Play rehearsals are in full swing with the Hartsville Community Players' August production of Steel Magnolias. How do I know this?  Because I have taken a small part in it!

All the actors are cramming for last minute line memorization and the sets are up and functional. Aside from the fact we are all nervous, this play promises to be another winner for the Players. Directed by my friend, Elayne Mahn - who in her own right is a seasoned actor, we have all pushed to make this show one you will remember for a long time.

Come out for any of the three performances: Friday and Saturday, August 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, August 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets on sale at Burry Bookstore or from the Players' website:  www.hartsvillecommunityplayers.org.

See you there! Enjoy the show!

Today, January 21, 2014, is my official release date for my first children's book, "McDuffie Gets Into Trouble".  You can order it from Amazon with this link:  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=elizabeth%20taylor-eades&sprefix=eliza%2Cstripbooks&rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3Aelizabeth%20taylor-eades

Or, at Tate Publishing with this link:  
https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781629940557

I will be available for book signings in the near future. Watch this website for times and places during 2014. 

It's winter. Cold and dreary (some days) and a good time to read to your children. Settle them on a well-worn chair, cover them with a blankie, build a warm fire in the fireplace and read them my new book, McDuffie Gets Into Trouble. Several friends and relatives purchased my book for Christmas gifts. All signs point to a successful children's story about a real cat. I had planned to have book signing in December at the Good Living Marketplace, but due to the rainy weather, I had to cancel. Look for other announced dates coming soon.  Remember, my book's official release date is January 21, 2014. Watch for a TV trailer advertisement announcing the release. You can pre-order the book by clicking here for access links.

I hope many of you heard me talking with Sharman Poplava on WHEZ radio before Christmas. And, did you catch the article in The Messenger that my wonderful friend, Ardie wrote?  Thank you, guys!

Stay tuned!

It's finally here!  My first book signing event for my first book! My husband Johnny and I  will be at the Hartsville Good Living Marketplace on Saturday, December 14, 2013, with first edition books to personalize for you. Located on Cargill Way in downtown Hartsville, the outdoor marketplace is filled with all types of vendors, artists, cooks, craftsmen and craftswomen, and, of course, author signings! There is something for everyone at the marketplace. See you there!

Also, listen to me on WHEZ-95.9 radio at 8:30 Wednesday morning, December 11, 2013, as I chat with Sharman Poplava live at the Village Cafe on W. Carolina Avenue. 

My first batch of books will be here Wednesday!  I am so excited to finally have my first children's book ready for you to see.  I plan to be S&S (selling and signing) at the Good Living Marketplace in Downtown Hartsville on December 14th. A perfect stocking stuffer for your early readers or for a bedtime story to your toddlers. Just in time for the holidays!  

Here is a photo of the book cover.... See you at the Marketplace!

I just approved the final proof for my book!  From this point on, I will receive my release date and start the process of marketing the book. Lots to think about, lots to do.  

Stay tuned!

I just updated my photos using the professional ones taken by Infiity Images. A local artist working in a converted barn/photo studio,  Heather Byrd is a wonderful photographer and has done justice to the photos. Hope you like them.

Today I received an illustration of my book cover, McDuffie Gets Into Trouble. The artists at Tate Publishing are absolutely wonderful. My production supervisor, Kim, has done a remarkable job keeping everyone on track with several email messages back and forth to make sure the character designs are just perfect.  I would love to give you a cheat peek... Alas! cannot do that. 

I also received the proofs of my back cover photograph.  Heather makes even this ol' lady look relatively decent.  Thanks, Heather! 

Stay tuned!

This past week I've had the pleasure of meeting Heather, my cover photographer. Such a wonderfully beautiful woman; both successful and professional. Johnny and I met at her studio in McBee in a converted barn on the property (for those  not familiar with McBee, it's just "up the road apiece").   After choosing several changes of clothing, I decided on an office-type look that makes me look uber smart!  You will have to decide later on when the photos are placed here on the web and on Facebook.  In any case, having had the headshot photos taken granted me a feeling of excitement as I get closer and closer to the finished book. I should have the first printed book copy by the end of September for final proofing.  This process is so educational and invigorating... almost makes me want to write my second book right now!

Stay tuned!

I've had a fun time designing my characters for McDuffie Gets Into Trouble. The twins are adorable and the cat is, well, the cat! The staff artists are so clever and talented! They have given the twins a likeable personality with an updated image. 

I didn't realize how swiftly the process moves along when your book is finally placed in the production line. The next step is reviewing the book proof when it's ready. Until that time, I cannot wait to see the other characters and what they are up to.

Stay tuned!