Pitch

It's Here!

Book Two in The Huntington Saga Series Novels~

Pirate Bride!

Miss Susannah Blakemore is kidnapped and sold into white slavery as payback to the Huntingtons. Will her pirate hero save her?

“The Huntingtons will pay. Oh, they will pay.” Plots and unholy alliances are put into action carrying out long-awaited retribution.

Only … one was not thought of. One was not even considered. How would anyone have guessed that a descendant of a pirate would take up his old family tradition in a mad quest to regain his bitterly lost love? The Marquess of Latham will not abide by this act of violence arranged for his precious love, but will surely save her -- will he not? And will he make her the next pirate bride?

Next? There must be a first to have a 'next'. But there was another ... centuries ago ... that still walks the halls of Stonecrest Castle.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Spread the Word!

In celebration of this incredible past year and now our newest year coming forth, The Governess Trilogy has been reduced in price through New Years Day!  Click here today!

Thank you for your incredible support this first year that I've been published!  It's been a terrific journey that I hope to repeat this coming year.  Dreams are free, but how amazing they are when they come true! 

All my best to your dreams,

Ellise

Thursday, December 26, 2013

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Life was too busy to wish you all well before the holiday, but I do hope you all have had a lovely Christmas!  All around the world, celebrations have occurred, and this is a much smaller planet than ever before.  It is my wish that all have felt that special Spirit of Christmas and that you might yet be feeling its magic.  Truly, this is a special time of the year. 

Christmas Eve, we celebrated by caroling to friends and neighbors and delivering some goodies, while others did the same to us.  It was fun.  To top off the evening, we read the story of Christ's birth followed by watching a short movie clip called Luke II.  We followed up by watching the short Mr. Krueger's Christmas, and then concluded by watching George C. Scott's version of A Christmas Carol.  Inspiring!  All the while, we gratefully pigged out on hoagie sandwiches and a yummy relish tray and goodies.  I kept hearing from my kids, "I LOVE Christmas!" and "This is the only time of year we can pig out on junk food, and it's okay with our parents."  They had fun, which makes me smile.  Hearing the laughter of my children together is the best gift.

No other season quite brings out the gratitude-filled feelings of the heart.  Its special.  It's important.  Especially to think of all that we have been blessed with this year.  I'm ever so grateful to have my husband still with me and to enjoy my family and those I love.  It's been good to talk with friends ;), and to receive special Christmas cards that we save and use as Christmas decorations the next year.  We hang them with the garland around the top of the ceiling with lights.  They are so pretty and remind us of all those who are special to us. 

May you all enjoy your loved ones and enjoy this special holiday time reflecting upon what is most important in our lives.  And for me, most of all, I am grateful for a Savior who has made it possible for me and others to return to our heavenly home. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Ellise

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Enjoy a New Read!

My new author friend, Sarah M. Anderson just released her book, COPIED, today!  Enjoy some down time!  Click here to order today! 

This is what it's about: 


Adopted off the black market, Alexander Mitchell has no idea his DNA is copyrighted and property of military weapons giant Texacom Defense, nor that his DNA is being used to develop an army of clones. When Texacom discovers he was not properly disposed of 17 years ago, they send an assassin copy, BETA23, to terminate Xan and cover it up.

After he narrowly escapes BETA23’s first attempt, Xan teams up with Lacey, a genetically engineered genius he’s surprised t...o find common ground with— only they’re awkward together. 

When they manage to capture a company copy by luck and sheer stupidity on Xan’s part, Lacey is determined to see the good in their prisoner to the point she believes BETA23 can be persuaded to give them the intelligence they need to keep the company forever off Xan’s back. Xan’s not sure if he can trust the darker version of himself, not when it means gambling with the lives of his family and the possibility of losing Lacey.

Enjoy great holiday shopping or for your own relaxation! 

Good luck, Sarah!

Hugs,

Ellise

Thursday, November 28, 2013

The Governess Trilogy is Here!

But only in Kindle right now.  It should be available within the week in all formats though.  :)

Enjoy the NEW added chapters!  I'm so excited!  Click here to order today!

Hugs,
Ellise

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving!

