Grammar Day – Oxford comma

March 4, 2025 lizellyn Bookish #authorlife, #grammar, #grammarday, #OxfordComma, #writingcommunity

Misuse of the Oxford Comma is a pet peeve of mine.

In the example above…

With the Oxford comma: My parents, plus two legendary authors

Without it: Surprise! My parents are Stephen King and Jane Austen. Talk about a plot twist!

Spicy Romance Author’s wish list

Image December 10, 2024 lizellyn Guilty Pleasure #amwriting, #authorlife, #bookish, #BookMarketing, #romanceauthor, #writingcommunity

Chicago Rooftop Bar

October 25, 2024 lizellyn Guilty Pleasure #amwrigingromance, #authorlife, #Chicago, #RooftopBar, #skyline, #writingcommunity, #writinginspiration

Walking in the shoes of one of my characters at a rooftop bar in Chicago.

I flew back to Chicago last weekend. I had an amazing day soaking in all the city’s sights, sounds, and tastes. And I renewed my inspiration for writing scenes in my series set in one of the greatest cities.

This photo was taken at Cerise, a rooftop bar in Chicago, where I enjoyed a tequila and dragon fruit cocktail.

Golden Leaf Finalist for Best First Book

October 10, 2024 lizellyn Bookish #booklover, #contemporaryromance, #DebutAuthor, #DreamComeTrue, #NewAuthor, #romancenovels, #writingcommunity, #WritingContest

Thank you to @newjerseyromancewriters

I’m thrilled to have finaled in the Golden Leaf Contest for Published Authors! As a debut author, it’s incredibly exciting to know that readers are connecting with and enjoying my work.

Here is the link for all the 2024 Finalists in all categories
https://www.njromancewriters.org/golden-leaf-2024-finalists.html

Winners will be announced on December 14

Overruling Judgment is available https://books2read.com/lizellyn/

Dear Authors, Show some respect

August 18, 2024 lizellyn Bookish #AuthenticVoices, #authorcommunity, #CochlearImplants, #DisabilityRepresentation, #FictionWithDepth, #InclusiveStorytelling, #LiteraryResponsibility, #RealisticCharacters, #RespectAuthenticity, #RespectTheDeafCommunity, #WriteWithCare, #writingcommunity

Dear Authors,

Please refrain from writing about disabilities unless you have direct experience or have invested substantial effort into thorough research. What may seem like a simple characteristic often carries profound significance. It is very different than assigning eye or hair color to a character. Disabilities are not mere plot devices to enhance book sales or fill a category; they are lived experiences with complexities that deserve respect. Misrepresentation or inaccuracies in portraying these experiences can cause real harm.

I recently finished a book by a #1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, whose work I’ve enjoyed for years, including previous installments in this series. However, I was deeply disappointed by the portrayal of a deaf character who received a cochlear implant. While the depiction of life within the Deaf community was somewhat addressed, the author’s treatment of the cochlear implant process was grossly oversimplified and inaccurate, as if the author didn’t understand the profound difference between cochlear implants and hearing aids. This careless portrayal is hurtful and disrespectful to those who have undergone the challenging journey of receiving a surgically implanted cochlear implant and learning to hear and speak.

While I don’t expect fiction, especially romance, to provide a perfect scientific representation of medical issues, I do believe that a touch of realism in portraying characters’ struggles is crucial. Accurately reflecting these challenges adds depth and authenticity to the story, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a more meaningful level.

Anything less diminishes the experiences of readers who have lived these realities, and it shows a lack of respect for the authenticity their stories deserve.

I don’t cry over spilled milk, but spilled coffee…😭😭😭😭

August 14, 2024 lizellyn Uncategorized #amwriting, #authorlife, #BasedOnTrueEvents, #coffee, #CoffeeCatastrophe, #CoffeeDisaster, #CoffeeFail, #CoffeeLoverStruggles, #dramatization, #humor, #Reenactment, #SpilledCoffee, #SpilledMilk, #writingcommunity

I don’t cry over spilled milk, but spilled coffee…
😭😭😭😭
Last week, I lost my keyboard in a coffee disaster
The keyboard has been replaced and I am writing once again.

National Underwear Day

August 5, 2024 lizellyn Guilty Pleasure #FromBloomersToBoxers, #nationalunderwearday, #UndergarmentLingo, #UnderwearDay, #wordchoice, #words, #WritersDilemma, #writingcommunity

As we celebrate the humble undergarment, let’s take a moment to appreciate the vast lexicon dedicated to what we wear underneath. Did you know that one of the most debated topics among writers isn’t plot twists or character arcs but…what to call your undies? 🤔

From “briefs” to “boxers,” “panties” to “lingerie,” the options are endless, and each term brings its own flair:

Briefs: Straight to the point, no nonsense.
Boxers: Casual, laid-back, maybe a bit sporty.
Panties: A word that can either make you giggle or cringe, depending on how it’s said.
Lingerie: Fancy, elegant, and a touch of mystery.
And let’s not forget the old-school gems that might make you chuckle:

Bloomers: Sounds like something your great-grandma might’ve worn.
Long Johns: Perfect for those cold winter nights, or if you’re starring in a Western.
Y-fronts: Ah, the classic dad underwear. Functional, but not exactly fashion-forward.
Then there are those fun, quirky names:

Tighty-whities: The trusty staple, though perhaps not the sexiest.
Boxer briefs: The perfect hybrid, for the indecisive.
Choosing the right word is a delicate balance. Call them “underpants” and you might sound like a kid. Say “lingerie,” and suddenly things are a bit more…sophisticated.

So today, let’s honor the unsung heroes of our wardrobes. Whether you’re rocking your briefs, flaunting your boxers, or lounging in your lingerie, remember: it’s not just what you wear, but what you call it that counts!

Happy Underwear Day! 🩲🩳👙