Saturday, January 21, 2012

Laura Eno - Letter from a Friend



An enigma? I think she is. 

For as much as Laura Eno is open and active on Facebook, Twitter and her own blog, A Shift in Dimensions, there's still a bit of mystery swirling around her like the salt-laden ocean mists that must sometimes hide her Florida home.


In fact, when the idea for Letter from a Friend first came to me, it was Laura I was thinking of. There's something about her that brings out the reporter in me. I would dearly love to throw a Barbara Walters on her. Just sit down for a few hours and pour on the hard questions and see what what makes this driven author tick.

Driven. It's as good a word as any for someone who has been rolling out book after book after book. She has published three or four while I have been struggling to finish one. Her works include Raven, Book 1 of the Carriena Oracles, a Sci/Fi Romance novella; My Enchanted Life, a YA fantasy; Stone of Destiny, an erotic romance; Deadly Intent, a horror/thriller; Tempest Child, a YA romantic fantasy; Don't Fall Asleep, A Dream Assassin Novel; Prophecy Moon; Seducer of Her Dreams; Realms of the Red Rabbit, Book One; and Realms of the Red Rabbit-Jake, Book Two. (You can read more about her many wonderful books here.) 


I often ask what her secret is but I know the answer: hard work. Dedication. The ability to strap your butt to the chair and get the work done. I can't even begin to tell you how hard that is and I am a big fan of Laura's, not just for the amazing work itself but for her uncanny ability to do it at all. 


Laura is probably one of the biggest cheerleaders in my internet circle. She always has a kind word for even the most angst-ridden writer and I've come to think of her as a den mother for Friday Flash and a friend to all who cross her talented path. Her letter to me is funny and sweet and touching, especially the part about her grandchildren, but it still doesn't dig deep enough for my liking. She didn't even want her photo taken but I talked her into it because, she's right, I'm a pushy broad. (That's her dog's tail she's using as a boa!)


Despite my best efforts, Laura Eno continues to be an enigma – one of the nicest enigmas I've never met.




Hi Cathy,

I hope you're doing well and are busy working on your novel. With your talent, I'm sure it will be a big hit and I can't wait to read it!

Jezebel asked me to say hi and to tell you how much she enjoyed coordinating your wedding reception. (Humor her, okay?) She'd like to visit you again. Perhaps if you could clear up that little misunderstanding with the Canadian police, they'd let her cross the border again?

I know you've been bugging me for a recent picture of myself. Well, the truth is I took one but the cat…er, dog ate it…anyway, I need a few more months to correct my temporary insanity. I don't look good with red hair but the ruby color on the box looked so pretty…

This past Christmas was a forlorn time for me, as last spring my daughter and her family moved from Florida to Arizona. Not having the four grandkids around takes the fun out of the holidays.

I also have a new granddaughter from my son! I haven't seen her in person yet, since they live in Outer Mongolia—or somewhere closer to you—kinda the same thing, you know?

On a brighter note, I'm trying to train my two dogs to alert me when I've overfilled the pool—again! You know, like Lassie. Bark, bark "Timmy's stuck in the well?" So far, I haven't had any success with it but my lawn is green from the overflow.

Say hi to Dave and the boys for me and remember about Jezebel's request. She has a tentacle wrapped around my throat right now, making me remind you again.

Stay in touch!

Laura

49 comments:

  1. Enigma...I like that! :D You're so funny, Cathy...and pushy. I like that too.
    Thanks so much for the kind words and if we ever meet up, I'll let you pull a Barbara Walters on me.

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    1. That would be awesome! One of these days Dave and I are going to do a U.S. tour and you will be a must-stop, for sure.

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    2. Cathy has it right, Laura. You're the nicest enigma on the internet.

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  2. .....and now I'm intrigued by the whole Jezebel/reception affair!

    When you have the 'Barbara Walters' moment, save a seat for me on the sofa, will you?
    ;-p

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    1. Oh! Thanks, Sue. I should have had a link there. I've now added a link to one of MY proudest moments - when me and Dave and Jezebel were the subject of Laura's Friday Flash starring none other than Death and Chronos and company. The link's in the story but it's also here: http://lauraeno.blogspot.com/2010/09/one-helluva-party-fridayflash.html A must read!

      There's room for you on the sofa anytime, Sue. In fact, In fact, I do believe you're next!

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  3. Laura is a wonderful person! And if she succeeds in training those dogs, I'd like to hear about it.

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  4. You need a bigger sofa for the 'Barbara Walters' event, Cathy!

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    1. Got one one order! It's a sectional so there's room for everyone!

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  5. Great letter and what a cute concept. It does make me want to know how the dog training is going.

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    1. Thanks, Holly! And thanks for the follow! (I love the cupcake-horoscope over on your blog - you guys should check it out. http://iamhrsinclair.com/blog/2012/01/16/what-type-of-cupcake-are-you/)

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  6. What a great letter brought a big smile to my face ^__^ I too am wondering about the whole Jezebel/reception affair and what it would take to convince the police!