To all those who celebrate! 
And to everyone, a grateful heart is a prayer unto God.  Let us always be grateful for our blessings!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Ellise

Just sent out Pre-Launch!

For those of you who want to read something NEW!

;)
Ellise

Monday, November 25, 2013

Pre-Launch for Trilogy!

If you haven't signed up yet for the Pre-Launch Special for The Governess Trilogy, sign up here today!

It's almost here...!

Hugs,
Ellise

Monday, November 11, 2013

Writer's Retreat was a Blast!

What a great experience that I'll never forget!  Click here for the article and for the photos!

Hugs,
Ellise

Friday, November 8, 2013

Writer's Retreat!


So...here I am at my writer's retreat, actually connected to the internet for however many minutes it will decide to be connected.  But honestly, the only reason I've needed internet is to stay in touch with my family, because there is no phone service here.  Anyhoo...it's been actually kind of cool to be restricted from the outside world up here in the mountains of Heber City, Utah, writing to my heart's content with 20ish other writers.  It's been awesome!!  We write and write and write.  So far, I've written 7,386 words that I've actually remembered to count.  We have contests, sprints, prizes, and yummy food.  


It's been so amazing to be so focused.  I've been able to finish all the new chapters for The Governess that I'm hoping to release this month, November 2013.  I can't do the fancy stuff on this computer since it's different than mine, but I'll do that at home when I have a chance.  I'll be working on a new cover as well, but most likely reuse one of them, but just add some stuff.  Not really sure yet, since I'm still learning to do that myself.  I hate bothering people.  I learned some stuff about creating covers but it all still leads mainly to paying for someone to do it for you.  I'm still poor enough that I'll keep it close to home. *sigh*  But...someday... :)I'm now working diligently on Pirate Bride.  Guess what!!  It's so fun!!!  I love writing when I get to do it like this!!  I love creating stories and characters and adventures.  I'm also thrilled to compare my skills and writing and sales with other authors.  Its been a real treat to see how well I actually am doing.  It's been great incentive to keep doing what I love.  Writing!  So hang on to your britches, the stories are coming.  I'm hoping that I'll have more time again once I get home.  I'll just have to be creative and schedule time wisely. (And probably significantly shorten the length of them.)Here's to more dreams, folks!  So dream on.Hugs,Ellise  P.S.  I sure miss my family though!  Love you!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

I've just been invited to a writing conference! Woohoo!!

So excited!!!  Thank you, Wendy S., for the kind invitation!

I can't believe it!  A whole weekend of nothing but writing!  Woohoo!  Yes!
My goals are:  To finish all the new chapters for The Governess:  Book One--Volumes 1-3 combined; and then to fully exhaust myself with Pirate Bride.  Awesomeness!

Monday, November 4, 2013

New Chapters in Progress!

I have really enjoyed getting back into Carly and Creighton's story and adding the new chapters about their wedding.  It's been great fun!  Many of you wanted that more in depth ending, so I hope you are happy  with what I am coming up with.  :)  I look forward to hearing from you about what you think, too. 

I LOVE being creative!

Hugs everyone,
Ellise

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Gearing Up to Release THE GOVERNESS in One Volume--With NEW Chapters!! :)

Just thought I'd let you all know its in the works, anyway...

I've had so many readers request more about Carly and Creighton's wedding...so I thought I might as well give you more, especially since I've combined all the volumes into one easy read.  Kind of a gift to my readers, you could say.  :)

I’ll let you know when the big day is to come!  Right now, I still have much to do. 

Ellise

P.S.  Let me know if you have other favorite things you'd like to hear about.  :)

Friday, October 4, 2013

Being and author just paid off! For real...

I just paid off my daughter's tuition in one stroke of the keyboard! 

Thank you to all my readers who've made this dream possible. 

THIS IS SO COOL!

It's one thing to come up with a dream, it's totally another thing to see it actually happen.  Gosh, I'm so grateful that this is really coming true.  I know I'm going on and on about it, but when life is so hard for so long, sometimes you get in this funk where you think that this is the only way life will be for you. 

