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/







Thursday, February 23, 2012

Interview with McKendree R Long III

I want to introduce you to another author that writes about the Panhandle of Texas!!!



1. I need you to tell me your name as seen on your books, your genre, and your title(s), and your website address.


I'm McKendree R. Long III, AKA Mike. Genre of the 1st book is Civil War/Western, and its title is "No Good Like It Is". The sequel was released Late December entitled, "Dog Soldier Moon". My website is www.mckendreelong.com

2. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
I finished the 1st book two years ago, and completed the sequel in August 2011. I took a Creative Writing course in 1978; as part of that, I wrote the 1st two chapters of fiction about my first tour in Vietnam. Got and A+ in the course, so I sent the piece to a friend I respected. He called it 'pedestrian', so I pouted for 30 years.

3. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
This all started as a nonfiction work on the rapid development of firearms technology in the Western Era (1850-1890), when we went from muzzle-loading flintlocks to smokeless powder and machine guns in just forty years. In my research I discovered the Eighth Texas Cavalry, got excited about their accomplishments, and decided to put a couple of fictional characters into that regiment to tell their story. The story took a life of its own, and the Eighth Texas and their guns quickly became secondary to the trials of my two protagonists. I've started on the third piece of the trilogy; I suppose when I finish that, I may go back and finish that Vietnam War story.


4. Please tell about each title here:


In "No Good Like It Is", the protagonists (West Pointer Dobey Walls and veteran non-com Jimmy Melton) meet and bond before the Civil War, barely survive the war, they try to speed 'home' to Texas at the war's end to rescue Dobey's long missing family.


They wind up dragging a small army of strays and misfits to the Panhandle with them. Run-ins with lonely widows, Union deserters, destitute farmers, and Confederate Cherokees slow them down. Southern Cheyenne and renegade lawmen add to the chaos.


In the sequel, our heroes establish a small community in the Texas Panhandle which thrives until a horrible crime decimates it. Dobey and jimmy are then driven to try to find and punish the perpetrators, but aren't completely successful.


Meanwhile, the nearby friendly Cheyenne village of Chief Black Kettle is attacked and destroyed by the U.S. Seventh Cavalry under Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer; the destruction and aftermath are viewed through the eyes of the defeated Cheyenne.



5. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
I frequently speak to civic clubs (Rotary, Sertoma, Optimists, etc.) and to Civil War Round Tables. Typically spend half my time on the self-publishing process and the other half on my book. In these engagements I usually put out four or five original Civil War firearms for 'Show and Tell'.


6. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
Passing 1000 in sales, and being featured in Five Star Books website (5starsbooks.com) as one of twelve Western with lots of 5-star reviews.


7. Where can your books be purchased?

In addition to Amazon, Kindle, and most Hastings Bookstores, it can be ordered through Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, and my website.


7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog?

I'm @ McKendree Long on twitter, Mike Long on FB, and my website is www.mckendreelong.com


8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
My biggest surprise was that the book appealed to women and twelve year old boys. I thought of it as a 'guy' book; there's a lot of profanity, but I didn't find it necessary to use the 'f' bomb, and I do have a hooker trying to clean up the men's language. There sex, but it's understated. Anyhow, I got this email from a young boy whose Mom bought it for him. He said it was 'not as rough as the talk' on his school bus, and he thought it should be required reading for 6th grade US History classes. Wow.


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?
I'm just hardly ever 'down'. My wife listens to my drafts and provides first critiques. And I listen to her. We've been together since 1960, and only two things stop me from talking back to her: fear and common sense.


10. What is your favorite toy as a child?

A scaled-down replica of an 1861 Colt Navy revolver when I was six, and an American Flyer bike when I was twelve, so I could ride out and collect arrowheads/Indian artifacts; i ended up with over 1800 items.



If you found this interview interesting, please contact the author or comment on my website.


http://elainelittau.com

Update on steam machine

I loved the steam machine and used it a lot. Then it quit. I think the next generations of the machine look to be a lot sturdier. I am thinking that the mop would be a good purchase.

The bathtub paint is peeling after 4 years. Not bad if you ask me, but I have to redo it soon.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The Meaning of Love

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! In this season we find ourselves thinking about love. Some of us give it a fleeting thought while others of us contemplate the real meaning. Some thoughts may go along this line:

Am I missing out on 'real love'?

Does the one I love love me as much as I love him?

or her

Do I matter?

What is love, anyway?

In my opinion, to understand love, you have to get out of your own skin. The Bible has a whole passage about love. It talks about what love is and what it isn't. That passage is difficult for us to live up to, but it is the pattern we are to follow.

The pattern came from Jesus and His perfect love for us. He fullfilled all the points of the love chapter of the Bible.

