Barbara Taylor Blomquist, author of Randy's Ride

"How Many Books Did You Read This Year?"
That was a question from a third grade boy that I saw when I spoke to the Wright Elementary School. Lucky for me I was able to say, "Last year I read over 52 books." The Third graders and some of the teachers were breathless. Let me ask you something simular. How many books were you planning to read this summer. Most of the summer is gone. You may need to make a trip to the library or amazon.com and get after it. Let me urge you to do something different. Give a new author a chance. Don't always go for the best seller department. Look for local people or even some of the people I have interviewed here. You may be surprised to find a new favorite author.
I want to introduce Barbara Taylor Blomquist, author of Randy's Ride, to you.

1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
I have two books published to date. Both are authored under my full name - Barbara Taylor Blomquist. The first is "Insight Into Adoption" (now in its second edition) and my second book, (my first novel) is "Randy's Ride".

2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Some would consider me in 'the golden years'. The benefit of that, however, is as most senior citizens will attest to, we've had many valuable life experiences. I've learned so many lessons from others, mainly having worked for years with conflicted families.

3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I was excited when I was 8 years old and a palm reader told me I would one day be a writer. I don't believe in palm readers and I guess my track record shows it - I didn't write seriously for almost 60 more years! Should have started sooner.

4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Because I like to learn something when I read, I like to write in the same vein. I like to close a book and say to myself, "I never thought of it that way or I never knew that." So, I try to give readers some informative thoughts, and then it's up to them to agree or disagree. I love to hear readers tell me - "I loved your book. It took me to a place I'd never been and I now understand and am empathetic to adoption issues." Then they add, "But you know, what you write about applies to everyone." When I hear that, I know I've done my job.

5. Are you a reader?
Yes, I love to read, to see how authors put words together to create thoughts and moods.

6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished a book about George Washington I picked up at a charity book fair. It's "George Washington, the Indispensable Man" by James Thomas Flexner. The author condensed four volumes into one.

7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I'm in the editing phase of my next book, "Matt's Wife". It's the story of a young woman who grew up insecure with her identity, not that unusual for an adoptee. The only thing she wanted in life was to be someone's wife - so she wouldn't have to accomplish anything all by herself. After having three children, she found she wasn't satisfied with her life and still didn't know who she was. Through a series of events, she discovers she, and only she, is responsible for her identity. Although the main character is adopted, the question she needs an answer to applies to everyone.

Both my novels, "Randy's Ride" and "Matt's Wife" address the issue of personal identity, and the main characters are faced with the question, "Who am I?" By the end of both novels they have their answers.

8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Lack of time. I announce to my family at least once a year that I'm setting aside the next 2 to 3 months to write and/or edit 4 to 8 hours a day. I recommend they call me only in the case of an emergency. They're very understanding.

9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
"Insight Into Adoption" I wrote as an adoptive parent for other adoptive parents. It addresses issues adoption professionals don't tell you about. In many of my counseling sessions, adoptive parents urged me to put something in writing so they could refer to it when they had pressing issues. Adult adoptees have told me after they have read the book that they thought, "She's writing about me. I've never told anyone how I feel, but this book describes me perfectly." Many have shared it with their adoptive parents to help their parents understand how an adoptee feels as a child. The book explains the unique issues of both adoptees and adoptive parents.

"Randy's Ride" is a story of a teen aged adoptee who leaves a loving home because he feels he doesn't fit it. During 18 months on the road, events and people teach Randy many of life's lessons, including where "home" truly is. The book is about an adopted teenager, but the lesson he learns is a lesson everyone learns sooner or later - that we are responsible for our own lives and it's up to us to make our own individual way in the world.

10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
I can be contacted through email at baybar@juno.com. My website is- barbarablomquist.tatepulishing.net/

My books can be purchased online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble,and Borders or at any book store. In addition, "Randy's Ride" can be purchased through Tate Publishing and "Insight Into Adoption" can be purchased through Charles C. Thomas Publishers.

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

Book Launch Party Preparations

The process of publication for "Elk's Resolve" is coming close to an end. Yesterday, I looked at the font size, margin spacing, page number format and everything akin to that for approval. The next step is a mach up will be developed and sent to me for final evaluation before "Elk's Resolve" is put into print. That means that the long wait to hold my "baby" is almost over.

That being said, I want to have a book launch party. Terry and I are planning the details with a lot of input and help from friends and family. Our budget is limited, but we want to do it up right. I will get details on this site as soon as I can about the venue, date, and time. I want everyone who is even interested in "Nan's Journey" or "Elk's Resolve" to feel welcome to come to the party. It will be wonderful to see you there.

