Fantasy & Romance Writer
Elyzabeth J. Andrews
Although I've been writing most of my life (a moment of silence for the Phantom of the Opera fanfiction I wrote in high school that never should've seen the forums), it's only been in the last four years that I found an idea I could really see to the finish line. That idea, initially based loosely on some of my friends and myself, has since grown into a full-fledged trilogy! The characters have taken off on their own (quite separate from their original inspirations), and the world and mythology are completely new and full of meaning and symbolism that I'm rather proud of! I am so excited to see where it goes, and I can't wait to share it with you all someday in the (hopefully) near future.
If you are interested in being part of the process, click the link below to apply to be a beta reader! I am specifically looking for individuals who are willing to read and give gentle critique, let me know how the story is overall, if anything is confusing or if there are any plot holes, etc.
Works in Progress!
Coven of Queens: A Courtship With Death is complete and on the second round of edits! I am in search of beta readers to venture into the world of Ellaryia with me. Treason and Tea is complete and on the second round of edits, and writing has begun on Crown of Blood!
Bakers Ridge: Currently writing Book 1: Once Upon A Sugarplum
Coven of Queens Book 1
A Courtship With Death
Dear Reader,
The tale you are about to read is one that spans time and space, and has been relayed to me through multiple sources, including my own memories but also those of other players involved, for telling only my version of events would make for a rather short and confusing story! I have endeavored to fashion a pleasing narrative while still relaying the most important events from the perspectives of those who lived them. This first volume was told to me nearly in its entirety, many of the events occurring before I’d even met the players. It is, however, a crucial introduction to see why the quest upon which we embarked was so important to each of us in our own ways… and how it began to shape the world around us.
It is a story of love and romance but, more importantly, a story of the cosmos and the workings of the worlds beyond us, and how even simple human players can affect great change if they can be pure of heart and mind, working for the good of all. It tells of trauma and pain turned into beauty through hard work, dedication, and faith. It is my greatest hope that in reading these volumes, you will see not only a glimpse into the history of Ellaryia and the surrounding world, but will also see yourself in one or more of these characters, will see their experiences and understand that you are not alone. There may be triggering points for some readers, but I hope you will bear with me to the end, knowing that this is, at it’s core, a story of friendship, love, determination, and ultimately hope.
Bakers' Ridge Book 1
Once Upon A Sugarplum
Kate sank onto the bench outside, bags falling to the ground. Even if she called this very minute, it would be over an hour until they could get here, another hour to get home… and visiting hours at the hospital would be long over. She groaned, rubbing the bridge of her nose with her fingertips before picking up the phone again. She started to type. Completely forgot to text… at the train sta-
“Are you alright?” Kate jolted upright at the sound of the deep voice beside her, her keys immediately between her fingers, purse ready to swing. The man held up his hands. “Woah, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
She swallowed. “It’s fine.” She lowered the bag slightly, although she didn’t let go of her grip on it. Alone… at the train station… with a strange man… in Harrisburg. Lovely. If her father survived the heart attack, he’d have another one when he found out she’d been so hasty and reckless.
“Is someone coming for you? Or do you have a car?” he asked, glancing around at the empty lot.
“Yeah, of course,” she said, throwing a little bit of a edge she didn’t really feel into her tone. “They should be here any minute.”
“Want me to wait with you?” he asked. His voice was gentle, concerned even, but still….
“No, thank you,” she said, politely enough but with little warmth in her tone. She glanced around as if she was looking for someone to pull up, trying not to look in his direction. It was dark anyway, all she could see was a large frame, dark hair….
A car horn honked, and Kate jumped. “That’s my ride,” the stranger said. “Sure we can’t drop you off somewhere?”
She shook her head. “No, I’m good, thank you.”
He shrugged. “Suit yourself.” He opened the back door of the car to throw his suitcase in as an older woman in a velour tracksuit a la Betty White stepped out of the driver’s seat, coming around to embrace him. They spoke for a minute before she handed him the keys and turned to glance towards Kate, squinting against the brightness of the streetlamp.
“That can’t be little Kathryn Baker!” she exclaimed. Kate felt her eyes grow wide as the older woman strode towards her, a cheesy grin on her weathered face. “Oh, Miss Kate, perhaps you don’t remember me.” Something was tugging at the back of Kate’s mind, a memory of a motherly voice and a perfume that smelled of rose petals and lemon verbena… a floral printed rug….
“I’m sorry, I don’t -”
“Well, of course you don’t,” the older woman chuckled, “It’s been what, fifteen years?”
She drew into the light, and Kate gasped. “Mrs. Fletcher?”
Her old piano teacher threw her head back and laughed. “There it is!” she crowed. “I know you’d remember me eventually.”
“You’re a hard one to forget,” Kate chuckled.
The older woman grinned. “I can’t argue with that! Now… what’s this my grandson says about you needing a ride home?”
Kate groaned. “I told him I didn’t- grandson??”