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/







Wednesday, March 24, 2010

You Can't Judge a Book By its Cover

Have you heard that saying all of your life like I have? I don't know about you, but before my first book was written and published I had a certain idea about what an author was like. In my mind, I could never enter that elite group.



Somehow, I figured that to be an author one had to be super smart, rich, stylish and serious. While most of the authors I have become acquainted with ARE very smart and stylish, they are also like me in that they are not rich or necessarily serious at all times.



The more I get to know these people, the more I realize that they are a fun bunch of people. The creativity and energy that passes even in emails is contagious. They continue to lift me up and help me more than they know.



This week I am interviewing

Mary Barton Wilcox.

1. What is your name and the

title of your book(s)? Mary

Barton Wilcox First Rose

(Between Now and Forever)



2. What is one thing you think

your readers would like to know

about you?

Perhaps they may want to know

how I came up with all the info

for my book. Answer: From

years of ministry and counseling

and all the accounts told me of

near death experiences, visions

and dreams.



3. When did you know that you

wanted to become a writer?

It occurred rather suddenly

and accidentally. I started

writing when I became a minister

thinking little of it. I wrote several

booklets, curriculum and two

complete books of daily devotionals.



4. What are your strong points

in your writing style or methods?

Short direct sentences. I aim at

making my material easy to read

and easy to understand. And...if

I can "feel" it as I write, and

clearly understand it when it

is read back to me, I know

others will also.





5. Are you a reader? Yes, yes,

yes. I read the Bible and a

portion from another book every

day and then I still enjoy theology,

commentaries and books that

stimulate study and thought

though I am now retired.



6. What are you reading right now?

Mastering the Old Testament by

Lloyd J. Ogilvie



7. Do you have another book that

you are working on and hasn't

been submitted for publication?

Tell about it.

First of Ever (Beyond Here and Now)

is a sequel to First Rose. It takes

up where the other book leaves

off. It is already written and

edited for the publisher.



8. What are your biggest obstacles

to writing and how do you overcome

them?

So far I have had no obstacles.

I am retired and other than the

art work I do, time and inspiration

is not a problem...yet.



9. Please put a description of each

of your books here. (back matter

is ok)

FIRST ROSE is an entire book

devoted to a detailed description

of what Heaven will be like. It is

fictional reality based on years of

ministry and counseling with those

who have had visions, near death

episodes and experienced other

supernatural phenomenon.

Although fiction, everything written

was compared to Biblical precepts

and all of its content is in harmony

with the Bible.



The book was written to bring joy

and comfort to those who have ever

wanted to know what could be

facing them after physical death.

It will also stimulate and restore

hope in seeing those we love in

the life to come. The book is filled

with incredible descriptions of angels,

gardens and cities. You can go

with Rose as she travels from the

Judah Gate to the Throne Room

of God. Along the way, you will

enjoy all the spectacular scenery

of Heaven and encounter things

only dreamed about on earth.



This is a timeless book. It is a

literary masterpiece written by

an accomplished artist who

understands the importance of

intricate detail. It is a fast read

and will be hard to put down.

FIRST ROSE will keep you

spellbound and fascinated at

its ability to connect with the

reader’s heart.



EXCERPT FROM BOOK: (Chapter

Eleven)

There were gossamer cocoon-like

chambers to my right and to my left

as far as you could see. Each room

was like my personal room at the

mansion. It glowed all the time and

the entrance to each of them were

of a filament woven in intricate patterns.

Each pattern was unique and lace like.

The opening resembled a diaphanous

veil that opened and shut upon the

approach of an angel.

There were layers and layers of

them. All I could think of at the time

was a honeycomb. All the chambers

lined the wall of this level and reached

from the top to the bottom. This entire

level had and airy and delicate feel to it.

Almost everything was transparent in

some way. It was ethereal and filmy.

The sky was a pale blue with gauzy

clouds floating everywhere and there

were myriads of angelic beings.

Some of the angels appeared to be

clothed with light chiffon-like garments

that wrapped around their body as they

flew weightlessly in the air. They seemed

to be busy. Each one had a direction

and purpose; you could tell that by the

way they flew. Some were carrying objects,

and others were reading scrolls and books.

It was challenging to keep your eyes in

just one place, there was so much going

on.

I turned to my friend whom I knew

wanted to say something. He said,

“This is the eternal home of the angels

of God. Here you will have your first

encounter with authority. There are

ranks and positions assigned to every

angel here. When you have met Gabriel

and Michael, you will know at once they

are the high archangels of heaven.”

I just stood there, daring not to move

until given permission. You could actually

sense the organization here. As I

pondered what I was seeing, the

atmosphere became heavy and weighty.

I could see in the distance a very large

image approaching. As it neared, I

realized it was an angel. His wingspan

was tremendous, at least thirty feet.

