Letters from Lisa February 2025

Good Morning, Friends!

It’s a cold, blustery day in Utah, which is a great time to transport myself to the island of Eden, where right now it’s reaching the end of summer and the beach is warm and inviting. Come along for a visit and dream of toasty sand in your toes and golden sunsets as you peruse the newsletter today.

CELEBRATION TIME!

What are we celebrating, you ask? 100 PAGES OF ECHOES OF EDEN!

Yep, I have finished 100 pages of the sequel, which is huge because I’ve been really slow lately. Now when I say “finished” I mean that in the loosest possible sense of the word because this is first draft writing we’re talking about. But don’t let that keep you from shouting for joy—I’m right there with you!

I love the quote by Julia Cameron, “Progress, not perfection, is what we are asking of ourselves” (The Artist’s Way), because it reminds me to keep writing, keep moving forward, even though the draft is not yet “perfect.” That part will come later, much later, after countless revisions, editing, and all that jazz (and even then, perfect is a huge stretch). As authors, we can really get stuck if we don’t let our creative thoughts spill out onto the page freely. And I believe this idea to let go and express freely is valuable in any creative pursuit. What is your creative passion? My dad carves wood. One daughter paints. The other sings. My husband composes. There are so many beautiful ways to create. Take some time to freely enjoy one of your creative passions today. It will be worth it!

Teaser for Echoes of Eden...

Have you wondered where the island of Eden is located? How long it would take to get there? Or why it is so difficult to find? The story takes place in the 1980’s (did you figure that out from the Walkman reference? Or Madonna and Bon Jovi on the radio?) and yet not many people have discovered the island. Why? Hmmmmmmm. . .you will find out in the new book!

ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! NEW WEBSITE UP TODAY! MORE INTERACTIVE, NEW DESIGN! CHECK IT OUT AT LISATOLK.COM!

COMING UP...

FREE BONUS FOR YOU! I’m so excited about this. As we speak, COLORING PAGES based on Eden are coming to life and because you are already on my email list, you’ll get them for free! Just a little gift for subscribing and hopefully a magnet for new subscribers. (Have your friends join!) I’ll send the coloring pages (3) out as soon as they are ready!

AUDIOBOOK UPDATE: Had to take a break while Mackenzie (narrator and amazing daughter) had a baby (cutest little baby Jack you ever did see), but we will start recording again in a couple of weeks!

MAY 9TH: Author event—Book Club at Corner Canyon High School, Draper, UtahMAY 8TH-10TH: Storymakers Conference 2025—Provo, Utah. I will be selling and signing books here.

Eden Quote of the Month:

So many readers have told me how much they relate to Kaya’s first experience with chocolate, so let’s honor Kaya’s chocolate debut today:

“When I was a child, I read Roald Dahl’s book about the children who visited a factory where they tasted rivers and waterfalls,” . . . another bite. . . “made of chocolate” . . . and another. . . “And it sounded delightful, but I didn’t imagine it could truly taste so delicious—I thought it was just well-written fiction.” She finished the muffin in a matter of seconds and turned to Drew with a look of determination. “I have to have more of this,” she said matter-of-factly, with a hint of desperation (107).

The obsession is real—now go raid the pantry. ;)

What I'm Reading: 

Daisy Darker, by Alice Feeney (Thriller) I’m really enjoying this whodunit-type mystery with a dysfunctional British family trapped together in their Nana’s old estate. I’ve got some theories, but can’t wait to see how it all turns out!

Just finished: The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern, by Linda Cohen Loigman (Historical Fiction) This was a cute story and I liked it. Not something I am super passionate about, but still a fun read about active 80 year-old Jewish retirees who face their complicated history in order to fully live in the present.

Unreasonable Hospitality, by Will Guidara (Non-fiction) I did not think I would be into this one, but it was actually super interesting! Great anecdotes about the intense business of fine dining, with lots of smart tips on team-building and leadership. 

About to start: Husband Hunters, by Anne de Courcy (Non-fiction) Barely started this book of true accounts of American heiresses moving to English to find and marry British noblemen. It’s pretty fascinating, but a slower read, so I’ll probably read it here and there amidst others. 

Dissolution, by C.J. Sansom (Crime Mystery) I don’t know much yet but have heard great things, and I’m quite intrigued by the hunch-backed detective protagonist. Have you read it?

HAPPY READING!