This year so far has been challenging for a lot of my family. My sweet niece and her husband have spent many hours in hospital waiting rooms. My heart is with them even when I cannot be.
It has been a comfort for this family to have so many people praying for them and giving them support through this terrible time. I am reminded that when it comes to the end of life, relationships are the thing.
We must realize that those around us are what makes up our life. It isn't the toys and trappings of life. It is the conversations, laughter, concern, tears, and love that matters. Somehow, at a death bed, we don't feel the need to send meaningless texts or play yet another game.
When we know this person will not be with us any longer, we call to mind the last words spoken, the last smile, the last hug. These are the important things.
I love my family and it hurts to lose one of those near to my heart, but I know that my great-niece, Tonya, is walking into the arms of God.
All of us are on borrowed time. Each of us will meet our Maker. The questions are: What kind of relationship do I have with Jesus? Do we talk often? Do I know what is on His mind? Do I tell him my concerns? Am I ready to meet my God? All you have to do is reach out to Him and tell Him you want Him. He will do the rest.
I would like to introduce you to an author friend of mine, Diane Head.
Juvenile Non-Fiction – emotions & feelings, social issues.
“Grammy Dee Solves the Case of the Red-Hot Screamies”
Dianehead.tateauthor.com
1. When did you get the urge to write?
I’ve been a published author since my teens when the New Haven Register printed a couple of my poems. I’ve had some success freelancing articles over the years, but this is my first book in print.
2. How did you choose the genre you write in?
I’ve taught classes and counseled adults on anger management, but as a parent & former teacher, I saw the need to bring this teaching to kids while they are learning how to deal with their emotions.
3. Please tell a little about your books.
Grammy Dee is planned as the first in a series of books to help kids ages 4-9 develop a strategy for dealing positively with their emotions. The young reader is reassured that feeling anger is okay; it’s a warning signal that something needs to change.
Grammy Dee cares about kids and encourages them to be detectives and follow clues to decide what needs to change. Then she shares her super tips for setting behavior and expectation boundaries, talking out problems and making plans for change.
Readers get to solve problems, practice communicating their feelings and learn how to react when others are angry around them. This upbeat, practical guide is both instructive and entertaining.
Included is Grammy Dee’s Marvelous Mad Meter – an illustrated chart of the spectrum of angry feelings that an facilitate a helpful dialogue with a caring adult.
4. Do you speak to groups?
I enjoy speaking to church and school groups about how adults can help children not only cope with the complex feelings of anger, but use anger to fuel change.
5. Would you share something about your experiences of being an author?
My most rewarding experience as an author thus far, (aside from my Grandchildren being proud of me), has been my interaction with a local 5 Grade class. They were studying authors and I was asked to answer their questions about the writing process. This grew into an on-going correspondence with several students that has been very rewarding. Nothing like being told “You Rock” by very savvy kids.
6. What is the best response you have received with your books?
Just last week I heard from a woman who had bought Grammy Dee for a grandchild. She reported that her granddaughter loved the book and had learned many lessons from it. The highlight for me was when this child overheard her Grandpa sounding angry with someone on the phone, she ran to give him the book and told him he needed to read it. Now they wanted to buy more books for other grandchildren.
7. Where can your books be purchased?
My soft-cover book is widely available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. Anyone wanting a signed, hardbound copy can purchase one directly from me at the “author’s specials” button on my website: dianehead.tateauthor.com
8. How do you battle the times when you are down in the dumps as a writer?
I have friends who know how to make me laugh. Truly the best medicine – along with great hugs and kisses from 3 darling grandchildren. They are my joy and delight.
9. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I really didn’t have a favorite toy as a child. I loved books. I loved the escape – especially into pioneer days.
Showing posts with label elaine littau. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elaine littau. Show all posts
Friday, March 9, 2012
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
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
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Revamping This Blog
When I began blogging, I thought that I would create a blog for each book that I write. I had no idea that I would have the opportunity to write as much as I have been. In February of 2012 I hope to release my sixth book which will be the first book of the new series.
The new series is RESCUED...A SERIES OF HOPE. This series intersects the books of the Nan's Heritage Series. It focuses on the girls who were rescued by the Young family in the first series.
I took the National Novel Writing Month challenge in November of 2011 and wrote the rough draft of the first book in this series, "Some Happy Day". I am very pleased with the way it has turned out so far. I am in the middle of edits. The story is filling out nicely.
Because I am hoping to write many books in the future, I have changed the name to the names of the series that I am writing. You will see the name change with added series in the future.
I appreciate every one of you who takes the time to look at my blogs and also comment. It is my desire to do a good job at this. Merry Christmas and Happy 2012. God bless you richly.
The new series is RESCUED...A SERIES OF HOPE. This series intersects the books of the Nan's Heritage Series. It focuses on the girls who were rescued by the Young family in the first series.
I took the National Novel Writing Month challenge in November of 2011 and wrote the rough draft of the first book in this series, "Some Happy Day". I am very pleased with the way it has turned out so far. I am in the middle of edits. The story is filling out nicely.
Because I am hoping to write many books in the future, I have changed the name to the names of the series that I am writing. You will see the name change with added series in the future.
I appreciate every one of you who takes the time to look at my blogs and also comment. It is my desire to do a good job at this. Merry Christmas and Happy 2012. God bless you richly.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Up, Up, and Away
Last Wednesday I flew to Denver to see our oldest son and his family. I have to admit that I was somewhat nervous about the flight. The tornadoes at Joplin and Oklahoma City had me a little jumpy. It was no help at all that the panhandle winds were brisk.
My flight from Amarillo was delayed for 45 min. because of high winds. The flight was fine, bumpy, but fine. I spent Wed through Sat afternoon in Denver and brought back my 5 yr old granddaughter with me. It was fun to hear her giggle when the plane took off. At first, she asked if the plane was going to drive all the way to Texas. We were on the runway a long time getting ready for the take off and getting in place. (Kids are funny.)