It is a passage that is often read at weddings. While we stand at the altar making out vows to love and honor as long as we both shall live, the feelings are flowing and we don't think it will be difficult.

Then comes day to day life...

It is hard to put someone else first.

It is hard to believe all things...bear all things...think only the best of...

After all, we are just flesh and blood.

The longer I live, the more I realize that I can only love other people as the Lord God gives me ability. It is something that ebbs and flows in my own strength. I must depend on him.

The real meaning of love? God. God IS love. God help me love others as You have loved me.


I would like to introduce you to an author friend of mine names Linda Robinson. This is an interview I did with her and your will find it very interesting.

1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Thank you, Elaine, for interviewing me. My name is Linda Robinson. I am the author of a published Christian novel, When Love Abounds.


2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?

I love God, my life, my family, nature, animals, music, reading, and writing. (Sorry the list is so long. Maybe I should have just said, "I Love!")


3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?

About three years ago when I asked the Lord to reveal a talent he had given me that I wasn't using. He led me to write a story that depicts his love, protection, and provisions. By the time I finished the novel, I was completely hooked on writing. Just this month I retired from my outside job, and I plan to "write" out the rest of my life! :)

4 . What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?

I'm a modest person, but I guess I would have to say I can be descriptive (sometimes to a fault), so I love to paint pictures with words.

5. Are you a reader?

A resounding YES! I'm an AVID reader--since the day I began to learn how.

6. What are you reading right now?

I just finished Daddy's Little Girl, one of Mary Higgins Clark's earlier books, and I'm ready to start reading Love on Assignment by Cara Lynn James.

7. Do you have another book that you are working on, which hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.

Yes, I'm writing a manuscript now, but it's only in the embryo stage--without a title.

I do, however, have another novel that just started the production process this month titled, The Longest Road Home, which will be available this summer. It is the second novel in what I refer to as my Love Abounds series.

It is not a sequel, but I took the character, Nathan, from the novel When Love Abounds, and let him lead the reader all over the continent in the historical '50's and '60's via various modes of transportation, as he searched for life's meaning and purpose.

It's filled with the twists and turns of Nathan's life--not just those in the roads.(The protagonist of the "embryo" manuscript I'm writing now is an "offspring" of Nathan's in The Longest Road Home.)

8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?

My biggest obstacle has to be that I work better and more productively alone, with no interruptions. That's hard to accomplish when you have a retired, wonderful, loving husband who loves to talk and eat a few good, home-cooked meals now and then! :)I often keep quite late hours in order to achieve my goals.

9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
When Love Abounds - Published 12/2010

When Love Abounds is a fictional novel set deep in the Heart of Dixie. Lou Ellen’s life as a wife, mother, and grandmother is filled with luxuries, comfort, and love. She should be happy.

So why is she left with indefinable feelings that something is left unfinished? In search of the key to her contentment, Lou Ellen sifts through memories of her past to uncover hidden and deeply painful events, as well as humorous and sweet moments. But can she find forgiveness, purpose, and fulfillment?

Her long journey back into her childhood in the historical '40's, '50s and '60's leads her to discover that When Love Abounds, there’s always hope for the future.

Coming soon (Summer 2012)

The Longest Road Home

Seventeen year old Nathan Hudson dreamed of escape. When he managed to do just that, to sneak out and hitch a ride to the next town, he vowed he’d never go home again.

All alone, with no money, no possessions, and barely an elementary level education, he set out on a lengthy journey that would take him back and forth across the continent time after time, as he searched for happiness.

As a runaway teen, hobo, migrant worker, and common laborer, he traveled the scenic miles, enjoying the view and excitement, yet secretly searching for contentment and unconditional love. Finally, irresponsibility, jealousy, and deep-seated, uncontrolled anger led him to lose the best thing that had ever happened to him.

Near destruction, he finally came to the end of himself—only to find that the answer to his purpose and peace had been within his grasp all along.


10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.

http://whenloveabounds.tateauthor.com

Thursday, February 9, 2012

The Classic Valentine Fight of 1975 & Interview with Amy Litzelman
Love is in the air...or not. It depends on how things look after Valentines Day. Am I right? In the past I have measured my happiness by how a sweetheart behaved toward me on this 'most important' holiday.



I have to tell you a funny story. While Terry and I were engaged, the society lady of our small town newspaper asked us to be the 'sweetheart' couple in the local interest section of the paper.

We were two weeks away from saying our vows and very strapped for money. (How many of you know that to a 19-yr-old girl, Valentines Day is much more important than silly old money?) Mrs. Mahood asked that we bring a Valentine Candy heart with us for the photo shoot.

