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!!!

Elks Resolve book Teaser

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

Thursday, July 31, 2008

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

The Real Work Begins Now

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

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

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

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

The Contract for Elk's Resolve Has Been Signed!

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