When we landed in Amarillo, our 4 yr old granddaughter was on hand to welcome her cousin to Texas. You should have heard the chatter from one car seat to the next on the way to Cracker Barrel. My daughter-in-law and I just eves-dropped and laughed at how clever they were.
The 4 yr old had just returned from staying with her other grandparents in the Oklahoma City area. She was explaining what it was like to go into a storm cellar. "We went into the storm cellar because a big tomato was coming."
When you put it like that, it takes some of the fear away doesn't it.
Speaking of the recent tornadoes, I would like to recommend a place for giving to the victims of the tornado in Joplin, MO. The Apostolic Faith Bible College in Baxter Springs, KS is taking donations to help those who lost their homes in this terrible storm. I recommend them.
This is the Bible College that Terry and I attended when we met in 1974. They will give 100% of the donations to the victims.
Mail to:
AFBC Joplin Tornado Donation
P. O. Box 110
Baxter Springs, KS 66713.
Terry and I will be welcoming our grandsons for a summer visit in June. They will join their little sister for a summer of fun...and work... at the Littau place. I lovingly call it "The Almosta Ponderosa Ranch". (7 1/2 acres isn't really a ranch.)
My flight from Amarillo was delayed for 45 min. because of high winds. The flight was fine, bumpy, but fine. I spent Wed through Sat afternoon in Denver and brought back my 5 yr old granddaughter with me. It was fun to hear her giggle when the plane took off. At first, she asked if the plane was going to drive all the way to Texas. We were on the runway a long time getting ready for the take off and getting in place. (Kids are funny.)
When we landed in Amarillo, our 4 yr old granddaughter was on hand to welcome her cousin to Texas. You should have heard the chatter from one car seat to the next on the way to Cracker Barrel. My daughter-in-law and I just eves-dropped and laughed at how clever they were.
The 4 yr old had just returned from staying with her other grandparents in the Oklahoma City area. She was explaining what it was like to go into a storm cellar. "We went into the storm cellar because a big tomato was coming."
When you put it like that, it takes some of the fear away doesn't it.
Speaking of the recent tornadoes, I would like to recommend a place for giving to the victims of the tornado in Joplin, MO. The Apostolic Faith Bible College in Baxter Springs, KS is taking donations to help those who lost their homes in this terrible storm. I recommend them.
This is the Bible College that Terry and I attended when we met in 1974. They will give 100% of the donations to the victims.
Mail to:
AFBC Joplin Tornado Donation
P. O. Box 110
Baxter Springs, KS 66713.
Terry and I will be welcoming our grandsons for a summer visit in June. They will join their little sister for a summer of fun...and work... at the Littau place. I lovingly call it "The Almosta Ponderosa Ranch". (7 1/2 acres isn't really a ranch.)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Our Visit to Lake Victor, Texas
On last Thursday, April 28th Terry and I went to Lake Victor, Texas for a book event. If you don't know where that is, it is close to Austin. More specifically, it is between Lampasas and Burnet, TX. It is a beautiful place in the Hill Country of Texas.
I was invited to speak to the ladies of the Burnet County Extention Education Association Club. The women were so nice. They also invited my author friend from Fort Worth, TX, Laura Eckroat. While I spoke about writing Christian Historical/Western Fiction and my process, Laura spoke on the process of writing children's books. Laura won the North Texas Book Award for Children's Books in 2010 for "The Life of Bud". The picture is of us hanging around on the Live Oak Tree at the front of the building we met in.
I tell you what, if I had that tree in my yard...I would live in it.
Terry stuck around at my request and enjoyed visiting with all the women present. There were around fifty in attendance. Most all of them purchased books. This was such a blessing for Laura and I. Thank you so much, Susan Tiemann, for the invitation. We are looking forward to returning.
Besides going to the book event, Terry and I were blessed to visit our mid-kid and his wife. Marlin and April. It had been a long time since we had been down to see them. It is 500 miles from our home.
We were also blessed to have dinner with my niece and her husband, Diane and Christopher. Their daughter, Haley, my great-niece, was also there. We ate at Marble Falls at Russos. Our table was on the deck overlooking the river. What a beautiful sight.
We also met Marlin's boss at Capstone Comics in Round Rock, TX. That is a super nice store. Everything is very well organized.Of course, Marlin is the manager.
Book number 4 is getting so close. When we got home the sample proofs were in the mail. I had to shift around some of the paragraphs to make things line up properly. I took a day to work on this and resubmitted it. The next proof will be in soon and I will check to see if they meet expectations. I have to tell you, the book really looks good. It is the same size as Luke's Legacy and Elk's Resolve. The print is a 12 point font which is the same as Elk's Resolve. It is larger than the words in Nan's Journey. Purchase price for The Eyes of a Stranger is $9 including s/h when you purchase from my website. http://elainelittau.com.
From Amazon, it will cost $10.45 plus s/h.
The ebook version made it through all the hoops so it is available for purchase at Barnes and Noble and Amazon and all ebook formats for $1.99.
Here is the book cover Jonna Feavel did for "The Eyes of a Stranger"
It looks so cool in person:
I will tell you a little about what "The Eyes of a Stranger" is about. Gertie is an eighteen-year-old girl who finds herself at the threshold of life. Rejected by her father and sent off to become a mail-order bride by her mother, she realizes that many options are open to her.
We met Gertie briefly in "Luke's Legacy" when she helped her fellow traveler, Sheriff Roy Miller, on the train in his care for baby Rose.
After finishing "Luke's Legacy", I couldn't get Gertie out of my mind. The story she shared with the sheriff begged to be built upon. It has been a pleasure to bring this character to life. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did when I wrote it. It has the feel of "Nan's Journey", plus a little mystery.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Reformatting Myself, Too!
This week I have been working on getting "The Eyes of a Stranger" reformatted for both e books and printing. I had no idea the scope of the task.
I know just enough about computer work to get into it ok, but I can get bogged down really quick. I was blessed to have a link to a free e book that told me how to reformat my manuscript for smashwords. (You can go to their site and find it and copy it off your printer if you need it.)