    Lovely letter Laura thanks for brightening my day.

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    1. Thanks, Helen! I'll leave you to wonder about the Jezebel thing... ;)

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  7. I see Rob beat me to the punch, so let's consider this redundant. (Please don't make me start the list again. I think you're versatile.)

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    1. I thought you were on crack or something!!! But now I get it... thanks for the nod!

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  8. Like the comment about her being a sort of "den mother" for the Friday Flash crowd :-)

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  9. Great letter indeed from the Den Mama of the #fridayflash folk.

    I do want to know your secret, Laura. I mean about being so prolific. Sure, butt in chair is ingredient #1, but are you certain you don't have some magic potion in your desk? Peace...

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  10. I feel so guilty now about not writing any #fridayflash in like forever! I've found that I can't write both flash and novels at the same time, though. My head short-circuits and it's not pretty.

    Prolific - it's the voices in my head screaming to get out. I suppose that's a magic potion of sorts...

    Jezebel - Someone should sit her down and do a detailed interview with her someday. Perhaps Barbara, or Oprah...or Cathy.

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    1. I'd take Jezebel on. She doesn't scare me.... bring it, Jez! I'm ready for ya! Me and the entire Royal Canadian Mounted Police Force and all their horses!

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    2. Hmm...she wriggled and smacked her lips when you mentioned the horses.

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  11. Uh oh, Cathy you better keep Jez away from the horses or the Police might put you on the watch list of people with dangerous friends. Yes Laura is wonderful, but she has me working overtime to keep up with reading all her new novels. I am still alive down here in Texas, just can't seem to keep my butt in the chair in front of the computer, or at least the writing part.

    Save a place for me on the couch as well, you know how I love a good party.

    Pamela Jo

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    1. Yay! Pam's coming to the party! I think Cathy is already on that watch list...

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  12. Laura is a great cheerleader, and such a fun person. Not to mention a great writer. I would love to know her secret as well.

    Another letter, another smile.

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    1. Thank you, Laurita! By the way, it was your photo that inspired mine, except I don't have any snow so I had to improvise.

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    2. Laurita, I definitely think we should send some snow her way, whatcha think?

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  13. Cathy,

    I think "enigma" does describe my mother the best---after all, I've been her daughter for 30**mumblemumble** years now & I still can't figure her out! I'm glad you find her as awesome as her family does though.

    And pssst...I have photos of her if you want them. *evilgrin*

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    1. That was so sweet...until you ruined it with the photos thing!!!!!

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    2. I'm my mother's daughter. *shrug* What'd you expect?

      LOL!!

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    3. Hi Yvonne! How cool that you dropped in. Yes, I do think your mom is awesome. One of the best of the best. (YES! Send photos!) Muahahahahaha!

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  14. Hi Cathy! Hi Laura! Such a lovely letter from a friend. Laura, you're still a mystery woman!

    I just popped in for a quick hello as I'm very busy wine tasting and touring nearly at the bottom of the world - the most southerly point of Western Australia. Nice break. Not many people here!

    Denise

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  15. Hmm, nice to see your reply button works (for the moment!)

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  16. Nice presentation, ladies. Sorry to hear that Laura is feeling so isolated right now, with the kids and grand-kids not so close at hand. Perhaps she should pack up her stuff and join us on this island just east of Outer Mongolia. And bring some sunshine and warmth with you!

    He, he, he...at first glance I thought that Laura's second to last sentence read,"She has a testicle wrapped around my throat right now..."

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    1. Are you TRYING to make me spit out my drink on my keyboard?? That's what you get for reading too fast. ;)
      I'd love to visit your island some day, Alan. Maybe you'd let me wear your fez for a photo...

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    2. Laura, you should. Everyone should go to Newfoundland at least once. It's a magical place.

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    3. Not sure about the fez, though. I understand Alan has new headgear ... more on THAT later!

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    4. Oh, right...leave me in suspense!

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  17. Wonderful letter, Laura. Please say a cordial 'Hello' to Jezebel for me - cordial and cautious may be best).

    A bright red-headed Laura - it's a great pity the dog ate the photo :)

    Always good to read whatever you write.

    By the way, this is a great series, Cathy. Well done.

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    1. You can see a bit of my red hair peeking from under the goofy hat...but that's all you'll ever see of it!
      Jezebel batted her eyelashes back at you. (Better hide, Kevin!)

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  18. Den mother, cheerleader, amazing supportive person, and so much more. Laura, how do you do it all? Laura is probably one of the most sweet, courageous, and supportive people I've met on this journey. Thanks, Laura, for always being you.

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    1. Ahh...now I'm blushing as red as my hair! Thank you, Ciara. I can definitely say the same about you. :)

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  19. Greetings to Laura and Jezebel. If you're successful with your dogs, I'll send you mine to train.

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    1. I don't think I'll ever be. In fact, the younger one is untraining the older one!

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How's it going, eh? It's SO good to hear from you. Tell me every darn thing...