Marketing Tips: Installment #2
Let's Talk About Websites
by Elaine Littau
As an author, whether you are self-published, published by a large or small publisher, or have a lot of money at your disposal for marketing; you need a website. In the first installment the need for a website was approached. This time I would like to break down the elements that I have found important in a website.
First, you need to think about the style and feeling you want to evoke in your website. My books, for the most part, are Christian Western Fiction. You will find a stack of old books on the top left hand side, browntones and old fashioned fonts.
Resist the urge to add a flash page as your beginning page. I opted for that design a couple of times. In the report that breaks down which pages readers are visiting, everytime I had the flash opening, it was the page that was opened and also closed. That meant that the only thing that was seen of my website was the title. If you don't understand what a flashpage is. It is like a pop up that flashes the name of the website. The reader has to hit the close button to turn it off. The report showed me that it was annoying and not the cute and interesting thing I wanted it to be.
Resist the urge to add music to your site. I know that a lot of people will tell you that you have to have music. Think about it. We all have differing tastes in music. If it is a style a reader doesn't like, they will exit quickly. Don't think that elevator music or calming music will work. It is best to not have any music.
The website address is also important. Mine is elainelittau.com. Using your author name helps people find your website. Unless you are only going to write one book, don't use your book title for your website. Nansjourney.com would severely limit who would find me in search engines because I have written 6 other books since Nan's Journey.
Your opening page is very important. A lot of people will not go to a second page so this page has to have the most important elements:
• Your photo
• A statement about you as a writer. I wrote something like, "Welcome, my major focus as an author is writing interesting books that are unpredictable and inspiring." I also mention that I love to speak publically, I am a marketing coach, and ask for those who would like to contact me personally to click on the link to my email. (elainel45@msn.com) Your statement will be different than mine.
• I like to have my latest book trailer soon after my author statement. A great place to get a really good book trailer package done is with Apex Reviews. They produce a great trailer, do reviews of your book on several sites like amazon.com and facebook, Youtube and other places. They also do a press release and give you a copy. They give you the file to download to your blogs and website as well as your personal Youtube page and facebook pages. I did my last one on a special sale that was less than $50.
• Tell the visitor what it is you want them to do. I wrote:
Buy my book
Buy my book
Buy my book
Buy my book
I then place a paypal shopping cart with my book covers and prices listed directly under the appeal.
• Also have a place where they can automatically sign up for your newsletter.
• You will want your shopping cart on the opening page as well as several of your other pages or tabs.
• You will want to list your free offers and tell them to look them over on the tab marked 'free stuff'.
• You will want a list of links to: How to purchase your books on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, smashwords.com and others. (Click on them and be sure that they work.)
• You will want to add your links to your blog(s)
You will want other pages. Some of them will be:
• Author bio
• A tab for each book. This should contain the cover and book description as well as the paypal shopping cart for all books and products.
• An Events tab listing where you will be doing book events and signings in the future. Keep this updated and add maps if you have that option.
• A Tab that says "Book Me for an Event". In this tab have a link to your email and options for times and dates. Vista print has a form that they offer that fills in times and dates. I have 1st choice, 2nd choice, and 3rd choice.
• Home school lesson plans and School discussion questions for each book
• Book Club discussion questions for each book
• Character studies for each book
• photo slide show
• Video and book trailers
• blog posts
• Book development process
• Questions and remarks from visitors.
• Other pages you can have are -cartoons about books, between the book chapters, the sky is the limit.
Be sure to keep your website current. Offer a good sale periodically. Let the visitors engage with you.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Review for Cordon Bleu by Tony Angelo
Cordon Bleu by Tony Angelo is a story for school aged children and YA. The positive message in this book is something all school children need to hear and think about. I think that reading about how the main character, Carl, deals with peer pressure will help the student to know how they can get through the mine fields at school as well.
Book Review of "Remember Me" by Sanela Ramic Jurich
Before I read "Remember Me", I did an interview for this blog with the author, Sanela Ramic Jurich. The responses to my questions put to this author stunned me. After reading the book, I was even more amazed.
You see, Sanela is a very positive person who has live through probably the most horrible things that could happen in life. I urge you to read this book to awaken compassion for areas of the world that are going through horrific events.
"Remember Me" is a tender love story set in a background of unrest and destruction. Strong family connections are vital to survival in the circumstances of the characters. It is a thought provoking book that will result in meaningful conversations with loved ones and friends.
I read my copy on my Kindle. It is also available in paperback version on amazon.com and other places on the web. Check out her interview with me on http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
You see, Sanela is a very positive person who has live through probably the most horrible things that could happen in life. I urge you to read this book to awaken compassion for areas of the world that are going through horrific events.
"Remember Me" is a tender love story set in a background of unrest and destruction. Strong family connections are vital to survival in the circumstances of the characters. It is a thought provoking book that will result in meaningful conversations with loved ones and friends.
I read my copy on my Kindle. It is also available in paperback version on amazon.com and other places on the web. Check out her interview with me on http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
Never Too Close & interview with Aileen Stewart
There are many times when I think about my family and friends who mean so much to me. I tend to hold them close to my heart.
My little boys would pull away from me when they were toddlers and feel that I was holding them too close. I just wanted to keep on squeezing them and breathing in their 'little boy sweetness/toughness'. There was nothing like it.
I had to release them and let them go on their way to their next adventure as well as let them grow up. As a mother, it is challenging to allow the kiddos to grow up. The hardest part is that sometimes they grow away as they grow up and move on.
The hope is that when they come home for visits, they find love, home, and happy memories. I hope they find a mother and daddy full of the love of God.
I pray that they see that love pulls them into our heart from their first breath and after it is planted, it never goes away. It doesn't matter how many miles or ideas separate us.
I have to admit that I still feel like that young mother who wanted to squeeze tightly and make them submit to my will. Only now, I have to watch as they don't just toddle off to their adventures, but as they make decisions that affect their eternal destiny.
May they always realize that my heart has never let go and my prayers are squeezing them closer. My love is strong, but God's is stronger.
Today I would like to introduce you to another author friend of mine. Meet Aileen Stewart. She has written a delightful children's book that reminds me of the Uncle Wiggley series my boys loved reading years ago.
Aileen Stewart ~ Children’s Author ~ Fern Valley ~ http://aileenw4bobbyg.tripod.com
1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
I had my first taste of writing when I was in fourth grade and won honorable mention in a poetry contest. This and the fact that my father was a freelance writer for hunting and fishing magazines and both my parents were great story tellers helped form my love of reading and writing. I spent many years writing poems and short stories, which I occasionally entered in contests, before I actually became serious about writing. It was while watching cartoons based on books, with my daughter, that I imagined myself writing a book. My husband was instrumental in encouraging me to follow my dream and FernValley-A Collection of Short Stories was born.
2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
Basically I never outgrew my enjoyment of children and young adult books, so it seemed natural for me to choose to write a children’s book. To me there is something fresh, innocent, and joyful about writing for children. It is also a way to revisit my childhood and the memories I have from that time and incorporate them into modern day stories.
