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Liz Koetsier

Stories unlock your courage.

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Liz Koetsier

ink.lizard

✒ Christian Fantasy Author (koot-seer)
👇FREE STORY below👇
🔱 Brave daughter of The King
🐈 Cat mama #jemmananigans
🐝 Hufflepuff from Rivendell
Books outdoors for the #queenofshiftingsands chall Books outdoors for the #queenofshiftingsands challenge to celebrate launch countdown! (Release date is March 12!) This is a candid shot showing the true mess behind those very neat flat lays on my feed. I feel this haphazard array of books old and new brings past and present together, epic and soft, gentle and loud. Expansive worlds, heavy description in one and dialogue in the other. (I like pretty prose but I also need depth and I adore writing dialogue myself.) This is how I feel about Lystra and El. A clash of ideals, an unlikely, impossible pair. Lystra is the strong beauty and El the downing deep. He wants to die, she wants to live. Razhar satisfies the dialogue and wit I need, and together, this trio make an epic tale. *I don't normally read much Romantasy besides the #ElvenAlliance series, so if I'm still here babling about QSS you know it is gonna be good.
... and if that warrior wears his armor, he will b ... and if that warrior wears his armor, he will be able to withstand a storm.
Happy six-year work anniversary to me! I like cel Happy six-year work anniversary to me! I like celebrating this day because it reminds me of how grateful I am to have this day job.  It may not have been the job of my dreams, but the work is a blessing, and I can’t stress enough how important it is to work with good people. This can make all the difference in an environment.  Once upon a time I was defeated and deeply hurt by the environment of a job. Maybe I was naive back then to think that others would put people before money, but I was blind-sided, and realized this just wasn’t for me. I was finally out of options when I fell into this not-for-profit day job at the end of a two-month stint of unemployment. I was so worn out by this point that I was completely numb for the first 6 months of the job I have now. But my new employers were patient and kind.  Why am I telling you this?  Because I don’t want you to give up. You need to know that you matter, and you’re not alone.  I struggled to understand God’s plan for me at the time, but now I see His hand in every step I fought for, and it gave me a new depth to write from. I wouldn't write the same words today if I hadn't survived yesterday. You should know that your words, no matter how small of brief, CAN make a difference. And you CAN make change if you’re brave enough to try. Just don't give up.
Just a wee little quote I snatched from @mrs.carte Just a wee little quote I snatched from @mrs.carter_theauthor recently because I loved it, and a nice pick-me-up mid week. Some Wednesdays I think Friday is not so far, and other weeks, it feels like miles away. I have nothing important to share, just thought I'd drop in for a check in with you all to see how you're all doing. This #writerwednesday is going to be more like #editinglikemad as I finish developmental edits for Little Rock. I'm trying *so* hard to rein in the extra plot bunnies but they lurk around every corner. My shoulders and neck have been so tight so keeping the balance between edits and rest has been difficult. I stand by last week's post. Water is author life. 😂 Drink it, shower in it, bathe in it, and drink some more. I miss my WIP but I am disallowing myself from touching it until I'm satisfied with LR. 'Kay. Your turn. Writing today, editing, both, or neither?
🍃 Things I Learned About Editing 🍃 ☀️ 🍃 Things I Learned About Editing 🍃 ☀️ The first time you open the document is always the hardest. ☀️ Prepare your space. Get a drink so you don't have to get up & risk distractions. Get comfy. ☀️ Set aside your phone at least 30-45 minutes before you start. Doomscrolling is numbing to your brain and addictive. I am more productive when I allow my mind space from the phone for a little while before beginning to edit or write as well as during.  ☀️ Prepare your heart. Pray before you begin. Remember that you aren’t doing this alone.  ☀️ Read everything first, and do nothing. It might feel overwhelming. That is normal.  ☀️ Eliminate the easy things first. I know this is backwards advice. The general rule that is usually given is to address the large problems first because it might take care of those small things as you go, but I have tried and tried and my brain simply refuses to work in this way, and it just causes me a lot of constant stress. I learned that addressing the small things first helped me to slowly funnel in on the project as a whole, re-enter the right brain space, and also just shorten my long “to do list” of edits. By the time I am done with all the little mistakes, I realize actually have only 2-3 bigger problems left, and I feel confident I can work through them without feeling quite as overwhelmed. ☀️ Take a shower. I am not kidding. I seriously think someone needs to create a collection of authorly items, especially mugs, with the caption “Author: Just add water” and patent it for me. 😂 It’s this odd little thing that I rarely hear authors say out loud, but we have discussed it and I think we all plot in the shower. Water does something magical for your brain, plus they have the most wonderful ability to ease pain and stiffness. If you don’t want to shower, try a different kind of productive break. (Continued in comments)