Well, I'm quite happy to say that life isn't like that.  We have the power within ourselves to make a change.  And with God's help behind us, we can never go wrong.  I'm sooooo blessed.  I have my wonderful family, my sweetheart is well on his way to recovering from his heart attack, and I'm slowly, but surely improving as well.  And let me tell you, this certainly helps!!

Thank you, Heavenly Father!
~Ellise

Thursday, September 19, 2013

The Governess to be combined into one volume?

Yes, I'm seriously considering this (and possibly going add more to the story line--like the wedding, etc.).  The main reason that I cut up The Governess into three volumes was to get the story published quicker--by the end of summer 2013. (Goal accomplished!)  I seriously needed to make some money fast to pay for my daughter's college tuition for this fall or she would not be able to attend, period.  (Another goal accomplished! Woohoo!--and a real, live miracle to boot! But that's another story...).  And that money was needed for the thousand other things out there, especially medical bills. 

But now, after my husband's quadruple bypass (
and he's doing remarkably well, I'm quite happy to say!!! Yet one more miracle in this family's history of miracles...), we need the income more than ever.  So, now that the book is all out there, piece by finished piece, I'm considering making it into one volume.  I hadn't thought I'd do this until
Pirate Bride was released, but many people have asked the question 'Why was the book published in volumes in the first place?' just one too many times.  It annoys me.  There were very good reasons why I did things the way I did them. 

So, with that said, I'm letting everyone know my goals.  I really don't know how quickly I can accomplish this goal since I'm right in the middle of helping my healing husband, homeschooling my son, helping my high school daughter, and my new college student with their lives, homework, etc., and haven't had any time at all to work on my writing since Volume Three was published at the end of July.  Whew!  I'm tired!!  Anyone seen the bags under my eyes lately?  I'm just glad all is going well. 

Thank you for your amazing support, everyone!

~Ellise :)

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Passed the 10,000 mark and didn't even realize it...

How could I have missed that?!?  Yes, I wondered myself...

So, why do I even bring this up?  Mainly because I'm proud of myself.  Secondly, because most authors that I've followed don't bring this up.  Yes, maybe they are more modest than I am, but honestly, isn't it nice to know what kind of numbers you can look toward when you're publishing?  I have had no guidance or counsel on what to expect.  It is pretty hard to calculate.  It's a guessing game, really.  But for any self-published wanna be authors out there--these are the numbers I'm coming up with, folks.  That is, 86 days and 10,000+ copies sold.  I'm psyched!

Thanks for hanging in there with my, peoples...
Ellise

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Historical Romance Website!

Johnson Edward Killingworth, The Hammock
I'm thrilled to introduce my sister's website.  She is a new author and ready to release her first novel this fall.  I'm so excited for her. 

Please visit Clarisse Tate's website at:  http://www.clarissetate.weebly.com.

Good Luck, Clarisse!
Love,
Ellise

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Happy Anniversary to my Sweetheart...

 
To my sweetheart~
 
Thank you for 21 years of marriage to the greatest guy I know. 
Thank you for loving me all this time and never giving up on me when the ‘world’ would have told you to do so. 
Thank you for blessing our marriage with three beautiful children that have completed us so perfectly. 
Thank you for being a great example to them of what a husband and father can be. 
Thank you for calming my fears, making me laugh, and wiping my tears. 
Thank you for daring to dream with me, for strengthening me, and for believing in me. 
And, most of all, thank you for being you. 
I love you! ~Ellise               

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Volume Three

Volume Three of The Governess will be released later this month of July 2013.  :)  That is the plan...

Ellise

Monday, July 8, 2013

#1 on Amazon.co.uk!

Ten days into launch of Volume Two of The Governess and it's already at #1 on Religious & Inspirational Romance!  Woohoo!  I'm thrilled!  Click here to see!

Ellise

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

I enjoyed interviewing my author friend, Lisa L Wiedmeier!

Lisa is a guest author on my website.  If you'd like to get to know her and her flavor of romance/fantasy writing, click here to read more! :)

Thanks,
Ellise

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Looking over cover & interior

Just enjoyed working on the cover and interior files on Createspace today!  I'm excited to say that Volume Two of The Governess, so far, is on schedule to be released most likely this time next week!

