New Book Release #women’sfiction #literaryfiction

by , on
September 25, 2024

Hello, Sleevers, I hope you are keeping well. I have missed our back and forth here at the blog. I have been absent lately, but I have a good excuse. Book release!

My debut novel, Daughter of the Moon is finally ready! Release date is October 3, 2024 for the eBook and October 6th for the paperback.

Click for the e-book on Amazon.com or  Amazon.ca

Currently Reading, Doing, Anticipating this Spring

by , on
May 3, 2024

Hello Sleevers, t’s been a while since we’ve talked. Life has been interfering with my blog.

I hope you are doing well. I thought a nice way to ease in back here is to share what I’m currently reading, doing and anticipating this Spring. We’re half way through spring, that’s true but it’s not too late to share what’s happening mid-season.

First, let’s talk books.

Currently Reading

Joseph Campbell’s Hero With a Thousand Faces. I’m sure you’ve all heard of it. I found this gem at a used bookstore last year but have only begun reading it about a month ago. I’ve put it down in the last few weeks to take up a library book and a lighter read for our recent vacation. The book is fascinating especially the historic folklore and mythology. Campbell takes you through the hero’s journey from Departure (some do not answer the call), Initiation (the perils they must overcome), Return (some do not return) and the Keys (I haven’t gotten to this part of the book yet). In any case, the theme is that we are all on a journey that looks similar to the hero’s. It’s interesting to note that our modern day tropes in fiction and film are also based on the premise of hero’s journey.

After the Funeral and Other Stories by British author, Tessa Hadley. This is a new release from a debut author who has been compared to Alice Munro. I had to check her out as Munro is one of my all time favourite authors and not just because she is Canadian.

I loved the first story which is the title story of the collection. However, so far each successive story has become more grim, the characters less enchanting. I hate to say it because this author’s style is typically the kind of writing I like to dig into. However, some of her similes are simply ridiculously over written. There’s nothing worse than a writer who shows off their finessing of words to the point of distraction. I’m still reading it though, so I am not reviewing it, just sharing my thoughts on it so far.

Cedar Cove #6 Ranier Drive by Debbie Macomber. I picked this up at the drugstore to take on my vacation because Macomber’s books have always satisfied my need for a cozy, laid back read. Turns out this book is one of the Cedar Cove series. It’s a popular television series on the W Network although I have never watched it. It was a slow start as there are so many characters my head was spinning and it wasn’t from the Mai Tais. Now that I’ve gotten halfway through, I am getting to know the characters and enjoying the stories of each one. She writes child characters very well, too.

Currently Doing

Taking one last go through of my manuscript, Daughter of the Moon, before sending it to the editor in May. I’m very excited to take the next step and get the editor’s eyes on it. As for the cover, I have done some mockups but I’m not satisfied with any of them. I’m considering having no image on the cover.

As a reader and buyer of books, what do you think of a cover with simply a nice colour and the title like the After the Funeral book cover pictured above? Let me know in the comments what you think.

Packing. We are moving again. I’m very excited as we are moving to a larger space and will have a yard for the first time in years. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed where we are living now. The apartment itself was perfection, the location also perfection. City life was lots of fun and convenient for my husband’s work. I’ve enjoyed a space of my own here for painting and writing, with windows facing the Northshore mountains. Walking distance to amazing restaurants, the seawall and popular beaches. Sigh. I will miss it but of course, we won’t be too far away and will still call the city home.

Currently Anticipating

A road trip with my daughter! This should be adventurous. What could go wrong? A mother and daughter in a car together for two days…well, she has promised my playlist. She has also asked me for my favorite podcasts because “We can’t listen to Abba the whole way.” Haha! Absolutely true. We are driving from Vancouver to Edmonton, Alberta. One night’s stay in Jasper. I haven’t been to Jasper in over a decade so it will be lovely to see again. It really is beautiful there with the majestic Rockies and ice blue lakes.

Packing, packing, packing. Moving and setting up house. These will be taking up most of my month of May.