3. Please tell about each title here:
Let children discover Fern Valley, and they will step back in time to a place where a nineteen fifties small town feel brings a sense of peace and security. A place where no one locks their doors and everyone knows everyone else. A place where above all, the characters know they are loved and supported by their families, friends, and even the surrounding community.
Told through the eyes of youthful farm animals, this work is a series of short stories about children, their feelings, and how they deal with life. Characters such as Roberta and Mildred Cornstalk, two ordinary but imaginative chickens living on a small farm with their parents and brother, display the resiliency of children even when faced with issues such as the loss of a loved one.
A plethora of other colorful characters from goats to rabbits are sure to entertain with their antics and insights. As the readers find out what happens to Roberta and Mildred’s brother Edward when he goes fishing, what birthday surprise is in store for Betsy Woolrich, or what lesson Kimmy Curlytail learns when she keeps something that is not hers, they will be drawn in as surely as if they themselves were present.
4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
I speak at schools, libraries, or clubs to which I am invited. With children, I speak about my book, reading, and writing. With adults, I generally speak about the writing process and my publishing experiences.
5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
I did a book signing at the local Barnes and Noble in my area and shortly thereafter, I received a call stating that they had a mailing tube for me that someone had dropped off at the store. I stopped by the next day to see what it contained and was pleasantly surprised to find a large pencil sketch of my daughter sitting on my lap reading out of my book. With the sketch was a letter from a retired grocery worker who was also an amateur artist. He stated that he had seen a picture of me and my daughter in the news paper and had decided to use it for sketch material. He went on to say that his father had written many books but had never been published and he wished me much success.
I also received letters from two young girls who had read and enjoyed my book. These pieces of fan mail are so special and most humbling. I still have a hard time believing that people are sending “ME” fan mail.
6. Where can your books be purchased?
My books can be purchased almost anywhere online:
Amazonhttp://amzn.com/1617395277
Barnes and Noblehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fern-valley-aileen-stewart/1100074715
Parable Christian Bookshttp://www.parable.com/i.Fern-Valley-A-Collection-of-Short-Stories-Stewart-Aileen.9781617395277
Tate Publishing http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61739-527-7
7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?
My website is “Fun For Kids” @ http://aileenw4bobbyg.tripod.com
I blog @ http://www.AileenWStewart.blogspot.com
My FB Fan Page can be found @ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fern-Valley/10973681575655
My Twitter Name is @AileenWStewart
8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
Although I have a degree in Business and a Certificate in Sales and Marketing, I think the biggest surprise authorhood has brought me is the realization of how difficult marketing really is in practical application.
9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?
Generally speaking, I am an optimistic sort of a person and don’t get down too often; but when I do, my family reminds me of how far the Lord has already brought me in the writing process. Looking back, I can definitely see a pattern of the Lord blessing what I put my hand to and this is usually enough to cause me to shake off any doldrums and be encouraged once again.
10. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I’m not sure that I actually had a favorite toy, but some of my most memorable toys were my Barbies, my Holly Hobby Colorform Country Store, and my Light Bright Set. Not only did my brother and I love our Light Bright, but our cat did as well. She would take a peg and carry it to the top of our staircase and drop it, watching it roll all the way to the bottom. She would then run down, collect the peg, and start all over. Watching her play was very entertaining. When it came to outside toys, I would have to say that the sandbox my dad made out of an old tractor tire was number one on the list of fun toys.
My little boys would pull away from me when they were toddlers and feel that I was holding them too close. I just wanted to keep on squeezing them and breathing in their 'little boy sweetness/toughness'. There was nothing like it.
I had to release them and let them go on their way to their next adventure as well as let them grow up. As a mother, it is challenging to allow the kiddos to grow up. The hardest part is that sometimes they grow away as they grow up and move on.
The hope is that when they come home for visits, they find love, home, and happy memories. I hope they find a mother and daddy full of the love of God.
I pray that they see that love pulls them into our heart from their first breath and after it is planted, it never goes away. It doesn't matter how many miles or ideas separate us.
I have to admit that I still feel like that young mother who wanted to squeeze tightly and make them submit to my will. Only now, I have to watch as they don't just toddle off to their adventures, but as they make decisions that affect their eternal destiny.
May they always realize that my heart has never let go and my prayers are squeezing them closer. My love is strong, but God's is stronger.
Today I would like to introduce you to another author friend of mine. Meet Aileen Stewart. She has written a delightful children's book that reminds me of the Uncle Wiggley series my boys loved reading years ago.
Aileen Stewart ~ Children’s Author ~ Fern Valley ~ http://aileenw4bobbyg.tripod.com
1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
I had my first taste of writing when I was in fourth grade and won honorable mention in a poetry contest. This and the fact that my father was a freelance writer for hunting and fishing magazines and both my parents were great story tellers helped form my love of reading and writing. I spent many years writing poems and short stories, which I occasionally entered in contests, before I actually became serious about writing. It was while watching cartoons based on books, with my daughter, that I imagined myself writing a book. My husband was instrumental in encouraging me to follow my dream and FernValley-A Collection of Short Stories was born.
2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
Basically I never outgrew my enjoyment of children and young adult books, so it seemed natural for me to choose to write a children’s book. To me there is something fresh, innocent, and joyful about writing for children. It is also a way to revisit my childhood and the memories I have from that time and incorporate them into modern day stories.
3. Please tell about each title here:
Let children discover Fern Valley, and they will step back in time to a place where a nineteen fifties small town feel brings a sense of peace and security. A place where no one locks their doors and everyone knows everyone else. A place where above all, the characters know they are loved and supported by their families, friends, and even the surrounding community.
Told through the eyes of youthful farm animals, this work is a series of short stories about children, their feelings, and how they deal with life. Characters such as Roberta and Mildred Cornstalk, two ordinary but imaginative chickens living on a small farm with their parents and brother, display the resiliency of children even when faced with issues such as the loss of a loved one.
A plethora of other colorful characters from goats to rabbits are sure to entertain with their antics and insights. As the readers find out what happens to Roberta and Mildred’s brother Edward when he goes fishing, what birthday surprise is in store for Betsy Woolrich, or what lesson Kimmy Curlytail learns when she keeps something that is not hers, they will be drawn in as surely as if they themselves were present.
4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
I speak at schools, libraries, or clubs to which I am invited. With children, I speak about my book, reading, and writing. With adults, I generally speak about the writing process and my publishing experiences.
5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
I did a book signing at the local Barnes and Noble in my area and shortly thereafter, I received a call stating that they had a mailing tube for me that someone had dropped off at the store. I stopped by the next day to see what it contained and was pleasantly surprised to find a large pencil sketch of my daughter sitting on my lap reading out of my book. With the sketch was a letter from a retired grocery worker who was also an amateur artist. He stated that he had seen a picture of me and my daughter in the news paper and had decided to use it for sketch material. He went on to say that his father had written many books but had never been published and he wished me much success.
I also received letters from two young girls who had read and enjoyed my book. These pieces of fan mail are so special and most humbling. I still have a hard time believing that people are sending “ME” fan mail.
