Welcome Lizzie T. Leaf!

I'm delighted to welcome today's guest of honour to the party - a very funny, talented writer, and my very good friend, Lizzie T. Leaf! Welcome, Lizzie!

Tickle My Funny Bone by Lizzie T. Leaf

I love to laugh and that probably explains a lot of my friend choices as well as my marriage.  My friends and husband laugh with me…and sometimes at me.

But that’s okay.  I’ve learned not to take some things seriously when they are wiping tears from their eyes over something I’ve said or done, if not at that moment then later.  Hindsight helps me see the humor of the situation or how dumb the statement that had them rolling on the floor.

The love of laughter is probably expected of someone who hates to miss an episode of America’s Funniest Videos.  And I confess, there are the clips that have me thinking, “Ouch, that must have hurt,” while clutching my aching stomach from laughing so hard.  Yes, I’m a little sick.

In my first critique group, I admit to being a little hurt when one of the members snorted out the sip of coffee she just taken through her nose while reading my precious words.  When she proclaimed, “That’s so funny,” I couldn’t help my reaction…stunned.  I hadn’t tried for funny.

When the other members joined her in agreement and saying my sense of humor comes through on the written page, I admit to doubting their judgment.  Over time, I have come to accept that’s possibly the case.  I have friends who call me and when we hang up say, “I’m so glad I decided to call you…I really needed a laugh today.”  So, guess my aptitude for ‘snark’ can come across as funny to some.

Of course, in life there’s angst, and in writing you need to have it to torture your hero/heroine of both to create a story.  Still, I do strive for lighter moments and hope to bring a smile to the reader.  A good story, whether mine or another author’s, can be like hitting your funny bone—hurts like crazy, but you laugh with the pain.

How about you?  Has your funny bone been tickled recently?

Lizzie is offering a PDF ebook of Beyond Magic to one lucky winner who answers her question: Has your funny bone been tickled recently? Tell us what's made you laugh recently, or comment on Lizzie's post in some other way to enter the contest. The contest closes at midnight tonight and the winner will be announced on this thread tomorrow.

Beyond Magic

The Magical Love Series

By Lizzie T. Leaf

Published by Passion in Print

Following the Powers directive to unite soul mates, a Scottish Cailleach's magic will have repercussions in several realms.

Mixed-blood Ian McCabe, grandson of Fae and gods tries to deny his powers. When he discovers mortal, Emma Grant unconscious at the bottom of the steps to his castle, his world starts to change.

Tour director Emma Grant's bus breaks down and her effort to find help results in a fall that knocks her unconscious. She awakens to find the man of her dreams staring into her eyes.

 But will his secrets and her distrust of men tear them apart?

Emma Grant has an assignment to guide a group through Scotland, unaware this little trip will lead to her meeting her soul mate, but before that happens, the Powers want to have a little fun at her expense.

Emma saw no need for a “get acquainted” dinner. This group all came from Atlanta and belonged to the same retired teachers association. If anything, they knew each other too well, and none of them seemed to have a problem telling the others what worked best for anyone. She walked into the private room she’d reserved for tonight’s dinner and discussion of their itinerary to find everyone seated. They’d left her no choice but to take the only empty chair at the head of the table.

“You know, Emma dear, we all noticed you’re a little tense.” Mary, who appeared to have the kindest disposition in the group, smiled and brushed a snowy puff of hair off her left eye. “You’re single aren’t you?”

Shocked at such a personal question asked by a woman who looked like Mrs. Claus, Emma eyed the speaker with distrust. Still, she couldn’t stifle a tiny surge of elation that someone in the group actually knew her name, even if they did throw in “dear.”

On the other hand, she resisted the urge to wipe the sweet smile from the older woman’s face with an explanation; her marital status was no one’s damned business. Instead, she decided a nod would serve as the best course of action—and waited for the other shoe to drop.

Mary shot a smug glance around the table at her companions. “We thought so. That probably explains why you get so uptight?”

“What?” Emma stared in disbelief. She’d had enough. It was time to put this group of busybodies in their place. “What business is my marital status to you ladies? As I recall, the contract I signed was to lead a tour, not share my personal life.”

Ouch, that really came out harsh. As a tour director I’m supposed to be patient, not bitchy.

“I told you so.” Mildred’s orange frizz bobbed up and down. “It’s okay, dear. Not getting any tends to make one a little testy, especially when you’re younger.”

The comment sent the sip of water in Emma’s mouth down the wrong way. Tillie, the senior member of the group sitting on Emma’s left, pounded her on the back.

“Are you okay, dear?”

Finally, she managed a strangled “yes” and wiped tears from her eye as she struggled to clear her throat. The last thing she needed was to have an eighty-eight-year-old woman resuscitate her. “I’m fine. Really.” She blinked to clear her blurry eyes.

“Good.” Mary looked relieved. “Then you’re ready to hear the rest of our plan.”

“Plan? What on earth are you talking about? Plan for what?”

“Emma, dear, we’ve decided this for your own good.” Mary beamed at her. “The group voted and the decision is made.” Mary looked around the table at her companions and most heads bobbed up and down in agreement. “We’ve decided to help you find a man.”

Words failed her. Emma stared from one grinning face to the next.

“Now wait just a damn minute.” Deena crossed her arms and glared at her friends. “I told you this is the dumbest idea you’ve had lately, so don’t count me in on the ‘we’ bull crap. Not every woman needs a man in her life to ask permission on when she can take a piss, or whatever else she wants to do.”

Mary patted the angular woman’s hand. “Whatever you say, honey, but not everyone is as independent as you.”

“What makes you think Emma’s not? I’ve lived my life the way I want for seventy-one years, and if that’s the path she chooses, then leave her be.” Deena’s eyes scanned the group and her stare dared anyone to challenge her. “Anyway, you don’t need a man to lead a full life. That’s my say on the matter.”

“She’s still bitter about Sam Jenkins. He broke off their engagement you know,” someone whispered loud enough for Emma to hear.

“You’d think after fifty years, she’d be over it.”

Emma knew the last remark came from Barb.

“Humph.” Deena pushed her chair back and stood. “I’ve lost my appetite. Good night, ladies.”

Emma stared down at the bowl of soup placed in front of her by a waiter.

Maybe if I throw my face into it and breathe deeply I can drown.

Available in ebook and print:

Passion in Print Press http://www.passioninprint.com/ShowBook.php?CR=LTL_BEYONDMAGIC

Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Magic-Lizzie-T-Leaf/dp/1608202429/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

Amazon.uk  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyond-Magic-Lizzie-T-Leaf/dp/1608202429/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

At your local book seller in print

And on various eBook distribution sites including All Romance eBooks and Fictionwise

Award winning author, Lizzie T. Leaf started life in Kansas, continued her growing in North Carolina, and currently shivers through the winters in Colorado.  She has numerous e-books in varying lengths and her first print book, Struck by Lightning, won dual 2007 Beacon awards, in addition to being a finalist in two other contests. 

 Since discovering the fun of writing paranormal, she plays with creating vampires, faeries and other immortals.  Her current book, Beyond Magic is the first in the Magical Love Series at Passion in Print Press.  What’s not to love when a Scottish Cailleach is directed by the Powers to unite several pair soul mates?  It’s safe to say that some of the future connections will surprise even the Cailleach.

She is currently working on the second book in the Magical Love series scheduled to release late summer/early fall 2011.

When not creating mischief for paranormal beings, or exploring the other genres she wants to write, Lizzie loves to read, spend time with her family and travel with her best friend husband.

www.lizzietleaf.com

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Beyond Magic now at Passion in Print Press