Liz Matis's Blog, page 7
July 31, 2014
Read-A-Romance Month 2014 - Celebrate Romance by Celebrating You
I'm participating in the Read-A-Romance Month ! After reading my post, please comment to enter my giveaway. At the end of the month I'll choose the winners!
Here is my short essay on Celebrating Romance - the theme of this year's Read-A-Romance-Month!
Romancing Yourself:
Celebrating romance is a great idea.
But what do you do when you don’t have a significant over or if your significant other is out of town? I say, there is no reason not to romance yourself!
How?
The ole tried and true bubble bath by candlelight comes first to mind.
Buy yourself some flowers. They will make you smile every time you walk by them.
Get a full body massage. In funds are low maybe you can swing a foot massage.
Can’t afford to travel to Paris? Yeah, me neither. Stake out a new chic café. Buy a fancy cup of coffee and a decadent pastry. Spend an hour people watching or flipping through a magazine. Rule: No electronic devices!
Forget fast food for dinner! Treat yourself to glass of wine and a plate of the fancy cheese you always wanted to try along with some crusty bread or crackers. Listen to soft music. Rule: No electronic devices!
Questions for Me!
1 - Describe the most daring, adventurous or inspiring thing you ever did. I'm not the most adventurous person as I have anxiety issues but my decision to indie publish is the most gutsy move I made. The fact that I've inspired others to take the leap is humbling.
2 - Tell us about your journey to becoming a writer. (How did you decide to get started? Did you always know or was there a specific moment when you knew?) I've been making up stories since childhood. My best friend and I used to walk through the woods telling stories about finding a portal and where it would lead us. Eventually these stories had cameo appearance of our latex crushes.
3 - Tell us about The (or A) Book That Changed Your Life. (Why?)Athem by Ayn Rand is the that had the most impact on me. I read it in my teens and the theme of individuality really spoke to me. I learned how important it is to think for (and be) yourself. To question authority and not be blind to a 'crowd' mentality.
Authors You Need To Read ( you know besides me )
Allie Boniface CC Mackenzie
Wendy Marcus Nana Malone
Jennifer Probst
Now for the giveaway!
Your choice from my backlist!
1 winner - paperback 1 winner - eBook 1 - winner audiobook
Answer this question in the comments below and I'll choose a winner at random.
Tell me something nice that you did just for yourself!
Here is my short essay on Celebrating Romance - the theme of this year's Read-A-Romance-Month!
Romancing Yourself:Celebrating romance is a great idea.
But what do you do when you don’t have a significant over or if your significant other is out of town? I say, there is no reason not to romance yourself!
How?
The ole tried and true bubble bath by candlelight comes first to mind.
Buy yourself some flowers. They will make you smile every time you walk by them.
Get a full body massage. In funds are low maybe you can swing a foot massage.
Can’t afford to travel to Paris? Yeah, me neither. Stake out a new chic café. Buy a fancy cup of coffee and a decadent pastry. Spend an hour people watching or flipping through a magazine. Rule: No electronic devices!
Forget fast food for dinner! Treat yourself to glass of wine and a plate of the fancy cheese you always wanted to try along with some crusty bread or crackers. Listen to soft music. Rule: No electronic devices!
Questions for Me!
1 - Describe the most daring, adventurous or inspiring thing you ever did. I'm not the most adventurous person as I have anxiety issues but my decision to indie publish is the most gutsy move I made. The fact that I've inspired others to take the leap is humbling.
2 - Tell us about your journey to becoming a writer. (How did you decide to get started? Did you always know or was there a specific moment when you knew?) I've been making up stories since childhood. My best friend and I used to walk through the woods telling stories about finding a portal and where it would lead us. Eventually these stories had cameo appearance of our latex crushes. 3 - Tell us about The (or A) Book That Changed Your Life. (Why?)Athem by Ayn Rand is the that had the most impact on me. I read it in my teens and the theme of individuality really spoke to me. I learned how important it is to think for (and be) yourself. To question authority and not be blind to a 'crowd' mentality.
Authors You Need To Read ( you know besides me )
Allie Boniface CC Mackenzie
Wendy Marcus Nana Malone
Jennifer Probst
Now for the giveaway!
Your choice from my backlist!
1 winner - paperback 1 winner - eBook 1 - winner audiobook
Answer this question in the comments below and I'll choose a winner at random.
Tell me something nice that you did just for yourself!
July 24, 2014
“Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strengths.” Charles H. Spurgeon
My social/travel anxiety reared its ugly head yesterday when I was unable to make the trip to the RWA Conference in San Antonio.
I really thought I would be able to do it.
I was always shy. Never stopped. I had a stutter that had me in speech classes from the 4th to 6th grades. I overcame the stutter.
And I'm so different than the girl who wouldn't attend her high school or college graduation. Different from the 22 year-old who didn't want a big wedding and said her vows at the town hall in front of a water fountain (with no water because there was a drought than year).