6. Where can your books be purchased?
My books can be purchased almost anywhere online:
Amazonhttp://amzn.com/1617395277
Barnes and Noblehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fern-valley-aileen-stewart/1100074715
Parable Christian Bookshttp://www.parable.com/i.Fern-Valley-A-Collection-of-Short-Stories-Stewart-Aileen.9781617395277
Tate Publishing http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61739-527-7
7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?
My website is “Fun For Kids” @ http://aileenw4bobbyg.tripod.com
I blog @ http://www.AileenWStewart.blogspot.com
My FB Fan Page can be found @ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fern-Valley/10973681575655
My Twitter Name is @AileenWStewart
8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
Although I have a degree in Business and a Certificate in Sales and Marketing, I think the biggest surprise authorhood has brought me is the realization of how difficult marketing really is in practical application.
9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?
Generally speaking, I am an optimistic sort of a person and don’t get down too often; but when I do, my family reminds me of how far the Lord has already brought me in the writing process. Looking back, I can definitely see a pattern of the Lord blessing what I put my hand to and this is usually enough to cause me to shake off any doldrums and be encouraged once again.
10. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I’m not sure that I actually had a favorite toy, but some of my most memorable toys were my Barbies, my Holly Hobby Colorform Country Store, and my Light Bright Set. Not only did my brother and I love our Light Bright, but our cat did as well. She would take a peg and carry it to the top of our staircase and drop it, watching it roll all the way to the bottom. She would then run down, collect the peg, and start all over. Watching her play was very entertaining. When it came to outside toys, I would have to say that the sandbox my dad made out of an old tractor tire was number one on the list of fun toys.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
New Year New Day
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year Celebration. I find myself excited for the chance at a brand new start.
It reminds me that the Bible says that God's mercies are new every morning. God gives us strength through the day...every day. Remember that He is holding our hand and will be with us through each day.
Today I would like to introduce you to another author friend of mine. You will enjoy this interview with Mike Culbertson who writes Outdoor Humor, CampingTitle: Adventures that Bite adventuresthatbite.com
1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
How ironic, when did the writing bug bite and the title is 'Adventures that Bite.' Haha. The writing bug, mmm...I'd say the writing bug hit me with this last book 'Adventures that Bite.' I had so much fun embellishing stories that I fell into a different world. I'm sorry, the stories really are all true. I have been an author since 1988 when I wrote my first how-to book. The writing was just ok but the layout was horrible. Back then we didn't have Word Perfect and I ended up paying someone lots of money to do the layout. My editing skills were also in what I call the infant stage.
2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
Humor has always been a part of me and when I began this last book I finally felt free. Writing humor is so much fun. I do have another humor book written but needs more tweaking. Still working on the twist. If the publisher wills it, the title might be 'Adventures that gave me the Willies.'I think everyone wants to write a mystery and so do I. Whether I could pull it off would be a different story. The hero in my mind has been established but not on paper. A page turner might develop but not anytime soon.
3. Please tell about each title here:
The Backyard Tanner - How-to-book, tanning hides and furs, antler mountingAdventures that Bite - Campfire tales of dangerous creatures (mosquitos, porcupine, bobcat, bear, etc.) Adventures that gave me the Willies - Still cranking out the twist.
4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
Have only done one speaking engagement and had a ball. Every year the local library has a reading from a local author to kick off the camping season in late spring. One of the gals at the library had read my book and suggested to her superior that I should do the reading. After finding me via email it was confirmed. The library posted flyers and sent word to the schools. The place was packed and the questions kept a coming. Funny how out here in the Pacific Northwest, when camping stories are introduced, the name Bigfoot always comes up. One example from a listener, "you mean there are more than one of them?" Had a blast!
5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
When the manuscript was accepted by the publisher of my choice. It went something like this; Email from the publisher three months after submission...We have received your manuscript and it is currently under review. You should hear from us in 8 to 10 days.Email 10 minutes later...I have just finished two of your chapters and am still laughing. You are the funniest writer I have ever read and am willing to offer you a contract right now.
Mission accomplished.
6. Where can your books be purchased?
Amazon, tatepublishing.com or adventuresthatbite.com
At this time the audio is only available from Tate Publishing. I don't have a link on the website yet. In the last chapter 'Sasquatch the Savage Rock Chucker,' there is an actual sasquatch scream that sends the hairs up on yer neck. Skeptics beware.
7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?
Feel free to write me on the Adventures that Bite facebook page anytime. Hopefully I will have a contact button on the website soon.
8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
I guess when I was called an author, always considered myself a (well I can't use that word) a mmm...master storyteller.
9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?
Nothing lonely when I write, I get charged up from it. Almost always ok in my surroundings and try to be available when someone else is down. Haven't done it yet but if I do get a little down I'd probably make a phone call to one of my quirkie friends. Is that a word?
10. What is your favorite past time or hobby besides reading or writing?
Traditional archery, I love the smell of cedar.
It reminds me that the Bible says that God's mercies are new every morning. God gives us strength through the day...every day. Remember that He is holding our hand and will be with us through each day.
Today I would like to introduce you to another author friend of mine. You will enjoy this interview with Mike Culbertson who writes Outdoor Humor, CampingTitle: Adventures that Bite adventuresthatbite.com
1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
How ironic, when did the writing bug bite and the title is 'Adventures that Bite.' Haha. The writing bug, mmm...I'd say the writing bug hit me with this last book 'Adventures that Bite.' I had so much fun embellishing stories that I fell into a different world. I'm sorry, the stories really are all true. I have been an author since 1988 when I wrote my first how-to book. The writing was just ok but the layout was horrible. Back then we didn't have Word Perfect and I ended up paying someone lots of money to do the layout. My editing skills were also in what I call the infant stage.
2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
Humor has always been a part of me and when I began this last book I finally felt free. Writing humor is so much fun. I do have another humor book written but needs more tweaking. Still working on the twist. If the publisher wills it, the title might be 'Adventures that gave me the Willies.'I think everyone wants to write a mystery and so do I. Whether I could pull it off would be a different story. The hero in my mind has been established but not on paper. A page turner might develop but not anytime soon.
3. Please tell about each title here:
The Backyard Tanner - How-to-book, tanning hides and furs, antler mountingAdventures that Bite - Campfire tales of dangerous creatures (mosquitos, porcupine, bobcat, bear, etc.) Adventures that gave me the Willies - Still cranking out the twist.
4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
Have only done one speaking engagement and had a ball. Every year the local library has a reading from a local author to kick off the camping season in late spring. One of the gals at the library had read my book and suggested to her superior that I should do the reading. After finding me via email it was confirmed. The library posted flyers and sent word to the schools. The place was packed and the questions kept a coming. Funny how out here in the Pacific Northwest, when camping stories are introduced, the name Bigfoot always comes up. One example from a listener, "you mean there are more than one of them?" Had a blast!
5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
When the manuscript was accepted by the publisher of my choice. It went something like this; Email from the publisher three months after submission...We have received your manuscript and it is currently under review. You should hear from us in 8 to 10 days.Email 10 minutes later...I have just finished two of your chapters and am still laughing. You are the funniest writer I have ever read and am willing to offer you a contract right now.