Ellise

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

#1 on Amazon UK!

Can't believe it!  I've made it to #1 on Amazon UK Religious Romance!!!  Soooo excited right now! (Because in two seconds it could change...)  :)  Click here!

Ellise :)

Monday, June 17, 2013

I Can't Believe It! #5 in the UK!

Honestly, I can't believe I'm at #5 in Religious Romance in the UK!  I'm so thrilled!  I feel so blessed right now!  Can you tell I'm excited????????   Holy Cow!  Click here for link.  :)

Ellise

Thursday, June 13, 2013

The Governess on Amazon in many countries

If you like romance, The Governess has it and to spare.  Plus, I like the intrigue that comes with a good novel.  Secrets, plots, schemes, murder, you name it, The Governess has it all! 
 
Check out these Amazon sites from several countries!  Click here!
 
Thanks for checking out my work!  It's been a long, hard process, but I'm learning to enjoy sharing it.  I've kept it to myself for so long thinking that it wasn't worth sharing, but thanks to you, my readers, I'm finding that there are many like-minded readers out there who enjoy the same kinds of adventures. 
 
Happy Reading!
Ellise

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

New Book Release for my friend and author Lisa L Wiedmeier!

Lisa L Wiedmeier is a truly gifted romance writer and all her stories are fantasy. She has created a unique world in which hunky guys travel around protecting her as she gets in and out of trouble with some pretty gnarly creatures. Cheyenne starts the series off, with Promises to follow, and here and now is her newest release, Daylight! Can't wait to read all up to date, Lisa! Check her out with the link below:
Because it's my birthday on Saturday, June 15th, I wanted to celebrate with you! I'm going to be offering a prize package which includes a Proof copy of Dayligh...t, one charm bracelet & matching earrings, and one custom velvet vintage Timeless bookmark.

Now, here's what I need you to do: I need you to share with everyone and anyone about the Timeless Series. I need you to tell them how much you love them. The rafflecopter entries will give you links to share on your page, on a friend's page or in a book group, on your blog or just about anywhere you can bend someone's ear.

I need you to let the world know about Cheyenne's story, and tell them about Colt, Callon and Daniel too.

The biggest and best present you can give me is word-of-mouth. Now...share and enter away!! A winner will be chosen on Monday, June 17th.

Here's your link to enter: http://bit.ly/13DX7Vy
 
 
Go for it, Lisa!

Just because I'm so excited!!!

Friday, June 7, 2013

The Governess has made it to the Top 100 on Amazon Kindle's Christian Romance list!

I didn't even know something like this existed on Amazon, but as I was checking out my book on Amazon tonight, I saw that The Governess is at #98 in the Top 100 of Kindle Christian Romance!  I'm thrilled!  Click here to see.

Thanks everyone for your support!
Ellise

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Buy Now! The Governess is Ready to Read!

I'm so excited to finally be ready to share my hard work with all of you!  I hope you enjoy The Governess!  Click here to get started reading today!

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Monday, May 6, 2013

The Governess to be divided into Volumes

It might be sooner than you think before you're reading The Governess!  I've just decided to split my book into two to three volumes because of the size--almost 700 pages!  Whew!  Quite a few.  But I think it'll be less costly this way!

Who wants a copy??

Back to work!
Ellise

Formatting for CreateSpace

I've been busily formatting The Governess for CreateSpace.  Probably a little ahead of myself since I still have a few glitches to fix, but it's been fun to see what it looks like in book format.  Dang! It's going to be big!  I really didn't mean to do that, I just couldn't shut up.  But I'm hoping it'll be great.  :)  Can't help but be a little excited.  Never done this before.  :D

Hope you all have a lovely week!

Hugs,
Ellise

Friday, April 26, 2013

Sneak Peak!

Take a peak at the first chapter of The Governess!

http://elliseweaver.weebly.com/first-three-chapters-of-the-governess-pdf.html

Would love feedback!
Ellise :)

Author Press Kit

Between school, appointments, and daily lists, I've been feverishly working away on a  new project this week:  my author press kit.  I didn't even know I needed one.  But thanks to an awesome blog, TheCreativePenn.com, I'm learning all kinds of new things. 

