Upcoming Writing Classes

I have two new courses starting at Writing Online Workshops, that I’d like to share with you. Maybe you’ll find one to your liking and decide to sign up!

Advanced Novel Writing Workshop, starting 9/11: The focus of this workshop is on writing and critiquing. The workshop consists of five three-week sessions. At the beginning of each session, you’ll submit 10,000 words (approximately 40 manuscript pages) to the instructor for review and for group critique. There will be no lectures, reading assignments or exercises for this workshop, but we’ll give you plenty of tips and reminders along the way. Plus, you’ll have full access to the Library and the Brain Spa for all the supplemental materials and creative exercises you want to take advantage of. Because you’ll be expected to submit your work at the beginning of each session, you should have your first 10,000-word submission AND a short synopsis of your novel (500 to 750 words maximum) prepared prior to the class start date. For more information or to register, go here: http://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/retail/courses.aspx?r=advanced-novel-Writing-workshop

Writing the Novel Proposal, starting 9/18: Congratulations! For months, maybe years, you've worked diligently to craft well-rounded characters, map out every plot point and intricate sub-plot. You've researched your setting and made sure every detail is accurate. You've written and revised and revised some more and now—finally—your novel is finished. After you've taken a well-deserved break and toasted your accomplishment, it's time to find a home for your masterpiece. But just how, exactly, do you go about finding an agent or editor, and—even more important—getting one of them to say "yes"? If your goal is commercial publication, you need to know how to approach the market the way successful novelists do—with a professionally presented novel proposal.

At the conclusion of this workshop, you’ll have developed a proposal package to submit to agents or editors—including query/cover letter and synopsis. You’ll also revise and polish the opening chapters of your novel (up to 12,000 words) with your instructor's feedback. In addition, you'll identify appropriate potential editors and agents to send your proposal when you're finished.

This workshop consists of seven two-week sessions. Each session includes online lectures and associated textbook reading assignments, along with a writing assignment specifically related to your novel, which will be submitted to the instructor for private review at the end of the first week of the session. During the second week of each session, work will be posted for group critique. Throughout the workshop, you can participate in asynchronous lecture discussion and group critique sessions, and you’re encouraged to take advantage of ongoing informal discussions and posted self-directed writing exercises.

Please note: This workshop is ONLY for students with completed novel manuscripts; it is specifically intended to help you market your finished novel with the goal of commercial publication. For more information or to register, go here: http://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/retail/courses.aspx?r=writing-the-novel-proposal

Hope to see you in one or both workshops!

Liz

Learn to Write a Mystery

Do you love reading a good mystery? Have you always wanted to write one? Writers Online Workshops offers an online workshop, "Essentials of Mystery Writing," starting August 14--and I'm teaching it! So I thought I'd pass along the info to you.

This workshop helps you construct a compelling mystery plot, develop fascinating characters, plant clues, and keep your readers turning the pages, eager to find out what will happen next. During the Essentials of Mystery Writing workshop, you’ll have the choice of creating a brand new mystery story from scratch, or working with a story you already have in progress.

The workshop consists of six one-week sessions. Each session includes online lectures and associated textbook reading assignments, along with a writing assignment to be submitted to the instructor for private review. In addition, your work will be posted each session for group review and feedback. Throughout the workshop, you'll be able to participate in lecture discussion and be encouraged to take advantage of ongoing informal discussions and posted self-directed writing and creativity exercises.

To learn more or to sign up for the course, visit Writers Online Workshops.

Another upcoming workshop I'm teaching is "Fundamentals of Fiction Writing," starting August 28. Writing fiction can be an exciting and enjoyable creative outlet, giving voice to the characters who fill your imagination. Putting your fantasies on paper can be a satisfying exercise in and of itself. But at some point, if you're really serious about your fiction, you'll need to acquaint yourself with the techniques generations of fiction writers have used to bring their characters and stories to life. The goal of this workshop is to provide you with an understanding of these fundamental techniques and to encourage—-through the use of creativity exercises, hands-on writing assignments and constructive critical feedback—-the development of your individual style and creative expression.

You don't have to decide yet whether your ultimate goal is a collection of short stories or The Great American Novel, because the focus in this workshop will be on the development of effective creative writing techniques that can be applied to any long or short fiction form. You'll learn how to develop believable characters and let them speak—-and act-—for themselves. You'll learn how to set the stage, and make readers feel as if they're right there with your characters. You'll learn the basics of plot—-enough to prepare you to tackle any kind of fiction project.

This workshop consists of six two-week sessions. Each session includes online lectures and associated textbook reading assignments, along with writing assignments incorporating the techniques learned in the session, which you'll submit to the instructor for private review at the end of the first week of the session. During the second week of each session, your work will be posted for group review and feedback. Throughout the workshop, you'll be able to participate in lecture discussion and encouraged to take advantage of ongoing informal discussions and posted self-directed writing and creativity exercises.

To learn more or to sign up for the course, visit Writers Online Workshops.

Hope to see you at one or the other--or both!

Book Meme

Found something I thought would be fun to try, with a bit of modification to make it more interesting. Ready? Set? Here we go!

Book Meme:

1. Pick up your favorite book if you're a reader; if you're an author, grab your favorite book of all those you've written.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth complete sentence on that page. (Don't count sentences that began on the previous page.)
4. Starting with that fifth sentence, post the next five sentences on your blog, along with the book info, these instructions, and link back to where you saw it.

That's all there is to it. Simple, eh?

So here's my try at this. It's from my time-travel romance set in ancient Egypt, LADY OF THE TWO LANDS (available here: http://www.amberquill.com/LadyTwoLands.html):

"What is a circus, Majesty?" Senemut asked, frowning.

"It is held in a tent...there are many strange animals and performers...food is sold and parents bring their children to see..." She waved her arms helplessly. "I cannot describe it better. It is like a festival, I suppose."

~~~~~~~~

Hope you have fun with this!

Liz

Check out my Slide Show!

Upcoming Chats

I have a couple of chats scheduled...and somehow, they're both scheduled for April 22! Sheesh. My brain sometimes goes on strike without warning. ;-)

Luckily, they're both all-day chats, so I won't have any trouble being a presence on both. Here's the info:

Chat #1: Join me at the Loves Romances Café Yahoo loop: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/loveromancescafe for a day of fun chatting about my books, a contest or two, questions and answers, blurbs and excerpts, and lots of gossip. Be there or be square!

Chat #2: Come talk to the authors of the ONE TOUCH BEYOND paranormal anthology. Elizabeth Delisi, also the author of "Since All Is Passing" and "Lady of The Two Lands"; Chris Grover, also the author of "Where's Michelle" and "Without A Clue"; Kim Cox, also the author of "Suspicious Minds"; Maureen McMahon, also the author of "Shadows in the Mist" and "Return of the Gulls"; Sheryl Hames Torres, also the author of "Enigma." Where: Latte Lounge at Coffee Time Romance Forums, http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=435 When: All day. Five authors, contests, and lots of fun! Hope to see you there.

Liz

New Reviews for ONE TOUCH BEYOND

Two new reviews have come in recently for the paranormal anthology I have a story in, ONE TOUCH BEYOND. My story is called "Restless Spirit." Here are snippets from the two reviews, with links to the entire thing if you want to read it all:

Restless Spirit by Elizabeth Delisi
Laura St. Clair has lost everything that matters. Her husband died a couple of years ago, she lost her son six months ago and she is at a loss on what to do now. While packing up her son’s belongings she discovers an Ouija board and plays with it just for fun. She is shocked when it starts moving on its own, apparently someone named Rafe wants her to contact his brother and she is hoping he can contact her son, Brian. Unfortunately, neither Laura nor Rafe are spirits. What does it mean?

This is a wonderful story. Laura is a courageous woman looking for anything to bring her peace and contentment after the loss of her family. This story has a enjoyable twist and I don’t want to give anything away so trust me when I say it is good.


This anthology was great and one of my favorites. Each of the stories is unique, interesting and entertaining. I was only familiar with two of these authors but I enjoyed all of the stories so I would definitely read other works by all of the authors featured in this anthology. This book is a keeper in my opinion. -- 4.5 stars

Read the whole review here: http://manicreaders.com/index.cfm?disp=reviews&bookid=673

~~~~~~~~~~

This anthology has five stories to keep you up late at night. Of the five, my favorite was Restless Spirit by Elizabeth Delisi. At the end of this story, I had goose bumps on my arms. It was a reality skewer, and very well done...All in all, I really enjoyed myself “One Touch Beyond.” -- 3.75 hearts

