it published.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
rhyming and using a rhyming dictionary
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
As Big As My Head! is a true and humorous story about my son when he was in kindergarten trying to talk his grandma, my mom, into making huge chocolate chip cookies to take to school for his birthday snack. He gets his way and makes a HUGE treat all the kids love!
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
asbigasmyhead@verizon.net, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Targett and Tate Publishing websites, or on Facebook
I love to scrapbook. The only problem with that is that when I go to the old pictures of my sons, I find myself going back to those long ago days.
I worked very hard trying to be a good mother, but I find myself thinking of my failures when I look at those dear little faces. They were all boy and I was wanting to be a perfect mother, housewife, friend, daughter...you name it.
I didn't learn to say the word "no" for a very long time. I thought that I owed everyone a hunk of my time if they asked for it. I am afraid my boys had a harried mother because of it.
I write this, not to do anything but to remind you to say "no" to the things that are optional. By that, I mean to realize that not everything is going to fall apart if you do not do it. (With the exception of caring for your small children and husband.)
Your kids will rise up and call you "blessed" if they recall that your were there for them, you were regular with meals (I raised boys you know.) and they had clean clothes/socks to wear. It seems all the other stuff is secondary.
Give yourself some credit and don't get all of your worth from things that you do. Be there. Be available. Be fully attentive. It is not all in what you are doing.
Today I want you to meet Heidi A. Mark, my author friend.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
As Big As My Head! by Heidi A. Mark
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I have been a teacher for 22 years and have loved every minute of teaching.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
When I was in high school. I have always been a reader of children's books. When I got into high school, I started writing poetry and keeping journals.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Because my books are for young children ages 4-10, my strongest points are my ability to rhyme and my humorous flow.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes. I work in the library at my school as the learning resource specialist and read books for younger readers as they are my favorite, but like many light topic fiction books.
6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished The Lovely Bones.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I have another book, but have not submitted it because I have not reached the 5000 number sold needed and do not have the money to have it published.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
rhyming and using a rhyming dictionary
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
As Big As My Head! is a true and humorous story about my son when he was in kindergarten trying to talk his grandma, my mom, into making huge chocolate chip cookies to take to school for his birthday snack. He gets his way and makes a HUGE treat all the kids love!
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
asbigasmyhead@verizon.net, Barnes and Noble, Borders, Targett and Tate Publishing websites, or on Facebook
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Funny Things Always Seem to Happen to Us
This morning I went into the post office in my small town to pick up a package that was too large for our mailbox. Paula waited on me and grinned. "Tangle with any bears this week?" She said.
"Nope, not this week." I said.
She came back with the small package and it looked terrible. It was caved in and we decided that it looked like it had been dropped from a plane.
Of course that made me think of a story. When Terry was cubmaster of our cubscout troup, the kids were supposed to pack a raw egg into some kind of package so that when it was dropped from an airplane it would not break.
The trouble was that the airplane arrangements fell through. No pilot. No plane. Dissappointed cubscouts. Terry and the den mothers' husbands climbed upon the camp building at our nearby lake and hurled the packages to the ground with all their might. The trouble was, too many of the raw eggs failed to break. We only had three or so prizes. I don't remember if our kid's eggs broke or not.
Paula grinned and said, "Everything happens to ya'll!"
I guess she could be right.
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 Laura Wintczak Eckroat.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Hi -- My name is Laura Wintczak Eckroat and the name of my book is The Life of Bud
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I am a Kindergarten Teacher.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I have always loved to write ... I was just scared to let people read what I wrote!
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I write from my heart and I want readers of my books to feel what I am feeing as they read
5. Are you a reader?
Yes ... I love to read ...
6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished Merle's Door and Animals In Translation. I am now reading The Effects of Light
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication?Tell about it.
I have a few books that I am working on ... but my second book is in publication now ... it is called A Simpler Time ... it is about a mother and daughter sharing special times together without technology!