Here's to a fresh start in 2024. You can do this! Here's to a fresh start in 2024. You can do this!
2023 in Review It wasn’t what I expected but it 2023 in Review It wasn’t what I expected but it was everything I needed and worked so hard for. I could have stayed in the safe lane, but I felt the call to run. It felt right. It was finally time.  And it was good. These are some of the highlights of my year… ~New car ~Movie night with roomie to RotK was a blast ~signing first contract with Twenty Hills for the anthology ~Ark Encounter in Kentucky with some family ~Some beautiful moments and memories captured ~Evenings with some incredibly inspiring local author ladies ~Realm Makers, my other family ~WIP aesthetic - some significant puzzle pieces finally popped into place this fall ~Fur friend ~Simply awed by God’s hand in Crowns ~Held Crowns in my own hands To God be the glory.
Merry Christmas, dear friends! Merry Christmas, dear friends!
It mah ink baby. I'm quite smitten with it. Does It mah ink baby. I'm quite smitten with it. Does this count as fan art? I'm going to say it does. Photo cred & beautiful cake: @mrs.carter_theauthor Raise your hand if you want to know if Layla & Zech are an item. ✋ Any other questions?
🕯️Over the past couple of weeks, I have enjoy 🕯️Over the past couple of weeks, I have enjoyed the enthusiasm shared with friends and family over the release of Crowns. I can’t tell you what a relief it is to share this anthology. Writing is a rather strange profession, in that you work for a long time behind a curtain, and no one quite knows or understands what happens backstage. Now, finally, you get to share with your loved ones something that envelops your heart, a shadow friend that is always with you even if no one else can see it. And I love, love, love that each person wants to be a part of it, to read it, to share it, and I so wish I could give away a million copies. 🕯️This has become perhaps the most popular question I’ve received this season: “Are you going to give copies away as Christmas gifts?”  🕯️I want to emphasize to you all how delighted I am that when I hear this question. I’m thrilled with your interest in it, but I’m unable to do this for everyone, and I hope you will understand.  🕯️Recently I’ve learned that most are quite surprised to realize that authors actually buy their own books (yes ma’am!), and while these beauties are an art form, a part of our hearts on a printed page, they are also a product. Why are books so expensive? Because, my friends, it takes a village to create one, and long, long nights and weary days. 👑 Crowns is even more special because this is *already* a gift: a gift meant to serve. With every purchase made, all author profits are donated to IJM in the fight against human trafficking. If you are unable to purchase Crowns this season, here are some other ways you can help! ⭐ Tell your friends. (Worth of mouth is very powerful!) ⭐ Recommend it to your local library. ⭐ Interact with posts you see about it on social media. (Share, like, save, but mainly comment!) ⭐ Join author/ publisher newsletters. ⭐ Research human trafficking and support other organizations to fight it. ⭐ Pray!!! Jesus is always free and prayer is a gift of the heart. Pray for those in fear and pain, for organizations working to fight against crimes like this, and for us authors. Merry Christmas, friends!
🍃 Hi, I'm Liz! ☀️ I love sunshine, but esp 🍃 Hi, I'm Liz! ☀️ I love sunshine, but especially those long, golden summer evenings in Michigan. Unforgettable moments where you drink in the sky and dream about impossible things. 🍃 I write fantasy with Christian themes set in worlds I make from scratch with at least one angsty character per book. This is my sweet and cozy writing space! ☀️ My cat has attachment issues and loves helping me with #bookstagram shots. She is very nosy about it and photobombs me a lot. 🍃 My very first story, The Light We Need, was recently published in the Crowns anthology with @quill.and.flame.publishers and I'm so proud of all the work everyone put into it, and honored that we can use our stories to support IJM in the fight against human trafficking.  ☀️ My second story will be published July 2024 in Though We Bleed, an anthology with @twenty_hills. 🍃 I am also working on a desert fantasy with some light steampunk elements, an angsty protagonist, a small black dragon, and a reluctant prince.  ☀️ Where is your favorite cozy space to read or write?
Its here! Isn't it beautiful? I'm actually holding Its here! Isn't it beautiful? I'm actually holding it in my hands, ah! Crowns makes a lovely gift this Christmas, and what better gift than one for a cause. All author proceeds go to IJM. Paperbacks are back in stock on Amazon now for this best-selling anthology! I could not be happier, my friends. 💙 Never give up. @quill.and.flame.publishers @brittanyedenauthor @yarrowleafauthor