Anyway, the document was 86 or 89 pages long. It takes you step by step through the process. Patience is the key. Hyperventilating is not recommended.
The first task of getting the manuscript cleaned up so that it can be used by all venues is to remove all previous formatting. I had to take off the spell check, the fancy fonts, hard returns, tabs, and anything else that my computer, in it's fancy version of Office Word, put in the document to make it look pretty.
Like I said, I know enough to get myself into trouble. I did a lot of work on the document and then I couldn't find the buttons I was supposed to push to get everything really 'clean'. After a few hours of working on this, I decided to drive to town and visit my sister. I needed to get away from the computer.
On the way to town I prayed. "Lord, open my eyes to see where those options are on my computer." I was able to have a nice visit with Geraldine and then I went home and took up the laptop to continue.
Miraculously, to me it was a miracle, after looking at the downloaded paper one more time, I saw the correct symbols and buttons on the top of the page that I was supposed to select . After that, even though it took me several more hours, the process worked.
I have to say here that smashwords does have a list of people that you can choose from for you to hire to reformat. I wanted to learn how to do it myself because I have a bunch more books that need to be published in the future.
In reading the instructions, the writer said that all of these things had to be stripped away so that smashwords can take a 'clean' file and put it through it's processes to format the manuscript into a dozen or more e reader formats so that the book can be used by all e readers. The book can go everywhere and be used by many more people!!!
Today, I was thinking about what that process was like. I seem to apply stuff to myself spiritually all the time.
When I come to Jesus to visit with Him, He doesn't want me to come with all my "fancy formatting" that I have done to myself.
All my 'self-righteousness' is like filthy rags to Him. When I thought about this, I cried out to God and asked Him to strip away all the 'goofy junk' I had added to myself and to replace it with the things He did for me at Calvary.
The pure joy I feel is beyond words. There is nothing I can add to His Sacrifice. And...you know what? Now he can distribute me around the world with His message of love and forgiveness.
Isn't that like God? He uses imperfect people like me, an earthen vessel, to carry His treasure (the message of the gospel of Christ Jesus). It is beyond words.
I know just enough about computer work to get into it ok, but I can get bogged down really quick. I was blessed to have a link to a free e book that told me how to reformat my manuscript for smashwords. (You can go to their site and find it and copy it off your printer if you need it.)
Anyway, the document was 86 or 89 pages long. It takes you step by step through the process. Patience is the key. Hyperventilating is not recommended.
The first task of getting the manuscript cleaned up so that it can be used by all venues is to remove all previous formatting. I had to take off the spell check, the fancy fonts, hard returns, tabs, and anything else that my computer, in it's fancy version of Office Word, put in the document to make it look pretty.
Like I said, I know enough to get myself into trouble. I did a lot of work on the document and then I couldn't find the buttons I was supposed to push to get everything really 'clean'. After a few hours of working on this, I decided to drive to town and visit my sister. I needed to get away from the computer.
On the way to town I prayed. "Lord, open my eyes to see where those options are on my computer." I was able to have a nice visit with Geraldine and then I went home and took up the laptop to continue.
Miraculously, to me it was a miracle, after looking at the downloaded paper one more time, I saw the correct symbols and buttons on the top of the page that I was supposed to select . After that, even though it took me several more hours, the process worked.
I have to say here that smashwords does have a list of people that you can choose from for you to hire to reformat. I wanted to learn how to do it myself because I have a bunch more books that need to be published in the future.
In reading the instructions, the writer said that all of these things had to be stripped away so that smashwords can take a 'clean' file and put it through it's processes to format the manuscript into a dozen or more e reader formats so that the book can be used by all e readers. The book can go everywhere and be used by many more people!!!
Today, I was thinking about what that process was like. I seem to apply stuff to myself spiritually all the time.
When I come to Jesus to visit with Him, He doesn't want me to come with all my "fancy formatting" that I have done to myself.
All my 'self-righteousness' is like filthy rags to Him. When I thought about this, I cried out to God and asked Him to strip away all the 'goofy junk' I had added to myself and to replace it with the things He did for me at Calvary.
The pure joy I feel is beyond words. There is nothing I can add to His Sacrifice. And...you know what? Now he can distribute me around the world with His message of love and forgiveness.
Isn't that like God? He uses imperfect people like me, an earthen vessel, to carry His treasure (the message of the gospel of Christ Jesus). It is beyond words.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
"The Eyes of a Stranger" by Elaine Littau is Coming Soon.
"The Eyes of a Stranger, Gertie's Grace" is getting closer to production. This week a very talented young graphic designer took my ideas and developed several options for a bookcover. I am definately going to use her again. Her name is Jonna Feavel. (Contact me via email if you want to get her to work for you.)
I will tell you a little about what "The Eyes of a Stranger" is about. Gertie is an eighteen-year-old girl who finds herself at the threshold of life. Rejected by her father and sent off to become a mail-order bride by her mother, she realizes that many options are open to her.
We met Gertie briefly in "Luke's Legacy" when she helped her fellow traveler, Sheriff Roy Miller, on the train in his care for baby Rose.
After finishing "Luke's Legacy", I couldn't get Gertie out of my mind. The story she shared with the sheriff begged to be built upon. It has been a pleasure to bring this character to life. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did when I wrote it. It has the feel of "Nan's Journey", plus a little mystery.
Now, I would like to introduce you to Terri Burnell. She writes wonderful children's books.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Terri Burnell
Garden of Eden
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
My goal is to write children's Christian books that spark a child's imagination while teaching them historical, cultural, and scriptural facts.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
About three years ago, my son Andrew loved to read The Magic Tree House books. At that time, Andrew was 8 years old. After reading one of the Magic Tree House books with Andrew, I realized the reason children love these stories so much is because they are taken to a magical place where they can experience the adventures first hand. It gave me the idea to write a book based on a biblical story in which the main characters could actually go back in time to experience what it would be like to have lived at that time.