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I think my biggest obstacle is just sitting down and finding quiet time to write .... I need an office to write -- maybe someday!
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
The Life of Bud -- This is the story of life and how important we all are and how hard it is to let go in the end. The story follows Bud, who starts out in life as a tiny bud -- he feels insignificant. But Bud grows into a beautiful, vibrant leaf on the Mighty Oak Tree and becomes a very important part of the tree.
My book can be used to gently talk about life and death to a child, it can be used as a comfort to any adult who has lost a loved one, and it is being used in many classrooms to teach the seasons and the life cycle.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers can contact me at thelifeofbud@aol.com . I am still tweeking my website -- lauraeckroat.tatepublishing.net ,
My book is available at tatepublishing.com, or amazon.com, or barnesandnoble.com. Tate Publishing has also turned my book into a coloring book which is very neat! If anyone is interested in a coloring book, they can contact me at thelifeofbud@aol.com -- the cost of the coloring books is $5.00 and they are available directly through me.
"Nope, not this week." I said.
She came back with the small package and it looked terrible. It was caved in and we decided that it looked like it had been dropped from a plane.
Of course that made me think of a story. When Terry was cubmaster of our cubscout troup, the kids were supposed to pack a raw egg into some kind of package so that when it was dropped from an airplane it would not break.
The trouble was that the airplane arrangements fell through. No pilot. No plane. Dissappointed cubscouts. Terry and the den mothers' husbands climbed upon the camp building at our nearby lake and hurled the packages to the ground with all their might. The trouble was, too many of the raw eggs failed to break. We only had three or so prizes. I don't remember if our kid's eggs broke or not.
Paula grinned and said, "Everything happens to ya'll!"
I guess she could be right.
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 Laura Wintczak Eckroat.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Hi -- My name is Laura Wintczak Eckroat and the name of my book is The Life of Bud
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I am a Kindergarten Teacher.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I have always loved to write ... I was just scared to let people read what I wrote!
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I write from my heart and I want readers of my books to feel what I am feeing as they read
5. Are you a reader?
Yes ... I love to read ...
6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished Merle's Door and Animals In Translation. I am now reading The Effects of Light
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication?Tell about it.
I have a few books that I am working on ... but my second book is in publication now ... it is called A Simpler Time ... it is about a mother and daughter sharing special times together without technology!
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
I think my biggest obstacle is just sitting down and finding quiet time to write .... I need an office to write -- maybe someday!
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
The Life of Bud -- This is the story of life and how important we all are and how hard it is to let go in the end. The story follows Bud, who starts out in life as a tiny bud -- he feels insignificant. But Bud grows into a beautiful, vibrant leaf on the Mighty Oak Tree and becomes a very important part of the tree.
My book can be used to gently talk about life and death to a child, it can be used as a comfort to any adult who has lost a loved one, and it is being used in many classrooms to teach the seasons and the life cycle.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers can contact me at thelifeofbud@aol.com . I am still tweeking my website -- lauraeckroat.tatepublishing.net ,
My book is available at tatepublishing.com, or amazon.com, or barnesandnoble.com. Tate Publishing has also turned my book into a coloring book which is very neat! If anyone is interested in a coloring book, they can contact me at thelifeofbud@aol.com -- the cost of the coloring books is $5.00 and they are available directly through me.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Super Sticks by Lisa Newkirk
Great Times
Terry and I had such a great time with the people at the Wolf Creek Heritage Museum. I think there were over 200 who filed in and visited with us. There was a beautiful display of quilts, pastel art, and mosaic art by a local lady and her two daughters. The artistry was amazing. We were blessed to sell 50 books! A couple of the museum patrons expressed interest in my coming to speak at their events. Hopefully I will be able to list them here soon.
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.
Lisa Newkirk is the author I am featuring this week.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
"Super Sticks"
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I'm an advocate for children with disablities. Let your children go as far as they can without telling them you'll be the obstacle in their life.