Read the whole review here: http://www.nightowlromance.com/nightowlromance/reviews/Review.asp?ReviewId=1500


~~~~~~~~~~

To buy your own copy of ONE TOUCH BEYOND, visit Cerridwen Press here:

http://cerridwenpress.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419914812

Enjoy!

Liz

Developing Your Story With Tarot Workshop

***Permission to Forward Granted***

Celtic Hearts Romance Writers Academy is proud to announce an upcoming online workshop for March.

Workshop Title: I Predict A New Story In Your Future: Developing Your Story With The Tarot

Presenter: Elizabeth Delisi

Date: March 17 - 31

Description: Are you looking for new ways to breathe life into your outlining process, your plots, your characters? If so, have we got the course for you! Elizabeth Delisi, a.k.a. Madame Liz, will teach you how to use the ancient art of the Tarot to develop stories, plots and subplots, heroes, heroines and villains, and more. You'll learn the history of the Tarot, how to choose a deck, how to read the cards, and how to use those readings to develop and improve your writing.

There will be four lectures, four assignments to be posted to the list for all to comment on, and naturally all questions will be answered.

Outline: Lecture One: History of the Tarot, and Choosing a Deck;
Lecture Two: How to Read Tarot;
Lecture Three: Using Tarot to Develop A Plot;
Lecture Four: Creating Characters With Tarot

About the Presenter: Elizabeth Delisi has wanted to be a writer since she was in first grade, and probably would have written in the womb if she could have convinced her mother to swallow a pencil. But life hasn't always gone the way she planned, and on her road to publication she worked as a motel maid, waitress, secretary, administrative aide, substitute teacher, and newspaper reporter.

Elizabeth's novels include a FATAL FORTUNE, first in the Lottie Baldwin paranormal mystery series; LADY OF THE TWO LANDS, a time-travel romance; and SINCE ALL IS PASSING, a suspense. She's written contemporary and paranormal romance novellas for ONE TOUCH BEYOND; ENCHANTED HOLIDAYS; HOLIDAY HEARTS; HOLIDAY HEARTS 2; and CUPID'S CAPERS, and has also published two short story collections, MIRROR IMAGES and PENUMBRA. In addition to her writing, Elizabeth edits for several small publishers and individuals, and teaches online writing courses for Writer's Digest.

Elizabeth lives in New Hampshire with her husband, dog and cat. She enjoys hearing from her readers at elizabeth@elizabethdelisi.com and invites everyone to visit her website at www.elizabethdelisi.com.


Deadline to sign up for this workshop: March 14


Fee: $10 CHRW members; $15 non-members. RWA Membership isn't required; anyone can take our courses. Celtic Hearts members receive 2 free workshops a year.

Where to sign up: http://www.celtichearts.org/chwksp.html Please fill out the online form.



Liz

One Touch Beyond available now

Just a quick note to let you all know ONE TOUCH BEYOND is now available! I hope you'll all check it out at Cerridwen Press and let me know how you like it!
Liz



One Touch Beyond is now on sale!




One Touch Beyond
Elizabeth Delisi, Maureen McMahon, Kim Cox, Sheryl Hames Torres, Chris Grover

Restless Spirit By Elizabeth Delisi
Laura St. Clair lost her eight-year-old son to a rare disease and lost her desire to live along with him. When she tries to reach the spirit of her son with a Ouija board, she makes contact with something--but what? Can the mysterious entity she's tapped into bring her news of her son, and if so, what will he expect from her in return?

Believing in Dreams By Chris Grover
Nicole James has always believed in dreams. So after her mom dies and she dreams about a house she's seen in an old photo and an elderly woman who beckons to her and says "Nicole! Finally! I was so worried you wouldn't get here in time," she has to check it out.

Enigma By Sheryl Hames Torres
When Brace Adams stumbles upon a grisly murder scene, he never expects to doubt the guilt of the prime suspect, nor does he expect her to capture his heart. Blind Amy Cassidy has been waking up beside brutally
murdered men since she was five years old, with no memory of how she got there or what has happened. Can Brace protect Amy from the force that is controlling her life or will he become the next victim?

Get Out or Die! By Kim Cox
Lana Malloy's Private Investigating-Mediator business is booming. Lana helps a widow communicate with her late husband and learns of a frightening ability she wasn't aware she possessed an ability that could give the spirit the upper hand if she's not careful. Knowing this next case will be more difficult than anything she's ever faced, Lana
struggles for control when she encounters an angry ghost who doesn't want to leave and who doesn't want the occupants of the house to stay. Does she have other abilities she can rely on to save her?

'Neath Hallowed Halls and Ivied Walls By Maureen McMahon
Stacey Christian and Peter Mansfield come together again to attend the funeral of their beloved Harvard history professor, Bertram Donelson. Stacey's emotional stint as a reporter in Afghanistan and Peter's exhausting high-profile business takeover make them even more vulnerable to the romantic chemistry that's always been between them. Little do they know their old alma mater holds an evil and deadly secret that will propel them into a whirlwind of ghostly, shocking and even deadly experiences. Will this adventure be enough to finally bring their love to fruition?


Genre : Romance - Paranormal
Book Length: 5 Person Anthology

http://www.cerridwenpress.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419914812

Guest Blogger Elaine Hopper

Please help me welcome today's guest blogger, romance author Elaine Hopper!

Below you'll find an interview with Elaine, and more info about her many fabulous books. Do check them out.

Liz

Q: Elaine, thanks so much for being my guest today. Can you tell us a little about you and your books?

A: Thank you, Liz. I'd be delighted to. I write primarily comedy romance, but also some suspense and a paranormal. Over The Moon/My Baby Too (anthology) and Double Dare are available at Awe Struck. My story "Curse of Osiris" is part of the Enchanted Holidays anthology available at Cerridwen Press.


Q: When did you first start writing, and what inspired you?

A: I think I was a born writer. I began writing short stories when I was six, so almost as long as I can remember. I used to write stories for my Dad. There was one about a flying Sphinx. I wish I'd saved it.

Q: If only you'd known then what you know now! Tell me, do you have any writing rituals?

A: I keep a steno pad and pen with me at all times in case an idea comes to me when I'm away from the computer, or in case I get a few extra minutes to write (long traffic lights, kids' softball games, waiting in doctors' offices, when my husband is driving). My primary writing is at Borders and Barnes & Noble, however. I have to have a large diet cola and often a toasted bagel with cream cheese on which to nibble. I hunker down in a comfortable chair, put my MP3 player in my ears to drown out all the other noise, and I write - usually for hours at a time.

Q: That sounds fabulous! What's your writing schedule like?

A: Since I work a full time day job and two of my children are still in school, I'm pretty busy. My schedule revolves around them - LOTS of softball games, practice, and pitching lessons, etc. So I write a lot late at night before bed. If it's not too late, I'll go to Borders or Barnes & Noble. On weekends, I go to the bookstores a lot to write, too. Sometimes I'll go to the local library instead.

Q: What books are you reading right now for pleasure?

A: I still haven't finished the most recent Harry Potter, so that. I'm also reading a vampire romance by Patrice Michelle, and a Harlequin Next by Hank Phillipi Ryan.

Q: Sounds like you have lots of varied reading interests. Who's your favorite author and why?

A: Stephen King and Sherryl Woods. I love their characters, their plots, and their prose.

Q: What historical figure is your hero or heroine?

A: Does he have to be real or fictional? Can I say Superman? Clark Kent? I adore him in all his permutations.

Q: Of course! Who doesn't? So getting more down to earth, what's your idea of a perfect real man?

A: One who makes me laugh, who is responsible but doesn't take himself too seriously, one I can have fun with. One who lights my fire.

Q: Definitely, we want that fire lit! What's your image of an ideal date with your perfect man?

A: I love to slow dance, swim, be near water. I love music and moonlight. So any combination of those and I'll be in Heaven.

Q: Sounds great! Can you give us a hint of what story you're working on next?

A: Harlequin Next-type books. One is almost completely edited, and two more are in the earlier stages.

Q: Sounds wonderful. And finally, is there anything else you'd like to tell my blog readers?

A: My website is at Elaine Hopper and I'd like to invite you to visit me there. I love to get email from my readers. If you're also a writer, never stop writing, never stop submitting, and work with a critique group.

Thanks Liz, for having me as your guest today!

~~Elaine

Plotting With Tarot Cards

I hope some of you will join me for this course! It's a lot of fun.

Liz

(Permission to forward granted)


The Online Campus of Hearts through History Romance Writers Present:

Class: Plotting with Tarot Cards
Instructor: Elizabeth Delisi
Dates: January 7, 2008-January 21, 2008

Registration Deadline: January 7, 2008 can be extended to Wednesday January 9, 2009
Fee: $10/HHRW Members, $20/others
Registration: www.heartsthroughhistory.com click on HHRW Mall, then Campus
FMI: classes@heartsthroughhistory.com


Class Description: Are you looking for new ways to breathe life into your outlining process, your plots, your characters? If so, have we got the course for you! Elizabeth Delisi, a.k.a. Madame Liz, will teach you how to use the ancient art of the Tarot to develop stories, plots and subplots, heroes, heroines and villians, and more.

You'll learn the history of the Tarot, how to choose a deck, how to read the cards, and how to use those readings to develop and improve your writing.

There will be four lectures, four assignments to be posted to the list for all to comment on, and naturally all questions will be answered.

Lecture One: History of the Tarot, and Choosing a Deck; Lecture Two: How to read Tarot; Lecture Three: Using Tarot to Develop a Plot; Lecture Four: Creating
Characters with Tarot.

BIO: Elizabeth Delisi has wanted to be a writer since she was in first grade, and probably would have written in the womb if she could have convinced her mother to swallow a pencil. But life hasn't always gone the way she planned, and on her road to publication she worked as a motel maid, waitress, secretary, administrative aide, substitute teacher, and newspaper reporter.

Elizabeth's novels include a FATAL FORTUNE, first in the Lottie Baldwin paranormal mystery series; LADY OF THE TWO LANDS, a time-travel romance; and SINCE ALL IS PASSING, a suspense. She's written contemporary and paranormal romance novellas for ONE TOUCH BEYOND; ENCHANTED HOLIDAYS: HOLIDAY HEARTS; HOLIDAY HEARTS 2; and CUPID'S CAPERS, and has also published two short story collections, MIRROR IMAGES and FENUMBRA. In addition to her writing, Elizabeth edits for several small publishers and individuals, and teaches online writing courses for Writer's Digest.

Elizabeth lives in New Hampshire with her husband, dog and cat. She enjoys hearing from her readers at elizabeth@elizabethdelisi.com and invites everyone to
visit her website at www.elizabethdelisi.com.

Format: Course is conducted via Yahoo Groups email with lessons and Q & A.

FMI: classes@heartsthroughhistory.com

Which Lunatic Am I?

I came across this fun quiz on someone else's blog:


Which Historical Lunatic Are You?
From the fecund loins of Rum and Monkey.

Naturally, being the...um...eccentric person I am, I couldn't resist trying it out and getting the above result. I have to say, I definitely think that's who I was in another life. ;-) Here's the full description from their web page:

You are Joshua Abraham Norton, first and only Emperor of the United States of America!

Born in England sometime in the second decade of the nineteenth century, you carved a notable business career, in South Africa and later San Francisco, until an entry into the rice market wiped out your fortune in 1854. After this, you became quite different. The first sign of this came on September 17, 1859, when you expressed your dissatisfaction with the political situation in America by declaring yourself Norton I, Emperor of the USA. You remained as such, unchallenged, for twenty-one years.

Within a month you had decreed the dissolution of Congress. When this was largely ignored, you summoned all interested parties to discuss the matter in a music hall, and then summoned the army to quell the rebellious leaders in Washington. This did not work. Magnanimously, you decreed (eventually) that Congress could remain for the time being. However, you disbanded both major political parties in 1869, as well as instituting a fine of $25 for using the abominable nickname "Frisco" for your home city.

Your days consisted of parading around your domain - the San Francisco streets - in a uniform of royal blue with gold epaulettes. This was set off by a beaver hat and umbrella. You dispensed philosophy and inspected the state of sidewalks and the police with equal aplomb. You were a great ally of the maligned Chinese of the city, and once dispersed a riot by standing between the Chinese and their would-be assailants and reciting the Lord's Prayer quietly, head bowed.

Once arrested, you were swiftly pardoned by the Police Chief with all apologies, after which all policemen were ordered to salute you on the street. Your renown grew. Proprietors of respectable establishments fixed brass plaques to their walls proclaiming your patronage; musical and theatrical performances invariably reserved seats for you and your two dogs. (As an aside, you were a good friend of Mark Twain, who wrote an epitaph for one of your faithful hounds, Bummer.) The Census of 1870 listed your occupation as "Emperor."

The Board of Supervisors of San Francisco, upon noticing the slightly dilapidated state of your attire, replaced it at their own expense. You responded graciously by granting a patent of nobility to each member. Your death, collapsing on the street on January 8, 1880, made front page news under the headline "Le Roi est Mort". Aside from what you had on your person, your possessions amounted to a single sovereign, a collection of walking sticks, an old sabre, your correspondence with Queen Victoria and 1,098,235 shares of stock in a worthless gold mine. Your funeral cortège was of 30,000 people and over two miles long.

The burial was marked by a total eclipse of the sun.