4. What are your hobbies?
I enjoy scrapbooking, playing games with my family, line dancing, and attempting to sing Karaoke.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes, but much more now than in my younger years. I love to read Christian inspirational books.
6. What are you reading right now?
Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo and the "Answers" magazine.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes, I'm working on my second book titled Joseph, The Loyal Servant. This book takes place in ancient Egypt about 1725BC. The children go back in time to experience what it was like to travel in a camel caravan across the desert, learn the culture and customs of ancient Egyptian life, and witness Joseph being sold into slavery, and then later, through his faithfulness to God, see how Joseph is restored and uplifted to be the second in command over all of Egypt.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My goal is to be as accurate as possible with scientific, historical, and biblical facts. I need to accumulate a lot of data to be accurate. Sometimes the resources may not be in agreement concerning certain details. As always, the Bible is first and foremost my most valuable, infallible resource. When other online sources or reference books don't agree, I continue to search for more resources to obtain the most accurate information possible. This can be time consuming, but necessary.
For the book I'm writing now, Joseph, The Loyal Servant, I've needed to research more materials to obtain the historical and cultural data. For Garden of Eden, my only two resources were the Holy Bible and my own imagination. At times, I get writer's block. When this occurs I usually just stop writing and come back to it another time.
Before writing, I pray that God will give me guidance, and that my story will bring honor to Him.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Garden of Eden is a delightful story that will open a child's mind to explore the amazing possibilities of God's truth. Beth, an angel of God, takes brother and sister, Andrew and Shelby, back to the Garden of Eden to experience firsthand the new earth just ten days after creation.
Garden of Eden brings this well-known Bible story to life through imagination. Join the adventure as Andrew and Shelby make friends with the animals, explore the wonders of the garden, and discover the plan God has for all of his children. Along the way they will learn valuable lessons that can be carried with them, even after returning home.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
My personal email is: mag440ptas@peoplepc.com and the book website is: www.gardenofedenbookseries.com
As you know, I gave away a Kindle on April 1st. The winner was Melissa Kidd from IL. Congratulations Melissa.
The author's group I belong to got a few of us together to give away another Kindle on May 15, 2011 so it is not too late to get in on the drawing. To get in on it you have a choice to either set up an event for me or purchase 1 or more of my books. It counts if you want to pre-order "The Eyes of a Stranger" for $9 including s/h.
I will tell you a little about what "The Eyes of a Stranger" is about. Gertie is an eighteen-year-old girl who finds herself at the threshold of life. Rejected by her father and sent off to become a mail-order bride by her mother, she realizes that many options are open to her.
We met Gertie briefly in "Luke's Legacy" when she helped her fellow traveler, Sheriff Roy Miller, on the train in his care for baby Rose.
After finishing "Luke's Legacy", I couldn't get Gertie out of my mind. The story she shared with the sheriff begged to be built upon. It has been a pleasure to bring this character to life. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did when I wrote it. It has the feel of "Nan's Journey", plus a little mystery.
Now, I would like to introduce you to Terri Burnell. She writes wonderful children's books.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Terri Burnell
Garden of Eden
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
My goal is to write children's Christian books that spark a child's imagination while teaching them historical, cultural, and scriptural facts.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
About three years ago, my son Andrew loved to read The Magic Tree House books. At that time, Andrew was 8 years old. After reading one of the Magic Tree House books with Andrew, I realized the reason children love these stories so much is because they are taken to a magical place where they can experience the adventures first hand. It gave me the idea to write a book based on a biblical story in which the main characters could actually go back in time to experience what it would be like to have lived at that time.
4. What are your hobbies?
I enjoy scrapbooking, playing games with my family, line dancing, and attempting to sing Karaoke.
5. Are you a reader?
Yes, but much more now than in my younger years. I love to read Christian inspirational books.
6. What are you reading right now?
Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo and the "Answers" magazine.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes, I'm working on my second book titled Joseph, The Loyal Servant. This book takes place in ancient Egypt about 1725BC. The children go back in time to experience what it was like to travel in a camel caravan across the desert, learn the culture and customs of ancient Egyptian life, and witness Joseph being sold into slavery, and then later, through his faithfulness to God, see how Joseph is restored and uplifted to be the second in command over all of Egypt.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My goal is to be as accurate as possible with scientific, historical, and biblical facts. I need to accumulate a lot of data to be accurate. Sometimes the resources may not be in agreement concerning certain details. As always, the Bible is first and foremost my most valuable, infallible resource. When other online sources or reference books don't agree, I continue to search for more resources to obtain the most accurate information possible. This can be time consuming, but necessary.
For the book I'm writing now, Joseph, The Loyal Servant, I've needed to research more materials to obtain the historical and cultural data. For Garden of Eden, my only two resources were the Holy Bible and my own imagination. At times, I get writer's block. When this occurs I usually just stop writing and come back to it another time.
Before writing, I pray that God will give me guidance, and that my story will bring honor to Him.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Garden of Eden is a delightful story that will open a child's mind to explore the amazing possibilities of God's truth. Beth, an angel of God, takes brother and sister, Andrew and Shelby, back to the Garden of Eden to experience firsthand the new earth just ten days after creation.
Garden of Eden brings this well-known Bible story to life through imagination. Join the adventure as Andrew and Shelby make friends with the animals, explore the wonders of the garden, and discover the plan God has for all of his children. Along the way they will learn valuable lessons that can be carried with them, even after returning home.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
My personal email is: mag440ptas@peoplepc.com and the book website is: www.gardenofedenbookseries.com
As you know, I gave away a Kindle on April 1st. The winner was Melissa Kidd from IL. Congratulations Melissa.
The author's group I belong to got a few of us together to give away another Kindle on May 15, 2011 so it is not too late to get in on the drawing. To get in on it you have a choice to either set up an event for me or purchase 1 or more of my books. It counts if you want to pre-order "The Eyes of a Stranger" for $9 including s/h.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Choosing a Cover for Luke's Legacy
Yesterday I was sent selections for covers for Luke's Legacy. I thought I already had in mind exactly what I wanted. The designer came up with some very good ideas. I took a survey of which cover readers liked best. They surprised me by choosing one that I didn't think fit. The second place was very close to the first vote getter. See which ones grab you.