3. Are you a reader?
yes
4. What are you reading right now?
Lori Wick
5. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? yes Tell about it.
It's about a little boy with mitrocondrial disorder who wins an award at school while teaching others how to deal with peer pressure.
6. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Opening doors when some people think children with disablities are a minority in our society.
7. Tell us a little about your book and how it may be purchased.
The book "Super Sticks" is $6.99 and can be ordered on http://www.yukonsoftware.com/SuperSticks"What are some of the uses for forearm crutches? See how Deborah uses hers. Persistence and inspiration shines through in Deborah's adventures with her friends. Even with a physical disability learn how Deborah helps her friends by using her forearm crutches.""Lisa Newkirk is the mother of the Fantastic four children. Her 3rd child was born with Spina Bifida. When she took her daughter with a physical disability to the public library, it was hard to find a book with a child using forearm crutches available. The Librarian told her if you want a book to encourage your child, then write one yourself. This caused the birth of Super Sticks!"Jen Reddin (Tate Publishing)
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com/
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
Terry and I had such a great time with the people at the Wolf Creek Heritage Museum. I think there were over 200 who filed in and visited with us. There was a beautiful display of quilts, pastel art, and mosaic art by a local lady and her two daughters. The artistry was amazing. We were blessed to sell 50 books! A couple of the museum patrons expressed interest in my coming to speak at their events. Hopefully I will be able to list them here soon.
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.
Lisa Newkirk is the author I am featuring this week.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
"Super Sticks"
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I'm an advocate for children with disablities. Let your children go as far as they can without telling them you'll be the obstacle in their life.
3. Are you a reader?
yes
4. What are you reading right now?
Lori Wick
5. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? yes Tell about it.
It's about a little boy with mitrocondrial disorder who wins an award at school while teaching others how to deal with peer pressure.
6. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Opening doors when some people think children with disablities are a minority in our society.
7. Tell us a little about your book and how it may be purchased.
The book "Super Sticks" is $6.99 and can be ordered on http://www.yukonsoftware.com/SuperSticks"What are some of the uses for forearm crutches? See how Deborah uses hers. Persistence and inspiration shines through in Deborah's adventures with her friends. Even with a physical disability learn how Deborah helps her friends by using her forearm crutches.""Lisa Newkirk is the mother of the Fantastic four children. Her 3rd child was born with Spina Bifida. When she took her daughter with a physical disability to the public library, it was hard to find a book with a child using forearm crutches available. The Librarian told her if you want a book to encourage your child, then write one yourself. This caused the birth of Super Sticks!"Jen Reddin (Tate Publishing)
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com/
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
"Surrender All, Your Answer to Living with Peace, Power & Purpose" by Joni Lamb
Before reading “Surrender All Your Answer to Living with Peace, Power, & Purpose” by Joni Lamb, I was not aware of how the Daystar Television Network began. Joni describes the humble beginnings of the life of starting a television station from scratch along with the miracles that made it possible. I developed a deep respect for the Lambs.
Daystar Television Network is now the second largest global Christian television network and is available in every city in America and most every country in the world. Joni has her own original show which showcases expert guests who speak on a variety of topics.
Published by Waterbrook Press in 2008, “Surrender All” details the lives of various people who have learned that peace of mind and soul comes from total surrender to God. The lives of Russell Shorty, Betty Baxter, Suzy Richardson, Brian Houston, Bunny Wilson, and Pat Summerall are just a few of the examples of people who have learned this valuable lesson of life. Surrender to God is not the end of life. It is just the beginning.
Elaine Littau
Author of “Nan’s Journey” & “Elk’s Resolve”
Daystar Television Network is now the second largest global Christian television network and is available in every city in America and most every country in the world. Joni has her own original show which showcases expert guests who speak on a variety of topics.