~~~~~~~~~~

I noticed right away the day he proclaimed himself Emperor--September 17--is my birthday. So this is most definitely me. The only thing they forgot is, of course, I need an obelisk on my grave. We rulers of the world generally expect something spectacular!

Liz, Queen of the Universe

New Cover, and Release Date

First, I want to share the lovely new cover art with you for my upcoming release, ONE TOUCH BEYOND:



Perhaps "lovely" isn't the right word. Maybe spooky? I think it's amazing, and I'm only slightly prejudiced. ;-)

Second, I have the release date and ISBN for ONE TOUCH BEYOND:

Release Date: February 21, 2008

ISBN: 978 1419914812

Check here for the latest updates!

Now, on an unrelated topic: how many of you have websites? Of those who do, how many of you do your own website development?

Of those who do...what program do you use, and why would you recommend it?

I've been doing my own HTML coding for my website for forever, and since I've never learned a lot about HTML, that means my website rarely changes, and then only a bit at a time. I'd like to change that...I'd like it to be more dynamic and easier for me to do wonderful things with. So I suspect I'm going to have to go to some type of website development software. But it needs to be easy to figure out, and did I mention it needs to be cheap or free? ;-)

Any suggestions welcome!

Liz

My Brush With Fame

Recently, I met and had my picture taken with someone famous. Someone who has girls swooning at his feet and has had for years. I'm thinking of saying, I'll never wash that cheek again (where he leaned against it for the picture). Or at the very least, I should have swooned. But what was I doing while we were having the picture snapped? Fainting? Giggling? Flirting? No. I was patting his back. Sheesh. I've been a mom too long, it was on auto-pilot.

Anyway, here's the photo and I'll give you a paragraph or two to see if you recognize him:



Any guesses?

Think 1960s...rock music...British Invasion.

Another clue: think Patrick Swayze in "Ghost" when he's trying to get Whoopie Goldberg to help him.

Yes!

It's Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits!

Feel free to swoon now. :-)

My two daughters bought me tickets to see him in concert for my birthday. They came with me of course, and we had a lovely time. We had great seats, second row right in front of the stage.

Early in the concert, he noticed my younger daughter Helen singing along to one of the songs. He said to her, "You're not old enough to be here. How old are you?"

She responded, "I'm twenty-one."

He said, "Did your mum drag you here?"

She laughed and said, "No, I brought her."

Then he turned to his band and said, "People are crazy here in New Hampshire!" :-)

A couple of minutes later, he said, "Where's that twenty-one year old girl? I want to throw her a CD." So he did. Then he asked her if she had a CD player...yes. Did she have a computer?...yes. "So," he said, "make copies of this for all your friends."

He did throw CDs and t-shirts to others in the audience, but Helen definitely got the lion's share of the attention.

After the concert, he signed autographs in the lobby, and that's when Helen took my picture with him. What a great guy! Helen will definitely remember that concert all her life, as will my other daughter Heather, and me too!

Am I too old to become a groupie? ;-)

Liz

Fun Way to Waste Time

I saw a fun game on a friend’s blog and thought I’d try it.

The game is SCATTERGORIES … and it’s harder than it looks! Here are the rules:

*Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the questions.
* They MUST be real places, names, things … NOTHING made up!
* If you can’t think of anything, skip it.
* You CAN’T use your name for the boy/girl name question.
* If your name happens to start with the same letter as mine, sorry, but you can’t use my answers!

My name: Liz

1. Famous Singer/Band: Led Zeppelin
2. Four letter word: leaf
3. Street: Lincoln
4. Color: Lilac
5. Gifts/Presents: Lamp
6. Vehicle: Lincoln Continental
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Lapel Pins
8. Boy Name: Leo
9. Girl Name: Leslie
10. Movie Title: Lost in Space
11. Drink: Lemonade
12. Occupation: Librarian
13. Celebrity: Lisa Marie Presley
14. Magazine: Life
15. U.S. City: Los Angeles
16. Pro Sports Teams: Lions
17. Fruit: Lemon
18. Reason for Being Late for Work: Left home without shoes
19. Something You Throw Away: Leftovers
20. Things You Shout: Leaping Lizards!
21. Cartoon Character: Linus the Lionhearted

Try it yourself and have fun!

Liz

Liz Needs...

I've gotten pulled into a "meme," whatever that is. Basically, you type "(your name) needs" into Google and then list the top ten things that come up. Minus, of course, all the other people listing THEIR top ten things. So I typed in "Liz needs" and hit the "go" button and here's what I got:

1) Liz needs a man!

2) Liz needs one more taste of her oozing pastry

3) Elizabeth (Smart) needs protection

4) Liz needs help

5) Agent Liz needs catchy slogan

6) Liz needs a hip display name

7) Liz needs to devise a budget and stick to it

8) Liz needs her voice back

9) Liz needs to just SPILL the truth

10) Liz needs to cry more


Hmm. They all seem kind of depressing. I think this Liz needs a psychiatrist! I like the "hip display name" one, though. ;-)

So, try it out yourself and see what you come up with. Who knows...it might inspire you to try something new, just because!

Liz

Tarot Workshop

Only a few days left to register!

Celtic Hearts Romance Writers Academy is proud to announce an upcoming online workshop for June.

Workshop Title: I Predict A New Story In Your Future: Developing Your Story With The Tarot

Presenter: Elizabeth Delisi

Date: June 15 - 30

Description: Are you looking for new ways to breathe life into your outlining process, your plots, your characters? If so, have we got the course for you! Elizabeth Delisi, a.k.a. Madame Liz, will teach you how to use the ancient art of the Tarot to develop stories, plots and subplots, heroes, heroines and villains, and more. You'll learn the history of the Tarot, how to choose a deck, how to read the cards, and how to use those readings to develop and improve your writing. There will be four lectures, four assignments to be posted to the list for all to comment on, and naturally all questions will be answered.

