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

 Wishing everyone a wonderful Memorial Day. 

And let us never forget the men and women who have died for our freedom.

~Elizabeth

Postcard From the Road

I’m not much of a “thing” girl. But one thing I’d love to own one day would be an old fashioned typewriter. In the meantime, I have to take a chance to touch one when I can…

This typewriter is on display at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Lethal Ladies (an author group comprised of Kate Carlisle, Hannah Dennison, and me) did a luncheon event at this fabulous bookstore on Friday afternoon.

~Elizabeth

We Have A Winner!!!

Congratulations to Angela Stuart of Belvidere, TN! Angela is the winner in my ME, MY FRIEND & MY LIBRARY contest! Angela, as well as a friend of her choosing AND her local library will each receive all four books in my Southern Sewing Circle Mystery Series, including the brand new, DEADLY NOTIONS!

For those of you who may be curious as to why the big prize, it’s in keeping with the theme of the books–friendship, books, and Tori’s job as a librarian. I’ll run this contest again in October in preparation for the launch of book 5.

In the meantime–Happy Reading, Angela!

~Elizabeth