The Storm

As Hurricane Irene sets her sights on the east coast this weekend, I find myself taking a trip down memory lane–to when I lived literally one mile from where Hurricane Hugo made landfall in 1989.

I was just out of college and working my first real job. I had my very own apartment (with no furniture to speak of, but that’s beside the point). And I had some dear friends who lived on the barrier island where the storm did make landfall.

I’ll never forget the feel of the air as I carried my little tv out to the car the morning of the mandatory evacuation. To say everything was chillingly still would be an understatement. It was truly eery…as if even the birds and wildlife knew something was coming. Yet, other than that, everything looked the same.

Twenty-four hours later, nothing looked the same. I stared at the images on the news over the next few days, trying to accept that the place they were showing over and over again was, in fact, the same place I’d fled.

I remember going back after three or four days to recover whatever I could from my apartment. I remember just how sad it was to witness the utter devastation Charleston had endured at the hands of Hugo and to realize this town I loved so much had been forever changed.  I was relatively fortunate in the grand scheme of things because I was young, I could take everything I’d salvaged in the evacuation and stay with family in the northeast for a few months.

So I’d lost an apartment, no big deal. I could rent another. Just about everything I owned as a fresh-out-of-college kid fit in the hatchback of my Plymouth Horizon. Yet so many others had lost homes and a lifetime worth of special keepsakes they would never recover.

The people of Charleston haunted my thoughts for months after Hugo. The television coverage was painful to watch at times. But, eventually, they rebounded. Today, you’d be hardpressed to find too many indicators of Hugo’s visit. Homes have been rebuilt, trees have been replanted, and families have tucked their lifelong memories inside their heart and set about making new ones.

I don’t know if anyone in the storm’s path is reading this blog today. But if you are, you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Get out of Irene’s way and stay safe. 

~Elizabeth

Where Should I Go?

As the release for DANGEROUS ALTERATIONS (Southern Sewing Circle #5) draws closer, I find myself flipping to the November page of my calendar and wanting to fill it with speaking engagements–libraries, clubs, book stores, etc.

So, if you know of a good venue/group that might enjoy having an author come and speak, give me a shout.  I’m open to driving as far as five hours (depending on the program), and I always like to try one new “airplane kind of trip”  with each release.

Oh, and if you have a small book club and have access to SKYPE, I can always visit during your meeting via the internet (and I’ll even wear some professional-looking duds for the occasion)!

~Elizabeth

Whisk Away

Although we just got back from a week’s vacation in Virginia (inland), I have this really strong urge to whisk away for 24 hours. I can’t quite put a handle on where I’d like to whisk-away to, I just know I want to do it.

It’s not that vacation wasn’t fun, because it was, but with a huge deadline looming as soon as I got back, it’s positive effects didn’t last as long as normal.

So tell me, have you ever whisked yourself (or been whisked by someone else) away for a 24 hour period? If so, where did you go and what did you do?

~Elizabeth

A Temporary Respite

Due to that time of year when comments are low and my work/life commitments are high, I’m taking a brief “blog hiatus” while I focus on completing my latest book.

I’ll be back on Tuesday, August 16th and hope you will, too!

~Elizabeth

Keeping it Going

Now that I”m in full deadline mode, I find  myself thinking of little else besides this particular manuscript. I jot notes about it, dream about it, obsess about it, and even second-guess myself about it. All normal (for me, anyway) final steps.

It’ll get done, it always does. But still…I worry.

So today I’m looking to you for some tried and true ways you keep yourself going when you’re under the gun for one thing or another.

Anyone?

~Elizabeth

The Muse Gets A Bone

Well, the 2011 RWA national conference is officially over. Which means it’s back to work for me. I’ve got a deadline looming (for Amish mystery #1), an enormous To-Be-Read pile to address, and the next book in the line up (sewing circle book # 7) to finish plotting. 

As a writer though, my mind is also churning on a story I’m dying to write–a story I can’t even think about writing for at least another four months.

Fortunately, though, I’ve found a way (or, rather, been shown a way) I can give a little time and attention to that idea without sacraficing hours needed for my contracted projects. And, if all goes well, I won’t have to do much more than clip some pictures from magazines.

Huh?

A workshop I attended at RWA, looked at the idea of “collaging” in respect to plotting.  When I have free time, I flip through magazines and pictures, leaving my mind open to those images that call to me. If a particular photograph makes me stop and ponder, I cut it out and stick it in a box, the thought being that the plot of the story will reveal itself through my subconsious. Then, when I have time to devote to my “dream” book, the images will help me get a better handle on various aspects of the plot–physical characteristics of the characters, the ideal setting, plot turns and twists, etc.

Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

I think so, too. Especially if it helps give the part of my brain that wants to work on this story an outlet to do just that.

I’ll keep you posted along the way. Maybe even share some of the images I’m tossing in the box…

~Elizabeth

Be Back Soon…

I’m at a conference in the city this week, which means I’m taking some time off from blogging. Instead, when I’m not attending workshops and publisher/agent events, I’ll be catching up with my dear friend, Lynn C., and hopefully getting a ton of writing done on the Amish series.

I’ll be back next week and hope you will, too!

~Elizabeth

Rest in Peace, Sweet Hobbes

Dear Hobbes, 
 
I’m sending this to mommy cuz I know you are watching me and you can read this. God has probably taught you to read. You can always tell when I’m sad so I know you are next to us now. I’m sure God has cleaned your fur all up just the way you like it. I miss you so so much. We always wanted to keep you forever. Mommy wanted you with us and I’m sorry that this was the only way that could happen. You are the most beautiful cat I’ve ever seen with such a brave heart. You always gave me strength and lots of cuddles. I’m sorry you had to go this way. Your family wishes they couldve been with you. I’m so happy you are with me now but I miss you being here alive with us. I’m sure God is taking good care of you. I’ll show you the pictures mommy took when we were little later. I love you sweetie. 
 

**Written by my 16 year old last night upon learning of the loss of our beloved Hobbes. It made me cry all over again when I read it, yet it’s so perfectly fitting.

I know she’s in the biggest sun spot ever now. Purring with all her heart and waiting until the day she is reunited with her real family again. That said, I also know my heart is aching.

~Elizabeth 

Day Off

I’m off to the city to have lunch with my editor today, so I’ll be back tomorrow with a full report.

In the meantime, scroll down to check out yesterday’s blog. I swapped out the stock car photo with one from the actual teaching experience.

~Elizabeth

Branding

Sorry for the late entry today.

I’ve been thinking a lot about “branding” lately. Which, of course, got my curiosity pinging of the walls.

Certain companies have been exceptional at branding. All State is one…how could you not trust the pitch man they have talking into the camera? Or the little swoop under the arches to signify a smile and happy times at McDonald’s? Yet, for all those successful efforts, there are probably thousands of companies we don’t know/don’t remember because their pitch, their branding simply didn’t take hold.

Tell me, what companies will you always remember simply because of a spokesperson, slogan, or jingle? One you can see/hear and instantly know who they’re talking about before the company or product name is ever said?

~Elizabeth