Titles By Elaine Littau:

Nan's Heritage Series:


Book I, Nan's Journey

Book II, Elk's Resolve

Book III, Luke's Legacy

Book IV, The Eyes of a Stranger

Book V, Timothy's Home



From the next series - Rescued...A Series of Hope:



Book I, Some Happy Day

Book II, Capture the Wandering Heart

Book III, Walk Slowly Through the Dark



New Series- Nashville

Book I, Six Miles From Nashville

Book II, Christmas in Nashville (Coming soon)





go to http://elainelittau.com/ to order.







I have the first 3 chapters of "Some Happy Day" available to readers for free on my website, http://elainelittau.com/







Monday, December 29, 2008

Progress Continues on "Elk's Resolve" the Sequel to "Nan's Journey"

I am happy to say that the progress on the sequel to "Nan's Journey" is moving along steadily. At this time the script for the "Elk's Resolve" audio book is completed. Terry and I have made our selections on the voice to deliver the story. Also, the book cover selections have been sent to me and I polled our family and some of our friends about their opinion on them. Tate does such a good job that is it difficult to make the selection. Soon I will post the finished product selection for the book cover of "Elk's Resolve"."Elk's Resolve" is the continuation of the story begun in "Nan's Journey". The question of "What happened to the baby?" is answered and more issues are addressed. The main thought behind this book is dealing with depression, prejudice and demonic attack. Hopefully, the reader will be encouraged and uplifted after finishing the last page of this book.I don't want to write for the sake of writing. I want to bring hope and help to people who read my stuff. I have been in prayer for everyone who reads these stories, praying that they will find the help they need through our Lord.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Reflection of 2008

My best friend from Jr. High and High School sent me a Christmas card with a sweet note jotted in it. She reminded me that 2008 has been a remarkable year for me. I was struck that she wrote about me instead of herself. (I want to know her things too!) The point is: She spent those several words encouraging me. That is so like her!Sometimes I get bogged down with talking about the book and promoting, selling, and writing, that I forget how awesome it is that it is published. Man alive, IT IS PUBLISHED!!! If you know me, you know that I'm not all that...but God is! You may not believe in miracles, but I want to tell you, This has been a real life miracle!2008 has been a year of discovering priorities. What is my platform? What am I trying to say? What is important to me? What will I spend my time on? What will I spend my money on?Answers to these questions coming soon...I will have to chew on them a bit to put the right words to it.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Libraries and Prisons

Libraries and Prisons??? What are you talking about? I just wanted to say that they are my favorite places to give books to. This morning I gave a copy of my audio book to my local library. I have also given away a bunch of hard copies of "Nan's Journey" to school and public libraries and prison libraries.There is a process for giving to prisons. You have to find someone connected to a ministry or service to a particular prison that is authorized to take a copy in to the library. If you are reading this and have access to this type of ministry, contact me. We will see about getting a copy into the prison or library you have in mind.Right now I am in the middle of preparing the manuscript for "Elk's Resolve" for the audio process. It is exciting to see the sequel to "Nan's Journey" come along. It has made it through the first stage of the conceptual edits and now I am waiting for the next editing step. I should get some selections to choose from for the book cover soon. It is a fun process. I will keep you updated. Be sure to check in and not miss anything.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Elks Resolve edits are Moving Along

I am excited. It looks like I will make my deadline on the edits to Elk's Resolve! Another point of interest is that the pre-orders are moving along very well. If you want to be sure that you are on the list for a pre-release copy of Elk's Resolve, comment here.

The editor I have been assigned to on this book is great. She has given me many encouraging notes on what I have written. She has also guided me and helped me correct some of the things I overlooked in the manuscript. In many ways I believe that Elk's Resolve is even better than Nan's Journey. If course Nan will always have a special place in my heart.

I can hardly wait to get the copies of Elk's Resolve in my hands.

If you have read the older posts on this blog, you know that the third book is written. Luke's Legacy carries on the story. Right now it is in a contest. One of the specifications was that the manuscript could not be one under consideration by a publisher. I am very excited about Luke! The Fourth book is still in the first chapter. I have had a lot on my plate this month so I haven't written on it since Thanksgiving. You are going to love it! It is yet un-named.