Published by Waterbrook Press in 2008, “Surrender All” details the lives of various people who have learned that peace of mind and soul comes from total surrender to God. The lives of Russell Shorty, Betty Baxter, Suzy Richardson, Brian Houston, Bunny Wilson, and Pat Summerall are just a few of the examples of people who have learned this valuable lesson of life. Surrender to God is not the end of life. It is just the beginning.
Elaine Littau
Author of “Nan’s Journey” & “Elk’s Resolve”
Friday, July 17, 2009
Variety is the Fun of Life!
Variety is the Fun of Life!
I am always amazed when I meet other authors. We are such a varied bunch of people. I used to worry about so many people writing books. I was afraid that they would take the dollars from my sales. I don't worry about that any more because the authors and their books are as different as the readers who purchase them. I have had a ball getting to know authors and readers via the internet and book signings. Everyone has a story. God can use any genre to get His message to the people whether it be Bible study material, non-fiction, fiction, or poetry.
The next author I want to introduce you to is David Hurst. I met him through a mutual friend on face book. He is also a Tate Publishing and Enterprises author.
David I am so happy that you are taking the time to join me here on my blog and newsletter.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is David L. Hurst. The name of my book is: "a Daily Walk with the Lord"
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I would like for the readers to know what my relationship to God is. I am a Christian, a child of the King,
a born-again believer. Jesus is my Lord and Savior.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
After my father passed away in 2004 I started writing poems. My poems gave me strength, comfort, & peace. In the process God was drawing me closer to Him.
I knew that I wanted to be a writer when I shared some of my poems with my family and co-workers and I knew that God was using me to be a blessing to someone else.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods? I guess my strong points in my writing is that I speak from the heart. I go to the deep emotional places
where we meet with Jesus and he walks with us. I go to the places where we have a fresh encounter with
the heavenly Father.
5. Are you a reader? What are you reading right now? I like to read the Bible and I enjoy other devotional books. I love to read inspirational poetry. The book I am presently reading is the Bible.
6. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.I would love to write another devotional book. In the near future I hope I can write another inspirational book--if the Lord is willing and I have the time.
7.What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them? I believe my biggest obstacle is overcoming writers block. I like what one author said: it was something like this, inspiration does not come before writing but after the writing has begun. Many times God has blessed
me with a poem when I began to write.
My book is for encouragement, to help people draw close to God by taking a Daily Walk with the Lord.
I write about time. I would like for everyone to understand the day of our departure is at hand. Loved ones will be called. Death will come knocking at the door. My deep desire is that God will use the poems in my book to bring that loved one to Christ before the midnight hour.
8. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
The readers can contact me dailywalk4u@aol.com
I have a web site www.christiandevotions4u.com I will share some of my poems on line.
my book can be purchased at Tate Publishing & Enterprises
www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore This is the link that will take you directly to my book.
http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?=978-1-60799-080-2
Thank you so much David.
See you next week. I hope you
I am always amazed when I meet other authors. We are such a varied bunch of people. I used to worry about so many people writing books. I was afraid that they would take the dollars from my sales. I don't worry about that any more because the authors and their books are as different as the readers who purchase them. I have had a ball getting to know authors and readers via the internet and book signings. Everyone has a story. God can use any genre to get His message to the people whether it be Bible study material, non-fiction, fiction, or poetry.
The next author I want to introduce you to is David Hurst. I met him through a mutual friend on face book. He is also a Tate Publishing and Enterprises author.
David I am so happy that you are taking the time to join me here on my blog and newsletter.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is David L. Hurst. The name of my book is: "a Daily Walk with the Lord"
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I would like for the readers to know what my relationship to God is. I am a Christian, a child of the King,
a born-again believer. Jesus is my Lord and Savior.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
After my father passed away in 2004 I started writing poems. My poems gave me strength, comfort, & peace. In the process God was drawing me closer to Him.