Happy launch day, Crowns! 👑 I still can’t b Happy launch day, Crowns! 👑 I still can’t believe I am a part of this gorgeous collaboration. I have been truthfully stunned at the beauty of these stories, poems, and photos crafted and caught by such gifted people. Readers, may you be blessed and adorned with hope and light. 🕯️ @yarrowleafauthor @brittanyedenauthor @quill.and.flame.publishers
👑 I have always loved the underdogs. The small 👑 I have always loved the underdogs. The small characters who make leaps and bounds in spite of their size or a personal difficulty. We all want a hero(ine) who stands tall in the face of the enemy’s jaws, bright against the midnight maw. ☀️ But it isn’t until we see their humanity that we truly see how much we need that light. That moment you see a chink in the armor, a weakness in the hero, you feel something, and the story burdens you until it’s over. 👑 Crowns isn’t just about royalty, it’s about the heroes and heroines who tried and failed, who suffered and were made stronger, who stepped forward in grace, in truth, in hope, in light, in life. ☀️ Today is the LAST DAY to pre-order (and submit your receipts to enter the giveaway)! 👑 To celebrate, let’s play a quick predictive text game ~ (fill in the blank using the predictive text on your phone) If I were a princess, I would live in a _.  *. *. * @quill.and.flame.publishers @brittanyedenauthor @yarrowleafauthor
🍃 They say that writing is a solitary task, but 🍃 They say that writing is a solitary task, but that isn't completely true. It does, very truly, take a village. Or a pirate crew. However you want to look at it.  🍃 The point is, *you* did this (swipe!), and by God's grace I am praying that your generosity and support will shine bright in someone's darkness. Human trafficking is a terrible crime.  🍃 To be a part of this is venture is so humbling, so honoring. I never imagined anything I wrote could be used in such a beautiful way, and it is the best first-published-piece-experience I could have asked for. 👑 On November 8, the editors of Quill & Flame and the contributing authors found ourselves brought to our knees in surprise. 👑 Your support crowned (haha, punny) this anthology with that orange Top Seller Banner on Amazon. This book baby ranked #1 (AH!) in Teens & YA Fairytales & Folklore Anthologies, but it didn't end there...  👑 Crowns climbed its way up throughout the day, eventually ranking #5 among the Amazon Best Sellers in Teens & YA Fairytale & Folklore, just behind names like JK Rowling, and Christopher Paolini. (DOUBLE AHHHHH!) This is incredible because it shows you care, and it will make a most generous contribution to IJM. So thank you, friends, thank you. 🍃 My short piece within Crowns, The Light We Need, is meant to remind readers that even in the shadows and fog, He holds out a crown for you. He calls you into the light, He brings clarity and truth. And though its weight is heavy, it is good, and you are loved. 💙
Happy cover reveal day, @taragrayceauthor ! 😍 I Happy cover reveal day, @taragrayceauthor ! 😍 I am all ears for this book! It sounds so wild and cool and I want it. Also I love this cover, it’s perfect. Gah! Anyone else up for some Elven Steampunk? ✋ I must admit I am woefully behind in my Elven Alliance reading (hides face in shame) but it is not for lack of want. (Just a busy year so far!) So nobody better spill any spoilers! Pre-order link will be dropped in the comments! 🍃. 🍃. 🍃 The blood of legends runs in his veins.  Born with his father's legendary magic, half-elf Fieran Laesornysh longs to prove himself worthy of the elven heritage he carries.  With the Allied Kingdoms and the power-hungry Mongavarian Empire teetering on the brink of war, Fieran seizes his chance to take to the skies and become a legend in his own right. He just has to curb his cheekiness and survive the rigors of basic training first.  With a band of fellow flying aces-in-training and a cute half-dwarf girl mechanic at his side, will Fieran complete his training before the long-dreaded war engulfs his homeland? Or will his incorrigible nature cause him to dishonor the legacy and name he bears?  This action-packed, epic steampunk fantasy series, filled with magical gadgets, elven warriors, and a hint of no spice romance, is perfect for fans of Lindsay Buroker and K.M. Shea.
Pre-orders for Crowns are LIVE + GIVEAWAY! 👑 C Pre-orders for Crowns are LIVE + GIVEAWAY! 👑 Crowns, a beautiful collection of royal-themed short stories from @quill.and.flame.publishers specially featuring @yarrowleafauthor Guardian’s Oath, is now available for pre-ordering. Plus we are doing a HUGE giveaway (keep reading).  👑 Purchasing links are added to my bio. (Facebook friends: link will be both in my bio + in the comments as soon as I have time to drop them there.) All author profits will go towards the International Justice Mission to help fight against human trafficking. 👑 I am so honored to have my short story, The Light We Need, included in this collaboration for a cause.  To enter the ✨ giveaway ✨ you must visit @brittanyedenauthor 's account and submit your receipt showing proof of purchase. ~ Gifties include ~  ✨ A hardcover of Crowns ✨ An incredible collection of Ebooks & Audiobooks (shown in photo) ✨ Full color prints of illustrations & photography from Crowns ✨ Bookmark from @avalaurengrayson’s Mosaic ✨ Sticker from Brooke J Katz’s Crowns of Consequence ✨ Custom playlist from myself, for The Light We Need ✨ Mug with quote from SM Jake’s Knots and Tangles