I want you to know that I am working very hard to be sure that each book is able to stand on its own, but it is somehow connected with the other ...so far. Each book will be unpredictable and have characters that you will care about. I hope my love for writing is reflected in each book.

Tell Me About Twitter.

I just joined twitter. What do you think of it? My name on there is nansjourney.

Monday, December 8, 2008

What Do You Think? Seriously!

For the book "Elk's Resolve" I have the option of having the creative department of Tate Publishing make a book trailer for me or they will make an abridged version of the book on CD. The CD would be 25% shorter than the book.The reason for the abridgment is so that the cost would be lower than it was for "Nan's Journey". In comparison to book sales, I have sold 35 copies of the audio CDs vs 1107 books. I am torn about what to do.What do you think? Seriously!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Things are Moving Along

A lot of things have happened in the past week. Terry finished the hardwood floor! I will post a detailed account of that, but right now I want to talk about the craft show. It was sooooo fun! I visited with a bunch of very sweet people who came by my booth. They were very encouraging and many of them purchased copies of "Nan's Journey" to give for gifts as well as signing my list for the pre-orders of "Elk's Resolve". I appreciate everybody who stopped by.alsoMy editor returned my marked up copy of "Elk's Resolve" for my corrections. I have until Dec 15 to get it back to her. She was very thorough. I think she is just right for this book. The book cover designer will phone me tomorrow and discuss ideas for the cover of "Elk's Resolve". Things are really moving along.Do you have any cool ideas for the book cover?

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Go the Extra Mile

This morning I found a quote from a fellow author that really inspired me. "Go the extra mile, in the long run, its a short cut." - W. Dale Cramer author of "Summer of Light" (Cramer...mmmm my grandma's maiden name was Cramer...I wonder???)Back to the thought here, the statement is true isn't it. When we rush through and try to hurry the process up we end up going back to explain or fix something. How does this apply to you today? I know it applies to me in almost every area whether it be writing, proof reading, or home improvement.My poor hubby had to re-sand our dining room because I wiped it down with a dust mop that I was certain was clean. It was not and the stain grabbed hold of the dirt and made a very ugly mess. Bless his heart, he is so patient with me. He grumbled a little, but his heart is pure gold and he stayed sweet about it. After the sanding he re stained it and it is fine. (He applied the first coat of finish last night and it looks great....pictures soon.)How about going the extra mile in relationships? Terry does all the time. I attempt to but I struggle with impatience. I think I am going to chew on this quote by W. Dale Cramer for a while. It is a gold nugget of truth that will bring certain growth.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Marketing

Like many people who dream of becoming an author, I had some lofty ideas of what being a published author was like. It must have come from a "Hollywood" movie or something, but I had dreams of going up on a mountain in the quiet of the woods and typing away on my laptop while my publisher marketed my most recent brilliant work of fiction. There were visions of book signings with rabid fans waiting in long lines just to meet me. (Did I tell you I have a vivid imagination?) I hate to burst any one's bubble, but it just doesn't happen that way for most first timers out there.I am so blessed to find a publisher who will read unsolicited manuscripts. I participated in a web instruction event by a book agent. He said that most of the "stuff" he got in the mail was pitched after the first paragraph. If it didn't "grab him as something fresh and compelling" in those few words, it wasn't worthy of his time! After listening to his brilliance for an hour I was one very depressed author. The experience with Tate Publishing and Enterprises is a very personal one. Every phone conversation has been productive and helpful. The professionals assigned to each phase of the book development are invested in the success of each book.I have to say that marketing is not something I knew much about, but after reading a ton of information and studying the blogs of various authors and groups, I have gotten my feet wet. I keep a journal about every last thing that I have tried. Each attempt is marked with the number of books sold or people affected by the event. Every mail out is registered as to how many cards, letters, author/speaker brochures, or event fliers were sent and what the response was. I think I will have a better idea of how to spend my marketing dollars for my second book, "Elk's Resolve".At a book signing in a small book store the proprietor told me that Tate is very aggressive in putting their author's names and titles "out there". With every box of books from Ingram/Spring Arbour are fliers about the offerings from Tate authors. I was impressed with that bit of information. There have been time when I had felt that I was shouldering a lion's share of the marketing, but after talking with her, I realized that there is so much more to the publishing business than I will ever learn or know. I am glad to leave those parts to Tate. The very next time I looked at a blog from a group of authors, I saw that they were discussing how their "big house" publishers were having them do their own marketing. They were upset that times had changed. At this time those publishers are downsizing and a bunch or authors were let out of their contracts. I imagine they would be glad to do a little marketing if they had a chance.I said ALL of that to say this. Tate does a lot of things for the author that we do not see every day. Eventually we see the effects of it. It takes a lot of publicity to get name recognition for authors. If you don't believe me, ask "the man on the street" to name their favorite author. They will most likely say someone from the New York Times best sellers list. Then ask them who their favorite Christian author is or to name ten television preachers. I promise you that the majority of Christians are somewhat stumped. We have to be out there with our face and our voice connecting with people. That has been the best way that I have found to market my books.Elaine LittauTate Authorof"Nan's Journey" and "Elk's Resolve"