Friday, July 10, 2009
HOT HOT HOT
Hot Hot Hot
Yay Summertime!
It is Summertime for sure isn't it. I do want to tell you that I am still living without pain. God is so good! Terry thinks he has the girl he met all those years ago back. I just had to give the Lord another Praise over that. I am so grateful.
Elk's Resolve sales are clipping along. I can't help but daydream about what it would be like to be a best-selling author, but that is in God's hands.
A friend of mine from Australia emailed me the other day. She blogs a lot about books. She reads a ton of them. We "met" when I asked her a little over a year ago to do a blog for me on Nan's Journey. She read it and wrote a very nice review for me. She interviewed me at Christmastime again and has been very supportive and encouraging. She sent this email to a herd of us authors to see if we would like to do another interview and promote our latest books. I jumped at the chance.
I couldn't help but think about how kind and helpful she is to all of us...non-best-sellers out there. I decided to "pay it forward". I sent a simular email to the authors I had in my email list. (If you didn't get this email, you are still invited.) I want to do an interview of each of the responders. I know some pretty amazing writers and I think you will be interested in what they have to say.
Elaine
The first author I want to introduce you to is John Shumaker.
John, I am so happy you took the time to answer a few questions that I think my readers will be interested in.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is John H. Shumaker. The two books I’ve written are: The Mystery of the Alpha andOmega and The Strategy of Spiritual Warfare Exposed (What Goes on Behind the Scenes and Why).
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I’ve been a Bibleteacher since 1985. My wife, Carol, and I have 5 kids, 10 grandkids, and 3 great grandkids. I’ve been a professional firefighter for 40 years and have started a Chaplain program with the Colorado Springs Fire Department. I’ve also started chapters of the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters and a chapter of Firefighters for Christ. Through Firefighters for Christ I’ve given out over 65,000 cassette teaching tapes and have mailed them world-wide.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I decided to try writing about 3 years ago. I didn’t do this because I felt led to be a writer, but I just wanted to try my hand at it and see where it led.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
The books I’ve written can be used for Bible studies. This would include Sunday School, home Bible studies and private Bible study. The strong points of my books is that I use the Bible to comment on the Bible – in other words, going through my books you will explore the Bible in it’s entirety. I also include the Bible verses in my book so you don’t have to set the book aside to look up the reference. In addition I spent about 2 years studying one-on-one with a Messianic Rabbi.
5. Are you a reader? What are you reading right now?
I love to read. My daily schedule is to get up between 0300 and 0330. I spend a couple of hours every day studying the Bible and reading. I’m currently reading Marriage: Fantasy vs Reality.
6. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
In my first book, The Mystery of the Alpha and Omega, I took 18 verses from the Old Testament and expounded on how Jesus is revealed in the original Hebrew text. I have found that there are over 570 references in theHebrew text that identifies Jesus and His role as God and as Messiah. I’m currently writing a commentary on these verses. Due to the size of the book, I’m not sure if it will go to print or not. At any rate, it will be available on my web site: www.jhshumaker.info
7.What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them? The biggest obstacle I’ve found so far is not in writing the books, but in getting them marketed. Since I’m an “unknown” and I don’t have an alphabet to put behind my name, it’s hard to get the books into the hands of people that have the right connections to get the books promoted in Christian book stores. They are currently in Boarders and Barnes and Nobel, but the people that would be interested in what I’ve written about would look in Christian bookstores – not Boarders and Barnes and Nobel.
8. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
I can be contacted in several ways:
· E-mail: jhshumaker@comcast.net
· Web site: www.jhshumaker.info
· Phone: 719-337-4545
· Snail mail: John H. Shumaker
P.O. Box 7187
Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7187
Thank you so much John. (His wife is a hoot! I love her so much.) Pictures of his books will not load on this format, so you can check them out at his websites or at http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
Yay Summertime!
It is Summertime for sure isn't it. I do want to tell you that I am still living without pain. God is so good! Terry thinks he has the girl he met all those years ago back. I just had to give the Lord another Praise over that. I am so grateful.
Elk's Resolve sales are clipping along. I can't help but daydream about what it would be like to be a best-selling author, but that is in God's hands.
A friend of mine from Australia emailed me the other day. She blogs a lot about books. She reads a ton of them. We "met" when I asked her a little over a year ago to do a blog for me on Nan's Journey. She read it and wrote a very nice review for me. She interviewed me at Christmastime again and has been very supportive and encouraging. She sent this email to a herd of us authors to see if we would like to do another interview and promote our latest books. I jumped at the chance.
I couldn't help but think about how kind and helpful she is to all of us...non-best-sellers out there. I decided to "pay it forward". I sent a simular email to the authors I had in my email list. (If you didn't get this email, you are still invited.) I want to do an interview of each of the responders. I know some pretty amazing writers and I think you will be interested in what they have to say.
Elaine
The first author I want to introduce you to is John Shumaker.
John, I am so happy you took the time to answer a few questions that I think my readers will be interested in.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is John H. Shumaker. The two books I’ve written are: The Mystery of the Alpha andOmega and The Strategy of Spiritual Warfare Exposed (What Goes on Behind the Scenes and Why).
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I’ve been a Bibleteacher since 1985. My wife, Carol, and I have 5 kids, 10 grandkids, and 3 great grandkids. I’ve been a professional firefighter for 40 years and have started a Chaplain program with the Colorado Springs Fire Department. I’ve also started chapters of the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters and a chapter of Firefighters for Christ. Through Firefighters for Christ I’ve given out over 65,000 cassette teaching tapes and have mailed them world-wide.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I decided to try writing about 3 years ago. I didn’t do this because I felt led to be a writer, but I just wanted to try my hand at it and see where it led.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
The books I’ve written can be used for Bible studies. This would include Sunday School, home Bible studies and private Bible study. The strong points of my books is that I use the Bible to comment on the Bible – in other words, going through my books you will explore the Bible in it’s entirety. I also include the Bible verses in my book so you don’t have to set the book aside to look up the reference. In addition I spent about 2 years studying one-on-one with a Messianic Rabbi.