I knew that I wanted to be a writer when I shared some of my poems with my family and co-workers and I knew that God was using me to be a blessing to someone else.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods? I guess my strong points in my writing is that I speak from the heart. I go to the deep emotional places
where we meet with Jesus and he walks with us. I go to the places where we have a fresh encounter with
the heavenly Father.
5. Are you a reader? What are you reading right now? I like to read the Bible and I enjoy other devotional books. I love to read inspirational poetry. The book I am presently reading is the Bible.
6. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.I would love to write another devotional book. In the near future I hope I can write another inspirational book--if the Lord is willing and I have the time.
7.What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them? I believe my biggest obstacle is overcoming writers block. I like what one author said: it was something like this, inspiration does not come before writing but after the writing has begun. Many times God has blessed
me with a poem when I began to write.
My book is for encouragement, to help people draw close to God by taking a Daily Walk with the Lord.
I write about time. I would like for everyone to understand the day of our departure is at hand. Loved ones will be called. Death will come knocking at the door. My deep desire is that God will use the poems in my book to bring that loved one to Christ before the midnight hour.
8. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
The readers can contact me dailywalk4u@aol.com
I have a web site www.christiandevotions4u.com I will share some of my poems on line.
my book can be purchased at Tate Publishing & Enterprises
www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore This is the link that will take you directly to my book.
http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?=978-1-60799-080-2
Thank you so much David.
See you next week. I hope you
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Mama's Got a Fake I.D. How to Reveal the Real You Behind All That Mom by Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira
Mama's Got a Fake I.D. How to Reveal the Real You Behind All That Mom by Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira takes me back quite a few years. I guess I learned the lessons Caryn teaches in her book fairly early in my motherhood days. I was 25 when I went on a ski trip with the church youth group. At the last minute Terry could not go with me and told me that since I jumped through all kinds of hoops to have our two little boys taken care of, I should go and just enjoy myself. My oldest son was three and his younger brother was one at the time. It was a very hard separation for me. I had never been away on my own since I was in Bible college.
One of the teenagers sat beside me on the bus as we travelled farther away from my children. She asked me about myself. I started by telling her about my children...and husband. She let me know in short order that she had asked me about myself, not my family. What were my hopes and dreams? What were my goals? To be honest my goal at the time was to get both boys potty trained, but I knew that wasn't what she was getting at.
I sat on that bus ride and contemplated my life. From that experience I read many books and articles and dreamed many dreams. I decided to become a multidimensional person. My kids were happy about it because Mama was a happy woman.
This book is good for the young woman/mother who needs guidance in finding herself and having permission go forward with her talents and goals.
One of the teenagers sat beside me on the bus as we travelled farther away from my children. She asked me about myself. I started by telling her about my children...and husband. She let me know in short order that she had asked me about myself, not my family. What were my hopes and dreams? What were my goals? To be honest my goal at the time was to get both boys potty trained, but I knew that wasn't what she was getting at.
I sat on that bus ride and contemplated my life. From that experience I read many books and articles and dreamed many dreams. I decided to become a multidimensional person. My kids were happy about it because Mama was a happy woman.
This book is good for the young woman/mother who needs guidance in finding herself and having permission go forward with her talents and goals.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Parker Planners Review
I have to tell you about a product that I ordered from a facebook ad! It was a Parker Planner. The Ad was interesting to me because I am on a perpetual search for the perfect appt book/planner. The last one I got was too big to carry everywhere and the dates run from July-June or something like that. The Parker Planner allows you to fill in the date so that you may begin at anytime.
Their website/webstore is simple to navigate and the pictures of the planner is true to life. It is smaller than I at first expected, but a nice difference. It fits nicely in a purse and you have options for the cover of your choice. I think I am really going to love it.
plannerlove@parkerplanners.com
Their website/webstore is simple to navigate and the pictures of the planner is true to life. It is smaller than I at first expected, but a nice difference. It fits nicely in a purse and you have options for the cover of your choice. I think I am really going to love it.
plannerlove@parkerplanners.com
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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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