Monday, November 3, 2008

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

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

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

The Work Goes On

The epic of refinishing the hardwood floor continued...yesterday. Is there anyone else who has taken as long as we have? Terry only gets every Sunday off and every other Monday off. Boy oh boy...we live 120 miles from the large lumber yards. Our local lumber yard does not carry rental equipment. The rental shop here has old and damaged stuff as far as floor sanders go sooooo... We went to a town 60 miles away to rent from a mid-sized lumber yard. We got the sander and found that the horror stories we have heard were exaggerated.Terry decided that we would start with 60 grit paper instead of the roughest stuff. Our floor is in good condition so we didn't need the roughest. The floors look good. The next step is staining and then varnishing.One tip I think is worth knowing: Do rent the edge sander or get rough grit for an oscillating sander if you have one. It takes at least 40 grit to cut through the residue on the edges. Don't let the largeness of the job intimidate you. If we can do it, you can too. I will let you know how the staining and varnishing go...stay tuned...this may take some time. Hopefully all will be back to normal by Thanksgiving. That is my hope!!! and Terry's semi-promise.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

The Rough Draft of the Third Book in the Heritage Series is finished!

Monday I decided to drink some coffee and do a little writing on my day off. We are limited to the finished basement until we get the hardwood floors finished on our main floor. It may take a little time....That's another story...
Anyway, being in the basement with no natural light, I began writing and got lost in the story. I emerged periodically to eat and drink and all that but I returned to the basement. Before I knew it I heard footsteps overhead. Terry was home and I asked him why he was at home so early. He said that it was 7 p.m.! Wow! I had written all day!
The great thing about it was that I finished the rough draft of "Luke's Legacy". I am very proud of the story and I think readers of "Nan's Journey" and "Elk's Resolve" will be moved by this story about the "little brother and sister". I am entering it into a contest and hoping to place. Pray for me!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Women's Conference with Lisa Bevere

This weekend I am going to Oklahoma City to a women's conference featuring Lisa Bevere. I am so excited! When I first signed up to go I asked Tate Publishing to help me get a book signing in the hours after the conference on Saturday. It happens that the big Texas vs OU game is on that very weekend. We decided that a book signing would be unprofitable. Now I am so glad that I don't have an event of my own to distract me from the things I know I will learn at the Bevere conference.

I am looking forward to recharging my mental and spiritual batteries. I have been running on empty for awhile. (I heard you say airhead!) Anyway, I think these times away with no other agenda are vital to strong mental health. If you haven't taken time like this for yourself, consider it a priority. Give yourself permission to get away to a conference like this one or a ballgame or concert. These times bring texture to your life when everything seems bland.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

New Mexico Here I Come!