Sigh... perhaps not so different
I thought I've learned to manage it by knowing my limitations without living a limited life. I keep my life pretty simple, live in the country, have great friends, and a wonderful family. I do go places... places that don't involve plane trips. I'm not scared of the actual flying but the worries of getting to the airport, going through security, missing a connecting flight, the airline losing my luggage, getting to the hotel... just to repeat the process a few days later. Worry...worry...worry
Then I worried I would be a bad roommate since I don't sleep well. I worried about be allergic to something in the hotel which has happened to me before. I worried, worried, worried
The RWA National Conference is huge and overwhelming. The crazy thing is that romance writers are the nicest people on the planet. The ladies I was supposed to present with were so kind and understanding that it sent me on a crying jag. Seriously, what is wrong me!
Because why in the hell would I chose to board a cruise ship headed out of New Jersey into Hurricane Sandy as it cruised to Bermuda and NOT get on a plane bound for a place with awesome people and perhaps great opportunities? What is wrong with this picture?
So next time I go to the doctor I'll talk to her about it. Meanwhile, a wonderful friend messaged me a website about anxiety so I'll give that a look over.
And when I get it over it hopefully this won't happen...
"I remember being onstage once when I didn't have fear: I got so scared I didn't have fear that it brought on an anxiety attack." Carly Simon
but I will worry that it will....
I really thought I would be able to do it.
I was always shy. Never stopped. I had a stutter that had me in speech classes from the 4th to 6th grades. I overcame the stutter.
And I'm so different than the girl who wouldn't attend her high school or college graduation. Different from the 22 year-old who didn't want a big wedding and said her vows at the town hall in front of a water fountain (with no water because there was a drought than year).
Sigh... perhaps not so different
I thought I've learned to manage it by knowing my limitations without living a limited life. I keep my life pretty simple, live in the country, have great friends, and a wonderful family. I do go places... places that don't involve plane trips. I'm not scared of the actual flying but the worries of getting to the airport, going through security, missing a connecting flight, the airline losing my luggage, getting to the hotel... just to repeat the process a few days later. Worry...worry...worry
Then I worried I would be a bad roommate since I don't sleep well. I worried about be allergic to something in the hotel which has happened to me before. I worried, worried, worried
The RWA National Conference is huge and overwhelming. The crazy thing is that romance writers are the nicest people on the planet. The ladies I was supposed to present with were so kind and understanding that it sent me on a crying jag. Seriously, what is wrong me!
Because why in the hell would I chose to board a cruise ship headed out of New Jersey into Hurricane Sandy as it cruised to Bermuda and NOT get on a plane bound for a place with awesome people and perhaps great opportunities? What is wrong with this picture?
So next time I go to the doctor I'll talk to her about it. Meanwhile, a wonderful friend messaged me a website about anxiety so I'll give that a look over.
And when I get it over it hopefully this won't happen...
"I remember being onstage once when I didn't have fear: I got so scared I didn't have fear that it brought on an anxiety attack." Carly Simon
but I will worry that it will....
July 5, 2014
Transmedia Romance!
I'm super excited about being a part of this!If you are registered for the RWA National Conference in San Antonio please think about attending this session!
May 24, 2014
Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?
Sorry I've been missing, but I've been working hard on The Quarterback Sneak. And truthfully I've had nothing witty or insightful to say. I was procrastinating a bit today and made this cute sign. I love the song Paperback Writer by The Beatles so I put a little twist on it. The things I do to amuse myself....
March 8, 2014
And he's not even half-naked...
What a sexy pic and he's not even half-naked! There is a great Facebook page called ShowYour Soft Side that is dedicated to stopping animal abuse in Baltimore. It's a shame that a program is needed. Nate McCouth of the Baltimore Orioles helped out as did other men for all walks of life.I chose this one to share on my blog because Nate looks a lot like my character Liam McQueen of The Quarterback Sneak.
If you are on Facebook head over to the Show Your Soft Side and like the page...
https://www.facebook.com/ShowYourSoftSide
or check out the website here:
http://showyoursoftside.org/
February 22, 2014
Which gown should I wear to the Oscars?
Not that I'm going, but a girl can dream...
And while I don't dream of winning for Best Actress, I do dream of a nomination for Best Writing (adapted screenplay). Of course I still have to write said novel that is Oscar worthy. But I have a plan...of sorts...meanwhile I can have fun picking out the dress. So help a girl out... which dress should I wear to the Academy Awards?
And while I don't dream of winning for Best Actress, I do dream of a nomination for Best Writing (adapted screenplay). Of course I still have to write said novel that is Oscar worthy. But I have a plan...of sorts...meanwhile I can have fun picking out the dress. So help a girl out... which dress should I wear to the Academy Awards?
February 19, 2014
New Website!