Joanna Penn is amazing!  She's been through much of what writers go through to see our work become successful.  And now she is as well.  But what's better, I think, in addition to her success is that she's so willing to share what she's learned along the way.  There are truly wonderful people in this world who do think of the other guy.  I'm grateful.  Thanks, Joanna!

For those who've never heard of an Author Press Kit, click here to see mine.  Joanna has more examples on her website, here.  Have a great weekend everyone!
Ellise

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Contest Winner!

I would like to announce the Winner of The Governess Contest! 

Nicki D.! 

Nicki had a splendid, simple, and complete way of bringing Creighton to Miss Amelia Hansen’s home, which he could not refuse.  Or so he thought.

Nicki will get to pick from two offered prizes:
  1)  To rename Miss Amelia Hansen’s character, or;
  2)  To receive a signed copy of The Governess when it is published in May/June 2013.

Read these chapters soon to find out what Nicki suggested and how I incorporated her ideas.

Thanks, Nicki D, for your contribution and for reading The Governess!  I'd also like to thank all those who participated in the contest!  Your support means everything to me! :)

Have a great day everyone!
Ellise

Friday, April 19, 2013

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

About the Contest:

I've decided to give the Contest just one week from today for input.  So, by next Wednesday--say Noon--the contest will be closed.  Thank you to those who have participated already!! :)  Much appreciated!  You bring joy to the world of writing for me.  It's always amazing to have our work read and enjoyed, so to have any of you willingly participate is overwhelming in an awesome way!  Thanks!
Ellise~

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

A Contest!

I've decided to have a contest!  Yippee!!

What this entails:  I have a small snippet from The Governess that I will share below; but in it, I don't have a good enough reason, yet, (and this is where you come in!) for the male hero to be at a certain person's home for tea.  I would love to have you come up with a great reason for me

The prize?  Well...I might be open for suggestions on this, but so far, I've come up with an idea that YOU might be able to rename this lady character for me.  Is that a good prize?  I don't know.  I'm open.  I thought about a signed copy of The Governess, but it's not out yet.  If that is better, let me know.  Whoever's suggestion I implement, we'll talk okay.  :) 

Here's the snippet I need reworked with a 'reason' for Creighton to be at Amelia Hansen's house: 
Creighton could not believe how Miss Amelia had wiggled her way into getting him over for tea.  She was a conniver, just as Janese had been.  Maybe that was why they had been best friends.  All that he knew was, at that moment, if she touched him once more, he would leave.

Her hair glistened, her hands looked invitingly soft, and her gown was a luscious pale green.  She was delectable.

But not to his palate.

“Your home and lands are gorgeous as always, Creighton, darling, I must say.  You always do keep a good house.  Your servants are devoted to you, in spite of the gossips.  How do you do it?”

“Uh…,” Creighton lifted his teacup to his lips not knowing how to comment.

Amelia’s brother answered for him.  “He does not do it at all, Amelia.  He has an extensive staff to do that for him.”

“You are quite wrong, Felix. Have you not ever seen Creighton out working with his tenants?  It is a sight to behold!”  She
smirked alluringly at the earl, her own lustful thinking blatant to all who listened to her.

She is appalling.

And then she touched him…
What do you think?  Is it fine, or should we do something special, more interesting?  This is the end of Chapter 46. 

Good luck!
Ellise

Monday, April 15, 2013

Another Monday

Here we are at a new week's beginning.  The tulips and daffodils are coming up, the leaves are budding out, and things are turning green.  This is my favorite time of year.  Winter can be so long, so I always enjoy the promise of fair weather and the accompanying greenery. 

As part of my Spring-cleaning, I've taken out The Governess, shaken her out, dusted her off, and begun again to finish this project. I'm in the middle of Chapter 44-Escape.  Having shaken loose some of the inexperience from before when I worked on her, I'm finding lots of POV variances.  I'm struggling with the desire to change them completely.  Some I have, and I'm very happy.  Other scenes have been split so many ways, at this point, I simply refuse to change what I have.  I've cleaned them up and made sure that the reader at least knows who is speaking, but the content was good already.  I felt it was a waste of my precious time to do more.  I may change my mind yet, or I just simply might regret this decision.  I don't know yet.  For now, I'm just happy to move on to the next chapter. 