I was intending to be sarcastic when I told Terry that we could use the old heart my ex-boyfriend had given to me some three years earlier. (Actually, I was hoping for a jealous reaction.) He said, "Great! That will save us some money!!!"

Can you believe that I fumed all the way to the newspaper office. I was ready to call off the wedding. (almost) I couldn't believe that he didn't understand the significance of the 'all important' Valentines box...but...he was thinking of our future.

We got through that photo shoot and managed to look like we were in love. (By the time I got through letting Terry know how I felt about his non-jealous moment, he was equally angry with me.) It was a very nice write up in the paper.
We have made it through 37 Valentine's Days. He has never forgotten to get a card or something sweet for Valentine's Day. He still isn't jealous of anyone. He is very secure in my love so he doesn't see the need. He is, after all, he is my Valentine.


I would like to introduce you to a new author friend of mine.

Amy Layne Litzelman

Christian Non-fiction, Devotional, Christian Life

This Beloved Road: A Journey of Revelation and Worship

http://AmyLayneLitzelman.com
1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?
This Beloved Road is my first book, but writing has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started out as a young girl filling stacks of journals, but soon expanded to newspaper work and earning a Journalism degree with a minor in English Education from the University of Wyoming. Growing up with a very gifted father also planted in me a deep-rooted love for music. Over the past 15 years I have written/composed over 75 songs and recorded four CDs. I started a blog in 2002 while leading a band and music ministry, and continue to share writings through that venue, as well as working on a second book and posting an occasional guest blog.

2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre
My daily walk with the Holy Spirit is central to all of who I am and what I do. It constantly fills my heart, mind, and writing, so Christian non-fiction has become a natural outlet. I dabbled in fiction and children's literature when younger, so they may overlap with my writing again someday.
3. Please tell about each title here:
This Beloved Road is a snapshot of my pursuit to know God. To really know Him. It is about taking faith beyond believing that God is out there, somewhere, but not really involved too much in my life.

It records my ever-expanding realization that He is more powerful and magnificent than one could imagine, yet more personal than we could hope for. It is about recognizing His voice and believing His words.My goal is to stimulate the idea that a relationship with God is more than theology; it is a daily, growing friendship like all others – and yet so far above all others.

Can we know God? Yes, more intimately than imagined. We are meant to have a friendship full of laughter and tears, questions and answers, and like any relationship it takes time and effort over many years to cultivate. Through 80 essays and songs, I discuss numerous topics, including faith, trust, forgiveness, perseverance, peace, purpose, grace, and love.This book is not age, race, or location specific. Rather, it is for anyone with a spiritual longing.
It is intended to spark desire in those who don’t yet know Jesus, but hope that He is more than just religious duty. It is also for those who have a relationship with God, but long to go deeper in hearing His voice and understanding His ways.
This Beloved Road is also for the faithful for whom the journey deep into their Father’s heart has been long, and now need encouragement to persevere. This Beloved Road is meant to give a taste of the sweetness of God’s friendship and the vastness of His power.
My desire is that you, the reader, will be strengthened and encouraged. I want to share aspects of God that you may have never considered. I hope to open a window and let you see something that will motivate you to walk outside and experience it for yourself.

4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
Yes, I have traveled across the United States and to the Philippines and China to lead worship and teach. Whether leading small groups in a home, training worship leaders and teams, or speaking in churches or at conferences, I love to share biblical truths that bring hope, wisdom, and freedom, and help us learn to see from God's perspective. My favorite topics center around knowing God and living a life of worship.

5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
Three things come to mind: First, writing always takes me deeper in my relationship with God. It challenges me in ways I never could have imagined, but then encourages me to keep going. The process of writing and compiling This Beloved Road was no different. It opened doors to reveal much more beauty and truth about the One I believe in and made me hunger to go yet deeper in Him. This process never ceases to amaze me.
Second, I love that the Holy Spirit can take words on a page and use them to drastically change the lives of others for the better. I have received numerous letters and notes saying that specific pieces of my writing described exactly what that person had already experienced or needed to hear in order to continue on. I've also been leading a study using This Beloved Road for the last few months and am so blessed to see these ladies changing right before my eyes as they apply what they are learning. What an amazing God to put all of these pieces together.
Third, it is very rewarding, very encouraging, to be able to go back and re-read words that I wrote and have read dozens of times before and have them still minister truth and hope to me.

6. Where can your books be purchased?
Several purchasing links are listed on my website
(http://amylaynelitzelman.com/ ):

•signed copies

•eBook download

•Amazon

•Barnes & Noble

•Tate Publishing
Locally: Valley Bookstore and The Cottage Bookstore (Jackson, WY), and Barnes & Noble (Idaho Falls, ID).
Numerous other outlets can be found through Google.