Closing arguments. Last week of May I will be attending court to listen to closing arguments of my trial that took place January 29-February 28. Here is a pic my husband took of me about to begin day 7 (day four of cross examination) on the witness stand.

Me about to begin my last day of cross examination. I’m certainly relieved that’s behind me now.

So lots going on this spring. Lots of change and perhaps some closure along with a little adventure.

Please tell me, what are you reading currently? What are you up to this spring? Don’t forget to let me know what you think of book covers without images.

Thinking About…Book Pet Peeves

by , on
March 4, 2020
book Pet peeves
Photo by Lacie Slezak on Unsplash

I’ve been reading so many books lately. Trying new authors has been stimulating and fun. Along with this I’ve become aware of some minor book pet peeves I have. Let’s dish…

Currently…Reading

by , on
February 12, 2020

I typically have more than one book on the go. I will read one on my kindle and also one paperback (real life) book. I don’t know why, but it is necessary to me to have a book in my hand at some point during the day. It’s as if my kindle, e-reader doesn’t count. Strange, I know. The good thing is that this ‘feeling’ causes me to read twice as much.

Life Lately

by , on
October 24, 2019

Hello Escapees, how is life lately for you? I’ve been away and then sick so have been absent here at the blog for a while. I drafted this post a few weeks ago, so you’ll notice where I’ve provided an update. It’s not my typical blog post but always fun to let you in on what I’m up to.

Hot Flash Confidence
image by J. Wagner source infographtastic.com

Life Lately

Pour a Glass of Vino, and Sip With The Wine Diaries

by , on
February 13, 2019
What's Happening With The Wine Diaries?

Sit down, relax and pour yourself a glass of vino.

You may recall, that I mentioned The Wine Diaries-Musings On Divorce Paired With Wine would be published in late autumn 2018. Well, that hasn’t happened. It isn’t because of procrastination so much as letting the manuscript mellow along with further wine tasting. Essentially, it’s a little wine with whine…

Catch Up Over Coffee

by , on
October 23, 2018

Catch Up Over Coffee at lisathomsonlive.comIt’s been quite a while since I’ve posted on this meme; Catch Up Over Coffee. So, it’s time for a chat over espresso or maybe you prefer plain old drip. Cream? Sugar? Help yourself…it’s on the table.

Lately

I’ve been getting random comments on archived blog posts. Many of them from law firms or lawyers. These are legitimate comments and even thoughtful and interesting. They are definitely not spam. Apparently a blog post lives on, long after we’ve written it. I guess it’s what they call ‘evergreen’ content. The other ones that continue to garner comments are 5 Tips To Handle the Divorce Bully and Narcissist or A**hole? Know the Difference. In case you missed either of those and you need help with a bully or narc, then check those out.

New Look, New Season

by , on
September 18, 2018

time for a cool changee

image; Jan’spageofawesomeness tumblr

It’s mid-September already and we’re fast approaching autumn equinox. The cooler days, the turning leaves, cozy blankets and sweaters, corn on the cob, fresh picked apples, and warm cider are just a few of my favorite things.

It’s also a time for changing things up. So, how do you like the new look of lisathomsonlive? I hope you do as much as I. Take a moment to look around and if there’s anything out of place or hard to navigate give me a shout via email or here in the comments.

July Re-Cap, August Goals and Amazon

by , on
August 8, 2018

July RE-Cap. August Goals and AmazonHey friends, how is your summer experience? Remember two summers ago, I wrote about frolicking in your bikini? Well, I’ve actually done that this summer so can say I’m experiencing IT. Good old Hilda knows how! If you don’t know what I’m talking about, read no further before clicking the above link.

So, checking in with my July goals re-cap;

July Goals

by , on
July 3, 2018

June has come and gone in a blur. Honestly? I haven’t been productive at all where my writing is concerned. YES, I did publish a book on June 1st…so, there’s that.

CHECK OUT MY Youtube channel

https://www.youtube.com/@BagLadyJournals