As he fluttered his wings and stretched

downward to land, I knew immediately

he was Michael.


10. How can readers contact

you or purchase your books?

Please put your website or

blog here.



http://www.brightok.


http://releaseofnewbookfirstrose.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Soul Searching

Soul Searching
Lately I have been thinking about my life. There are things that are so important to me. First, The Lord God is number One. Next, My sweet husband, Terry.Then, My children and grands, my siblings and extended family. My friends are way up there too.The authors I have met have become so important to me. I really mean it. I am in the process of letting all those that I care about know how much they mean to me. I don't want there to be any doubt about my love for them.

This week I am interviewing Ginny Karoub.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
I am Ginny Karoub. My books include,
Oliver and Arthur, Mulberry Lane,
Adventures with Samantha Fellows,The Big Move!

2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I've always wanted to write but just started living my dream a few years ago. I say that because a lot of people look at you like you were always a writer or you could always have done something like that anyway. But just the opposite is true. Unless I took that first step of faith, I may never have done it! It started with writing something down.So it is never to late to start something you would like to do. Maybe, today is the right time to begin something readers!

3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
Actually, when I was very young! At elementary school age, I stayed in my room for hours drawing and writing. I drew pictures and made up stories along the bottom of the pages. I wrote poems throughout my teenage years. It was the best way to express myself through those years. Those teen years can be hard, I am glad I had my journals to talk too! I would talk about writing a book in all those conversations you have with people about your dreams!
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I have been told that in a small amount of writing I am able to bring in the scene and the emotions of it. I had to do that for my book, Mulberry Lane. I had the story a small novel size in my mind but wanted it a gift book size so everyone could read it! So, saying what I wanted to say
and in only roughly forty pages was not easy. I could not waste a word! My strong points in my method of writing for me is, working it around for awhile in my mind till I feel the scene, see it...then I write.
5. Are you a reader?
I am a reader! I have been since I could read! Makes you wonder, are you a reader or a writer first, when you're both? Like the chickenand the egg story. Do I want to write now because of my love for reading books or do I read because deep down I was a writer? I also belong to book clubs! I enjoy those because we pick books I would normally never read. I read for fun, for self help, to learn! I love a good book! I tend to love an easy reading book, meaning it flows for me, I don't have to keep going back because I did not understand something. I love coffee table books, with all the big pictures! I still love a good illustrated book for children! On vacation, I plan my books more then anything else!

6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished, The Catcher in the Rye, I had never read it, so wanted to see what it was all about. I am glad I read it. I am reading, Olive Kitteridge, for my book club. I always have a ready pile of books by the side of my bed! I have an on going account with Amazon!

7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes, I have a few! Looking Through the Water, is in the production process. I am scheduled for May 1st for an editor assigned to the project! Very excited about this book. It is my first novel.
In, Looking Through the Water, it is the summer of 1973, in Tipton, Missouri. Cassie Marvin is a very precocious, imaginative, seven year old child whose whole world consists of a few blocks surrounding downtown Tipton. Cassie’s home life lacks in so many areas. This forced maturity does not ruin her innocence. Cassie sees the beauty in simple things. In this wonderful story you will enter Cassie’s life. Cassie will take you on a journey through childhood fun times and then situations that would make us all mature before our time.
I also have one book for children done. Looking for a publisher on the book right now. Worked with a wonderful illustrator from London, UK on the project! His acrylic painted illustrations are wonderful and make the book a must have in your child's library!
I am in the writing process of two novel size books, The Thoughts of Emily Baker and Lilliana, a YA book.

8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Time seems to be the biggest obstacle! Never enough time, so I have to make it. Getting, Looking Though the Water, edited and ready to go to the publisher was a lot of work! It was double the work for me for my family not to notice! There were a few days there, I think they thought I spent to much time at my computer! My family is very supportive but I still, as a mother/wife, have to make time for my work. Also, being a writer you are not just a writer but a secretary, marketing specialist, computer tech and a wonderful letter writer! Your queries to publishers and agents have to be better then your book, or at least as good!
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Oliver and Arthur- illustrated
for children! Oliver and Arthur
landed in Hooperstown. They
meant only to rest for a little
while before going home. That
first afternoon they walked out
of the woods, they made so many
friends, they made Hooperstown
their new home! Come join the fun!
The kids are having more fun than
they thought possible!
Adventures with Samantha Fellows,
The Big Move! -It's the big move
for Samantha and her family! They
have just moved from California to
the Mid-West! Samantha is a big
sister, fun, adventurous, observant,
full of life youth! With Samantha the
reader will laugh out loud and enjoy
several smiles along the way!