Outline: Lecture One: History of the Tarot, and Choosing a Deck; Lecture Two: How to Read Tarot; Lecture Three: Using Tarot to Develop A Plot; Lecture Four: Creating Characters With Tarot

About the Presenter: Elizabeth Delisi has wanted to be a writer since she was in first grade, and probably would have written in the womb if she could have convinced her mother to swallow a pencil. But life hasn't always gone the way she planned, and on her road to publication she worked as a motel maid, waitress, secretary, administrative aide, substitute teacher, and newspaper reporter.

Elizabeth's novels include a FATAL FORTUNE, first in the Lottie Baldwin paranormal mystery series; LADY OF THE TWO LANDS, a time-travel romance; and SINCE ALL IS PASSING, a suspense. She's written contemporary and paranormal romance novellas for SHIVERS AND SCREAMS, VISIONS AND DREAMS; ENCHANTED HOLIDAYS; HOLIDAY HEARTS; HOLIDAY HEARTS 2; and CUPID'S CAPERS, and has also published two short story collections, MIRROR IMAGES and PENUMBRA. In addition to her writing, Elizabeth edits for several small publishers and individuals, and teaches online writing courses for Writer's Digest. Elizabeth lives in New Hampshire with her husband, dog and cat. She enjoys hearing from her readers at elizabeth@elizabethdelisi.com and invites everyone to visit her website at www.elizabethdelisi.com.

Fee: $10 CHRW members; $15 non-members. RWA Membership isn't required; anyone can take the courses. Celtic Hearts members receive 2 free workshops a year.

Where to sign up: http://www.celtichearts.org/chwksp.html
Please fill out the online form.

Deadline to sign up for this workshop: June 12

Liz

Oh, The Benefits!

Whenever someone asks me what I do for a living and I say, "I'm a writer," they get all starry-eyed and excited. "Oh, I've never met a writer before!" they say as they crush my hand in theirs, and I try to keep my eyes from watering.

I guess being a writer sounds like a glamorous occupation, second only to being a rock star or Oscar-winning Hollywood actress, and I have to admit, there are bits of it that are really fun. Like oh, for instance, getting to say, "I'm a writer."

:-)

But like any other career, writing is hard work and primarily involves the less-than-glamorous application of your behind to the chair, your fingers to the keyboard, and your brain in gear for many hours a day in order to get anything done.

Writing involves creativity, which is the fun part of it, but also many hours of research, constant education and learning, a good business sense, and many other less-fun things.

"Ah, but the royalties!" you say. "What about those big royalty checks? Surely THAT at least is glamorous."

Let's just say, most royalty checks are closer to allowing me to live in the fabled garret of nineteenth century fame than in a crystal palace with a yacht moored in the private lake in the back yard.

Case in point. I received a royalty check today for...anyone wanna guess?

Time's up.

Sixty-two cents.

Yup. Sixty-two cents.

Now, admittedly that's for a six-author anthology, so the royalties have to be split six ways. And also admittedly, it's for a HOLIDAY anthology and we're at the start of summer, so sales at this point aren't expected to be high for this book.

But still...anyone see me retiring to the Riviera on sixty-two cents? ;-)

"Okay," you persist, "so why do you write for a living, then?"

Good question.

Like most things in life that are worth anything, writing grabs you by the throat and won't let you go. It sucks you in with siren promises of wealth, fame, changing the world through your immortal prose. And once you get in deep enough to realize the unlikeliness of those things occurring...well, you've seen your name on that book cover and you're hooked. You're committed. You're addicted.

So, you keep struggling away at your day job, and in your "free" time you keep putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), writing in the eternal hope that THIS book will be the one to crack the bestseller list and put your name on everyone's lips.

Off I go to cash my sixty-two cent check and get...um...one sixth a cup of coffee, one fifth a gallon of milk, or maybe an entire candy bar. Woo hoo! And then, it's back to work and back to writing. Because after all of the above, there's still no career I'd rather be in. And maybe THAT'S the glamour of writing, eh?

Liz

New Reviews

Just thought I'd share a couple of recent reviews with you all.

First, a new review on SINCE ALL IS PASSING:

"Author Elizabeth Delisi takes you on an unbelievable journey fraught with danger and mystery in Since All is Passing...The emotional side of this story was very heartfelt and had me feeling Marie's pain as she relived her tumultuous past and tried to come to grips with her future. I give Since All is Passing 4 Angels."
~~Tammy for Fallen Angels Reviews

To read an excerpt for SINCE ALL IS PASSING or to buy your own copy, go here: http://www.amberquill.com/SincePassing.html


And second, a new review for SHIVERS AND SCREAMS, VISIONS AND DREAMS:

"Each of the stories in the Shivers and Screams, Visions and Dreams anthology were based on a paranormal thread. The book is a showcase of the vivid imaginations of its authors, making this anthology a delightfully stimulating read. If you are the least bit interested in Science Fiction or the Paranormal, this is a must read...I highly recommend Shiver and Screams, Visions and Dreams. Four and a half hearts."
~~Karen H. for The Romance Studio

To snap up your own copy of SHIVERS AND SCREAMS, VISIONS AND DREAMS, go here: http://www.diskuspublishing.com/shiversandscreams.html

Hope you enjoy them both!

Liz

Deadlines

I haven't posted recently...I've been busy writing, reading, editing, teaching, not to mention my "other" job, taking care of family and household. Heck, I have a deadline (tomorrow, and the story is not nearly done) breathing down my neck.

So why am I writing here?

I dunno. Procrastination, I guess. I've reached the point in the story where I don't want to write the next scene. It just makes me uneasy...too personal. And that begs the question, Do writers work out their personal issues in their writing?

I suppose writing can be very therapeutic. But if you write too closely to what you experience in your life, you're inviting lawsuits. ;-) So you skirt the issue, beat around the bush, changes names and places and a few of the salient details. And what comes out ends up being fiction...which, of course, is what you set out to write in the first place. And it all works out in the end, so that solves the emotional issue.

But that still leaves me with the deadline looming over me.

I think what I need to do is change my image of a deadline. Just say it to yourself: deadline. DEADLINE. DEAD...line. "Dead" does not provide a warm and fuzzy feeling, does it? It sort of hints, "You miss this date and you're dead, buster." Not exactly inspirational, especially when you're struggling to write, fast.

There's a similar word from a different area of my life. In knitting, when working on a complex lace pattern, it's easy to make a mistake, and very difficult to rip out a few rows back to the mistake without losing dozens of those tiny, precise stitches. So when knitting a complicated lace pattern, many expert knitters recommend weaving in a "lifeline" every few rows. This is a separate piece of yarn you weave through the stitches of one row, so if you have to rip it back, you know when you reach that point you can easily put the stitches back on the needle from said lifeline. Thus, you're never completely and totally "dead."

I think we writers need to think of "deadlines" as "lifelines" instead. Something to grab onto, something to shore us up, to help us keep writing. Something to help us keep track and not lose any stitches, and come out with that beautiful lace romance or mystery at the end of it all.

So I'm heading back to my writing, after giving one last tug on my "lifeline" to make sure it's secure. See you on the other side!

Liz

More Commonplace Book Quotes

I've added two more quotes to my Commonplace Book. They're just things that struck me as funny or endearing, not particularly deep, just fun. Here they are:

"It's not the end of the world, but you can see it from there."
~~Robin Williams

Okay, just about anything Robin Williams says is funny. But this just struck me as hilarious.

And quote number two:

"This was a delicious day."
~~My granddaughter on her fifth birthday

What can I say? She's clearly an amazing child. ;-) And as my husband responded to her, "All birthdays should be delicious days."

So, how about you? Have any of you started Commonplace Books of your own? If so, do you have any great quotes you can share with us? I'd love to hear them!

Liz

A Commonplace Book

For years now, I've been listening to "The Thomas Jefferson Hour" on public radio. Have you ever heard it? Check here for more info: The Thomas Jefferson Hour. As the website says, "Humanities scholar and author, Clay S. Jenkinson, adopts the persona of Jefferson each week to comment on current events and answer questions you may have about Jefferson's thoughts on any and all topics."

If you don't get The Thomas Jefferson Hour on your local public radio station, first thing you should do is write or call them and say, Why the heck not? :-) Then second, go here: High Plains Public Radio on Sunday afternoon at 6 p.m. eastern time to listen to it online. Jenkinson is terrific as Jefferson, and the hour is always intriguing, thought-provoking, and just plain fascinating. Trust me, you'll love it.

One of the things that's really stuck with me from listening to The Thomas Jefferson Hour is the mention of Jefferson's "commonplace books." Thomas Jefferson was a scholarly man, a renaissance man, always reading and always learning. In those days, of course, there was no Internet, and no easy way to track down information you'd once heard or read. For this reason, Jefferson and others of his day kept what they called "commonplace books," where they could write down interesting quotes from books they'd read, thought-provoking statements from speeches, etc. As MetaFilter.com says: "With the availability of relatively cheap paper beginning as early as the 14th century, people began to collect knowledge in commonplace books. Bits of quotes, reference materials, summaries of arguments, all contained in a handy bound volume."