On Friday, September 26, I will be heading out to New Mexico after work. I will spend the night with my brother and his family and on Saturday hold two book signings. The first one will be at The Art of Beauty Salon and Spa located at 6200 NE BLVD Ste B in Albuquerque from 1-3 p.m. and the next will be at Hastings Booksellers at 12501 Candelaria Rd NE from 4-6 p.m.On Sunday I will be speaking at the First Assembly of God Church in Estancia, NM and enjoying a ladies luncheon following the services.I cannot tell you how excited I am about these events. It is great to visit with people and see their "take" on "Nan's Journey". Hopefully some of the issues represented withing the pages have rung true to real life. I am very interested in what the readers have to say.If you are in the area, please stop by and visit. I would like to meet you.One note of interest.... the second book in the series already has 82 people signed up for copies as soon as I get them. (about 3 months before the release date) If you have not emailed me or left a comment requesting one or more, please do it. I don't want you to have to wait to see..."What happened to the other baby?"

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Using Time Wisely

Right now the publisher has "Elk's Resolve" in the hands of the editors. This process is very slow. When they were working over "Nan's Journey" it drove me CRAZY! When I got frustrated at the process I began writing the sequel ...Elk. That really helped me deal with the pace of actually getting a book produced and released. It reminds me of having a baby. It takes 9 to 10 months. (My sons were born in their 10th month!!!)

At this time I am 3/4 through the third book in the series. I am very excited about it also. Other book ideas fly through my mind and I am taking notes and writing a few outlines for them also. I find the whole process of writing exciting! It is sort of like watching a movie in my mind. Writing while I am waiting through the steps to the release of the next book is a good use of time.

Balance is the key. I am still working on that. While going through the editing process and writing the new book I still am marketing and promoting "Nan's Journey". I have two book signings on Saturday. The first one is in Amarillo at Hastings at 2020 Georgia Street from 2-4 p.m. The next one is at Canyon, Texas at Hastings next to the new Walmart from 6-8 p.m. On September 27 I have several book signings at Albuquerque. One is at Hastings and one is at my niece's hair salon/spa. I will have a speaking engagement at her church,the Assembly of God in Moriarty, NM on September 28. After that I have some time at home before getting back on the road in October. It is fun because I love meeting the readers.

If you are interested in setting up a book signing for "Nan's Journey" or "Elk's Resolve" (when it is released) please leave a comment here.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Depression

One of the things that "Elk's Resolve" speaks of is depression. I am interested in what you have to say about it. You don't have to use your actual name.

1. In what way have you been impacted by depression?
2. What things helped you overcome it?
3. Are there indications that a person feels when a bout is coming on?
4. Do you have any other information or thoughts on this subject?

Please post on the guestbook. I think this is an important subject.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Tearing out part of the original hardwood floor

Today Terry was out of hours for driving his truck so he was home. After these few months, this was his first opportunity to really get into working on the hardwood floor since he patched the hole from the floor heater opening. He studied and studied the condition of the floor and even took out his belt sander and sanded the rougher spots and the spots with large gaps between the boards. He determined that the portion of the dining room that was in the worst condition had to come out.Yes, come out! He also said, "Boy, this is almost as bad as the can of worms I opened with the bathroom floor."I responded, "THIS IS THE CONTINUATION OF THE BATHROOM FLOOR!!!"We had a big laugh over that. He did find a store/dealer for hardwood that is 3/4" thick and 2 1/2" wide. It is either red or white oak. (kind of a bear to find) Anyway, after the dust and sawdust settled, we have a sub floor showing over 1/3 or the dining room floor. Such fun trying to keep the house presentable.This reminds me of the job of getting a book published. After it is accepted for publication, the work begins. One thing leads to another. First you write the book, then write the synopsis for the back cover. The next step is to get people to write reviews, then write acknowledgements, and dedications. There really are a lot of steps to it. It is a fun process.You would think that writing a synopsis of a book would be much easier than the book itself. I have to say that it has been a bigger challenge for me than you might think. Also, the author biography is a soul searching experience. "What have I done with my life?" or "Where have I been?" I find that I am so terribly ordinary.Now, let me tell a goofy story about Terry and I...THAT'S EASY AND FUN!!!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Elks Resolve book Teaser