Mission accomplished.
6. Where can your books be purchased?
Amazon, tatepublishing.com or adventuresthatbite.com
At this time the audio is only available from Tate Publishing. I don't have a link on the website yet. In the last chapter 'Sasquatch the Savage Rock Chucker,' there is an actual sasquatch scream that sends the hairs up on yer neck. Skeptics beware.
7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?
Feel free to write me on the Adventures that Bite facebook page anytime. Hopefully I will have a contact button on the website soon.
8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
I guess when I was called an author, always considered myself a (well I can't use that word) a mmm...master storyteller.
9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?
Nothing lonely when I write, I get charged up from it. Almost always ok in my surroundings and try to be available when someone else is down. Haven't done it yet but if I do get a little down I'd probably make a phone call to one of my quirkie friends. Is that a word?
10. What is your favorite past time or hobby besides reading or writing?
Traditional archery, I love the smell of cedar.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
It Could Happen Anywhere
I was going to start the interviews of my author friends after January began, but last night one of them sent me the answers to the interview questions and I had to share this interview now. I cried when I read about this woman's life. It began so typically, but in a day, everything changed for her and her country.
Somehow, here in the United States, we feel insulated from this kind of thing. After reading this I realize that it could happen here or anywhere.
The thing that stood out to me is that she has a very joyful personality even after everything she has been through. You will not feel depressed after reading this interview. She is a very positive person. Please read the interview with my new acquaintance, Sanela Jurich.
My name is: Sanela Ramic Jurich
My genre: 1.Fiction / Historical 2.Fiction / War & Military (Although I wanted it to be Romance).
The title of my book is: Remember Me
My website: http://www.sanelajurich.tateauthor.com
1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
I've been a published author since June 7th, 2011, but I knew I was going to be one ever since I can remember.
I heard someone say once that in order to become a writer, you don’t just learn the skill; you have to be born with it. It’s inside you all along. It’s your calling.
I strongly believe this to be true. I remember exactly the first set of books I’ve ever read. It was Greek Mythology given to me by an old neighbor. I was seven years old at the time.
I know, you might say that Greek Mythology is too complex for a seven-year-old, but to my-seven-year-old mind, this was fairy tales. I loved reading about those strong, smart, wise Gods and gorgeous Goddesses.
And as I was growing up, each time I’d feel lonely, or sad, I’d always go back and read those wonderful stories that never failed to inspire and make me feel better.
Soon after I read those, I had my library ticket and was spending most of my after-school time there. My parents didn’t mind, since they both worked. I was left alone a lot, so the fact that I’d actually enjoyed being in a library was kind of like a relief to them.
I absolutely loved reading and so, in my heart, I knew that some day I was going to write cool stories to make people laugh and feel good.
I wasn’t going to write sad stories; all of them were going to be happy and fun. Filled with love. I’d sometimes write short stories just to amuse myself. They were filled with child’s imagination, funny names, and, always, love…
At some point, I'd even started to think like I was reading a book. For example:
I’m having a normal conversation with a friend or someone, at the end of their sentence, I’d think to myself something like: She said, as she looked away. Or... she stated, but the icy look in her eyes said otherwise….
I learned to read people’s facial expressions at a very young age. It was all so amusing to me. I loved being in a crowd - like in a crowded bus. I’d hide in the back and just watch people, telling myself their stories, just by reading their facial expressions and body language…. I’d usually make them funny.
When I was fifteen, my whole life changed in a blink of an eye. The world I saw through my fifteen-year-old eyes was not innocent and pretty. It was filled with death, sadness, and hatred.
You see, I was born in this cute town of northern Bosnia, called Prijedor. Now days, this town is known for its horrible concentration camps that were run by the Serbs in 1992.
I know, when you hear the words “concentration camps” you think of the World War II and Nazis. But no, this was not our grandparents generation time, this was our generation, 1992… on the threshold of the 21 century.
I remember my parents talking and thinking that war was going to end before it had even started… the world would not let another Nazi genocide go on.
But, to our surprise, the world did let it happen. It went on for four years: Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing, Concentration Camps, raping and slaughtering women and children…
It all happened.
And so my writing had to be put on hold....
When I had finally moved to the United States in 1993, I was a completely changed person then. My dream of becoming a writer became just that… a dream; so distant and unreachable. I thought that even if, somehow, I managed to learn enough English, I could never write happy, fun stories any more. My mind was reset and it was filled with darkness, pain, and distrust.
But in time, little by little, my sense of humor returned. The writer in me was getting tired of being quiet. So I'd started thinking like I was in a book again.
For example; I’d go to the Six Flags with my husband, children, and our friends, but because I’m afraid of heights, I wouldn’t go on any of the rides... (I know... I bore myself sometimes too).
So, anyway, I’d sit on the bench and wait for them to get off their rides. It’s perfect because the place is always crowded which gives me a chance to just watch people undetected. For example, I'd see a guy talking to a girl. I'd watch their facial expressions and body language to determine whether they like each other, so my inner analogue would go something like: “I don’t care,” she said firmly. Turning around, she smiled, ever so slightly.... Etc.
One day in July of 2009 on my way to work, I'd dropped off my two boys over at my mom’s house. She had made some comment about my kids, which got me a little upset and I thought to myself, boy, if this was a book, that comment would be perfect…
And so, my mind had started building a web of events and before I knew it, I had about three chapters. The character of Sabina, the mother, was born…
2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
Honestly, I didn't chose this genre. It kind of chose me. When I first started writing this book, it was going to be a romantic tale between Johnny and Selma. However, as I was writing it, the story itself took me to a completely different direction then what I'd previously had in mind. I know it sounds kinda crazy, but it's true.
What's amazing about writing is the fact that you never really know where you'll end up. Your characters take on a life of their own and you just go with it.
So anyway, Selma and Johnny fall in love when she is sixteen. They get separated by the war. The story is told from Selma's point of you, so she tells you about her falling in love, then being taken away from home and thrown into a concentration camp where she gets raped and tortured repeatedly.
When she finally gets out, she's broken beyond repair and doesn't want Johnny to know of anything that she'd been through. On their way out of their home town, she witnesses Johnny getting killed by one of the soldiers...
However, as I said before, the romantic in me could not let my book have an unhappy ending, so I'd found a way to bring Johnny back into the picture and restore Selma's faith in God.
At the end, love prevails and they live happily ever after.
So, I thought the genre was definitely going to be romance, but the experts at Tate said it was Historical... I guess it's a little bit of everything.
3. Please tell about each title here:
So far I only published one book - Remember Me.
I did, however, sign another contract with Tate Publishing and am waiting for my second novel to be sent to production. It's going to be a sequel to Remember Me. Not sure what the title is going to be yet.
4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
Yes, I do.
The subject that people seem to be most interested in is my own story of how I became an author.
Others ask questions about my experience in Bosnia, and so I talk a little bit about both.
5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
Getting some things out into the open and having people read and comment about my work.
6. Where can your books be purchased?
My book can be purchased anywhere books are sold: Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, etc. It can also be purchased directly from my websitewww.sanelajurich.tateauthor.com and Tate Publishing's website as well. Also, autographed copies can be ordered from my website via PayPal.