Here's a more detailed description: The Lyceum.

I'd really like to start a commonplace book of my own. These days, it's old fashioned to hand-write anything when you could e-mail, but there's something to be said for the pleasure of opening a book, smoothing the blank page, choosing a favorite pen that gives sensual pleasure, and writing. So next time I'm out and about, I'll stop into the local bookstore, find a blank journal and begin.

I already have my first quote:

"I worry that the person who thought up Muzak may be thinking up something else."
~~Lily Tomlin

It's hilarious, but not terribly profound on first read. Yet, when you think about it...it hits you. How many "Muzak Inventers" are there for every "Rock and Roll Inventer"? Is it easier to come up with an amazing, unique idea, or easier to sanitize and ruin that original idea? I think we all know the answer, and it's scary!

So, go out there, get yourself a blank journal or book, and start commonplacing. And when you have time, on a Sunday afternoon, listen to Thomas Jefferson. A very wise man.

Contest: Any HTML Experts Out There?

You may have noticed I've changed the background on my blog. I like the new background, except...somehow it seems to have squashed the message area and the links area over to the left, with just empty space on the right. I followed the instructions exactly for installing it, so I'm at a loss for how to fix it.

Thus, I've decided to hold a contest! The first person who can tell me how to fix this problem...that actually results in me being able to fix it...will win a free download of one of my books, whichever one the winner chooses. You can read about my books at www.elizabethdelisi.com.

Sure hope someone comes up with an answer! Thanks!

Liz

Happy Holidays, Time For Taxes...

I hope you all enjoyed your winter holiday, whichever one you celebrate. We had a lovely and low-key holiday here--well, low-key except for watching the grandchildren tear into their presents. ;-)


Since I've told you about my new books out, the only other writing-related news is that I'm still finishing up PERILOUS PREDICTION, the novella-length sequel to FATAL FORTUNE. Will keep you posted!

In the meantime, January brings the new year and with it, thoughts of...taxes. Ugghhh. But Julian Block, tax expert extraordinaire, can help you get everything that's coming to you! Here's some info you might find useful:

From "Mauled Again," Prof. James Edward Maule's more than occasional commentary on tax law, legal education, the First Amendment, religion, and law generally, with sporadic attempts to connect all of this to genealogy, theology, music, model trains, and chocolate chip cookies. Copyright 2004-2006 James Edward Maule.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

A Tax Advice Book for People Who Write and Illustrate Books

Julian Block has a tax book hat trick for 2006. Earlier this year, in Tax and Relationships: A Book to Read and Give, I described his "MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE: Savvy Ways For Persons Marrying, Married Or Divorcing To Trim Their Taxes - And They’re Legal." Several months ago, in A New Book on Taxation of Residence Sales: Don't Leave Home Without It, I reviewed Julian's "THE HOME SELLER’S GUIDE TO TAX SAVINGS: Simple Ways For Any Seller To Lower Taxes To The Legal Minimum." Now he brings us "TAX TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES: Savvy Ways For Writers, Photographers, Artists And Other Freelancers To Trim Taxes To The Legal Minimum."

As I mentioned in the two previous reviews, Julian's titles suggest that he is collecting gimmicks, tricks, and ploys with respect to the tax treatment of the selected subject, but the actuality is quite the opposite. What Julian does is to put the spotlight on tax provisions that easily can be overlooked by someone not expertised in taxation. In addition to reminding taxpayers of deductions and credits of which they should be aware, he also spells out in careful detail the common mistakes that taxpayers often make, and why trying for more than the tax law allows is counterproductive. Thus, in his latest effort, Julian begins with an explanation of how difficult it is to demonstrate that activities such as writing, photography, and art constitute trades, businesses, or for-profit activities rather than hobbies.

In this new book, Julian devotes chapters to small business depreciation, health insurance and vehicle deductions for the self-employed, home office deductions, self-employment taxes, net operating losses, and section 1244 stock. He describes the narrow circumstances under which travel expenses for an entrepreneur's spouse can be deducted. He explores the circumstances under which employed of children in a parent's business can be advantageous, and those in which it is not. Practical tips about making payments at the end of the year, keeping records, sending checks to the IRS, extensions of time to file, and making refund claims are covered in five chapters. Julian warns self-employed individuals who hire employees about the risks of failing to withhold and remit employment taxes, a problem that seems to afflict far more people than one would expect.

As with his earlier works, Julian's most recent effort is more suited for the person not schooled in tax law. The many people who start doing business without getting any tax advice, and who for whatever reason do not seek that advice at the outset, would be well advised to buy this book and become acquainted with the tax law parameters affecting writers, photographers, and artists. Doing so would reduce the likelihood of making decisions that generate adverse tax consequences that could have been avoided.