Keep on the lookout for more details.

"Elk's Resolve", Book II of the Nan's Heritage Series, will be out within the next few months. Terry and I are very excited about that. In fact, Terry was very involved in the story line and action of "Elk's Resolve'. I really needed him to especially read the fight sequences to make sure that the action was do-able. He also gave me insight to the male character's way of thinking. As a woman I like to hope there are men who think the way women wish men would think...understand? He was invaluable in helping me keep the male characters true to life. I think you will like Book II. The major theme of it deals with overcoming depression...among other things.Book III is about the youngest children of Fred and Nan. I haven't submitted it to the publisher for review yet because I put it in a contest for unpublished manuscripts. Hopefully, I will know the status of "Luke's Legacy" soon. "Luke's Legacy" is a very emotional book. It has it's share of adventure and "hold your breath" moments, but I have to say, writing it tugged at my heart more than anything I have done so far. "Luke's Legacy" burned in my mind long after I finished it. The theme of it is about creating your own legacy. Book IV is in the baby stages. The connection to Nan is: "What happened to the trunk that Mary sent to Boston?" I am not sure it should be part of the "Nan's Heritage Series" because it barely touches Nan's family...we will see as it unfolds.

Meeting Authors Online

This year I have had the joy of meeting other authors online. (A few in person) I love to hear about the passion each of us have for our books. As a reader I didn't really think of the tender loving care each author puts into a book until I was published. For me the story was my baby. When people held "my baby" in their hands and read it, I felt nervous and excited to see their reaction. (I appreciate all the encouraging letters and emails. Each one came at a time I really needed it.)

If you are reading this and are an author or a writer who is yet to be published, I would like to hear from you. I want to encourage you to keep your dreams alive. When I think about how many times I was embarrassed to be "writing a book" without a clue as to how proceed, it makes me mad. I felt that it was a stupid dream to think that anything that special could ever happen to me. I pushed through in writing just so I could know that I finished something that I started. A miracle happened when I finished. A friend asked me which publishers I was submitting my manuscript to. I told her that I didn't know how to go about the process. She gave me direction. Her niece is in the publishing business and with her help I was published in 2008. My second book will be released this year, 2009. I wrote a third book and can hardly wait to submit it to my publisher.

Realize this, I am so ordinary. If this could happen to me. It can happen to you. Keep writing and keep your chin up. Even after you have your book in your hands there are a few people who want to make sure that you keep your feet on the ground and may say unkind things. Don't let that get to you. Keep on writing and dreaming.

If you have been published already...I rejoice with you! There is no place for jealousy. Every story is different. Every book is unique. If you love books like I do, there is never enough! If you want to send me a comment with the description of your book and a photo of your cover, I will post it. (Christian or G rated books) God bless you!

"The Unseen"

” is unpredictable and somewhat disturbing. The genre is not my usual cup of tea but I found it a good read in that after each reading session thoughts of the book and the plot possibilities were much on my mind. The main character developed nicely although one of the main characters who was introduced toward the end was somewhat sketchy. It may have been on purpose, but I felt that I needed a little more for him because he was a foundational character.
We have all met people who are like the main character, Lucas, who is the “loner”. The places he frequents are also familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Subways, elevator shafts, abandoned buildings, underground maintenance structures, and doors reading “authorized personnel only” are the playground of the characters of “The Unseen”. We have all wondered about those places especially since the television show, “Beauty and the Beast”, but this book takes the concept a few steps further into a place we all hope does not exist.
On second thought, I find it disturbing that I too am interested in people and the things they do along with most of America. The reality television shows are proof that I am not alone in this. I would never go to the extremes of the characters in this book, but it is ridiculous that I jump through some hoops to see “The Amazing Race.”
Elaine Littau
Author of “Nan’s Journey” and “Elk’s Resolve”

The Schedule of Conceptual Editing of "Elk's Resolve'

Today I got the schedule for the editing for "Elk's Resolve". The process is well underway. If you enjoyed the action, twists and turns, and emotion of "Nan's Journey", you won't be disappointed with "Elk's Resolve". Already over 100 people have contacted me wanting a pre-release copy. I have no idea what the publisher's price will be for "Elk's Resolve", but for those contacting me during the pre-release phase, I am selling them for $10. You won't have to send the money until I receive them. These copies won't be in my hands until spring/summer of 2009, but if you want me to write your contact information down so that I can send you a notice when I have them, please let me know.
I put the third book in a contest on Christianstoryteller.com. Hopefully it will get some recognition there. The fourth in the series is coming along nicely. I write when I am nervous or bored. Waiting for publishing makes me a little crazy even though it is fun. Please continue to pray for me as I try to follow Him with all my heart.