Mulberry Lane - Snowflakes lightly
fell without a sound to the
neighborhood as if they were
blessing what the neighbors were
about to do. What started as a tug
in their hearts that Christmas
became something very magical
for them all.
*This book has an Option Agreement
on it for a motion picture!

10. How can readers contact you or
purchase your books? Please put your
website or blog here.
My website, email me,
ginnykaroub@aol.com My books are
at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.
Signed copies can be ordered at my
web site.
http://www.authorginnykaroub.com/
Ginny Karoub
http://www.authorginnykaroub.com/


Books by Ginny Karoub;
Oliver and Arthur

Adventures with Samantha Fellows,

The Big Move!

Mulberry Lane
http://books.barnesandnoble.
com/search/results.aspx?WRD=ginny+karoub&SZE=25

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Salvaged" by Stefne Scott Miller

"Salvaged", By Stefne Scott Miller, is a powerful book that adults will enjoy but that young people should read. It brought to my mind that sometimes adults forget that tradegy and suffering impact young people in profound ways. It was also a truthful look at the obstacles teen-agers and young adults deal with in relationships. Stefne addressed sensitive subjects that a lot of parents, teachers, and other influencers skirt. She drew a 'map' of how to navigate through some of the troublesome topics of teen dating and relationships. I know people simular to the characters. People who sincerely desire to live a pure life before God. "Salvaged" doesn't portray them as perfect and I appreciate that. This book is a must read for parents, grandparents, and teenagers.
Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey

Monday, March 15, 2010

He Throws No Punches

In the book "The Fight is Already Fixed", Mark Lanton holds back no punches. He fearlessly attacks social and spiritual issues that bombard people every day. The Scriptures are written out to prove the points he is making. There is no "candy coating" on the subject matter. I really appreciate this gritty and honest approach to biblical truth. My hope is that this is not Mark Lanton's last book. He is a man who is needed for this era of time.
Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey, Elk's Resolve, & Luke's Legacy

Thursday, March 11, 2010

March Forward

,
I have a love/hate relationship with March. 35 years ago on March 1st, Terry and I were married. 34 years ago on February 29, my sweet sister passed away at the age of 34. It was the hardest thing I had ever been through. 25 years later my oldest sister, Donna, passed away. 1 year to that day 2 of Donna's children died. One died of cancer and the other died of a heart attach one day apart.
It came to the point that I used to hold my breath whenever March came around.

It is very hard to lose friends and loved ones. I am reminded of the hymn, which is the story of my life: "On Christ the Solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand."

I am so glad that Jesus is the Solid Rock. I am glad that He is bigger than my mind can wrap around. He is my anchor and I depend on Him. I can get through March or any other month. I am determined to March on with my Lord.

For our author interview we have a pastor/author. You will want to read his interview. Get some of his books too.

1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Alfred Flatten ( pronounced Flayten ) but Most people call me Reverend Fred. The title of my book is "In It For Life". It is all about the journey of the Christian life from becoming a Christian to living in the overflow of God's blessings and everything in between.

2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I have been a pastor and spiritual/biblical teacher for 25 years. I have learned, lived, and taught every chapter in this book.

3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I have always been a writer of sorts, because as a pastor you write many sermons, studies, and teachings in the process of your ministry. It wasn't until three years ago that God led me to put all of this into book form.

4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I have been told that my teaching and writing style is simple and easy to understand. Through the combination of word pictures, analogies, stories and scripture, learning becomes fun and interesting.

5. Are you a reader?
I am an avid reader. I read the Bible of course, but also many other books. I am not a big fan of novels or fiction. I read to learn and better my life and the lives of those around me.

6. What are you reading right now?
I am currently reading "You Were Born For This" by Bruce Wilkinson and "Just Like Jesus" by Max Lucado.

7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes I do. My second book is titled "Show and Tell" which is sort of a follow up to my first book. It is about the fact that if you profess to be a Christian - a follower of Christ - then it ought to "show" in your life and lifestyle, and you ought to be willing and excited about telling someone - if not everyone - through witness and testimony. God's hand is always at work in our lives in many different ways. If it doesn't show and we have nothing to tell, there is a definite problem! This 2nd book has a lot to do with what God is doing "in" us and "through" us.

8.What do you hope to accomplish with this book?
“In It For Life” is not only a good read, it is a teaching tool that can be used by pastors and small group leaders alike to scripturally take seekers, believers, and followers, through the discipleship process from beginning to end. It would be my prayer that lives would be changed and transformed by this work. Wherever you may find yourself along this journey now, by the time you finish this book, you too will be “In It For Life”!

9. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers may contact me, or order my book at http://revfred-initforlife.blogspot.com

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Time Marches On

This Monday Terry and I celebrated our 35th anniversary. We have had a wonderful life.

What is funny about being married so long is that it is almost like several life times.