To order a copy, contact Julian Block at 3 Washington Sq., #1-G, Larchmont, NY 10538 or go his website, julianblocktaxexpert.com. Or, as was the case with the previous books, email Julian at julianblock@yahoo.com.

~~~~~~~~~


So while doing our taxes is never fun, at least Julian's books help us find every deduction we're entitled to. Best of luck!

Liz

New Books Out!

I haven't written in a while. Too many crises going on in my life to even name. Sheesh. I do have news, though: I have two new books out, and two more coming soon!

SHIVERS AND SCREAMS, VISIONS AND DREAMS is available now from DiskUs Publishing here: Shivers and Screams, Visions and Dreams. It's a paranormal anthology with six novellas by six authors, and includes my story "Restless Spirit."

HOLIDAY MIXER is available from Haypenny Press here: Holiday Mixer. It's a fabulous collection of holiday stories of every type--funny, emotional, and scary, including my short story, "Step On a Crack."

FATAL FORTUNE and PERILOUS PREDICTION, the first two stories in my Lottie Baldwin Mystery Series, will be released soon from Haypenny Press. To get a gander at the fabulous cover art, go here: Fatal Fortune and Perilous Prediction and scroll down to the "New" section.

And finally, ENCHANTED HOLIDAYS will be released on December 21 from Cerridwen Press. It includes six paranormal romance novellas themed around the holidays, including my story "Mistletoe Medium," which is a prequel to FATAL FORTUNE and features Lottie Baldwin. Check out the cover art here: Enchanted Holidays.

How's that for a lot of news?

So, what are YOU up to?

Liz

It Lives!

Okay, I know I haven't posted in a while. It's been a combination of nothing to say, and mostly the fact that I've been out of state four times in the last four weeks. I've spent more time packing and unpacking than just about anything else. Whew! I'm sure glad to be home for a while now.

I do have new release book news to share. I have a new novella out in the paranormal anthology SHIVERS AND SCREAMS, VISIONS AND DREAMS from DiskUs Publishing, and you can check it out here: http://www.diskuspublishing.com/shiversandscreams.html Just in time for Halloween, a sextet of scary stories. Make sure you keep the nightlight on after reading these...

And, coming soon from Cerridwen Press is the anthology ENCHANTED HOLIDAYS. It will be released on December 21, just in time for the holidays, and includes six paranormal romance novellas, including one of mine. It's not listed yet, but will be soon, and when it is, there will be a link here: http://www.cerridwenpress.com/AuthorsBio.asp?AuthorCode=EDel

Someday soon I'll update my website so you can see the cover art for both. ;-) In the meantime, I'm working on the sequel to FATAL FORTUNE, called PERILOUS PREDICTION, which will come out from Haypenny Press sometime in the next six months, I hope. Don't have an exact release date yet.

So what's going on in your life? I hope you're enjoying the gorgeous fall colors--at least if you're in a place that has them. I'm soaking them up, just wish I could keep them around forever.

Meeting A Far-Away Reader

Last month I had the opportunity to visit with a reader who had come from farther away than anyone else I'd met: Israel. Now, I can't claim Amy S. came all the way to New Hampshire just to visit me. ;-) But while she was here on vacation with her family, we did have the opportunity to meet and have a great visit at a local spot over a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. She had purchased copies of a couple of my books, which I was glad to sign for her. We also talked about another interest we have in common, knitting. Here's a picture of the two of us:


I've done booksignings, but it's usually locals at those events. I've met readers at conferences and other events, where it's me who's from out of town. But this is my very first opportunity to meet a reader from outside the U.S., and it was great!

A few times in my life, I've had the opportunity to meet someone important to me in one way or another. Probably the most memorable time was when I met Mary Higgins Clark at a writer's conference in Florida. I love her books, and it was such an honor and so exciting to get to shake her hand. I'm sure I stammered and stuttered and in general was less than coherent. ;-)

Do you have stories of meeting a favorite writer, or maybe an actor, singer, artist, or someone else whose work you're familiar with, but not the person? Who did you meet? What was it like? How far did you travel? Share your stories with me!

In A Funk

I've been in a writing funk lately. Just can't seem to get inspired. Now I know I should just write anyway and bust through it, or maybe try writing on a different project. But so far neither thing is working. Any other suggestions from anyone who's experienced this and worked through it?

In the meantime, FATAL FORTUNE is now available exclusively at Fictionwise, with a new cover designed by my good friend and fellow author Maureen McMahon (www.maureenmcmahon.com). Check it out here: http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/eBook36900.htm?r=3a20

Don't know if I've posted about the good news yet...the authors of ENCHANTED HOLIDAYS (of which I am one!) have a publisher lined up for our new anthology entitled, SHIVERS AND SCREAMS, VISIONS AND DREAMS. It's DiskUs Publishing, and we're looking forward to the release of the book this fall. More news here when it becomes available.

Spring has sprung here and beautiful flowers are bursting out everywhere. This spring is a real adventure for us, as we moved into this house last September, so we have no idea what's planted. Each new bud and blossom is a lovely surprise. I don't know what many of the plants are, but they're sure pretty! The previous owners did a terrific job of landscaping.

So, how come I can write a blog entry, but not a book? (sigh, eye-roll) Well, I'll keep trying, and if any of you have any tips, I'd love to hear them!

Wedding Picture

Just thought I'd post a quick little photo of my son Mike, his bride Amy, and our granddaughter, Isabel, who was the flower girl. Are they not all gorgeous (or adorable, as the case may be?


The 3,200-mile car trip with Isabel in tow was, frankly, exhausting. But looking at these pictures makes me realize it was all worth it. We finally got to meet our new daughter-in-law, and her family, and it was a chance to be back in Kansas for a bit. Thank goodness the weather behaved nicely while we were there!

So, do you have any family events planned for this spring? Spring is definitely a great time for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, births, any kind of new beginning. The crocuses are coming up in our garden and it's so lovely and warm today, nearly 70 degrees. Deep breath! Breathe in spring and renewal.

Back To Writing

I finally decided it wasn't right to spend so much time on this, my writing blog, talking about knitting. :-) So, I started a separate knitting blog. If you're a knitter and want to read about my latest projects, visit my new blog at http://liz-knits.blogspot.com .

I really am anxious to get moving on writing again. Lately I've been tied up with physical therapy to recover from my shoulder surgery, odds and ends still left to do from our move to New Hampshire last fall, helping our daughter and her family move here to New Hampshire and get a job, heading back to Kansas on a 3,200-mile odyssey car trip with our four year old granddaughter to my son Mike's wedding, teaching four online courses with a fifth to start next week...well, you get the idea, I've been busy.

But!

As of today, I'm starting work again on my novella. It's for a paranormal anthology tentatively titled SHIVERS AND SCREAMS, VISIONS AND DREAMS, and the other authors in the anthology include Kim Cox, Chris Grover, Elaine Hopper, Maureen McMahon, and Sheryl Hames Torres. We do have a publisher for the anthology, DiskUs Publishing, but don't have a release date yet. Check back here regularly for the latest updates.

My story for the anthology is titled "Restless Spirit" and involves a woman who's lost her husband and son, a Ouija board, and contact with a mysterious man from the past...

Hope this tantalizes you a bit!

So, what are YOU working on as a spring project?

Still Knitting

I'm still knitting like crazy, whenever I get time. Here's a picture of my latest completed project, a felted purse, for me this time (yes, it's drying on a radiator--we live in an old house):















I added a snap closure and a gaudy rhinestone pin, and I think it looks pretty cute if I do say so myself.

Now I'm working on a multidirectional scarf, to learn the technique. (Multidirectional knitting allows you to knit in different directions, like triangles or diamonds coming together at different angles, without cutting the yarn or sewing the shapes together. Check out a group on multidirectional knitting here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/multidirectional/)

I'm also knitting a scarf out of some really interesting yarn (Eros Glitz, check it out here: javascript:popupWindow ('http://www.knittingzone.com/catalog/popup_image.php?pID=2916'). I'm making the shawl on large needles and just using the garter stitch, so the focus is on the unique yarn itself, not the pattern. I've heard this yarn has been out for years. But coming from a place where the local Walmart was my only yarn store, to a place with a wonderful REAL yarn store (The Woolery, http://www.nhwoolery.com/) has made me realize how much I've been missing!

And, I'm waiting for a pattern I ordered for another felted purse. Hey, this felting stuff is fun! Here's the pattern: http://www.carodanfarm.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product504.html This is a pattern by "Designs by Shelley," and I really like her other designs as well. You can check them out here: http://saboardman.tripod.com/ I especially like the Jester Bag, and the Flapper Bag and the Fancy Bag here: http://saboardman.tripod.com/id15.html

What are you working on? What are your hobbies? Do you have a new one you're enthusiastic about, or an old one you still love? Share, share!

Returning To An Old Hobby

In the last month or so, I've returned to a favorite old hobby: knitting.

I first learned to knit when I was five years old. A little young, maybe. But my dad, who worked for the Boy Scouts at that point, had brought us all to Boy Scout Camp for the summer. As you may imagine, there wasn't much for a little girl to do at Boy Scout Camp! My mom was kept busy taking care of my two year old sister, and I think she taught me to knit in self-defense.

I've been knitting ever since. Sometimes with great enthusiasm, and sometimes I put it aside for a while. In recent years I haven't knitted a lot, because the only "yarn store" nearby was the local mass merchandiser, who didn't offer a great deal of variety. I ordered yarn and supplies via the Internet sometimes, but it was tough to choose a yarn you couldn't see and feel before you bought it.

Then, we moved to New Hampshire...and my knitting life changed. Wonder of wonders, there's a yarn store just a few miles away! The first time I walked in there, I was mesmerized by all the different brands of yarn, the colors, the pattern books. I was in heaven.

I bought some wool yarns and made a felted purse for my daughter for Christmas. It's the first time I ever used wool--I was limited to acrylic before. And the first time I've tried felting. It came out great. That's the picture of it above. It was fun to learn something new, and to have wonderful yarns to work with.

Now I'm working on a shawl using the most amazing yarn. It's called Eros Glitz, and you can check it out here: http://www.plymouthyarn.com/index.php?nav=
cYarn.viewYarnImage&yarn_id=000088 (You'll have to cut and paste.)

Hard to tell, but the "yarn" looks like a ladder, with the two long sides made of black and silver thread. The cross bars are very fine, and inbetween them are bands of different shades of purple and blue. At least they are in the color I chose. ;-) The shawl is knitted on size 15 needles, so it's very open and lacy. I'm having a great time with it!

I'm also working on a scarf done in multidirectional knitting. Again, this is something new to me and I'm having fun with it. You can learn more about multidirectional knitting in this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1579906494/sr=8-1/
qid=1139690659/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-7664966-4802449?%5
Fencoding=UTF8 (again, you'll have to cut and paste) and by joining the associated yahoogroups list. I think this should get you there: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/multidirectional/?yguid=236374673