My goal is to be self-published by June, if not before.  May sounds much better to me.  :)  This project has taken up so much of my time.  I began the original manuscript on January 2, 2008, the year after chemo.  I wanted a new goal for that year.  It was successful at diverting my attention away from sadder, more difficult things.  But I want to see it finished.  There is great satisfaction in seeing our goals completed, if for no other reason than to say, "I've done it."

So join me in 'getting goals done'.  It's a great feeling.  What are your goals?

Happy reading & writing!
Ellise

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Point of View (POV)

I'm interested in knowing what my readers think about Point of View (POV).  As long as I understand which head I'm in, I don't mind head hopping to different characters in a story.  I like to know what each character is thinking.  That's just me.  But I do fine with only one or two POVs too.  However, I tend to write multiple POVs.  It comes naturally to me. 

But what I would like to know from my readers is this: which do you prefer reading?

I'm glad I've got through the chapters I wanted to complete this week.  I'm currently on Chapter 38--Tea Time.  Houseguests are present--annoying ones, that is.  So Creighton is crazy mad and frustrated, but grateful for time with Carly. 

I love the chapter about the stormy night where Carly is mopping up rainwater and Creighton catches her doing so.  Sounds weird, but it was an opportunity for them to be alone.  Once I get this published, I'd love to hear your thoughts too. 

Have a great day everyone!

Ellise

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Chapter 30 -- Torment

I'm excited to be at Chapter 30!  Woohoo!

This can be a rather long process--the process of editing or rewriting what is already existing.  I'm glad I have time today to work on it.  Hate being sick though. 

The next few chapters will be:  Whispering in Her Ear; The Cad; Apology; Pixies; and Caresses.  I'm hoping I can get through those chapters today!  Woohoo!  Here I go!

Ellise~

Monday, April 8, 2013

Had a Great Weekend

It was great being with my hubby and kids and watching General Conference.  We had a great 'hoagie' and movie night watching "Wreck It Ralph".  Cute show.  Kids loved it; Devin and I were okay with it.  More for the younger 'gaming' generation, although we could relate with the Asteroids and Galaga comments. 

Well, back at it again today.  Getting school started off with my son and working on my own stuff.  It'd be nice to work out at least five chapters a day, although I'd like to get ten done instead.  :)  It's always good to set goals, right?

Let's make this an awesome week everyone! 

Hugs,
Ellise

Friday, April 5, 2013

Pizza and a Movie Night

Enjoy your Friday night, peoples...I plan on resting. 

It's been an awesome, busy, satisfying day.  So glad I can say that.  :)  Busy with school and writing today.  Try to keep the importance upon schooling, but have to have my fill here too.  It's life saving...Readers and writers out there know what I mean.  :)

So what are you eating tonight for your Friday??

Enjoy, all!

Ellise

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Just finished Chapter 17! I'm on a roll!

So glad to have a little time tonight to work on my book.  So many more important things happen during the day that need attention.  When a little chunk of time shows itself, I'm all there, writing away.  However...it does make it quite difficult to get up in the morning...  :(

Happy writing folks!

~Ellise

Monday, April 1, 2013

Just finished Chapter 10! YAY!

YAY!!  I just finished reworking Chapter 10.  So glad to finally be making some progress on my book.  It is so slow though.  There is hardly ever any time to work on it, but I have been rewarded with some time tonight after our family walk. 

It's so beautiful outside right now.  Sunshine and the promise of warmer weather bringing greenery to life--just like in the chapters of The Governess that I'm working on. 

Writing has been such a different process than I originally thought it would be.  In the beginning, I thought that whatever I wrote down would be just a few, relatively easy edits and then I would find a publisher within, oh, say...six months?  Reality can be a harsh wake up call.  :)  But I'm good with that now.  I think my journey has been uniquely tailored to fit me, for whatever reasons.  Probably humility.  ;)

You all knew that, didn't you.  You could have told me...  haha.  Just kidding.

