I am so happy to have Elizabeth Lynn Casey here today!! and Laura Bradford!!!
Who Are You Again?
By Elizabeth Lynn Casey (or is it Laura Bradford)
I don’t know about all of you, but when I was a young girl I was always trying out different names on my paper.
Sometimes, it was my first name alongside the last name of whatever boy I had a secret crush on at the time. Sometimes, it was my own name with a neat swirl underneath or the first letter bolded just so. And sometimes, it was whatever name I wish I had at that moment like “Cheryl” or “Lindsey.”
I suppose most folks probably figured I was wasting my time—time I should have spent, perhaps, on one of the subjects that wasn’t my forte (like math or science). But, really, what harm could come from a little creative doodling now and again?
It turns out, not much.
In fact, looking back, I think all that name writing was a dress rehearsal of sorts for the job I have today—a job that has me switching back and forth between writing my own name and one of my dreamed-up names across the title page of actual books. 
As regular me (Laura Bradford), I write the Amish Mysteries.
As made-up me (Elizabeth Lynn Casey), I write the Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries.
And as recently re-married me…well, let’s just say I do a fair amount of head-scratching these days when it comes to signing my name. Am I Laura Bradford? Am I Elizabeth Lynn Casey? Am I…
You get the point.
When I’m at a store to sign one particular series, I sign the appropriate name without even thinking. But when I’m signing both series, I often have to stop and breathe between each book, always terrified I’m going to write the wrong name in the wrong book (so far, so good).
When I renewed my post office box and added a third name with the same face to the recipient list, I chuckled all the way back to my car over the various conspiracy theories sure to make the rounds of the mail carriers that day.
And whenever I sit on a panel at a conference, I always have to peek at my name card to remind myself who I am at that moment.
But you know what? As strange as it sounds, I like having multiple personas for three very distinct reasons…
1) I can look back on all that doodling I did and know I was using my time wisely.
2) I get to incorporate my own name and that of my loved ones (Elizabeth Lynn Casey was born from my daughters’ middle names and my Irish heritage) into my lifelong dream of being a writer.
3) I have someone else to blame when I forget to do something.
* * *
Elizabeth Lynn Casey is the author of the popular Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries with Berkley Prime Crime. REMNANTS OF MURDER, the 8th book in the series, released last week. To learn more about the book (including a peek at the first chapter of the book), visit: www.elizabethlynncasey.com. To learn more about Elizabeth’s other persona, visit: www.laurabradford.com
Remnants of Murder
(A Southern Sewing Circle Mystery)
8th in Series
Cozy Mystery
A Berkley Prime Crime Mystery
The Berkley Publishing Company
Published by The Penguin Group
Cover Illustration by Mary Ann Lasher
Cover Design by Judith Lagerman
When a cantankerous Sweet Briar resident ends up six feet under, the ladies of the sewing circle have to deal with a town full of suspects…
Dixie has been a huge help at the library while Nina was out on maternity leave. Tori really hoped to keep her on after Nina returned but the budget is just too tight and getting tighter. Tori is forced to let her predecessor go, just when their friendship was making so much progress.
Dixie lands on her feet and starts working as a volunteer for Home Fare delivering meals to the home-bound. She immediately makes a connection with Clyde Montgomery. Sadly less than a week after she starts bringing his meals he is found dead. It is ruled a natural death, he was 91. Dixie just can’t accept that. The man had something almost everyone in town wanted and his health deteriorated just way too quickly.
Dixie asks Tori to assist her in a bit of sleuthing. With the help of the Southern Sewing Circle members that may be able to find a remnant of truth that leads them straight to a killer.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
There is never a dull moment in Sweet Briar, South Carolina and this time the whole town seems to be involved.
Casey continues to paint extraordinary pictures with her words. This time the ladies spend less time sewing and more time strengthening the bonds they have built since the series started. Readers are also treated to a beautiful place outside Sweet Briar. Clyde Montgomery’s property/view sounds like paradise. A place I would love to visit and probably never want to leave. Milo and Tori’s relationship is having some growing pains but I have a feeling the next book in the series is going have a very happy ending.
The Ladies of the Southern Sewing Circle have stitched a permanent place in my heart. Everyone needs a group of friends like them. They don’t see eye to eye on everything and they have their squabbles, but when push comes to shove they are always there for each other.
I have said it before and I will say it again. These books are great stories that combine cozy mystery with women’s fiction. The mysteries are creative and clever. The friendships are real and true. Wrapped together they are a pure joy to read!!!
Thanks to the people at Penguin I have 1 copy to give away!
Contest is open to anyone over 18 years old
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Leave a comment for Elizabeth for 5 Bonus Entries!
Were you ever a doodler???
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5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.
Contest Will End August 28, 2013 at 11:59 PM CST
Winner Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winner Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar.
CLICK HERE FOR ENTRY FORM
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Yes, I was, and AM, a doodler. I draw pictures, circles, squares, lines, figures, etc most any time I’ve got paper & pencil in hand.
And, when younger, I tried using my middle name – even in school. After about the 3 day of not answering attendance roll, the teacher said enough. But I always played using my middle name & my mother’s maiden name. I think to this day if I needed a pen name, that would be it.
I enjoyed the Amish mysteries.
Once again, I would love to win his book. I always enjoy all the books you post on your blog and this one sounds great. Thanks!!