And, I just ordered a great book of "vintage" sock patterns, revised for today's yarns and needles. I've never made socks either, and I think it'll be a fun project. It will be nice to have warm, soft wool socks in cold, wintry New Hampshire!

I also have a sweater I'm working on, but have put it aside for the moment, not only because of the excitement of the new projects, but because it's a bit too heavy to work on while I'm still recovering from my shoulder surgery.

So...are there any knitters out there? What are you working on? Do you have a local yarn store? How about a local knitting group? Let's talk knitting!

Snow and Resolutions

I'm starting to see what it's like to live in the northeast again. Western Kansas was cold in the winter, with nasty wind chills...the wind always blows there. But it was dry, so there was little precipitation of any kind. New Hampshire doesn't have much wind, but there's a LOT of rain and snow. We got about four inches this week over the space of two storms, and I just love it. Above is a picture from the most recent storm. I suppose the novelty will wear off, especially the "novelty" of having to put on boots and scrape my car every time I leave the house. But for now, it's an wintry fairyland and I'm enchanted.

Have all of you made your New Year's resolutions? Are they the same ones you always make? I find I tend to make the same ones every year, and the reason is because I never keep them, so I start over in January. I'll eat better, I'll exercise more, I'll be kind to everyone and won't lose my temper. Sound familiar?

This year, I'm doing something different. One of the things that distresses me in life is having panic attacks. They come on like gangbusters with all the Kansas thunderstorms that can morph into tornadoes, so I'm endlessly thankful to have moved to a tornado-less spot. The others--flying, hospitals, IVs/needles, driving in city traffic, getting lost while driving in city traffic--are still here and have to be dealt with on occasion. I can avoid flying, but I can't avoid surgery. In fact, I have to have some rather nasty shoulder surgery in two weeks.

So, my resolution this year is to try to tell myself, when panic looms, that at least it's not a life-threatening situation. (And to try to forget that sometimes, things like airplanes, hospitals and city traffic CAN be life-threatening.) The odds are with me that I'll survive all these things, and if I can just convince myself of that up front, I'll eliminate a LOT of stress.

Are you making any new resolutions this year? What are they?

Merry Christmas and Happy Tax Time!

I hope all of you who celebrate Christmas had a merry one! And those of you who celebrate other holidays at this time of year, I hope they were joyous and special.

We had a hectic but interesting holiday, since we drove eight hours on Christmas Eve day to visit my dad, then turned around and drove eight hours home on Christmas. But he would have been alone otherwise, so it was a good way to spend the holiday. Helped keep my mind off the fact that this was the first Christmas we've spent without our children (and grandchildren).

As we move forward into 2006, I know many of you will be thinking/worrying about doing your taxes. One thing that always bothers me is wondering if I've taken all the deductions I'm entitled to. The tax forms are so dang complicated! I like to think of myself as a fairly intelligent person, but I'm never quite sure I'm doing it right.

Fortunately, there are experts out there who DO know how it's done. Julian Block is one such expert. And the best thing about his books are, they're written in easy-to-understand language for the layman. Here's the info on one you might want to pick up this tax season:

TAX TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES: Savvy Ways For Writers, Photographers, Artists And Other Freelancers To Trim Taxes To The Legal Minimum

“One of the best tax books, an excellent source of information. Julian Block writes in such a lively clear style that a reader might never guess that he is a tax lawyer.” --- New York Times

“One of the best personal-finance books…a handy general treatment of personal income taxes…clearly written and both wide and deep in its coverage.” --- Money

Most freelancers and other owners of small businesses lose more than necessary to the tax collectors. Individuals who have their own businesses can learn ways to make the continually changing tax laws work for them. And business owners can learn the steps they should take to reduce taxes for this year and even get a head start for future years. Tax Tips For Small Businesses is an indispensable reference that offers clear, concise, uncomplicated and immediately useful advice on how to sidestep pitfalls and take maximum advantage of frequently missed, perfectly legal opportunities that can save many thousands of dollars.

No other book for consumers is as detailed and helpful as Tax Tips For Small Businesses. In fact, publications for attorneys, accountants and financial planners are not as detailed.

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Julian Block is a nationally recognized expert, syndicated columnist, former IRS special agent (criminal investigator) and attorney, and a member, and former officer, of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the preeminent organization of nonfiction writers. He has been praised by the New York Times as a "leading tax professional" and by the Wall Street Journal as "an accomplished writer on taxes."

Reading about taxes can be just about as unpleasant as paying them. Tax Tips For Small Businesses is a welcome exception. To order a copy, send $19.95 for a postpaid copy to J. Block, 3 Washington Sq., #1-G, Larchmont, NY 10538.

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So, pick it up if you want to be sure you take every exemption you're entitled to.

And to all, a very Happy New Year!

It's Winter Time, Little Bear

When I was a kid, one of my favorite stories was about a little bear who didn't want to go hibernate. He wanted to play in the leaves, watch the bugs, roll around and have fun. His mother kept saying to him, "But it's winter time, Little Bear." That became a saying in our house...and now that I'm in New Hampshire, I think I'll be saying it a lot!

That said, I'm still waiting for the first real snow of the season. Well, the second...we did have a lovely snowfall on Thanksgiving, so it was a terrific white Thanksgiving day. And luckily enough, I was cooking all day and didn't have to drive in it. I like watching the snow, and walking in it, but NOT driving in it. I'm also looking forward to building a nice, cozy fire in our woodburning stove--as soon as my hubby cleans it out and checks the flue.

Winter, of course, also brings Christmas and other December holidays, and I am NEVER ready for them. This year is no exception. Well, Christmas will be skimpy anyway, since our house back in Kansas hasn't sold yet. (sigh) But I haven't even thought about cards, let alone the few presents I plan to purchase, or putting up the tree.

How about you? Are you one of those people who's so organized, your decorations are up the day after Thanksgiving, and you've bought all your Christmas presents, wrapped them, and addressed all the cards that same weekend? Or are you one of those like me who has great ambitions to be efficient *this* year, but somehow it never seems to happen?

Oh man, I have to get going on that shopping...baking those Christmas cookies...addressing those cards. My work is cut out for me.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Flu Season Is Here...And What About Bird Flu?

So, it seems flu season is upon us. I haven't been able to get a flu shot--yet--so I'm washing my hands a lot and knocking on wood that I don't get sick. There was supposed to be plenty of flu vaccine this year after last year's supply debacle, but there's a monkeywrench in the works somewhere.

My daughters and grandchildren have had a stomach virus of some type, but I don't think the flu comes with intestinal symptoms. Still, that's no comfort when you're sick. They were pretty miserable, and I hope that particular virus stays away from my door!

There's a lot of talk and concern about the bird flu and the possibility of a pandemic. The way I understand it, the bird flu as it exists now isn't much of a danger, as you have to be in contact with a live bird that has the disease before you can get it. The problem is, viruses mutate frequently, and if this particular flu viruses mutates so it can be passed from person to person instead of bird to person, THAT'S when we'd get that pandemic.

The Hungarians have developed a vaccine for the current form of bird flu. They say they've tested it and it works. But the question is, if the virus mutates, would it mutate enough so a vaccine for the current form wouldn't work against the new one? If so, I assume we'd have to wait to develop a new vaccine until the mutated flu actually struck, which could mean many people would die in the meantime.

What are your thoughts on the possibility of a pandemic version of bird flu? Are you worried? Are you changing your habits because of it? Have you gotten your flu shot this year when you never did before, just in case it helps? I'd love to get your take on it.

Beautiful Fall

We've finally dried out and I'm enjoying the unseasonably warm temperatures we're having right now. The fall colors are beautiful. I've heard some people complain they aren't as vibrant as usual, there aren't as many reds as usual. But to someone having their first New England fall in many, many years, they're incredible! I wander around the house, look out each window, and every window is a picture. Gosh, I wish I could paint. I'll have to learn someday.

I was a little surprised that we only got half a dozen trick-or-treaters here. I suppose it's because of the steep hill we live on. But I enjoyed each and every one. I'm going to try to remember how to post pictures, and add a picture of my granddaughter and grandson on Halloween. I wish I'd been able to see them in person. That's the only down side of moving to New Hampshire...leaving kids and grandkids behind. Aren't they adorable? And no, I'm not prejudiced at all. ;-)

One thing I'm coping with is learning my way around a new neighborhood. After living in one place for the last ten years, it's a challenge to find new grocery stores, new doctors, new restaurants. I've never been terribly good at maps or finding my way to new places, so every time I have to do so, it's a teeth-gritting experience. I have to find my way to the airport next week, and with all the traffic, that will be a real challenge. I think I'll deserve a medal if I make it!

So what's your favorite thing about moving to a new place? What's the biggest challenge? How is your fall going...are you enjoying it?

Rain, Rain, Go Away

New Hampshire has been beautiful up to now, and I swear I've loved every minute. But in the past few days, this "land of sunshine" has turned into Noah's Ark, Part Two. We've caught the tail end ofTropical Storm Rita, and boy, is it producing lots of water! We've gotten about six inches of rain here in the past few days, but other places in the state--not so far away--have gotten hammered. Roads and bridges washed out, houses and buildings destroyed, water undrinkable, and people dead and missing. Nothing like the aftermath of Katrina, of course--except for those who lost their cars, houses, and property. But it serves as a reminder that no place is one hundred percent safe from the ravages of Nature, or Man.

It's amazing to see how destructive water can be. Fire is intrinsically dangerous and we don't wonder when it wipes out a building. But water? This soft, cool, vitally necessary stuff that covers so much of our planet? It doesn't seem possible water could cause a bridge to collapse or a house to come crashing down.

Remember the old margarine commercials with the punch line, "It's not nice to fool Mother Nature"? I guess they weren't kidding, only it should be, "It's not smart to underestimate Mother Nature."

Anyway, how's the weather in YOUR part of the country? Are you waterlogged or bone-dry? Hot or cold? Are the leaves changing where you live, as they are here? I'm settling in for a lovely, cold, snowy New England winter for the first time in many years--if only the rain doesn't wash me away first!

We've Arrived In The Land Of Sunshine

This move has been difficult for us in several ways. First, my husband was not only leaving a job, but also leaving a career in music and starting a career in the finance industry. Second, we were leaving a house, town and location we liked, for the unknown. And third, though not third in importance, we were leaving behind our children and grandchildren.

