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.

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

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

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 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!

"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.

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".

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!!!

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.

"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.

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".

Resolution/Resolve

Resolution/Resolve
Happy New Year 2009! Yep, it's that time again. New Year's resolutions. For the first time in my life I finally looked up what the word "resolution" is defined as in the dictionary. Webster's New World College dictionary says:resolution 1. a)the act or process of resolving something or breaking it up into its constituent parts or elements.2. a) resolving or determining; deciding b) the thing determined upon; decision as to future action; resolve3. a resolute quality of mind4. a formal statement of opinion or determination adopted by an assembly or other formal group 5. a solving, as of a puzzle, or answering, as of a question; solution6. that part of a play, novel, etc. in which the plot is explained or made clear7. Med. the subsidence or disapperance of swelling, fever, or other manifestation of disease.8. Music the passing of a dissonant chord or tone in a cord to a consonant cord or tone9. Physics te capability of an optical system or other imaging system, of making clear and distinguishable the separate parts or components of an object.If you are like me, that is a bit much! I suppose the New Year's Resolution falls under the #2 catagory, but it takes the resolute quality of mind to follow through along with the answering of a question. "What exactly am I resolving to do?" To follow through with a resolution you have to break it up into doable parts...and it helps to have and "assembly" of people to help you stay with it.My new book's name is "Elk's Resolve". Elk had to make a decision to overcome his circumstances and become his own man. He determined to not let the negative events in his life define him. Resolve is defined as fixed in purpose or intention. Sometimes it takes that kind of grit to step away from the knee jerk reactions and take the high road. In my experience that is easier said than done. Reactive words seem to hover at the tip of the tongue. Noble words seem to have to be sought out in the far recesses of the mind. (Am I alone here?)What are my goals or resolutions for 2009? That is tough but I will make a stab at it.1. I desire to grow closer to the Lord.2. I desire to be a sweeter wife and mother...grandmother...sister...friend..etc3. I want to improve my writing and marketing skills.4. I want to reach 5000 books sold for "Nan's Journey" and at least 2000 for "Elk's Resolve" by 2010.5. I want to submit Book III of Nan's Heritage Series to the publisher for consideration to the publisher before 2010.6. I want to do more speaking events and meet more readers this year.7. I want to get physically fit, thus, lose weight so that I can be stronger.8. I want to read 25 books this year.9. I want to finish book #4 and #5 before 2010.10. I want to open for whatever the Lord has in mind for me.How did I do with my goals for 2008?1. I sold 1119 copies of "Nan's Journey"2. I maintained my weight loss from the summer before although I did not lose the pounds I wanted to.3. Get out of debt...nope, still in there! That is something we are gaining on, but still have to work on.4. Read 24 books! Yea! I still have a stack of about 20 that I can't wait to get to.5. Write more. Yep, I was much more disciplined with that.How did you do?

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

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

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.

Elks Resolve edits are Moving Along

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

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

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

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

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

Things are Moving Along

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

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

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

Using Time Wisely

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

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

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

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

Depression

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

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

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

Tearing out part of the original hardwood floor

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