At first, it was just the 2 of us and we were putting our lives together.
Then came our 3 boys and watching them grow into wonderful men.
Now we are in the empty nest and enjoying grandchildren...but there is something else...
We are working on our dreams. I am working on writing and Terry is looking forward to doing many projects when he has time.
Terry has taught me to enjoy what ever stage of life I am in. He is the best in making the most of all situations. I do love that man.

We are back to author interviews again. This week we have another soldier. You will want to read his interview. Get some of his books too.

1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Mark Lanton my book title is "The Fight Is Already Fixed"

2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I am a born again Christian. I served two tours in Iraq with the Air Force as a combat medic. I wrote this book during my second tour in Iraq. I am a former Army, Armed Forces, and European boxing champion. I am also a former professional boxer.

3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I never planned on writing a book, and I do not consider myself a writer. The Holy Spirit gave me the vision to write this book while in the war. To give a brief story on how I wrote this book; I was unable to sleep one night while in Iraq, and the Holy Spirit had me awake and reading the book of Revelation. Revelation 20:10 says, "And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever". I immediately related that verse to the sport of boxing, that as Christians, our fight is already fixed. If you know what it means when you "fix" a fight, that means that you know who the winner is before the fight begins. It doesn't matter what we suffer in this life. It doesn't matter what hardships we experience. It doesn't matter how many times we (Christians) get knocked down, we always get up, and we know that we have the victory in the end. And so my spirit led me to the idea to write a book that glorifies God through the sport of boxing.

4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I feel that my strong points is the simplistic and direct method of my writing. I like to keep it simple so that anyone can understand my message. I do not "dumb" down my writing, I use a writing style that can appeal to most any reading level.

5. Are you a reader?
Yes I enjoy reading. I like to read biographical literature. I am interested in reading the true life stories of perople who overcame challenges in their lives. I enjoy reading about the perseverence and fighting spirit of certain people, and how they overcame dismal odds.

6. What are you reading right now?
I am reading a book titled, "Blood Covenant" written by Michael Franzese. This book is about a former high ranking organized crime figure who became a Christian and turned away from his multi-million dollar criminal lifestyle to serve the Lord. This book is fascinating because no one ever turns away from this lifestyle and lives to tell about it. His book is an awesome read and it is hard to stop reading it.

7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes I do. I am currently working on a second book that glorifies God from the analogies of corporate America. I am excited about this book because I use the business practices of big industry and lift up the Lord in this manner. This book title is, "The Executive Meeting, Jesus Christ, Chairman of the board"

8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My biggest obstacles are not knowing about the issue I would like to write about. I can have the idea in my mind, but I do not have the knowledge and verbage about a particular topic. I overcome these obstacles by doing extensive research on the issue that I would like to write about.

9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
"The Fight Is Already Fixed" is a powerhouse of scriptural encouragement for Christians who may be dealing with struggles and wonder how they can be victorious in their spiritual lives. "The Fight Is Already Fixed" clearly pictures the reality about our actual combat against our adversary (satan). This book is a personal portrait of the Author's life laid out there to be an encouragement for others. You will not be sorry that you have taken the time to read this book.


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

The author contact email is: TheFightIsAlreadyFixed@gmail.com and the book is currently in all bookstores nationwide (Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, All Christian bookstores, etc...), and the book can be purchased from the book website at http://thefight.tatepublishing . The book website has a blog and a message board. The book website also talks about how I came to write a book while in a war zone. The book can be purchased from the website and there are pictures of me from over in Iraq.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Jane Harber Has Your Number

"Here...Have a Miracle" by Jane Harber is a real nuts-and-bolts approach to Chrisitianity. She touches on issues that we all struggle with. The sub-title, "Experiencing Rest & Refreshing in This Harried, Hurried World", says it all. It is a book from a woman who has experienced great sorrow and has come out on the other side. I appreciated her openness in the expression of her life. In seeing how she overcame these things in her life, I found hope for mine.
The practical applications suggested within these pages will work for you. I recommend that you purchase it today!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Common Cents...and Dollars

I found "In the Trenches, Financial Survivial During Times of Hardship" by Carol Schultz-Weil to be a very down-to-earth approach to finances. The advice is helpful for the affluent as well as those of us who must pinch the life out of our pennies. There is advice for people who are out of work and out of money. The charts are a little on the small side, but my copy machine can enlarge them for my personal use. She gives a bare bones budget for those in dire straits. There is also a chart with a few more items listed in the budget. This thought provoking read is not only informative but entertaining. The true life stories rang true. I urge anyone who needs financial advice on the home front to buy this book. It is well worth the money and may help you dig out of a pit.
Elaine Littau, author
of Nan's Journey, Elk's Resolve, and Luke's Legacy