Happy Holidays! Open for Free Gifts and Party Invitations

Posted on December 16, 2022 by Debbie

I hope you’re all enjoying your holidays. For a cozy mystery with a seasonal twist, pick up a free copy of Murder Unwrapped (mybook.to/xmasunwrap) for yourself or someone on your gift list. My new release, The Case of the Parrot Loving Professor, Buttercup Bend #2, is on blog tour through December 18. You can catch up on any of the stops prior to that to read excerpts, spotlights, reviews, and guest posts and also enter the giveaway until the end of the tour. Check it out here: https://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/upcoming-great-escapes-book-tours/the-case-of-the-parrot-loving-professor-by-debbie-de-louise/

Join me on Friday, December 16 at 7 pm EST for a cozy holiday takeover event on the Cozy Mystery Party Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/cozymysteryparty
There’ll be giveaways and prizes.

Readers from the Long Island/NY area, join me on Saturday, December 17, at the Broadway Commons in Hicksville where I’ll have a table by the escalators near Ikea. I’ll be autographing books and giving away gifts.

Last but not least, listen to my holiday story, “Catnapped for Christmas” narrated purrfectly by Donnie Lansdale. https://share.transistor.fm/s/6abc4e54

I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday and New Year.

author news, events

August Book and Event News

Posted on August 1, 2021August 1, 2021 by Debbie

I hope you’re all enjoying your summers. I’ve been working on some writing projects and taking day trips as well as planning a longer one soon. I’ve cut back on a few promos this month but I do have a few things scheduled.

On August 26 at 7 pm EST, I’ll be moderating and participating in a pet author panel with other members of the Cat Writers’ Association for my library’s summer reading program event. Since it will take place virtually in Zoom, anyone can attend. Click here to register.

I’m also happy to announce that my cat book of poetry, “Meows and Purrs: A Collection of Cat Poems” has been accepted by Next Chapter Publishing. While there is not release date yet, it should be out soon. Below is a sample poem from the book. The cover image may not be the final one for the published copy.

MINI PANTHER

Mini Panther

Dark as night

Golden eyes shining bright.

Tame yet wild

Stalking prey

On a string I wave.

Crouching low

Ready to spring

At the sound

Of the catfood tin.

Mini Panther

Sleek and slim

Sturdy body, long lean limbs

Tiny black kitten

Now full grown

My Mini Panther guards our home.

*This poem is dedicated to Harry, my handsome and friendly mini panther.

Authors, Cat Writers' Association, events

Invitation to a Free Virtual Cat Author Event

Posted on July 21, 2021July 21, 2021 by Debbie

I’ll be appearing on a panel with 4 other authors who write cat cozies and other books featuring felines. If you are a cat lover, are owned by a cat, or are just interested in cats or cat writing, you will enjoy this online event hosted by the Broward County Library. Read more about this event and register for free at http://broward.libnet.info/event/5099468

Education, events, Writing

Writing Workshop Invitation

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Debbie

Join me on Thursday, February 25, for an online Zoom writing workshop I’m presenting for my alma mater, Long Island University.

I’ll be sharing tips and how-to’s for publishing blogs, articles, short stories and books. Register to attend here: https://community.liu.edu/Writing

Cat Writers' Association, Contest, events

MUSE-ing About My Award from the Cat Writers’ Association’s Communication Contest

Posted on August 9, 2020August 10, 2020 by Debbie

On Saturday night, August 8, the Cat Writers’ Association hosted their 26th annual Awards Ceremony, but this year it was conducted virtually and live streamed through Zoom and Facebook. Despite some minor technical glitches, the event was well planned and professionally presented. Many people were involved in this effort and also the contest itself. CWA President, Deb Barnes, was the main person who made the event possible.

I am truly honored to have won a Muse Medallion, the most prestigious award the CWA sponsors, for my short story, “Sneaky’s Christmas Mystery.” Although I’ve won Certificates of Excellence in the past, this was my first Muse. If you’ve seen or read any of my interviews where I talk about how I got started publishing my work, I always mention CWA. It was the first writing organization I joined over twenty years ago and is the one I feel proudest to belong to.

Besides the awarding of the Muse Medallions in various categories of writing, videography, photography, social media, blogs, and more, the sponsors who supported the contest gave away special prizes that consisted of monetary awards and other items. Here are a list of all the talented winners and their entries: https://catwriters.com/wp_meow/contest/

And here is a link to the beautiful program brochure produced by Past-President, Marci Kladnik. Only the Certificate of Excellence winners are listed because it was published prior to the event: https://catwriters.com/wp_meow/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020-Banquet-Program.pdf

One other feature of the event included raising funds for Tabby’s Place, a cat sanctuary in New Jersey. Donations are still being accepted. Each donation will earn entry into raffles for prizes donated by sponsors. The raffles will be drawn on August 16.