Do What You Can Do

This home improvement mess has really played with my ambition and energy! The process as been extremely slow. Terry is a hard worker, I am not saying that he is not. He works 10to 16 hours a day. He simply does not have time to do a lot at home. He does have Sundays off and every other Monday. With a time table like that it will take a long time to get anything done. I know it sounds like I have been whining a lot on this blog. That is not my intention. I want you to see that anything is possible.

Because of Terry's schedule we take these home improvements in bite-size pieces. We usually don't have more than a day and a half at a time to work. He is very hands on so I do what I can, but he has the muscles and energy to do the heavy work. Over the 17 years we have lived in our home, we have accomplished a lot but it has all been in these bite sized pieces.

Writing a book is much like doing home improvement at my house. Start planning, thinking, and writing. I can't sit and write a whole book in a day. I wouldn't want to. I enjoy the process of watching the story unfold. I do watch the story in my mind as I write it. The characters are very real to me. I see their faces and personalities when I write them. Honestly, it is very fun. Some days it is hard to get to the computer and write but I am always glad that I do. It may be a paragraph or a time line that I work on. I may jot notes on a pad about an event I want the character to go through, but the process has to keep moving so that the momentum is not lost.

Yesterday I was wallowing in self-pity about my mess at the house. I had gotten so frustrated that I didn't even make my bed or picked up my room. That is one place that has not been affected by the remodel. Then I looked at my car. I had moved a big plant from my sister's house to my house and dumped a lot of soil and leaves in my front seat. I missed my weekly car washing...everything was a mess. Of course the car is not part of the remodel. I decided that I was tired of letting the mess overtake every part of my life so I got out my vacuum and cleaned out the car. Then I got the water hose and hand washed the car and made it shine. I loaded the dishwasher and picked up the clutter in the few rooms that are not affected by the remodel. I feel so much better.

I learned that I must do what I can do...whether it is about writing a book, preparing a speech, marketing my books, contacting friends, cleaning my stuff, or working on my house. That is all I am responsible for. One day my house will be back to normal. I am looking forward to it, but I will enjoy my life no matter what.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Small Potatoes

Despise not small beginnings....potatoes! I know that "Nan's Journey" is not a best seller...yet. (One can dream) You all have been so sweet to me that I want you to know how the sales are going.
Since I got the books in my hands we have sold 865 copies! Now, you say, that is really small potatoes! ....yes, but that is over 1000 people who have read it. People pass books around and that makes me happy! Yes, happy... If they like the book, they will look for the next and maybe in the future they will buy one.

I am counting down to 1000 copies sold.
We lack 135 for this short-term goal.

It is possible! One month we sold 120 copies!!! yea! Thank you!!!
Keep a watch on this blog and see how we are doing. You can buy copies from this site or amazon, or tate publishing. Send me a comment on this page and I will send you a signed copy at a discounted price. Mark the comment private and give me email address.

I am excited about this!

The next book will be out in the spring of 2009!!!!

Tearing out part of the original hardwood floor

Today Terry was out of hours for driving his truck so he was home. After these few months, this was his first opportunity to really get into working on the hardwood floor since he patched the hole from the floor heater opening. He studied and studied the condition of the floor and even took out his belt sander and sanded the rougher spots and the spots with large gaps between the boards. He determined that the portion of the dining room that was in the worst condition had to come out.

Yes, come out! He also said, "Boy, this is almost as bad as the can of worms I opened with the bathroom floor."
I responded, "THIS IS THE CONTINUATION OF THE BATHROOM FLOOR!!!"
We had a big laugh over that. He did find a store/dealer for hardwood that is 3/4" thick and 2 1/2" wide. It is either red or white oak. (kind of a bear to find) Anyway, after the dust and sawdust settled, we have a sub floor showing over 1/3 or the dining room floor. Such fun trying to keep the house presentable.

This reminds me of the job of getting a book published. After it is accepted for publication, the work begins. One thing leads to another. First you write the book, then write the synopsis for the back cover. The next step is to get people to write reviews, then write acknowledgements, and dedications. There really are a lot of steps to it. It is a fun process.