7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?
I can be reached through my website and Facebook:www.facebook.com/sanela.jurich
8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
I was really surprised at how much marketing I have to do myself. I was one of those people who thought that the hardest part was behind me once I signed that contract with the publisher. Boy, was I wrong, haha!
However, I try to look at it in a positive way and enjoy every single moment of it. I am loving every step and the experience I'm gaining. There is absolutely nothing in the world I'd rather be doing than writing and then sharing it with others.
9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?
They buy me books and leave me alone, haha!
10. What is the last song you sang while you were all alone at the top of your voice and where were you?
It was an old song by Boys II Men - End of the Road.
I was in the kitchen loading up my dishwasher. I thought I was alone until I heard soft giggles coming from behind me. My nine year old son, Denny and my four year old son, Devin were cracking up. They find it hilarious that I have an accent even when I sing.
Somehow, here in the United States, we feel insulated from this kind of thing. After reading this I realize that it could happen here or anywhere.
The thing that stood out to me is that she has a very joyful personality even after everything she has been through. You will not feel depressed after reading this interview. She is a very positive person. Please read the interview with my new acquaintance, Sanela Jurich.
My name is: Sanela Ramic Jurich
My genre: 1.Fiction / Historical 2.Fiction / War & Military (Although I wanted it to be Romance).
The title of my book is: Remember Me
My website: http://www.sanelajurich.tateauthor.com
1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
I've been a published author since June 7th, 2011, but I knew I was going to be one ever since I can remember.
I heard someone say once that in order to become a writer, you don’t just learn the skill; you have to be born with it. It’s inside you all along. It’s your calling.
I strongly believe this to be true. I remember exactly the first set of books I’ve ever read. It was Greek Mythology given to me by an old neighbor. I was seven years old at the time.
I know, you might say that Greek Mythology is too complex for a seven-year-old, but to my-seven-year-old mind, this was fairy tales. I loved reading about those strong, smart, wise Gods and gorgeous Goddesses.
And as I was growing up, each time I’d feel lonely, or sad, I’d always go back and read those wonderful stories that never failed to inspire and make me feel better.
Soon after I read those, I had my library ticket and was spending most of my after-school time there. My parents didn’t mind, since they both worked. I was left alone a lot, so the fact that I’d actually enjoyed being in a library was kind of like a relief to them.
I absolutely loved reading and so, in my heart, I knew that some day I was going to write cool stories to make people laugh and feel good.
I wasn’t going to write sad stories; all of them were going to be happy and fun. Filled with love. I’d sometimes write short stories just to amuse myself. They were filled with child’s imagination, funny names, and, always, love…
At some point, I'd even started to think like I was reading a book. For example:
I’m having a normal conversation with a friend or someone, at the end of their sentence, I’d think to myself something like: She said, as she looked away. Or... she stated, but the icy look in her eyes said otherwise….
I learned to read people’s facial expressions at a very young age. It was all so amusing to me. I loved being in a crowd - like in a crowded bus. I’d hide in the back and just watch people, telling myself their stories, just by reading their facial expressions and body language…. I’d usually make them funny.
When I was fifteen, my whole life changed in a blink of an eye. The world I saw through my fifteen-year-old eyes was not innocent and pretty. It was filled with death, sadness, and hatred.
You see, I was born in this cute town of northern Bosnia, called Prijedor. Now days, this town is known for its horrible concentration camps that were run by the Serbs in 1992.
I know, when you hear the words “concentration camps” you think of the World War II and Nazis. But no, this was not our grandparents generation time, this was our generation, 1992… on the threshold of the 21 century.
I remember my parents talking and thinking that war was going to end before it had even started… the world would not let another Nazi genocide go on.
But, to our surprise, the world did let it happen. It went on for four years: Genocide, Ethnic Cleansing, Concentration Camps, raping and slaughtering women and children…
It all happened.
And so my writing had to be put on hold....
When I had finally moved to the United States in 1993, I was a completely changed person then. My dream of becoming a writer became just that… a dream; so distant and unreachable. I thought that even if, somehow, I managed to learn enough English, I could never write happy, fun stories any more. My mind was reset and it was filled with darkness, pain, and distrust.
But in time, little by little, my sense of humor returned. The writer in me was getting tired of being quiet. So I'd started thinking like I was in a book again.
For example; I’d go to the Six Flags with my husband, children, and our friends, but because I’m afraid of heights, I wouldn’t go on any of the rides... (I know... I bore myself sometimes too).
So, anyway, I’d sit on the bench and wait for them to get off their rides. It’s perfect because the place is always crowded which gives me a chance to just watch people undetected. For example, I'd see a guy talking to a girl. I'd watch their facial expressions and body language to determine whether they like each other, so my inner analogue would go something like: “I don’t care,” she said firmly. Turning around, she smiled, ever so slightly.... Etc.
One day in July of 2009 on my way to work, I'd dropped off my two boys over at my mom’s house. She had made some comment about my kids, which got me a little upset and I thought to myself, boy, if this was a book, that comment would be perfect…
And so, my mind had started building a web of events and before I knew it, I had about three chapters. The character of Sabina, the mother, was born…
2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
Honestly, I didn't chose this genre. It kind of chose me. When I first started writing this book, it was going to be a romantic tale between Johnny and Selma. However, as I was writing it, the story itself took me to a completely different direction then what I'd previously had in mind. I know it sounds kinda crazy, but it's true.
What's amazing about writing is the fact that you never really know where you'll end up. Your characters take on a life of their own and you just go with it.
So anyway, Selma and Johnny fall in love when she is sixteen. They get separated by the war. The story is told from Selma's point of you, so she tells you about her falling in love, then being taken away from home and thrown into a concentration camp where she gets raped and tortured repeatedly.
When she finally gets out, she's broken beyond repair and doesn't want Johnny to know of anything that she'd been through. On their way out of their home town, she witnesses Johnny getting killed by one of the soldiers...
However, as I said before, the romantic in me could not let my book have an unhappy ending, so I'd found a way to bring Johnny back into the picture and restore Selma's faith in God.
At the end, love prevails and they live happily ever after.
So, I thought the genre was definitely going to be romance, but the experts at Tate said it was Historical... I guess it's a little bit of everything.
3. Please tell about each title here:
So far I only published one book - Remember Me.
I did, however, sign another contract with Tate Publishing and am waiting for my second novel to be sent to production. It's going to be a sequel to Remember Me. Not sure what the title is going to be yet.
4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
Yes, I do.
The subject that people seem to be most interested in is my own story of how I became an author.
Others ask questions about my experience in Bosnia, and so I talk a little bit about both.
5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
Getting some things out into the open and having people read and comment about my work.
6. Where can your books be purchased?
My book can be purchased anywhere books are sold: Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, etc. It can also be purchased directly from my websitewww.sanelajurich.tateauthor.com and Tate Publishing's website as well. Also, autographed copies can be ordered from my website via PayPal.
7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?
I can be reached through my website and Facebook:www.facebook.com/sanela.jurich
8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
I was really surprised at how much marketing I have to do myself. I was one of those people who thought that the hardest part was behind me once I signed that contract with the publisher. Boy, was I wrong, haha!