5. Are you a reader? What are you reading right now?
I love to read. My daily schedule is to get up between 0300 and 0330. I spend a couple of hours every day studying the Bible and reading. I’m currently reading Marriage: Fantasy vs Reality.
6. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
In my first book, The Mystery of the Alpha and Omega, I took 18 verses from the Old Testament and expounded on how Jesus is revealed in the original Hebrew text. I have found that there are over 570 references in theHebrew text that identifies Jesus and His role as God and as Messiah. I’m currently writing a commentary on these verses. Due to the size of the book, I’m not sure if it will go to print or not. At any rate, it will be available on my web site: www.jhshumaker.info
7.What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them? The biggest obstacle I’ve found so far is not in writing the books, but in getting them marketed. Since I’m an “unknown” and I don’t have an alphabet to put behind my name, it’s hard to get the books into the hands of people that have the right connections to get the books promoted in Christian book stores. They are currently in Boarders and Barnes and Nobel, but the people that would be interested in what I’ve written about would look in Christian bookstores – not Boarders and Barnes and Nobel.
8. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
I can be contacted in several ways:
· E-mail: jhshumaker@comcast.net
· Web site: www.jhshumaker.info
· Phone: 719-337-4545
· Snail mail: John H. Shumaker
P.O. Box 7187
Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7187
Thank you so much John. (His wife is a hoot! I love her so much.) Pictures of his books will not load on this format, so you can check them out at his websites or at http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
See you next week. I hope you enjoyed this.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Release Day is Here
I am so happy that the release day for Elk's Resolve is here. I have several events scheduled to promote my books and that makes me very happy. If you are looking for someone to speak to your group, maybe a new or unexpected face to stir things up, contact me here. We can discuss what your group is doing and where you want to go with the event.
I realize that most people wonder how a fiction writer can make an impact on real life. Let me explain that in both books, Nan's Journey & Elk's Resolve, very real life issues are addressed. Even if you have not gone through tragic circumstances all of us deal with unforgiveness, depression and self-doubt. (Those are a few of the things brought out in the books.)
For those of you who have already read my books, THANK YOU SO MUCH! If you would take a moment to write a review on them at amazon.com, it would mean so much to me. Constructive criticism is encouraged. I appreciate your insight.
Check out my updated website: elainelittau.com
I realize that most people wonder how a fiction writer can make an impact on real life. Let me explain that in both books, Nan's Journey & Elk's Resolve, very real life issues are addressed. Even if you have not gone through tragic circumstances all of us deal with unforgiveness, depression and self-doubt. (Those are a few of the things brought out in the books.)
For those of you who have already read my books, THANK YOU SO MUCH! If you would take a moment to write a review on them at amazon.com, it would mean so much to me. Constructive criticism is encouraged. I appreciate your insight.
Check out my updated website: elainelittau.com
Friday, June 12, 2009
June is one of my Favorite Months
June is one of my favorite months of the year.
Terry and I really enjoyed the time we spent with our grandchildren. We look forward to the summer visit from our Colorado kids and grandkids.This time we were able to have our Texas granddaughter join in on the fun. I think they have gotten very close to each other and will miss one another very much.
I am trying to get events lined up for the summer. Book signings, speaking, and just keeping in touch with everybody. One of the things I have to keep reminding myself to do is write. Book #4 is started on my computer. I need to get back at it, but stuff happens. You know, important stuff like:
Hugging those grandkids while they are here.
Keeping up with my marketing plans.
and, let me make a confession here...farming. Yes, I am a face book farm town addict. I wonder what they call the 12 step program on a cruise ship for that- "memorial for friends of Old MacDolald"? For subscribers who don't have a clue what I am talking about, you will have to log in to my blog and watch the video I made called "Cruise Ship Blunder". It is the video where I am wearing a dopey hat. (nansjourney.blogspot.com)
Anyway, a friend or two convinced me that farm town was fun. It is. It is a stress reliever as well as a stress producer...kinda like husbands and kids huh! I wish my real garden would grow as well as the one on facebook, but I guess that would mean that I would have to actually plant one. (bummer)
I have Book III of the Nan's Heritage Series written. It is tentatively called "Luke's Legacy". I will level with you. It does cost a good bit of money to get the books published. Although Tate Publishing and Enterprises is not a vanity publisher, they are a partnership publisher. That means that each author contributes money to the publishing of their books. The more books that have sold, the less contribution has to be made for each title. After 5000 copies of the books have been sold, the money I put in to the publishing process will be refunded to me. I said that to say this: I am saving back $1 per book sold to go toward getting "Luke's Legacy" published. Some readers have given a $5 deposit toward their purchase of "Luke's Legacy" when it comes out to speed up the process a bit. When any of my books are sold it does help my credibility with the publisher so I want to thank you for your purchases. I wanted you to know why it takes so long before the next book comes out. I am striving to get the word out and sell as many copies as I can because Book III is my favorite to date. I am sure that if you liked "Nan's Journey" and "Elk's Resolve", you will love "Luke's Legacy". Don't give up on me. We will see it in print sooner than later...hopefully.
Until next time, your taking the time to talk about the books is the best advertisement I could ever get and I thank you for all that you do.
Elaine
Terry and I really enjoyed the time we spent with our grandchildren. We look forward to the summer visit from our Colorado kids and grandkids.This time we were able to have our Texas granddaughter join in on the fun. I think they have gotten very close to each other and will miss one another very much.
I am trying to get events lined up for the summer. Book signings, speaking, and just keeping in touch with everybody. One of the things I have to keep reminding myself to do is write. Book #4 is started on my computer. I need to get back at it, but stuff happens. You know, important stuff like:
Hugging those grandkids while they are here.