But there are advantages, too. I've always loved New England--I was born in Massachusetts. So I'm happy to get back here, and just in time for our first New England fall in many years. Also, my mother and sister live nearby, and my dad not too much farther, so I know I'll see them more often.

The housing market here in New Hampshire is crazy...we've ended up with half the house, with about a sixth of the land, for twice the price of what we had in Kansas. But it's a lovely house, built in 1900 so I know it must have an interesting history, and recently remodeled with loving care. It's nice to move into a place that doesn't need immediate renovation, as would everything else we looked at.

I think we knew the move was looking promising when we ate out at a Chinese restaurant a week or so before we moved. My husband's fortune said, "You are traveling to a land of sunshine." So here we are in New Hampshire, a land of sunshine...and happy to be here!

An Adventure In Moving

The biggest news on the home front is, we'll be moving to New Hampshire in a few weeks. From Kansas, that's a big move in many ways. Obviously, it's a lot of miles. It's a huge change in terrain and scenery, and the weather will be different. (I definitely won't miss the tornados of Kansas...but will have to get used to driving in snow again.) We'll also be "downsizing," so will have some pangs as we get rid of treasured pieces of furniture.

But perhaps the worst pang is, this is the first time in twenty-four years we'll be moving without our children. They're all grown and on their own now, and I hate the thought of moving so far away from them. And my grandchildren! What good is a Nana who can't cuddle her grandchildren and give them gifts and candy and spoil them?

I'm thankful for the things we have now that we didn't when I moved out at age 18. I'll be able to keep in touch with my children via e-mail, Instant Messenger, webcam, etc. instead of simply writing letters or making an occasional long-distance call. But I had hoped to be a more regular presence in my grandchildrens' lives, and they're not old enough yet to communicate via e-mail.

At any rate, I'm a New Englander by birth, and I'm looking forward to my first beautiful New England fall in many years. We've found a tiny but lovely house (prices are much higher in New Hampshire), but there's just the two of us now, so it'll work. And I'll be closer to other family members, something to help fill the gap of leaving children and grandchildren behind.

I guess life is full of ups and downs, and mostly this move will be an "up" for us. Have you ever had to leave children or grandchildren behind in a move--or have they left you? How have you handled it?

Summer TV Blahs

Okay, I admit it, I'm a TV addict. At least, I'm a "good TV" addict. I'm not the type who will watch infomercials, or that Christmas station that just shows a yule log burning for days. What I watch has to be GOOD. But if it is, I'm there.

This past year has been agony and ecstasy for me with television. You want the good news or the bad news first? Okay, let's get the bad over with. THEY CANCELLED "ENTERPRISE"! In some ways, that was my dream Star Trek show. Okay, in one way: Scott Bakula. I've loved whatever he's done since the days of "Quantum Leap," so to me he was the perfect choice for a starship captain...intelligent, thoughtful, kind, and of course, good looking. I actually wrote a letter to UPN asking them not to cancel it. They did write me a nice letter in return, but darn it, that wasn't the result I was aiming for. ;-)

Now, the good news: LOST and DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed these two new shows. The only fly in the ointment is that my husband won't watch them with me, so I have to try to catch them when he's not around, or remember to set the VCR. And with my memory...let's just say, remembering to tape doesn't happen often. I've been a big fan of "disaster flicks" since the prime one, to me anyway: AIRPORT. Now, you wouldn't get me on a real plane...panic attacks, not a pretty sight. But show me AIRPORT and I'm there. So LOST had me from the first episode. And DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES is a fantastic cross between The Stepford Wives and General Hospital. I just love it!

But then the summer comes, and it's all reruns or really strange shows that didn't make it during the rest of the year. What's a TV addict to do?

Well, one idea is to watch movies on video or DVD. We've discovered that our local library loans out (free!) videos and DVDs, and they have a pretty wide selection. Of course, some of the movies we have less interest in than others (Fly Fishing in Ten Easy Lessons!). But we've "rented" lots of great old B&W movies and had a blast.

Sometimes, though, we don't have time to run to the library, so we're back to what's available on the airwaves. One TV phenomenon I've never understood is the reality show. I am as confirmed a reality show-hater as you're going to find. I can't see how plopping an odd assortment of people down on an island and making them eat bugs and vote each other off is anywhere close to reality. Puh-leeze. LOST is a lot closer to reality than those survivor shows. ;-)

But this summer I've found a "reality show" that actually works for me. Care to take a guess which one?

[Imagine the Jeopardy theme music playing]

Time's up! Nope, you're wrong, it's not Superbabysitter, or Who Has the Worst Hair. It's Dancing With the Stars!

No, really. I've always enjoyed watching ballroom dancing...it looks so elegant, so much fun. But I know I'd never be able to do it. I have about five left feet. :-) So this series combined the best of both...the elegance of ballroom dancing, with the angst of watching someone trying, and sometimes failing, to master the steps. This is one reality show I'd watch if they bring it back next year.

So, enough blathering from me. What are YOU watching on TV this summer? Or are you giving the tube a break entirely? What else have you got planned?

Happy Fourth of July!

I want to wish all my American friends and family a Happy Fourth of July. I'm looking forward to the fireworks tonight...in that respect, I've never grown up. ;-) But tonight there will be three generations watching the show together...my husband and me, our oldest daughter, and our two grandchildren. Everyone else is working or occupied elsewhere, which is unfortunate...but I guess someone has to "run things" while the rest of us are off partying!

Of course, there's always a chance the fireworks will be rained out. I just hope Mother Nature will hold off on *her* fireworks until we've finished with ours.

Sometime this month we'll officially become "empty nesters." Our younger daughter moved out last month, and our son is moving out this month. In general, we're looking forward to it--the privacy, the quiet, the reasonable hot water and electricity consumption. ;-) But, I know I'll miss being a daily part of their lives. How many of you are empty nesters now? How have you dealt with it? Any tips to pass on?

Have a great holiday!

Liz's Bad Luck Spring

This spring has been unusually eventful, and mostly not in a pleasant way. Our dog, Max, has been ill since early April with what was eventually diagnosed as a very rare tick-borne disease, only the 5th case they've seen in the state. (Naturally, Max has to choose the RARE disease, instead of the easily-cured-and-cheap-to-fix disease.) And now he's on his second round of hospitalization at the veterinary hospital on the other side of the state for a new, unrelated problem--something blocking his throat so he can't swallow. The vet bills are mounting quite high, and we're wondering how much higher they can go before we're totally broke.

In addition to Max's woes, our water heater broke and had to be replaced; the sprinkler system needed repair work on virtually every sprinkler head; we had to have the septic tank pumped out; the main water pipe leading into our property was leaking and had to be repaired; the water softener quit working. And perhaps worst of all, my husband's knee is troubling him so much that he had to cancel his long-awaited two-month bike trip. You can imagine how happy that makes him. Hah!

I've also heard similar stories of multiple woes from many friends and family members. It's as if the whole planet is having an entire month of Friday the Thirteenths.

So my question is this: what the heck is going on?!?

Tell me about YOUR weird spring...or if your spring has been entirely pleasant and normal, tell me that too, so I'll know there's hope! ;-)

Fatal Fortune is Available Now!

FATAL FORTUNE, the first book in my Lottie Baldwin mystery series, is available now from New Age Dimensions. Here's the blurb:

No one in Cheyenne, North Dakota believes in Lottie Baldwin’s psychic abilities; especially not Harlan Erikson, sergeant in the sheriff’s office. Harlan is willing to take Lottie’s love, but as far as her Tarot readings go–well, he prefers to play it by the book.

When the husband of Lottie’s best friend Janet disappears, Lottie can’t sit on her hands while the official investigation grinds slowly along. Armed with her courage, her insight and her Tarot deck, Lottie sets out to solve the mystery herself, regardless of who tries to stop her: Janet, Harlan–or the criminal.

To read an excerpt from FATAL FORTUNE, or to buy your own copy, go
here.

So, what books have you read lately, and what did you think of them? Any raves? Any pans?

Liz

Fellow Romance Author Needs Help

A friend and superb writer, Deb Stover, is in a very difficult situation right now and could use help from anyone who feels moved to do so. Below is the official announcement--please feel free to spread it to anyone you think would be interested. Thanks! ~~Liz

***Feel free to forward***

Deb Stover, romance author, knows adversity. Though she married her true love at a young age and they have three wonderful children, she's endured one sucker punch after another over the past three years. Leaving her friends in Colorado behind, she moved to Oregon when her husband, Dave, received a new job. However, soon after settling in, Dave was laid off and even worse, the cancer he'd successfully battled in Colorado returned with a vengeance. On top of that, Deb's health deteriorated and baffled doctors in their attempts to figure out why. A month ago Deb and her family moved to Oklahoma, where Dave felt he could better support his family on his limited income.

But the time they thought they had together evaporated. Dave has been given only a few weeks to live. He wishes to be buried in Colorado and Deb wants to return to her friends in that state. However, money is extremely tight and besides the devastation of losing her soul mate, Deb has limited physical strength. In order to help out, her critique group, The Wyrd Sisters, are asking for your help in raising money to help defray funeral expenses and move Deb and her family to Colorado.

Any amount you can donate--even a dollar--will be greatly appreciated. A PayPal account has been set up for those who wish to use a credit card. Send donations through PayPal to DebHelp@noveltalk.com. Or if you prefer to send a check, make it out to Pam McCutcheon and send to:

Help Deb Stover

c/o NovelTalk

5975 N Academy Blvd.

Suite 105

Colorado Springs, CO 80918

United States

Thank you so much for your help in this heart-breaking situation.

The Wyrd Sisters:

Karen Fox, Paula Gill, Laura Hayden, Von Jocks, Pam McCutcheon, Angel Smits,Maureen Webster.

New Cover Art For Two Books

I've just posted the new cover art for FATAL FORTUNE, coming out soon from New Age Dimensions Publishing, and the new cover art for LADY OF THE TWO LANDS, coming out May 1 from Amber Quill Press. I hope you enjoy it, because it always takes me so long to figure out how to post pictures! Maybe one day I'll retain the knowledge from the last time. ;-)

I think they both came out wonderfully. Cover art time is always scary, because it can make or break a book. After all, let's be honest--if you go to a bookstore and see a book with truly dreadful cover art, you're not going to pick it up anyway and read the back, are you? The odds are, you'll just pass it by. We're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but we do.

So, let me know how you like my new cover art, and if it would make you pick up the book and at least read the back cover description of the plot. I'll be posting more info about both releases on my website soon at www.elizabethdelisi.com.

Liz

Here's the terrific new cover art for LADY OF THE TWO LANDS, with Hatshepsut's temple in front. Isn't it gorgeous?
Posted by Elizabeth Delisi

Here's the fabulous new cover art for FATAL FORTUNE! What do you think?
Posted by Elizabeth Delisi