Elizabeth Lynn Casey's Blog, page 85

Once Upon A Time…

How about a writing exercise today (I’m waiting on pictures from last night’s event )??

Write an opening paragraph reflecting the way your day started. But gussy it up with a fictional character and perhaps a slight variation on the way your day really started…

Bonus points if you make me laugh.

~Elizabeth (a.k.a. Laura)

Beyond the Writing

Today is one of those days when I get to step out from behind the keyboard and interact with my readers. Five years ago, speaking gigs made me a wee bit nervous. After all, I gravitated toward writing because I’m quiet. Standing in front of a group of thirty people–people who are there to hear what I have to say. Talking to groups of people about my books/writing wasn’t ever part of the “author image” I had when I was ten years old.

My first few speaking events were tough. I felt like I had co...

Making Time

I’ve always loved books.

I loved them as a little girl–THE GIVING TREE (by Shel Silverstein), ONE KITTEN FOR KIM (by Adelaide Holl), THE LITTLE HOUSE (by Virginia Lee Burton) just to name a few.

I loved them as a independent reader–THE LITTLE HOUSE SERIES (by Laura Ingalls Wilder), The NANCY DREW MYSTERIES (by Carolyn Keene), to name a few.

I loved them as a teenager–WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN and CRY IN THE NIGHT (by Mary Higgins Clark) were my favorites.

Now, as an adult, I still love to read, but...

Salt, Then Flush

When I was little (about 3, I think), I accidentally killed the family’s goldfish.

I’d watched my parents and older siblings shake food into the fish bowl countless times and I guess I wanted to try, too. So, since I could reach the salt shaker on the table, I decided to do a little shaking of my own.

I remember this encounter. And I remember the lesson: goldfish can’t survive in saltwater.

Now it’s your turn. Tell us about one of your earliest memories.

~Elizabeth (a.k.a. Laura)

Bits

Got some new bits for you…

1) If you were going to skip one meal which one would you prefer to skip?

2) When you are stressed out what do you do to relax?

3) When was the last time you played Truth or Dare?

4) What was the last charity you donated time, money or materials to?

5) What do you remember about your Grandfather?

Have a great weekend!

~Elizabeth (a.k.a. Laura)

In The Beginning

Now that my summertime want-to project is written and in the hands of my agent, it’s time to turn my attention back to my contracted work. At this particular time, that contracted work happens to be the first book in a new series (set to debut in early 2016, I believe) which means I’m starting from scratch.

Everything is new.

The world building (in this case, it’s an up-and-cominglakeside community on the border of Ohio and Indiana)…

The main character (I’ll hold off on sharing details about her...

The Late Night Shop

I was sharing a room with my youngest at my aunt’s house the other night, and she fell asleep before I was finished with some last minute work I had to get done. Then, because I was done and she was asleep (and I had nothing else to do), I did a search on jumpsuits/pantsuits.

Lo and behold, I fell in love with one and it should be arriving on my doorstep later today (or tomorrow).

O:)

This, of course, got me thinking about all those stories I’ve heard of people getting sucked into buying stuff (...

Authenticity is Key

As previously reported on this blog, I rarely watch a TV show in real time. In fact, when I “find” a series, it’s usually off the air.

While CASTLE is still on the air…I’m only on Season 3. Nathan Fillion is fantastic as Richard Castle, a best-selling thriller writer who is shadowing a female NYPD detective for his books.He’s funny regardless of whether youhappen to share a profession with the guy (the writers of this show give this guy some great lines and Fillion is exceptional at delivery)...

Cover Reveal & More

It’s “Cover Reveal” time!!

This is the finalized cover for SUSPENDERED SENTENCE (the 4th book in my Amish Mysteries–release date: March 3rd).

That “friendship” necklace depicted near the hole is an important piece of evidence in this book. I also love the fact that they show the Amish barn being raised as that’s how the body (buried for more than a decade) is finally discovered.

An extra special note about this book is that it will be my 20th traditionally published novel.

Twenty.

Wow.

Seems like...

Bits and Bits

Let’s get straight to today’s bits:

1) Learn to surf or learn to water ski?

2) Busy day or quiet day?

3) One food you could give up forever?

4) One fool you could never give up?

Enjoy your weekend!

~Elizabeth (a.k.a. Laura)