However, I try to look at it in a positive way and enjoy every single moment of it. I am loving every step and the experience I'm gaining. There is absolutely nothing in the world I'd rather be doing than writing and then sharing it with others.
9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?
They buy me books and leave me alone, haha!
10. What is the last song you sang while you were all alone at the top of your voice and where were you?
It was an old song by Boys II Men - End of the Road.
I was in the kitchen loading up my dishwasher. I thought I was alone until I heard soft giggles coming from behind me. My nine year old son, Denny and my four year old son, Devin were cracking up. They find it hilarious that I have an accent even when I sing.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Looking Back and Looking Forward
Last week I ordered a book. Actually, I ordered a lot of book for the Kindle that Terry gave me for an early Christmas present. The book I am talking about is the collection of blog post from this blog.
Every year, the book has been offered. I never followed through and had it done. I am very excited to hold it in my hands. It is supposed to arrive this Monday.
One of the reasons I am excited about having it in my hands is that I will be able to look up all the authors I have interviewed from the beginning of the blog until now. To see all of them in blog form is a lot of pages to go through.
I like that the book has a Table of Contents. That way I can find my author friends easily. I can also find posts that I have written and see how things have progressed from my first days of being a published author.
While I don't like to spend a lot of time looking back with regrets, I think it is good to reflect on where I have come from and dream of the places I hope to go.
It isn't even January yet and I am thinking of the adventure of 2012. God has taken my hand and lead me through doors that I would never had the courage to walk through without Him.
His dreams for me are bigger than anything I could imagine. There is a Scripture that speaks of this as well as the fact that He sings over me. New adventures are scary to me, but I know I am not alone as long as I keep holding onto God's hand. He has also given me a very supportive husband who believes in the dreams God has for me, too.
I urge you to reflect on the past and dream of the future in these last days of 2011. God bless you.
Every year, the book has been offered. I never followed through and had it done. I am very excited to hold it in my hands. It is supposed to arrive this Monday.
One of the reasons I am excited about having it in my hands is that I will be able to look up all the authors I have interviewed from the beginning of the blog until now. To see all of them in blog form is a lot of pages to go through.
I like that the book has a Table of Contents. That way I can find my author friends easily. I can also find posts that I have written and see how things have progressed from my first days of being a published author.
While I don't like to spend a lot of time looking back with regrets, I think it is good to reflect on where I have come from and dream of the places I hope to go.
It isn't even January yet and I am thinking of the adventure of 2012. God has taken my hand and lead me through doors that I would never had the courage to walk through without Him.
His dreams for me are bigger than anything I could imagine. There is a Scripture that speaks of this as well as the fact that He sings over me. New adventures are scary to me, but I know I am not alone as long as I keep holding onto God's hand. He has also given me a very supportive husband who believes in the dreams God has for me, too.
I urge you to reflect on the past and dream of the future in these last days of 2011. God bless you.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tick Tock the Game is Locked
I entered the unfamiliar place and looked around the expanse of the large building. The others were already gathered and enjoying refreshments and pleasant conversation. The organizer of the group looked up. Her smile was wide and friendly as she greeted me.
Her friendliness helped me calm down a little. She leaned close to my ear. "I think this is everyone. Is there anything else I need to tell them besides what is in your bio?"
"No, nothing more...thank you," I said.
The introduction sounded flowery and a little overdone in my ears. Did I actually write those words on my biography?
At times like these, there was a mental recording with words that other people had said to me throughout my life playing loudly in my head. Most of them were made by my mother.
Not all of the sound bites were negative, but I tend not to remember the positive words so much. "Just who do you think you are? If they really knew you, they wouldn't have asked you to speak to their group?"
I took a slow, deep breath to turn off the tape player that, by now had picked up speed and was threatening to drive me mad.
They were clapping. The woman nodded in my direction with a bit of panic in her eyes. She doesn't know if I am going to freak out and run out of here.
I stood behind the small podium and made eye contact with several of the club members. It was something I had learned from my short stint in my membership to Toastmasters.
I smiled. I placed my note cards on the podium and remembered to thank the organizer. It was a good thing that I wrote her name on the first card because I had no recollection of her name at the moment.
The club had asked me to speak to them about growing a membership. Somehow, that was the topic of the year in my speaking rounds.
The year before had been speeches about the epidemic of bullying. That was an uncomfortable, but necessary topic that needed to be exposed. I wasn't ready to let the subject go.
I began:
Tick tock,
the game is locked,
and nobody else can play.
Hooray!
and if they do
we'll take off our shoe,
and beat them till
they're black and blue.
The atmosphere in the room was so cold that I thought about breathing out to see if I could see my breath. I looked from one cold stare to the next.
"Yes, ladies, this was my first exposure to clubs. I learned this little rhyme by heart in the first month of first grade."
I scanned the room and saw some of the eyes soften. "Did you ever hear this when you were a kid?" I asked.
"Right off, I decided that I wasn't going to try to fit in to any of the clubs in first grade. That decision was made when one of my friends tried joining over and over.
"Every time she approached a group of girls, they joined hands and swung their arms back and forth saying the sing-song rhyme."
Someone nodded knowingly. "I secretly wished I belonged to a 'club' so I could say those words, too. Then, I didn't like myself too much for wanting to keep good little girls out of the little 'club'."
"Ladies, your club membership numbers are down because of this very thing. There are many of us who have been 'locked out' of clubs all of our lives."
Tears threatened my eyes and I felt a large lump form in my throat. I needed to tell something funny to lighten the mood. I couldn't allow myself to be this transparent.
I took out the pictures of my grandchildren that I carry with me for all my speeches. They were good for a laugh because they were not the normal poses of perfect smiling kids, but pictures of them in their more unflattering poses. The group seemed relieved to laugh when they saw the four of them frowning and pouting into the camera.
Good, the room warmed up some. The gravity of the message I had to bring to them drew me back. I had to be transparent.
"Tick tock the game is locked happens not only in grade school or organized men and women's clubs. It happens in churches and in neighborhoods and everywhere people gather together."
"It is a form of bullying, in my opinion, because it turns a person against themselves. They wonder why they aren't good enough to belong."
I thought of the many times I stood before the mirror and spoke to the reflection saying, "I don't belong."
"It can happen in families. Tick tock the family is locked and no one else can stay.. or fit in...or ...matter.
"Ladies, if you want your club to grow, open your arms. Don't lock them. Extend love and help. Think of ways to bless and your club will overflow. It won't be known as an 'exclusive club', but an inclusive one.
"Let's change the sing-song rhyme this time to say:
Tick tock
the game's not locked.
We need you to come and play.
If you do, you won't be blue
and we will help you find strength anew.
"You know, Jesus was locked out, too. There was no room for Him, either. If you have ever had 'tick tock' sung to you, I want you to realize that He understands.
"He has never sung that song to anyone. In fact, He says, Come unto Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Come and learn of Me."
I sat in the seat next to the organizer, Mrs. Whats her name, and she gave me a hug. "I was locked out of a lot of clubs in grade school and everywhere. You gave a talk that we needed to hear," she said.