Keeping up with my marketing plans.
and, let me make a confession here...farming. Yes, I am a face book farm town addict. I wonder what they call the 12 step program on a cruise ship for that- "memorial for friends of Old MacDolald"? For subscribers who don't have a clue what I am talking about, you will have to log in to my blog and watch the video I made called "Cruise Ship Blunder". It is the video where I am wearing a dopey hat. (nansjourney.blogspot.com)
Anyway, a friend or two convinced me that farm town was fun. It is. It is a stress reliever as well as a stress producer...kinda like husbands and kids huh! I wish my real garden would grow as well as the one on facebook, but I guess that would mean that I would have to actually plant one. (bummer)
I have Book III of the Nan's Heritage Series written. It is tentatively called "Luke's Legacy". I will level with you. It does cost a good bit of money to get the books published. Although Tate Publishing and Enterprises is not a vanity publisher, they are a partnership publisher. That means that each author contributes money to the publishing of their books. The more books that have sold, the less contribution has to be made for each title. After 5000 copies of the books have been sold, the money I put in to the publishing process will be refunded to me. I said that to say this: I am saving back $1 per book sold to go toward getting "Luke's Legacy" published. Some readers have given a $5 deposit toward their purchase of "Luke's Legacy" when it comes out to speed up the process a bit. When any of my books are sold it does help my credibility with the publisher so I want to thank you for your purchases. I wanted you to know why it takes so long before the next book comes out. I am striving to get the word out and sell as many copies as I can because Book III is my favorite to date. I am sure that if you liked "Nan's Journey" and "Elk's Resolve", you will love "Luke's Legacy". Don't give up on me. We will see it in print sooner than later...hopefully.
Until next time, your taking the time to talk about the books is the best advertisement I could ever get and I thank you for all that you do.
Elaine
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
elainelittau.com
For a little over a month I have worked on a new website. elainelittau.com So far there has been a good flow of traffic on it. There are pictures of the launch party for Elk's Resolve and also a product page as well as a page for free stuff. Please go by and sign up for stuff and also sign up for the newsletter. (another experiment)
Elk's Resolve's official release date is July 7, 2009. At that time it will be available world wide. However, if you want a signed/personalized copy you can order direct from me at this blog or elainelittau.com and pay with a credit card or paypal.
Thank you for stopping by.
Elk's Resolve's official release date is July 7, 2009. At that time it will be available world wide. However, if you want a signed/personalized copy you can order direct from me at this blog or elainelittau.com and pay with a credit card or paypal.
Thank you for stopping by.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Elk's Resolve is Ready to Send Out ...to You!
Elk's Resolve is Ready to Send Out ...to You!
This afternoon the boxes of "Elk's Resolve" were on the deck when I came home from work. They arrived sooner than I expected and I am very happy about that. Complete your order with the paypal button or send me a message at elainel45@msn.com and let me know how many and how you want your books signed. Of course you can give those instructions on paypal too! It is very easy.Thank you for walking with me through this process! Just think book #3 is ready to submit for consideration to the publisher. I just need to sell a bunch of these other books before I send it in to them. They need to know that there is a demand for books by Elaine Littau. (smile smile)Please tell your friends about these books and blog about them...help me spread the word if you like them. I really appreciate it!
This afternoon the boxes of "Elk's Resolve" were on the deck when I came home from work. They arrived sooner than I expected and I am very happy about that. Complete your order with the paypal button or send me a message at elainel45@msn.com and let me know how many and how you want your books signed. Of course you can give those instructions on paypal too! It is very easy.Thank you for walking with me through this process! Just think book #3 is ready to submit for consideration to the publisher. I just need to sell a bunch of these other books before I send it in to them. They need to know that there is a demand for books by Elaine Littau. (smile smile)Please tell your friends about these books and blog about them...help me spread the word if you like them. I really appreciate it!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
"Elk's Resolve" will be in my hands the end of April!
I will get my copies for sale here and on the Tate Publishing website at the end of April. Order here at the Paypal button to get a signed copy and I will send you a signed and numbered copy of "Elk's Resolve" and "Nan's Journey" if you haven't read it.
"Elk's Resolve" will be released worldwide in June/July of 2009 to bookstores and amazon.com, target.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com...etc.
When you read your copy, do me a great favor and write a review on your blog, facebook page, myspace page, and amazon.com. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to get the word out for books. Also, if you have an event coming up that is in need of a speaker...I'M YOUR GIRL! (or old lady depending on who you are...hee hee) Contact me here to set things up.
"Elk's Resolve" will be released worldwide in June/July of 2009 to bookstores and amazon.com, target.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com...etc.
When you read your copy, do me a great favor and write a review on your blog, facebook page, myspace page, and amazon.com. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to get the word out for books. Also, if you have an event coming up that is in need of a speaker...I'M YOUR GIRL! (or old lady depending on who you are...hee hee) Contact me here to set things up.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
A Sample of "Elk's Resolve" Audio Was Sent To Me!
The Audio department of Tate Publishing and Enterprises sent me a sample of a portion of the first chapter of "Elk's Resolve" on Friday. I believe that everyone who takes advantage of the free download with the purchase of the paper version will really appreciate the work involved in voicing the book.
With the sample the man doing the voice for the book asked for any corrections or input from me for the audio version. He kindly accepted my instructions and we are to speak on the phone soon to be certain that certain words are pronounced correctly. (Would you believe that people have trouble figuring out how to pronounce 'Littau'? Hint: it rhymes with Utah...smile)
Things are moving along... I hope you are getting ready to get your hands on a copy of "Elk's Resolve".
With the sample the man doing the voice for the book asked for any corrections or input from me for the audio version. He kindly accepted my instructions and we are to speak on the phone soon to be certain that certain words are pronounced correctly. (Would you believe that people have trouble figuring out how to pronounce 'Littau'? Hint: it rhymes with Utah...smile)
Things are moving along... I hope you are getting ready to get your hands on a copy of "Elk's Resolve".