Raised by a loving family in a Ute village, Elk faces the challenges of prejudice within the camp and the yearning of his heart to see the rest of the world. In “Elk’s Resolve”, Book II of the Heritage Series, author Elaine Littau, reveals characters who struggle with hatred, depression, loss, and fear.
Set against the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies of the 1800’s, “Elk’s Resolve” follows Elk as he discovers himself becoming the rescuer of a family at the verge of starvation. After a final conflict in the village of his youth Elk is driven to escape his past and the demons who taunt him. Guided by the hand of God he finds himself in the midst of the family he was cruelly separated from at birth. Full of passion, heartbreak, romance, rivalry, and hope, “Elk’s Resolve” will fascinate you from the first page.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Headed for Oregon
Terry and I are going to Oregon for a week. We plan to have fun with Terry's brother and his wife and also go to a coastal town called Tillamook for a book signing. When I spoke with the owner of the Cornerstone bookstore on Monday of this week she was worried about turnout for a book signing in her small store. I assured her that all was well and I wouldn't hold a grudge if I didn't sell a lot of copies of "Nan's Journey".She told me that her store is now for sale. Mmmmm....that sounds tempting don't you think? The Oregon coast is such a beautiful place in our country. I am excited to meet this friendly and kind woman and I hope that she is able to get a great price on her business. If you are in Tillamook, Oregon on Aug 4th from 2-4 p.m. I would love to meet you.This leads me to tell you a little story about book signings. They aren't really like they show them on television unless you are one of the people who have sold a gazillion copies of a book. Don't get discouraged when people walk quietly by trying not to make eye contact with you. They don't know you and don't know what a great book you are selling. Some of the funniest questions I get asked is: "Are you Nan?" or "Did you write this?" I don't really know of anyone who would sit in a bookstore for 2 hours at a table of books unless they were the person who wrote it. The skin has to grow thicker with each book signing. After 30 since November, I have a hide like an elephants as far as that goes...Not everyone is stand-offish. There are some pretty neat people who engage you in conversation. I love that! They each have so much to offer. I met people who have family connected with Tate Publishing and people who are writing books, articles, and short stories. I love to encourage them and tell them to keep going. Kids are fun because there are a lot of them who aspire to be a writer. "Just keep on writing!" is my usual reply because I think that when you enjoy something like writing, you need to continue doing it.Some of the people I have spoken with have become email friends. I enjoy email, myspace, shoutlife, facebook, and all those social networks. If you want to leave a comment or send an email, I will get back to you. If you are interested in the next book, "Elk's Resolve", be sure to let me know you want a pre-release copy and look at the blog I have for it. elksresolve.blogspot.com. I am going into the process from my end of the work of getting it into book form. All the editorial staff, cover design people, audio people, and the rest have a very big job ahead of them on this... I don't know all the ins and outs of what they do, but you will see what happens from my point of view on the elk blog.Thank you for stopping by

Monday, July 28, 2008

The Real Work Begins Now

The contract for "Elk's Resolve" has been signed and now the real work begins. At this time we are waiting to hear from the editors to set up our time table. I will update you on the process as things happen so you can go through it with me. (smile smile)

"Elk's Resolve" shares some characters with "Nan's Journey" and introduces a few more very colorful characters that I think you will enjoy. The point of view is the same as "Nan" was written in. The overall theme is about depression, spiritual warfare, and overcoming negative thoughts and behavior. The setting is Trinidad and Montrose, Colorado. (some of my favorite places on earth)

Answers to the questions raised in the first book will be answered. I have been accused of only writing "Nan's Journey" so that I could write a series. Yes, it does lend itself to a series and I am happily writing it as a series. Each book in the series features different characters. I could have written it in one book, but who wants to read a 450 page book! (I know there are people out there who love to read large books, but the rest of us need something more managable.)

The third book is almost at the half-way point on the first draft. I want to have it completed before the edits on "Elk's Resolve" begins. It does help to have something to occupy my mind while I am waiting between the steps to publication, so I think I have a good chance of getting it done. I want to put it in a contest that christianstoryteller.com is hosting. The deadline is December 31st so I need to get going!

Sunday, July 27, 2008

The Contract for Elk's Resolve Has Been Signed!

July 11, 2008 I received a contract for "Elk's Resolve" to be published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises of Mustang, Oklahoma. The book, which is the second in the Heritage Series and follows "Nan's Journey", should be ready for release in April or May of 2009. Leave me a message/comment here if you want to reserve a pre-release copy!