My First eBook Cover!

Okay, I suddenly realized I hadn’t even posted this creation on my blog. What’s up with that? Without further ado, here’s my first ebook cover, designed by my mama, Lynda Kay Sawyer. What do you think?

For Him,

Sarah Elisabeth

Facebook Works—Five Tribes Story Conference

The Graceful Entrance

My mom and I arrived in Muskogee too late for checking into the hotel before the reception started, so we drove straight to the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. Please note: I was in my comfy four hour driving clothes and hadn’t put on make-up yet. Or plucked that one pesky chin hair.

As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, who else had just arrived? Tim Tingle, international Choctaw author and storyteller, and event co-coordinator. He waves and comes over to the car. I hold the tweezers inconspicuously. He insists we make him feel better for being casual and waits by the car to walk inside with us. So much for slapping on some make-up.

Recognition

But how did this man, who we’ve not seen since last year, recognize and call us by name? Facebook, of course. We connected with him and several others after meeting at the conference last year. Not a lot of conversation between us on there, but he’s been keeping up with my writing/storytelling and my mom’s filmmaking.

Once inside, Tim (he insists we just call him Tim) starts engaging in other conversations. I slip back out to fix up a bit. My mom and I then ascended the stairs to the reception area with the elegant white table clothes covering a dozen tables with chairs. I was in denim shorts and too frazzled to take any pictures.

We drop our keys-n-such on one of the half occupied tables as we head to dip up plates of refreshments. Upon returning to the table, before I could set my plate down, the lady across from me asked, “Aren’t you Elisabeth?”

Uh, okay. “Yes, well, Sarah Elisabeth.”

She shook her finger knowingly. “I thought it was you. We met last year, I’m Francine.”

I instantly recognized the name. “Francine Bray? With the Choctaw pony conservation thing?”

Facebook at work again.

Next to join our table is Greg Rodgers, who mentored under Tim Tingle for four years and is now quite an accomplished author and storyteller himself. Hadn’t seen him in a year either outside of, you guessed it, Facebook.

“Hey Lynda and Sarah. How are y’all doing? Saw the picture of your first storytelling. Congratulations!”

The next day, as he moderated the first panel discussion, Greg did special recognition of three or four authors, storytellers and professors in the audience. I was shocked when he included me.

It Works

Greg was after me all through the conference, trying to get me to the mic to tell a story. I wish I had had one prepared.

Facebook. It keeps your face in front of those you want to remember you. So choose a good profile pic.

For Him,

Sarah Elisabeth

Special Announcement!

Wait, isn’t that the term you use for new arrivals, as in babies? If so, my title is appropriate, because the publication of a debut novel follows much of the same pattern as having your first baby. From conception, through the anxiety and joy-filled thoughts of motherhood, to the impatient anticipation of the big day, not quite sure exactly when that will be, or what it will be like. The agonizing pains of labor, the sweat, the tears, the fear. And then…it’s all over. You hold the newborn book, uh, baby in your arms at last.

No, I’ve never had a baby. No, I’ve never published a novel. But my friend has. (Just the latter, of course!)

Without further rabbit trail hopping, I’d like to announce the publication of The Kingmakers, by Serafia Cross. I couldn’t be more excited for my dear friend. She has worked so consistently on drafting and editing this novel series, The Last King of Legends, it puts me to shame. Visit her website www.SerafiaCross.com for details on the series and an excerpt from the novel.

 

In 1174 King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem is thrust into power at age thirteen. Only a few individuals know his greatest secret—he is a leper. Despite all their training and abilities, they cannot teach him to live long, so they teach him how to reign great and craft a king myths are made of—a king history almost forgot. They are The Kingmakers to The Last King of Legends.

Book One, The Kingmakers, is now available. Get a copy.

‘Nuff said.

For Him,

Sarah Elisabeth

Stuck Backwards

  There I sat, kayak turned backwards at the top of three tiers of rocks. The chilly water rushed over the front, filling my seat and soaking me. I was stuck.

We started the day looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. There were nine of us in all, including my mom, Lynda Kay, and my brother, Jon. The event took a flurry of phone calls, texting and a few weeks to pull together, but the caravan of two packed cars was ready to go early Saturday morning, September 10. Destination: Mountain Fork River, Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

Being the adventurous group we were, guys in the majority, we couldn’t settle for just a paddle down the little rapids, cruising the four miles. No. We had to paddle upstream. And flip kayaks, accidently and intentionally. And drag our boats overland to catch every fun fall at least twice. Then someone spotted the rope swing.

 

Because of my now fatigued state, they were able to talk me into doing it. But as soon as my full, uh, weight, hit my hyper flex shoulders, I let loose with a yelp and lost my grip on the knot I was instructed to hold onto. But wow. Somehow the drop into the icy river water was fun.

 Now back to those three tiers of rocks. The awkward position I found myself in was the only time I was stumped in what to do. If I could shove myself off the rocks, another two foot drop awaited behind me, with a boulder not five feet away. I thought about stepping out, and try turning my kayak. But the incredible rush of water gave me pause. I could only count on one good knee. Besides, as soon as I stood, my weight-free kayak would likely shoot off down river.

When I’m stuck in such a helpless situation, there’s only one thing to do. Await rescue. This came in the form of my muscular brother, Jon, who braved the rushing water and slippery rocks to lift the front of my kayak, me and all, and turn it so I could take the last drop front ways. Yes, it required skill and technique to maneuver the rest of the boulders on that little bit, but I was up for it. Hey, it wasn’t my first rodeo.

But how funny is that compared to life? Stuck on the rocks, facing the wrong way, with cold water and boulder threats adding to the misery. Out of control, hopeless, and despair are some words that come to mind. But sometimes we just need to sit tight. Help is on the way, because there is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother.

For Him,

Sarah Elisabeth

Prov. 18:24