New Book

New Book
The House On Sunflower Road

A Writer's Prayer

As writers, we put ourselves out there for all to see, and the only dressing we finally get is in the comments coming our way; comments that layer our nakedness piece by piece until we are dressed. And when we are fully dressed we do the process all over again. For what worth is a work if no one touches it with their eyes, if no mind falls into the story, and in the leaving no weight of connection propels a response? Elizabeth
March 2, 2010

Elizabeth

Elizabeth
Photo

The 'walks' of my mind!

Many things walk through my mind; it changes with the choice of time. For instance, during the day, I tend to write with a conscious eye, with a temperance toward word choices, almost as if I've an invisible watcher editing my thoughts before they find print; now, night time offers a different stage for my writing, I feel the mellowing of my words, my fingers fly across the keyboard with the courage of a Delilah, and thoughts sing a purer truth as the cover of darkness cheers me on. It seems most problems find an answer with only the light of the monitor in front of me. The darkness of the room lets my imagination have a free hand, no censoring of ideas, or judgment sitting on my shoulder.

The 'Memory Chair' -

"This...sitting around the fire," Wa`si said, "reminds me of my father and his friends. They would sit around the campfire gathering up its energy and before long there would be sharing time. The one designated to talk held the 'memory chair' until his story ended." He paused, as though his story mimicked the moment as the fire's strength entered into him, giving his words newly found power. "When I reached manhood, at sixteen, I was allowed to sit with the group. It was from these stories passed around from the one in the 'memory chair' that I learned the meaning of honor, and the importance of everything relative to what's around us. Best of all, I was taught that a strong man can show meekness without being weak...and shed tears without feeling shame....

Cherokee Proverb

Don't let yesterday use up too much of today!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

A New Year/ A New Day

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

Sunday, September 6, 2009

A New Review - Sept 6, 2009 Upstate NY

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."

Saturday, August 22, 2009

My Review of LONG NIGHT MOON


Love, Tragedy, and Ancient Wisdom, Augu

'Willie" Charlotte, NC 8/22/2009

 

5 5

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

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: A Multicultural Romance, Picture of Product

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Saturday, August 8, 2009

Thoughts on Researching for TLNM

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....

Monday, July 20, 2009

Reader Reviews

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

5.0 out of 5 stars Love, Tragedy, and Ancient Wisdom, August 8, 2009
By Gayle P. Nastasi "gayze" (Middleburgh, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
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.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Long Night Moon, Excellent book!, August 31, 2009
By Chaytor Chandler (Cornelius, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
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.