This is a fun series. Thank you for the chance to win the new book
Yes, I was a doodler. My name and”his”, my name different ways, my “monogram”. Yes I doodled and now I am a reader, not a writer! Dee
Love all your books!!!!
Love your books and always look forward to the new ones. I’d really love to win
I love your Amish mysteries and am looking forward to trying your sewing circle mysteries. I am a boring doodler – I either draw very plain kites with tails or just triangles. Never anything creative. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Linda K, that’s funny because kites are one of the things I always liked to draw!
As for all of my fellow doodlers– 🙂 You make me smile!
I have only read the first book of the Southern Sewing Circle mysteries but loved it. It’s been a while, maybe I will have to track down the second book. I will also take a look at your Amish mysteries as well. Thanks!
I was definitely a doodler! I still do on occasion. Now we use paper and pens so much less! I’ve not read this series but it looks so cute! Definitely will check it out.
Actually I can remember trying out different last names. There have been three men in my life, and I am glad that I have a different last name than my maiden name even though I’m divorced now. I don’t plan to get married again and change that name. I’ve had enough men in my life to last more than a lifetime.
I would enjoy this series which sounds wonderful.
Enjoyable post and series interests me greatly.
I was, am and probably always will be a doodler 🙂 I always enjoy books from set in the area I live in- definitely adding this to my TBR list.
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I was a doodler all through school, practicing my signature and “fantasy” married name. BTW, I haven’t had the opportunity to read the Amish mystery series, but I’m going to look for them.
I was a doodler all through boring high school and college lectures–It made me look like I was taking notes and kept me from going to sleep.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
I don’t do as much doodling now but I used to. I always changed the way I wrote, a slant to it, a backward slant, straight up and down, curls, etc. ( a handwriting analyst would have had a field day with me, LOL).
Looking forward to catching up with any missed books and to add some new ones to my reading list. I am a “doodler” from way back; I also do Zentangle, so combine that with every other art form, my art and my sketches, and my pencil and charcoal drawings. I doodle for art’s sake actually. I love to do my name in Zentangle art; it is soooo relaxing and such a way to express your creativity.
Keep up the great writing and I will continue with the wonderful reading.
Thank you for the chance to win a book.
Cynthia
I was a doodler when I was younger, during school and at meetings where I wasnt really keeping “notes”…. =)
I really enjoy this series, and would love to win this one!
Thanks for the chance to win!
I liked to try to doodle faces. I did teach myself how to write with my left hand which came in handy the other day when my right hand was full and I had to sign in at the Nursing Home.
I was and still a doodler, especially when I’m on the phone. I’ve read your Amish mystery series and they were great books.
I used to doodle — in fact, I still do. Doodling is fun! I doodle flowers, flower pots, cakes, a hills-and-pine-trees scene with or without sunset or stars, Christmas trees, leaves, teapots, tea cups… pretty much anything inanimate. I’m not much good at animals or people, though I did go through a princesses-and-dress-designs phase when I was in middle school.
If Im on a length phone call sometimes I doodle if paper and pen are close at hand. I used to in school too. I love reading cozy mysteries alot . thanks
I enjoyed picturing the author’s doodles of her name. I have doodled a little bit but not much. I never thought of doodling my name. The author seems very creative. I like her three responsible reasons for doodling.
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I wasn’t aware until now that Elizabeth was Laura, or vice versa. I think her new “Elizabeth” books sounds great! Thanks!
I am looking forward to this one!
Enjoyed the story about your different personas.
Thank you for the giveaway.
I tried to doodle a couple of times but it just didn’t feel right to me so i gave it up. I guess I never learned how to waste time doing that. I do sudoku or crosswords to fill time instead.
I doodled my name joined to boys names as a child. I am now known by three different variations of my first name. Members of family each use their preference.
This sounds like a great cozy! Thank you for the chance to win it.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Love this series! So glad to see another one. And, with a. Librarian no less! I was a doodler and still am especially during long boring meetings at work.
Since I enjoy sewing, the Southern Sewing Circle Mystery Series will definitely be going on my TBR list. I am a doodler too. Thanks for sharing and thanks for the great giveaway.
I am entranced by this authors mysteries.
I am not a doodler- my art is soo bad!
Love to doodle, it relaxing!
I always pass the time when I am on hold by doodling. When I was little my mom taught me ‘fun’ doodles, such as turning the word boy into a picture of a boy’s head. I still doodle that plus flowers and caterpillars.
I gave up sketching when my kids destroyed half my art supplies. After a few years I even lost interest in starting up again. I’ve waited a whole week to be able to log on and enter this contest. I was in Upstate NY with spotty internet access.
Can’t draw a straight line.
I’ve always been a doodler when I’ve had to sit through something boring, but I mostly doodled horses.
This book sounds like one I should pick up.
love mystery books, would be a great read
book sounds good thanks for the chance to win.
i use to doodle my name in different ways and put my first name with the last names of boys i liked to see how they would look
Why are your comments subject to ratings? Have they always been? Just curious.
I would love to read this book.
I have some of these books, but I’ve only read the first. I’ll have to read another one sometime.
yes … love to cross stitch too
1st crushes and boredom cause doodling!!
I “doodle” like crazy! Especially when I am on the phone! And yes, I always practiced writing my name with different ways. Think, boyfriends! You know… my first with HIS last name. LOL By the way, I just recently got into Amish stories. I didn’t think I would like them at all, and I really do!