After the minutes were read and the treasurer's report approved, the ladies filled small paper plates with cookies. Someone brought me a plate and some hot apple cider.
I could swallow again. I hadn't realized that my mouth had turned to cotton. One by one, they slipped up close and told me that they had experienced 'tick tock,'
I couldn't help but think, If we have all experienced being left out then, why oh why, do we leave other people out? Then, I remembered that I had wished that I could be one of the singers of the rhyme. God, forgive me!
Her friendliness helped me calm down a little. She leaned close to my ear. "I think this is everyone. Is there anything else I need to tell them besides what is in your bio?"
"No, nothing more...thank you," I said.
The introduction sounded flowery and a little overdone in my ears. Did I actually write those words on my biography?
At times like these, there was a mental recording with words that other people had said to me throughout my life playing loudly in my head. Most of them were made by my mother.
Not all of the sound bites were negative, but I tend not to remember the positive words so much. "Just who do you think you are? If they really knew you, they wouldn't have asked you to speak to their group?"
I took a slow, deep breath to turn off the tape player that, by now had picked up speed and was threatening to drive me mad.
They were clapping. The woman nodded in my direction with a bit of panic in her eyes. She doesn't know if I am going to freak out and run out of here.
I stood behind the small podium and made eye contact with several of the club members. It was something I had learned from my short stint in my membership to Toastmasters.
I smiled. I placed my note cards on the podium and remembered to thank the organizer. It was a good thing that I wrote her name on the first card because I had no recollection of her name at the moment.
The club had asked me to speak to them about growing a membership. Somehow, that was the topic of the year in my speaking rounds.
The year before had been speeches about the epidemic of bullying. That was an uncomfortable, but necessary topic that needed to be exposed. I wasn't ready to let the subject go.
I began:
Tick tock,
the game is locked,
and nobody else can play.
Hooray!
and if they do
we'll take off our shoe,
and beat them till
they're black and blue.
The atmosphere in the room was so cold that I thought about breathing out to see if I could see my breath. I looked from one cold stare to the next.
"Yes, ladies, this was my first exposure to clubs. I learned this little rhyme by heart in the first month of first grade."
I scanned the room and saw some of the eyes soften. "Did you ever hear this when you were a kid?" I asked.
"Right off, I decided that I wasn't going to try to fit in to any of the clubs in first grade. That decision was made when one of my friends tried joining over and over.
"Every time she approached a group of girls, they joined hands and swung their arms back and forth saying the sing-song rhyme."
Someone nodded knowingly. "I secretly wished I belonged to a 'club' so I could say those words, too. Then, I didn't like myself too much for wanting to keep good little girls out of the little 'club'."
"Ladies, your club membership numbers are down because of this very thing. There are many of us who have been 'locked out' of clubs all of our lives."
Tears threatened my eyes and I felt a large lump form in my throat. I needed to tell something funny to lighten the mood. I couldn't allow myself to be this transparent.
I took out the pictures of my grandchildren that I carry with me for all my speeches. They were good for a laugh because they were not the normal poses of perfect smiling kids, but pictures of them in their more unflattering poses. The group seemed relieved to laugh when they saw the four of them frowning and pouting into the camera.
Good, the room warmed up some. The gravity of the message I had to bring to them drew me back. I had to be transparent.
"Tick tock the game is locked happens not only in grade school or organized men and women's clubs. It happens in churches and in neighborhoods and everywhere people gather together."
"It is a form of bullying, in my opinion, because it turns a person against themselves. They wonder why they aren't good enough to belong."
I thought of the many times I stood before the mirror and spoke to the reflection saying, "I don't belong."
"It can happen in families. Tick tock the family is locked and no one else can stay.. or fit in...or ...matter.
"Ladies, if you want your club to grow, open your arms. Don't lock them. Extend love and help. Think of ways to bless and your club will overflow. It won't be known as an 'exclusive club', but an inclusive one.
"Let's change the sing-song rhyme this time to say:
Tick tock
the game's not locked.
We need you to come and play.
If you do, you won't be blue
and we will help you find strength anew.
"You know, Jesus was locked out, too. There was no room for Him, either. If you have ever had 'tick tock' sung to you, I want you to realize that He understands.
"He has never sung that song to anyone. In fact, He says, Come unto Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Come and learn of Me."
I sat in the seat next to the organizer, Mrs. Whats her name, and she gave me a hug. "I was locked out of a lot of clubs in grade school and everywhere. You gave a talk that we needed to hear," she said.
After the minutes were read and the treasurer's report approved, the ladies filled small paper plates with cookies. Someone brought me a plate and some hot apple cider.
I could swallow again. I hadn't realized that my mouth had turned to cotton. One by one, they slipped up close and told me that they had experienced 'tick tock,'
I couldn't help but think, If we have all experienced being left out then, why oh why, do we leave other people out? Then, I remembered that I had wished that I could be one of the singers of the rhyme. God, forgive me!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Words Flowing Like a River
Sometimes readers ask me what my process is when I write. The truth is, I don't really know. When I was a church secretary and women's ministry director, one of my responsibilities was to write an article for the church newsletter each month. It was this responsibility that caused me to push through and do the writing job.
The articles came from personal experiences and lessons I learned. I listened to sermons and read the Bible and found that many things stood out to me. I never knew how these thoughts would be used in my writing, but when the time came that I needed an article or a passage for a book I was writing, some of the inspiration flowed into the writing.
When I sit to write the story seems to be a movie playing in my head. I write what I see. It is very difficult to explain, but I feel blessed that this is what happens. I find that the computer is very helpful in finding passages of Scripture for issues the characters are facing.
November is a month that has an internet challenge attached to it. The challenge is called The National Novel Writing Month. The challenge is to write 50,000 words toward a book in the month of November.
This challenge is for anyone who wants to attempt to do it. There are no prizes except the satisfaction of doing something so difficult. Those who complete the challenge also get a badge for their website and blog. Some of my friends and family question my sanity when I decide to meet this challenge in a busy month like November.
Last year I wrote "The Eyes of a Stranger" during the challenge. This year I am writing Book I of the next series, "Some Happy Day". It is linked to the last series, but goes in a different direction.
In this challenge, the writers do not consider editing or rewrites. It is a dash to the finish. The months following November are for edits and finishing the rest of the novel. It is a blessing to be able to have an excuse to just write.
"Some Happy Day" is going very well. At this point I am at 21,000 words. The words are flowing like a river. I thank God every day for giving me these words to write and the time to write them. God is good and His mercy endures forever.
If you would like to read the first three rough chapters, click here on "Some Happy Day". You will be at my website. Click on the tab by the name "Some Happy Day."
The articles came from personal experiences and lessons I learned. I listened to sermons and read the Bible and found that many things stood out to me. I never knew how these thoughts would be used in my writing, but when the time came that I needed an article or a passage for a book I was writing, some of the inspiration flowed into the writing.
When I sit to write the story seems to be a movie playing in my head. I write what I see. It is very difficult to explain, but I feel blessed that this is what happens. I find that the computer is very helpful in finding passages of Scripture for issues the characters are facing.