7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?
Facebook: http://facebook.com/AmyLitzelman

Website: http://AmyLayneLitzelman.com

Blog: http://AmyLayneLitzelman.com/blog

LinkedIn:

Goodreads:
8. 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?
I have a wonderful family and am surrounded by very encouraging friends who pray for me and remind me that God uses this gift for His purposes in my own life and the lives of others. But mostly, my greatest encouragement and strength comes from the Holy Spirit, Himself. I have learned not to try to get from people what only God can give. He alone releases in us the flow of Life and fills us with the courage and ability we need to obey. Without a constant diet of His presence, my writing and my life become empty and weak.

9. What was your favorite toy as a child?
Most of my younger years were spent on a farm in Montana. Toys were limited, but our imaginations were free to run wild. My very favorite thing to do was build forts - in the woods, in a haystack, in a snowbank, in the bushes or garden - anywhere we could find. And to this day, I can't walk past the bushes in my yard or hike in the woods without thinking, "Oh, that would be a great fort!"


Books by Elaine Littau:

Some Happy Day is the first book in the series I have just begun writing. Rescued...A Series of Hope follows the Nan's Heritage Series. It is being released this month. For the whole month of February 2012, I am offering "Some Happy Day" for a lower price. After February, the price will go up.

Your book will be sent to you as soon as they arrive at my house.

I am selling all 5 of the books in the Nan's Journey Series:
Nan's Journey
Elk's Resolve
Luke's Legacy
The Eyes of a Stranger
Timothy's Home
Print versions for $55.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Interview with Jim Hughes and update on "Some Happy Day"

Some Happy Day Update

Some Happy Day is the first book in the series I have just begun writing. Rescued...A Series of Hope follows the Nan's Heritage Series. It is being released this month. For the whole month of February 2012, I am offering "Some Happy Day" for a lower price which includes tax and shipping. After February, the price will go up.

If you want to pre-order, please go to elainelittau.com to get in on the lower price. Your book will be sent to you as soon as they arrive at my house. Thank you.


I would like to introduce you to my friend, Jim Hughes. He is an encourager and prayer warrior as well as an inspiration to many.


1. I need you to tell me your name as seen on your books, your genre, and your title(s), and your website address.

My name is Jim Hughes. I write mainly non-fiction. My book is, C Through Marriage. My website is: www.cthroughmarriage.com.

2. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?

My book was published in May, 2009. I never had any inclinations to being an author. I often wrote things down for my own benefit as a part of my pastoral ministry.

3. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?
The Lord planned it. I was concerned about the many divorces happening in the church and thought I would put down some thoughts I had on what might help to make stronger marriages. It was never my intention to make it into a book. I have written a study guide for my book and I also have another book on Christian marriages written, but not published yet.

4. Please tell about each title here:
The title of “C Through Marriage” stems from the fact I cover 48 different topics relating to marriage, all beginning with the letter C.

5. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.
I am a preacher so I do a lot of speaking. I rarely have about my book, although I hope to get that opportunity along the way.
6. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?
The opportunities to do good and minister to people’s needs. I have been able to reach a lot more people with the Gospel because I am an author than I did as a pastor.
7. Where can your books be purchased? Through most Christian book outlets, both online and in stores. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Tate Publishing & Enterprises are just some of the online sites where it is available.

7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?I tweet at 4248. I have a C Through Marriage facebook page. My blog is listed at www.cthroughmarriage.blogspot.com. My website is www.cthroughmarriage.com.

8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?
I am still amazed at how well my book is being received by those who have read it. I have been surprised at all that is involved in the marketing end of being an author and the commitment it takes.
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 take an interest in what I am doing. They are supportive of my efforts, even when it involves so much of my time. They understand that writing is a ministry to me.
10. What is your favorite hobby besides reading or writing?I enjoy sports. I am a couch potato sports enthusiast. I also like to connect with people on the net.

Thank you so much for the great interview, Jim.


I am selling all 5 of my books:

Nan's Journey

Elk's Resolve

Luke's Legacy

The Eyes of a Stranger

Timothy's Home


Print versions for $55

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Review for Nan's Journey by Gailya Keller


Nan's Journey written by Author Elaine Littau
Join Nan as she finds escape for herself and her little brother from a horrible situation. Nan and her brother Elmer grab your heart and take it with them. You will want to gather them up and let them know it will be ok. They manage to start a new, wonderful life thanks to a special couple. They have wonderful adventures and more heartache as they attempt to heal. Nan finds true love as she learns to trust others and to trust God. Life comes full circle in the appearance of an unexpected person which causes her to question God and His Will. Travel on her Journey and share all the heartaches and wonderful blessings and grow your own faith in God.


Gailya Keller
Review by Author, The Secret of Smiley’s Woods