Elizabeth Lynn Casey's Blog, page 154

The Best Fans Ever

Over the past two days I've logged some 14 hours behind the wheel. For some, I suppose this would sound like torture. But, for me, it's a chance to listen to my favorite tunes, think, veg, and shop in a Cracker Barrel (love that place).  :)

This time, I was headed to the 16th annual Festival of Mystery in Oakmont, PA. The festival itself hosts some forty or so authors each year. People come from all over to line up outside the building where this event is held and then, when the doors open...

A Real Page-Turner

Two weeks ago, I mentioned that I had started reading a book called, Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo, and that it had me in its grip. Well, I managed to finish it the other day despite a page-long to-do list that really left no time for reading. 

Anyway, if you haven't read this book, you need to give it a shot. It is really, really, really good. It's a bit dark at times (I don't usually read dark), but the writing is so good and the characters so well drawn that you can't help but be...

Music Time

It's Friday! Woo-Hoo! I know some of my readers are at the annual Malice Domestic Conference in Bethesda, MD this weekend, so I'm hoping those who are still home (like me) will play along with today's Bits & Pieces…

1) What's your all-time favorite dance tune?

2) What's a song that gets you teary-eyed?

3) Favorite Disney-movie song?

4) What's your favorite genre of music? Your least favorite?

~Elizabeth

Questions Galore

Today's writing questions come from Sandie and Aimee via my Facebook Author Page…

Sandie's Q: Do you write the story line first & then put in the dialogue or do it together??

A: Sandie, there are a good many writers out there who can jump around when they write, writing, say, chapter five before they write chapter three. I'm not one of them. I write in order, from start to finish. I suspect this need to write in order is a throwback to my newspaper days when you started with your lead. So to...

Inspired by Surprise

For the past few months, my youngest daughter has been talking about the then-upcoming movie, Soul Surfer. She asked if she could see it when it came out. So, last night, we did just that and boy, am I glad.

For those of you who might not be familiar with this movie, Soul Surfer is the real life story of Bethany Hamilton, the young surfer who lost her arm during a shark attack. I'll admit, I had no idea what direction the movie was going to take when we set out for the theater last night. I...

All I Want To Do Is Read…

Remember that goal I mentioned a few weeks back? The one about finding more time to read because it's something I enjoy?

Well, I'm not doing so well.

I have the book next to my bed. And I've really enjoyed the few chapters I've read so far. But finding the time to pick it up and actually read it?

Um, no.

Which means I need some help figuring a way to squeeze it in around all of the things that seem to push it to the side each day (like writing and life). So tell me, when do you read? Is it...

I, Elizabeth Lynn Casey, am a neat freak

I'm a neat freak. Always have been, always will be. I like clean desks and counters and despise "the pile."

I also like organization (to-do lists, file folders, and a place for everything).

So when my office became a victim of floods here in NY in mid-March, my sanity was put to the test. The living room floor played host to stacks of folders, the couch became a place for special books and memorabilia normally on my shelves, and the dreaded "pile" not only found its way into my world but it...

Hop To It

How about an Easter-themed Bits & Pieces?

1) Favorite Easter candy?

2) Favorite Easter day tradition?

3) Egg hunt or no egg hunt?

4) Least favorite Easter candy?

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

~Elizabeth

The Nature Side of Things

I've always been fascinated by genetics, and how they play a role in shaping a person. Take for example, my youngest daughter. At the age of 12, this little girl has a real gift for writing (like me), yet is also exceptionally good in math (like her dad).  My  oldest daughter, while motivated to reach her dream (me), is more than a little flaky at times (like my sister).

I could give a ton more examples, but I think it's safe to say the "nature" part of the nature/nurture debate is alive and w...

Plucked From The TBR Pile

So what are you reading right now?

I just started SWORN TO SILENCE by Linda Castillo. I'm only about four chapters in but, Wow. Very unsettling so far.

I'm also about to start reading a dear friend's manuscript. Can't wait!

~Elizabeth