Elizabeth-W-Towles

A Trip into new places

2011-12-04T17:20:00.001-08:00

I am finally getting myself back on line, and not only is this a new site, but my password has changed, and I am working with a new laptop PC, so feel handicapped all the way around. I am also writing again and am excited with my new characters. This feels like someplace I've been before, but still has unfamiliar fragments walking the edges.

Friends come...with invisible labeling - Vibrant Nation

2010-03-17T07:47:00.001-07:00

Friends come...with invisible labeling - Vibrant Nation

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The Wolf comes again

2010-03-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

The Wolf--appearing...in The Long Night Moon

The long hair around his mouth glowed stark white against the blackness of his squared off nose; the glaze from his topaz and onyx eyes speared the air. His raw, wild, stench spread out around him....

A Revisit with Alex

2010-03-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

Another of our lovely animal characters--text from The Long Night Moon

This is Alex, an African Grey...and a smart bird, he is.

Under head feathers of a startling white, his onyx eyes looked out with keen awareness; his head tilted to either side, his stare fixated on Darcie.

He began lifting his feet, one at a time, his body rocking from side to side. "Hey, hey, hey, it's her Norman, I tell you...it's her."

He gave a sharp snap of his bill, and went still.

Elizabeth Towles | FiledBy

2010-01-15T07:10:00.001-08:00

Elizabeth Towles | FiledBy

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A New Year/ A New Day

2010-01-14T14:55:00.000-08:00

Hello New Day/New Year

January 12, 2010 by etelizabeth

‘ Tis the 12th day of January…the time nearing mid-month of a new year; my tree is still up, and a few packages, sitting around the edge of the plaid, red, tree skirt, await to find their proper place in drawers, or on shelves. Candy fills some containers, and chocolate coated pretzel sticks shine from one opaque round plastic jar. The tree lights brave the whispers of ‘overly spent time’ amidst a room that has only this one show of a past holiday gear. No matter, they help to foster cheer in my brain that needs the dancing lights on the ceiling; a mound of joy that waits in the corner by the window to pop with color when I turn the switch.

For the last couple of days, I am into new work, my mind like a camera as I write the scene; this time of living in my story delights me to no end. I lose hours fast…like ice cubes melting in boiling water. All thoughts fall away of self, time, and place; I’ve slipped inside my imagination’s location. Thanks to the powers that be for giving me this lovely game to play, this ability of shape-shifting that strokes my soul time, and time again

My new novel, The Long Night Moon; it saved my sanity. - Vibrant Nation

2009-11-19T17:11:00.001-08:00

My new novel, The Long Night Moon; it saved my sanity. - Vibrant Nation

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A New Review - Sept 6, 2009 Upstate NY

2009-09-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

A new review: More Than A Romance
"Elizabeth Towles has a way with words. Although this cliche is often heard, it's never been more truer than it is in the case of THE LONG NIGHT MOON. This story is so much more than a romance. The author, with her gift for depth and description, takes you on a soul-deep tour of the NC hills. You meet her people, learn her ways, and at the same time, follow the the story of Darcie. Darcie is introduced to the reader as a headstrong teenager with few morals, and a stubborn desire to get what she wants from life. She has been thrown into a terrible introduction to tragedy, in the deaths of her parents, and responsibility, in an unwanted pregnancy.
When her older brother forces her to move to the 'country house', her life, and she, begin a metamorphosis which will leave you entranced, hopeful, angry, and at the end, ultimately fulfilled.
Travel with Darcie as she learns the ancient ways of the Cherokee people, and the heart-breaking joys of motherhood. Once you start reading THE LONG NIGHT MOON, you won't be able to put it down."

My Review of LONG NIGHT MOON

2009-08-22T06:48:00.001-07:00

Chaos.com

Love, Tragedy, and Ancient Wisdom, Augu

'Willie" Charlotte, NC 8/22/2009

Pros: Engaging Story, Well Written, Interesting Characters, Tear Jerker, Original Plot, Deserves Multiple Readings, Romance

Best Uses: Younger Readers, Older Readers, Gift, Travel Reading, Cherokee tribal wisdom

Describe Yourself: Bookworm

This romantic account gives the reader glimpses into Cherokee tribal wisdom, and transform a promiscuous teen into a young woman of depth and character. It is filled with words, both lively and colorful, deep and emotional and will keep you page-turning until the end. The story line brings surprises/smiles and tears as you follow Darcie's journey into adulthood.

Cover for The Long Night Moon

: A Multicultural Romance, Picture of Product

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Thoughts on Researching for TLNM

2009-08-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

I knew research was a must before I could get deep into my story; I had to place myself mentally and physically in the mountains I was about to write about. I also knew I had to reconnect to my roots that up to now had little influence on me, in fact, only a spattering knowledge that a link actually existed. As I stepped into that spiritual and native leanings, I felt them settle over me with a pull of ownership. I took no pictures, only wrote in haste, as though my time was being clocked and at some unseen moment, everything would shut down. I filled several notebooks, hoping my words were adequate in what my eyes were seeing and what my ears heard. I went back to the motel reluctantly at night, clutching my pads of words like a hard-won prize. My book progressed with each trip taken. And the pictures, I had little time to snap, are there in my book, but in word phrases...I hope your mind sees them, smells them, and then remembers them....

Reader Reviews

2009-07-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

July 19, 2009. I have finished the book. I started reading it last night and finished it this afternoon. It gave me GREAT pleasure. I truly enjoyed it. I could hardly wait to finish it. What a wonderful story! Your descriptions made me feel as though I was right there. Te Messerle, Charlotte, NC.