On with the work!

~Ellise

P.S.  I've bagged the stupid signature.  Didn't turn out right.  Darn!

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Is my signature showing up weird for anybody else?

So.  Is my 'new' signature showing up weird for anyone else?????  I just logged on a different computer to check my blog, and my signature has a stupid 4 and 3 before and after my name, which is just bigger.

This is not at all my new signature.  So, is this just a fluke?  Or is my new signature showing up this way for others as well?

Darn!  It's supposed to be pretty.  :(

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Done with Story Mapping & Outline

Very happy to say that I'm finished with the story mapping and with the accompanying outline that has been created because of it.  Whew!  A LOT of work!  But it's given me an interesting glimpse of what I've created. 

Now on with the re-write!  I'm already on Chapter 5.  I'm very hopeful I'll have this published before summer! 

I'm hoping to have some fans out there who enjoy historical romance with a twist of suspense and mystery, like me. 

4Ellise3

Friday, March 22, 2013

Story Mapping



Now...for the other side of each poster board.  Do you see why I need to chop my manuscript?!  Sheesh!

One good thing about Story Mapping that I've learned about my writing:  I'm all over the place on POV.  Not good.  This will help me to formulate my chapters better, POV better, and make The Governess (or The Vicar's Daughter) more concise.  Difficult for me (that is, to be concise).

Thank you goes to author Sarah M. Eden for showing her form of story mapping on her blog.  She is, by the way, an AMAZING author!

Have a great weekend everyone!  And a shout out to Gretchen!  Have a safe trip, honey!

Hugs to everyone,
Ellise

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Wish Me Luck!

I have really missed my time here.  I have learned some things about myself that, six years ago, I didn't know about myself.  I LOVE to write.  I love the creation process of putting together new heroines and heroes and the story that gives them an adventure and brings them together.  I have missed it. 

Yes, as I mentioned in my previous blog entry, I'm a busy homeschooling mom.  I love what I'm doing there, as well.  My son has needed me, and I have been glad that I'm in a position to help. 

Both of these things, writing and homeschooling, have forced my decrepit body, still recovering (rather slowly) to step up to the plate and do what was necessary to move through the rest of the day.  I'm grateful.  What a journey!  Tears of pain and tears of joy.  What a mix!

Although the homeschooling has slowed my writing to an almost stop, I have begun again to be able to fit a little bit of it in.  I think it's a combination of desperation from missing the craft so much, but also, I think my body is finally starting to be able to handle more.  (Actually, any time my kids step into the picture with a need, I seem to be able to do more than I previously was able to do.  My senior in high school needs tuition.  Need I say more.) :]  Regardless of the reasons, I'm grateful that I can do more.  It's been such a slow process for me to heal from cancer.  Unbelievably slow.  So slow that I still wonder sometimes if I'm not still dying.  That's pretty slow, don't you think?

Yet, again, I'm reworking The Governess.  I might even try a new title; The Vicar's Daughter.  What do you all think?  I need, need, need to press forward with completion of this book.  I would very much like to publish it this year.  HarperCollins (authonomy) has come out with a new Romance publishing imprint called Harper Impulse that I wish to submit my manuscript to.  In the meantime, I will self-publish, just in case, in those three months of waiting, they do not ever get back to me. 

All the Marketing blogs and articles that I read say that in order to sell successfully a book, the story has to be what the market is looking for.  I understand this.  I also know that The Governess, which is during the Victorian era, because of the timing, is not a welcome manuscript.  If it was the Regency period, it would be welcome.  However, I grew up reading Victoria Holt who wrote a lot of different periods, but mostly Victorian.  So I'm hooked here on the Victorian period.  I love them all, really.  Anything to do with old England...I love it all.  But I've written something that, on Authonomy at least, I had a following.  I believe that if others like it as well, it can sell.  So this is my new, bold approach.  I have had a following, small as it may have been. 

My new goal then is to grow that following and perfect what I have started the best I can and simply self-publish along with a new submission. 

Can't hope but to try, right?

Wish me luck!

Love,
Ellise