Selena Robins, Author

On 10/04/2011 Dancing With Bear Publishing author Melinda Elmore lost her husband, Tommy, unexpectedly. They have two children, a son, age 23, and a daughter, 13. There was no insurance to cover final expenses, so DWB Publishing is hosting a benefit for the Elmore family on 11/01/2011.

Journey To Christmas Creek is a story Tommy used to tell their children, and Melinda has written this Native American, historical, YA story that will be released on 11/01/2011 at Dancing With Bear Publishing

100% OF THE ROYALTIES FROM THE SALE OF THIS BOOK FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD WILL BE DONATED TO MELINDA AND HER FAMILY.

This historical Native American story takes the reader back to a time when Indians traveled from one place to another, depending on the time of year. These moves were made in order to be able to find food, water, and wood for fires. In Journey To Christmas Creek, the chief’s teenage son, Spotted Buffalo wants to be thought of as a man, so one night he sneaks off to find the perfect place for the tribes’ new home. Unfortunately, he wasn’t as quiet as he thought and his younger sister, Gentle Tears, follows him, insisting he take her along, or she will tell their parents what he is about to do.

Being blackmailed by a younger sibling is something every big brother or sister can relate to!

Agreeing to take his sister along, Spotted Buffalo sets her on the horse in front of him, and heads out beneath a full moon. They don’t get very far before a snowstorm comes in and they are both very cold. Spotted Buffalo pushes on until he can go no further but where he stops is at a place called Christmas Creek by the white fur traders. All does not go well and Gentle Tears must help her brother, and faces great danger, risking her life to get back to their parents.

When Spotted Buffalo’s father arrives, he is understandably angry but will that anger keep him from recognizing his son’s efforts to help their tribe and become a man?

Excerpt:

Spotted Buffalo stepped outside into the radiant sun, and look around the village, exploding with activity.  He walked to the herd of horses, now his responsibility, and could not wait until he got his very own horse. But first, he would have to become a man.

He sat on a wooden plank rotting with age, and stared off into the field of flowers blanketing Mother Earth.  Wondering what destiny held for him, Spotted Buffalo quickly snapped back to reality as his father approached.

“Spotted Buffalo, come, we are preparing to leave.”

Standing proudly, he replied, “Father, this will be best for our people, and I know Gentle Tears will grow to love our new home.”

Red Sun smiled.  “My heart also breaks. I do not wish to move our people from their home. I also know that it is for the best and sometimes we must make decisions we do not like.”

Spotted Buffalo walked with his father, as the entire village prepared to leave.  It was a grand sight to see the proud people of the village preparing for the journey ahead.

To learn more about Melinda Elmore please click here to visit her website

Condolences to Melinda and her family and hope funds raised by the sale of her book will help the Elmore family.