July 13, 2009. Read your book over the weekend-BRAVO! Obviously a lot of time and effort went into it. ENJOYED the read and the reminders of familiar things from my home state. I wish you all the success in the world for your book. A former NC resident.

I think your book is AWESOME! The story caught me right away, the descriptions put me into every scene, and the characters kept me reading. The book is so well written, I am pleased to say I've met the person who wrote such an extraordinary book. I loved it! James Dick, Branch Manager for Walmart, Albemarle Rd, Charlotte, NC

Love, Tragedy, and Ancient Wisdom, August 8, 2009

By	Gayle P. Nastasi "gayze" (Middleburgh, NY United States) - See all my reviews

Elizabeth "Willie" Towles has woven a magical story, laced with emotion and peppered with a touch of spice, of how love, tragedy, and ancient tribal wisdom transform a young girl into a woman of depth and character. Follow the story of Darcie, a promiscuous teen who is suddenly forced to face a troubled destiny. The death of her parents, and an unwanted pregnancy begin her tale, which ends in a bitter-sweet love so deep, that it will bring you both smiles and tears.

Willie Towles accents this romantic account with wonderful glimpses into the spiritual lives of her Cherokee characters, and paints a wondrous portrait of the beautiful North Carolina hills. Her words are colorful and lively, deep and emotional, and I guarantee that they will keep you page-turning until you reach the end.

The Long Night Moon, Excellent book!, August 31, 2009

By	Chaytor Chandler (Cornelius, NC) - See all my reviews

I was so completely captivated by The Long Night Moon one morning at breakfast, I found myself very close to being late for work. I ran out of the house, flew into the parking lot and with a few minutes to spare, I read the rest of the section in my car! This is what a great book should do. Full of tension and romance, with a touch of Native American tradition and lore, this book draws you in and doesn't let go until the very last word. The characters are alive with emotion, and Ms. Towles' mastery of imagery puts you right in the middle of the beautiful North Carolina mountains. You will laugh and cry along with the characters as they struggle with sudden life changes thrown their way. Job well done, Ms. Towles. I do hope there is a sequel. I am eager to find out what everyone is up to next.

Endorsements for THE LONG NIGHT MOON

2009-06-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

"I love Elizabeth Towles' writing. She writes with a poetic eye and brings scenes and people alive with her description, yet never slows down her story." --Judith H. Simpson, aka Rosalind Foxx, Sara Logan.

"I read the final draft of this story in the beautiful North Carolina Mountains one weekend. It was difficult to put Elizabeth's book down and on reading the last page, I wanted to immediately pick up her next book."--Virginia G. Sykes, licensed Marriage & Family Therapist.

A note from me--ET.
I sincerely hope when this book is read, the people, and the story remains in the heart of the reader. Elizabeth Towles

'The Watcher'..text from The Long Night Moon

2009-06-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

"Tell me about Norman Normans," she said. She watched Wa`si's eyes go suddenly round.
"So you've met 'The Watcher'. When was this?"
"Well, he came here on the day you left with Nunda, wait a minute. What did you call him? The Watcher? Are we talking about the same man?" Her eyes mimicked his.
"We are. That's what my people, and others, call him. He seems to have a third eye that sees things...guiding him where's trouble, especially in the last few years."
"I don't think we're talking about the same person, " Darcie said, shaking her head.
"Tall, skinny, drives a Bookmobile?" He saw the doubt still on her face. "Years ago, he showed up in town driving an old Volkswagen loaded with books. His story was that his mother, a librarian, died, leaving him with thousands of books. He lent them without charge and people soon got used to him. He seems harmless enough, but..."

Book Release

2009-06-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

Some moments later, he pointed toward the sky, "Look there, it's a full moon. My people call this The Long Night Moon since it happens around the time of the year's longest and darkest nights." He kissed her cheek. "It's a good sign...you and me...seeing this together." His voice went soft. "I've heard it rumored that when lovers see the full moon, life will bless them, but only, if their hearts are right."
"You just made that up, " she punched him.
"No," he shook his head. "No, the legend of The Long Night Moon has been..."'
"Sssh, I'm not talking about that part, it's the lovers' thing. And you did, too...make it up."
"What makes you say that?"
"I saw your right eye twitch," she snickered. "It does that when you're teasing me."
"Okay, little Miss-Know-It-All; but it sounds right...don't you think?"

Qualla's Folly, a house that holds trouble within its walls. See you there, Elizabeth.

This book is out in print now. Please contact me by email: wtowles@carolina.rr.com or this blog site, or 704-536-5134 or http://www.firesidepubs.com/. My friends (listed above) will be waiting to greet you. I've asked them to be on their best behavior...but we'll see.... Elizabeth Towles

Another of our lovely animal characters--text from The Long Night Moon

2009-05-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

This is Alex, an African Grey...and a smart bird, he is.

Under head feathers of a startling white, his onyx eyes looked out with keen awareness; his head tilted to either side, his stare fixated on Darcie.

He began lifting his feet, one at a time, his body rocking from side to side. "Hey, hey, hey, it's her Norman, I tell you...it's her."

He gave a sharp snap of his bill, and went still....

Nunda--text from The Long Night Moon

2009-05-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

As she moved about the house, she mouthed silent thanks to the restless voices that had kept at her all morning; and to the truck that seemed to have more sense of where she was needed than she did. She must remember to tell the council members of this day. They would more than likely agree with her thinking...Insight disguises itself in many ways...one simply has to follow its guide!

The Wolf--appearing...in The Long Night Moon

2009-04-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

The Eagle

2009-04-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

...he's master of his path, with the wind under his wings...

Seeker of Words

2009-04-05T15:05:00.000-07:00