November is a month that has an internet challenge attached to it. The challenge is called The National Novel Writing Month. The challenge is to write 50,000 words toward a book in the month of November.
This challenge is for anyone who wants to attempt to do it. There are no prizes except the satisfaction of doing something so difficult. Those who complete the challenge also get a badge for their website and blog. Some of my friends and family question my sanity when I decide to meet this challenge in a busy month like November.
Last year I wrote "The Eyes of a Stranger" during the challenge. This year I am writing Book I of the next series, "Some Happy Day". It is linked to the last series, but goes in a different direction.
In this challenge, the writers do not consider editing or rewrites. It is a dash to the finish. The months following November are for edits and finishing the rest of the novel. It is a blessing to be able to have an excuse to just write.
"Some Happy Day" is going very well. At this point I am at 21,000 words. The words are flowing like a river. I thank God every day for giving me these words to write and the time to write them. God is good and His mercy endures forever.
If you would like to read the first three rough chapters, click here on "Some Happy Day". You will be at my website. Click on the tab by the name "Some Happy Day."
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Deep Cleaning
Sometimes it is a struggle to keep on top of housework. I enjoy having a tidy home so that when people drop in for a visit, I am not ashamed. A lot of things that I do are surface cleaning. I breeze through the house and use the feather duster and keep the dishes in the dishwasher changed out so that all looks really clean as well as a lot of small chores.
We have hardwood floors with a large area rug in our 1929 era home. I spot clean that monster every now and again. It is a cream color with pink roses on it. I thought I had been doing a pretty good job on it until I got a really crazy idea. (DO NOT DO THIS AT HOME.)
I vacuumed the rug and spot cleaned it, as usual, then I carried it to the deck outside and rinsed it with a water hose! Oh my goodness! The grime that surfaced was unimaginable. I stomped on it in the way I saw Lucy of 'I love Lucy' when she stomped grapes. There was more and more dirty water!
I scooted my feet across the surface and tried to wring it out that way, but it still looked dirty. While I was in the middle of all of this, I remembered that it was really supposed to be dry cleaned. I was in over my head. It was my fault.
Some people may think my prayers tend to be silly, but I tell you, I prayed about this mistake I made. I also phoned my husband and told him of this infraction. He laughed and told me that we could take it to the car wash and power wash it there in the back of the pickup truck. While I was glad that he had a workable idea, I was too ashamed for anyone who might be at the carwash in our small town to see what I had done. (Can you relate?)
I hung the heavy wet mess over the rail of the deck and prayed that it wouldn't look like a dirty dog when it dried. It certainly looked like a dirty wet dog at the time I hung it out. It rained that night. We hadn't gotten any rain all summer. Oh well...
The next day, I peeked out the sliding glass door. It looked okay. When I touched it, it was dry. I lugged it into the living room and put it on the floor. It was ruffled around the edges...just a little. After I anchored the worst of the ruffles down with a coffee table, the rest looked like it might smooth out with the vac. After I ran the vac over it, there were a couple of ruffles, but it wasn't bad. It felt a little "crunchy" instead of soft, but it looked okay.
What on earth does this have to do with God? I have to tell you that I am a simple woman. God uses these kinds of things to teach me a lesson. Hang in there with me, please.
While I was going through this mess that I created for myself, I thought of all the times I tried to clean myself up on the inside. I made promises to myself and others that I would be more patient, more kind, more loving, more forgiving...and the list goes on. That was like 'spot cleaning' myself. The spots ran deeper than the surface.
The Bible says that our own righteousness is like filthy rags. I can identify with that. If we compare ourself with other people, we might look pretty good, but when we get closer to God, we see that we fall so short of clean. When we realize that we cannot do this for ourselves and place ourselves into His hands, He pulls us to His side and covers us with His robe of righteousness so that our sins are covered.
Psalms 51:7b Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
In church this past Sunday, our pastor brought out the fact that in order to not become polluted by the things around us, we must keep full of God. An artisian well springs out and even flood waters will not corrupt it because fresh water is flowing out of it at all times.
God is the manufacturer of the joy, peace, patience, and all the good things that spring up out of us. If we allow Him to be this wellspring of life in us, there is no need to 'spot clean'. I am so glad that I don't have to do this on my own.
We have hardwood floors with a large area rug in our 1929 era home. I spot clean that monster every now and again. It is a cream color with pink roses on it. I thought I had been doing a pretty good job on it until I got a really crazy idea. (DO NOT DO THIS AT HOME.)
I vacuumed the rug and spot cleaned it, as usual, then I carried it to the deck outside and rinsed it with a water hose! Oh my goodness! The grime that surfaced was unimaginable. I stomped on it in the way I saw Lucy of 'I love Lucy' when she stomped grapes. There was more and more dirty water!
I scooted my feet across the surface and tried to wring it out that way, but it still looked dirty. While I was in the middle of all of this, I remembered that it was really supposed to be dry cleaned. I was in over my head. It was my fault.
Some people may think my prayers tend to be silly, but I tell you, I prayed about this mistake I made. I also phoned my husband and told him of this infraction. He laughed and told me that we could take it to the car wash and power wash it there in the back of the pickup truck. While I was glad that he had a workable idea, I was too ashamed for anyone who might be at the carwash in our small town to see what I had done. (Can you relate?)
I hung the heavy wet mess over the rail of the deck and prayed that it wouldn't look like a dirty dog when it dried. It certainly looked like a dirty wet dog at the time I hung it out. It rained that night. We hadn't gotten any rain all summer. Oh well...
The next day, I peeked out the sliding glass door. It looked okay. When I touched it, it was dry. I lugged it into the living room and put it on the floor. It was ruffled around the edges...just a little. After I anchored the worst of the ruffles down with a coffee table, the rest looked like it might smooth out with the vac. After I ran the vac over it, there were a couple of ruffles, but it wasn't bad. It felt a little "crunchy" instead of soft, but it looked okay.
What on earth does this have to do with God? I have to tell you that I am a simple woman. God uses these kinds of things to teach me a lesson. Hang in there with me, please.
While I was going through this mess that I created for myself, I thought of all the times I tried to clean myself up on the inside. I made promises to myself and others that I would be more patient, more kind, more loving, more forgiving...and the list goes on. That was like 'spot cleaning' myself. The spots ran deeper than the surface.
The Bible says that our own righteousness is like filthy rags. I can identify with that. If we compare ourself with other people, we might look pretty good, but when we get closer to God, we see that we fall so short of clean. When we realize that we cannot do this for ourselves and place ourselves into His hands, He pulls us to His side and covers us with His robe of righteousness so that our sins are covered.
Psalms 51:7b Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
In church this past Sunday, our pastor brought out the fact that in order to not become polluted by the things around us, we must keep full of God. An artisian well springs out and even flood waters will not corrupt it because fresh water is flowing out of it at all times.
God is the manufacturer of the joy, peace, patience, and all the good things that spring up out of us. If we allow Him to be this wellspring of life in us, there is no need to 'spot clean'. I am so glad that I don't have to do this on my own.
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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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