You would think that writing a synopsis of a book would be much easier than the book itself. I have to say that it has been a bigger challenge for me than you might think. Also, the author biography is a soul searching experience. "What have I done with my life?" or "Where have I been?" I find that I am so terribly ordinary.

Now, let me tell a goofy story about Terry and I...THAT'S EASY AND FUN!!!

Headed for Oregon

Terry and I are going to Oregon for a week. We plan to have fun with Terry's brother and his wife and also go to a coastal town called Tillamook for a book signing. When I spoke with the owner of the Cornerstone bookstore on Monday of this week she was worried about turnout for a book signing in her small store. I assured her that all was well and I wouldn't hold a grudge if I didn't sell a lot of copies of "Nan's Journey".

She told me that her store is now for sale. Mmmmm....that sounds tempting don't you think? The Oregon coast is such a beautiful place in our country. I am excited to meet this friendly and kind woman and I hope that she is able to get a great price on her business. If you are in Tillamook, Oregon on Aug 4th from 2-4 p.m. I would love to meet you.

This leads me to tell you a little story about book signings. They aren't really like they show them on television unless you are one of the people who have sold a gazillion copies of a book. Don't get discouraged when people walk quietly by trying not to make eye contact with you. They don't know you and don't know what a great book you are selling. Some of the funniest questions I get asked is: "Are you Nan?" or "Did you write this?" I don't really know of anyone who would sit in a bookstore for 2 hours at a table of books unless they were the person who wrote it. The skin has to grow thicker with each book signing. After 30 since November, I have a hide like an elephants as far as that goes...

Not everyone is stand-offish. There are some pretty neat people who engage you in conversation. I love that! They each have so much to offer. I met people who have family connected with Tate Publishing and people who are writing books, articles, and short stories. I love to encourage them and tell them to keep going. Kids are fun because there are a lot of them who aspire to be a writer. "Just keep on writing!" is my usual reply because I think that when you enjoy something like writing, you need to continue doing it.

Some of the people I have spoken with have become email friends. I enjoy email, myspace, shoutlife, facebook, and all those social networks. If you want to leave a comment or send an email, I will get back to you. If you are interested in the next book, "Elk's Resolve", be sure to let me know you want a pre-release copy and look at the blog I have for it. elksresolve.blogspot.com. I am going into the process from my end of the work of getting it into book form. All the editorial staff, cover design people, audio people, and the rest have a very big job ahead of them on this... I don't know all the ins and outs of what they do, but you will see what happens from my point of view on the elk blog.

Thank you for stopping by

Confidence

Confidence... pause and think about the word. To many it is illusive. To others it is as natural as breathing. To me, it is a struggle. This morning I listened to Joyce Meyer talking about confidence. She has taught to "do it afraid" for years. The premise is that when you are afraid do the things you need/want to do anyway. Step out and try while your heart is pounding.

The reason it took me so long to get the first draft of "Nan's Journey" written was lack of confidence. One day I decided that I was going to finish writing it because, if nothing else, it was an accomplishment to actually finish the "book that is in me." I did it for myself! I decided that it was worth the trouble even if it was only for my enjoyment. The Lord lead me so gently. When I finished my friend, Rhonda, told me that her niece worked for a publisher in the acquisitions department. I was blown away. She said to send it in because they promote new authors! Of all things!!!

You know the rest of that story. Even with the miracles that have happened with "Nan's Journey", fear creeps in. What if the sales stop? What if no one shows up for my book signings? What if...? I keep pretty detailed records on "Nan's Journey" sales and promotion and addresses of the people who have purchased it. When I get discouraged I look at those records. Yesterday I got a newsletter from Tate Publishing and Enterprises, my publisher. Their marketing department had just returned from a big meeting of publishers and "book people" in general. They had great success in the time they were there. Where other publishers are downsizing, they have increased by more that 200%!!!

I have to admit that when I heard about Thomas Nelson downsizing, I worried about Tate. God has His hand in all of this. He is with all the publishers that are getting out His word. Big publishers and small. So... I keep my hand in God's capable hand and keep on typing away on the books He leads me to write.

I am about 1/2 way on the first draft of book 3 in the "Nan's Heritage" series!!!! Pre-release sales of "Elk's Resolve" are going well and since November "Nan's Journey" has sold over 815 copies. (I know that is a far cry from 50,000 but it is in God's hands!) If you haven't ordered a copy of "Nan's Journey", sign the guest book or hit the link. If you want to be one of the first 100 to get a pre-release copy of "Elk's Resolve" sign the guest book. (the links won't know what you are talking about ...smile smile)