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Free Audio with Purchase of "Elk's Resolve"
Free Audio with Purchase of "Elk's Resolve"
When I printed off the finished copy of "Elk's Resolve" to proof it one more time there was a notice on the back page. I will print it word for word here:E LIVElisten-imagine-view-experienceAUDIO BOOK DOWNLOAD INCLUDED WITH THIS BOOK!In your hands you hold a complete digital entertainment package. Besides purchasing the paper version of this book, this book includes a free download of the audio version of this book. Simply use the code listed below when visiting our website. Once downloaded to your computer, you can listen to the book through your computer's speakers, burn it to an audio CD or save the file to your portable music device (such as Apple's popular iPod) and listen on the go!This will make "Elk's Resolve" a great value to the readers.Let me know what you think!!!
When I printed off the finished copy of "Elk's Resolve" to proof it one more time there was a notice on the back page. I will print it word for word here:E LIVElisten-imagine-view-experienceAUDIO BOOK DOWNLOAD INCLUDED WITH THIS BOOK!In your hands you hold a complete digital entertainment package. Besides purchasing the paper version of this book, this book includes a free download of the audio version of this book. Simply use the code listed below when visiting our website. Once downloaded to your computer, you can listen to the book through your computer's speakers, burn it to an audio CD or save the file to your portable music device (such as Apple's popular iPod) and listen on the go!This will make "Elk's Resolve" a great value to the readers.Let me know what you think!!!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Book Launch Party Being Planned
The process of publication for "Elk's Resolve" is coming close to an end. Yesterday, I looked at the font size, margin spacing, page number format and everything akin to that for approval. The next step is a mach up will be developed and sent to me for final evaluation before "Elk's Resolve" is put into print. That means that the long wait to hold my "baby" is almost over.That being said, I want to have a book launch party. Terry and I are planning the details with a lot of input and help from friends and family. Our budget is limited, but we want to do it up right. I will get details on this site as soon as I can about the venue, date, and time. I want everyone who is even interested in "Nan's Journey" or "Elk's Resolve" to feel welcome to come to the party. It will be wonderful to see you there.Keep on the lookout for more details.
Monday, February 16, 2009
"Elk's Resolve", Book II of the Nan's Heritage Series, will be out within the next few months. Terry and I are very excited about that. In fact, Terry was very involved in the story line and action of "Elk's Resolve'. I really needed him to especially read the fight sequences to make sure that the action was do-able. He also gave me insight to the male character's way of thinking. As a woman I like to hope there are men who think the way women wish men would think...understand? He was invaluable in helping me keep the male characters true to life. I think you will like Book II. The major theme of it deals with overcoming depression...among other things.Book III is about the youngest children of Fred and Nan. I haven't submitted it to the publisher for review yet because I put it in a contest for unpublished manuscripts. Hopefully, I will know the status of "Luke's Legacy" soon. "Luke's Legacy" is a very emotional book. It has it's share of adventure and "hold your breath" moments, but I have to say, writing it tugged at my heart more than anything I have done so far. "Luke's Legacy" burned in my mind long after I finished it. The theme of it is about creating your own legacy. Book IV is in the baby stages. The connection to Nan is: "What happened to the trunk that Mary sent to Boston?" I am not sure it should be part of the "Nan's Heritage Series" because it barely touches Nan's family...we will see as it unfolds.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Narrator Choices, Cover Choices
Today I made the final choices for narrator of "Elk's Resolve". For this book we decided to go with a male voice because of the main charactor being male. We were asked to give our first, second, and third choice of narrator. My second choice was the woman who voiced "Nan's Journey". She did a great job and we were very pleased with her work. The narrative voices we chose from were very good and it was a difficult decision.
I also sent in our choice for the cover. It will be a sepia tone-similar to "Nan's Journey" with a tepee on it in place of the railroad tracks. I wanted the "flavor" of the books to be similar since they are in the same series. The official name of the series is "Nan's Heritage Series".
The next step will be layout and design. That will be paper choice, font and size. We will go with the same format as "Nan's Journey". I think that things are going very well. They will send me a mach up of the finished product for us to proofread. After that the audio team will send us the audio book to listen to and proof. When they sent us the proof of "Nan's Journey" I had to laugh. The narrator said, "Nan and Elmer put the dishes in the dishwasher." It should have been: "Nan and Elmer put the dishes in the dish water." I noted the change and they gladly fixed it. I have wondered what listeners would have thought if we hadn't changed it. I wonder if they would have noticed? That was a very fun process.
They offered to do a book trailer for me in lieu of the audio book, but we chose the audio cds. The reason for our decision is that we have about a half dozen close friends who depend on books presented audibly. They have been patiently waiting for "Elk's Resolve" to be made available on cd for them and we couldn't disappoint them. We have sold a number of the audio version and know that there is definitely a market for them. We will make a book trailer for it also. It will be somewhat like the one we have of "Nan's Journey".
I also sent in our choice for the cover. It will be a sepia tone-similar to "Nan's Journey" with a tepee on it in place of the railroad tracks. I wanted the "flavor" of the books to be similar since they are in the same series. The official name of the series is "Nan's Heritage Series".
The next step will be layout and design. That will be paper choice, font and size. We will go with the same format as "Nan's Journey". I think that things are going very well. They will send me a mach up of the finished product for us to proofread. After that the audio team will send us the audio book to listen to and proof. When they sent us the proof of "Nan's Journey" I had to laugh. The narrator said, "Nan and Elmer put the dishes in the dishwasher." It should have been: "Nan and Elmer put the dishes in the dish water." I noted the change and they gladly fixed it. I have wondered what listeners would have thought if we hadn't changed it. I wonder if they would have noticed? That was a very fun process.
They offered to do a book trailer for me in lieu of the audio book, but we chose the audio cds. The reason for our decision is that we have about a half dozen close friends who depend on books presented audibly. They have been patiently waiting for "Elk's Resolve" to be made available on cd for them and we couldn't disappoint them. We have sold a number of the audio version and know that there is definitely a market for them. We will make a book trailer for it also. It will be somewhat like the one we have of "Nan's Journey".
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.
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