🍃 author journey trend 🍃 Each story has bro 🍃 author journey trend 🍃 Each story has brought me a little further, a little wiser, a little fuller than the last. There’s still miles to go but it’s been worth every stumble and scraped knee. There’s something beautiful about perseverance. 🌱. 🌱. 🌱. 🍃 Flight was originally created as a standalone, but the story grew beyond my control. It became a living, breathing thing. I’d been told multiple times publishing wasn’t possible… but the words wouldn’t stop coming. So many life-things collided while I was in the middle of White Hawks, but in essence, I read the Blades of Acktar and knew that I could not, would not, give up.  🍃 It took me a little longer to realize that sometimes, in order to grow, we must let go. Shelving the “Atrementoverse” was one of the most difficult decisions I made in fall 2016, but I couldn’t tell a soul. I grieved giving up this world, silently, and tried to tell myself you can’t miss something that isn’t “real”. But you can, you can. It was months before I could write again, and when I did, Ember emerged out of a very difficult situation in my life. 🍃 In 2018 I attended my first Realm Makers conference and it was incredible. I was weird, and that was *normal*, it was good.  🍃 Ember was the most fully completed manuscript I had done so far, and I finished 2 drafts before I shelved it as well. She was meant for just me, and I am at peace with that. I learned so much through the process of writing it, but the goodbye was so easy, unlike leaving Atremento, and I knew it was right. 🍃 I switched to my current WIP, started practicing a variety of small projects, and submitted a few things. Not because I expected any acceptances, but because the feedback was so helpful. To say I was surprised this spring was an understatement. I’m so glad I *tried* and to me that is success in perseverance. 🌳
And for the second reveal of the day, it’s Crown And for the second reveal of the day, it’s Crowns! I can’t believe this day is here! I am thrilled and honored to be included in this anthology with my short piece "The Light We Need" for a special purpose. 🕯️ 👑 Coming December 1st, 2023 from @quill.and.flame.publishers, authors @brittanyedenauthor and @yarrowleafauthor Brigitte Cromey will be collaborating to bring you Crowns, a royal-themed anthology, which will feature a fantasy romance novella by Brigitte Cromey and a curated collection of short stories, flash fiction, poetry, photography, and art. And we believe in creativity with a cause: for this anthology, any author profits will go directly to the global non-profit International Justice Mission (IJM) which works to end modern slavery and trafficking.  Pre-orders will be open in mid-November. 🕯️ 👑 I would like to give due credit to all of the talented authors, poets, photographers, and artists who collaborated to make this book happen. I apologize for being unable to tag you all! AUTHORS | Ava Lauren Grayson, Hannah Carter, Amber Kirkpatrick, Robin Rakkeby, Hope Bolinger, Kristen Bazen, Annee Clark, Hailey Huntington, Cassandra Hamm, Abigail Falanga, J.M. Hackman, Yakira Goldsberry, Danielle Robertson, Liz Koetsier, Katie Fitzgerald, Abby Johansen, Megan Miles, Kaitlyn Carter Brown, S.M. Jake, AJ Skelly, C. Ash POETS | Sara Anderson, Anne J. Hill, Brittany Eden, Brooke J. Katz, Amelia E. Clawford PHOTOGRAPHERS & ARTISTS | Marie Lynch, C. Ash, Ruth Lumpkin, Sarah Harmon, Benjamin Cromey, Shannon Alldredge
Behold, it’s a beautiful thing but today I get t Behold, it’s a beautiful thing but today I get to share not one, but TWO cover reveals! First up, I’m so thrilled to have the honor of revealing to you my friend @mrs.carter_theauthor cover for Queen of Shifting Sands, through @whimsicalillustration. This beautiful story has touched my heart with it’s epic feels, unique desert world, and a message of hope through grief.  Pre-orders will be available at a later date, with incentives (this means GOODIES and exclusive hardcovers too, guys!) available if you order through whimsicalpublishing.ca.  🐪 A crownless queen. A cursed prince. One summer to live... Queen of Shifting Sands is a fantastical romance adventure where duty and endurance grapple amid the sands of chaos. Lovers of intrigue, high stakes, and slow-burn romance will fall in love with this escape into a rich, immersive fantasy world.
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Elizabeth's bookshelf: currently-reading

Scarlet Moon
Scarlet Moon
by S.D. Grimm
tagged: currently-reading
Reclaiming Shilo Snow
it was amazing
Reclaiming Shilo Snow
by Mary Weber
tagged: currently-reading

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Live Bravely in 2021

January 2, 2021
By EKoetsier
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