As you can see I've changed up the look of my blog as to embrace my Fantasy Football Romance Series. I also have a new website!
A big thank you to Jo at Glass Slipper Web Designs.
Here is the link if you want to check it out!
http://www.lizmatis.com
Please let me know what you think of the new look!
Anything I missed at the website or here at my blog?
A big thank you to Jo at Glass Slipper Web Designs.
Here is the link if you want to check it out!
http://www.lizmatis.com
Please let me know what you think of the new look!
Anything I missed at the website or here at my blog?
February 6, 2014
A dress makes no sense unless it inspires men to want to take it off you. ~Françoise Sagan
I don't own many dresses. But I do have a lot of clothes. Too many. Too many that I never wear. So much so that I have spread out to my husband closet. But he is resigned to this and besides it gives him a reason to tease me.
But on a recent snow day I pulled EVERYTHING out of my closet.
I wiped down the closet and vacuumed the floor. Then I began the tedious process of deciding what to throw out and what to keep. I had to face hard facts... the leopard print mid thigh skirt looked super cute ....in my THIRTIES. I haven't worn the skirt in more than a decade. REALLY? Why am I keeping it?
Anyway, here is the result. The bag in the corner there is what I'm giving to the nearest clothing charity bin. Not bad. But not enough to give up my space in my husband's closet.
Is there a piece of clothing you just won't give up on?
But on a recent snow day I pulled EVERYTHING out of my closet.
I wiped down the closet and vacuumed the floor. Then I began the tedious process of deciding what to throw out and what to keep. I had to face hard facts... the leopard print mid thigh skirt looked super cute ....in my THIRTIES. I haven't worn the skirt in more than a decade. REALLY? Why am I keeping it?
Anyway, here is the result. The bag in the corner there is what I'm giving to the nearest clothing charity bin. Not bad. But not enough to give up my space in my husband's closet.
Is there a piece of clothing you just won't give up on?
February 2, 2014
Huddle Up
Huddle Up is part of Sports Romance Blog Hop. I asked Angel O'Malley, the heroine of Huddle Up, to stop by and share her Beer and Pretzel Cupcakes recipe that she made for my Super Bowl Party. (The team her husband Billy Burner plays on didn't get in this year..shhhh)
1 pkg (16.5 oz) dark chocolate fudge cake mix.
1 cup of beer
3 eggs
1/3 cup oil
Preheat oven to 350 and line 24 muffin cups
with cupcake lines. Mix the ingredients above
on medium spread for 2 minutes. Divide among liners. Bake 18-20 minutes. Cool completely.
Take 1 can of icing and add a splash of beer and several tablespoons of green food coloring - mix. Then chill icing for a 30 minutes.
Ice cupcakes and trim with crushed pretzel pieces. Place a chocolate football on top. (make sure to unwrap the foil before eating the football)
Huddle Up:
When Angel O'Malley is left penniless by her deceased father's gambling debts, she is forced to sue pro football player Billy Burner for child support. Blindsided with a five-year-old daughter, he tackles fatherhood with the same commitment he gives to the game, but he has his eye on a bigger prize: Angel's heart.
She agrees to Billy's plan to play house to ensure the new father makes no rookie mistakes. Though their passions burn hotter than ever they must overcome old betrayals, past hurts, and new insecurities if they are to prevent history from repeating itself.
Can a long ago summer love turn into an everlasting one?
Huddle at Amazon
As part of the blog hop I'm giving away 1 eBook copy of Huddle Up to one commenter to be chosen at random on 2/6/14.
Please leave a comment and then hit the link below to visit the other awesome authors that are part of the blog hop.
January 17, 2014
Don't Read a Book ... PLAY IT!
My Fantasy Football Romance series will be part of the launch of a new exciting way to tell stories!
Want to learn more? Check out the video below. (look for my cover, Huddle Up)
To help raise money I'm offering for a $100.00 contribution: FAN REWARD: CHARACTER NAMED AFTER YOU & 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION to Liz Matis’ story world: Liz Matis’ story world meshes sports with sexy romance. Get a one year subscription to her story world, a digital Funding Contributor badge, 50 diamonds in your currency account, and finally have a character in her upcoming segment named after you.
Estimated delivery: August 2014
Add your contribution or to find other exciting new ways to contribute go to:
igg.me/at/transmediastorystream
So join me in supporting the future of storytelling! Friday, January 17th marks the launch of Transmedia Story Stream's 30-day IndieGoGo campaign. The goal is $15,000.
Transmedia Story Stream, the Zynga of ebooks, is a revolutionary platform which blends Facebook video game mechanics with ebooks to allow authors to build, distribute and engage fans in multi-media story worlds. Instead of downloading a static, dead ePub, readers can log onto story worlds that are alive with fans and friendship and earn rewards while reading. Don’t just read a book—play it!
