Elizabeth A. Patterson's Blog

I have always collected shells, rocks, and driftwood. Now I am sharing my love of nature with you. Here are some early samples.

Here is a insightful video of George Saunders explaining how to tell a good story. Worth watching!
*Strong Language Warning*

Free ebook this Friday and Saturday! Digging for Bones makes a great gift for a young reader. Also available in paperback .

Digging for Bones is the collection of field journals written by David, a boy who travels the world with his family while his parents conduct digs for fossils of dinosaurs and other ancient creatures. But David has bigger things on his mind. He needs to earn money for a bike, how to avoid bullies, how to not to get tangled up in his brother’s bad ideas, and how to train a dinosaur. Most of all, David wants to know how to escape a T. rex. A series for ages 7-14.

Click the picture above, or click here to claim your free ebook on Amazon.com .

#freebooks #kidlit #‎FridayReads #FreebieFriday

Whidbey Life Magazine published my 100 word short in their December issue. 

Here is the link:
http://www.whidbeylifemagazine.org/elizabeth-patterson-whidbey-writes-december-2015/

I am delighted to be included. My only angst is one that is common to writers. I hadn't looked at it since I submitted it earlier in the year. Since I wrote it, my writing has improved, and I want to edit it considerably. 

The good news is my writing has come a long way this year. The challenge is to keep getting better!

Diary of Minnie Apple: Santa Needs Help! Free Friday and Saturday, 11/27-28. A fun series for young readers.

Minnie Apple is excited about Christmas decorations, school break, and the gifts she’s sure to get on Christmas morning. Her friends are also excited about the upcoming holiday festivities, all except one. Sosa is a new student at school and won’t have her usual Christmas celebration. When Minnie accidentally meets Santa on Christmas Eve, she finds out he needs help. Will Minnie find a way to help Santa and Sosa?

Click on the cover, or click here to claim a FREE book for your child.

I heard the Kindle Fire was on sale right now for only $35, but I had a hard time finding it at that price.  At $50 it's a great deal, but this Black Friday sale is fantastic! And at this price it makes an affordable gift for family, friends, and especially kids. 

I rarely post deals, but this one can't be beat. At only $35 I just bought mine. CLICK THE KINDLE PIC ABOVE
[This is an affiliate link. The sale price remains the same. Using the link may give me a small commission which goes to support this website.]

I am delighted to find out I will have a short piece published in Whidbey Life Magazine! 

"One Hundred Last Words" will be included in the issue being release on December 4th, and I am thrilled.

These are the moments worth writing down! On that note, I have to get back to writing my book.

My new release, Secret Mouse, is free Wednesday, 11/25! 

Secret Mouse is a fun rhyming book about a secretive mouse forced out into the big world. A happy ending is assured. Full of colorful illustrations. Great for young readers and a perfect bedtime story for your child. Ages 1 to 10.

Click on the cover or click here to claim your free copy from Amazon .

FREE this Friday and through the weekend on Amazon! 

Diary of Minnie Apple, A New Baby finds Minnie Apple worried about a new baby on the way. She writes in her diary to work out her thoughts and her worries about being a big sister. We follow Minnie on her journey as she struggles to find answers to questions about her role in the family and the new responsibilities. Will a new baby change everything for Minnie?  Also included is Minnie Apple’s Guide to Being a Big Sister (or a Big Brother). 

Power is back on after three days! The big windstorm on Tuesday left many without power including most of the island. The long, dark nights are so achingly dull without electricity. It was not fun. The novelty of it wears off after the first hour in the dark. 

I tried reading by the firelight, the candle, and the oil lamps, but my eyes became tired quickly. The one saving grace was having my ebooks, and being able to read after 4:oopm. So thankful my iPad holds a great charge.

Time to clean up. Dishes, laundry, showers, yard... so much to clean. Still, it's rare to be so elated when hearing "beep" as I press buttons on my washing machine. I'll enjoy the feeling.

I will enjoy all the modern technology joyously... until the next power outage. We have about 3-5 every fall/winter.