The Notebook

I love a good notebook. 

I always try to keep one on me at all times. Never know when a good idea will come. For Winter's Kiss, the first book in the Amethyst Chronicles, I wrote most of it by hand. I was working on a call center at the time and didn't have a laptop yet. One of my best friends bought me this one. 

I took it everywhere with me. I wrote during breaks, in-between calls, any time I could when I couldn't be on my desktop. And the Amethyst Chronicles was born! Look at these bios.

Almost everyone has a different name now. I love the process of figuring out who the characters are, their names and personalities.
This takes me back. I think I ended up writing 90% by hand.

Even the ending. 

I have a few stories in different notebooks, but this one hits different. Brand new series, coming on the heels of closing out the Mirror trilogy. Fresh start. It just jumped off the pages to me. 

Today, I've been going through my books and trying to make a few updates. I noticed the author photo and cringed. I do not like this photo of me... but then I looked at the notebook. Yep. Same one. I was working on Amethyst Chronicles at the time this was taken.

So now I gotta love the picture haha! I got a kick out of going through it today. Just thought I would share. 

Disney cruise tips for first timers

 

Hello!

I am a big fan of all things Disney and over the years have garnered a lot of knowledge on the Walt Disney World theme parks in Orlando and Disney Cruise Line. Friends would say I'm an expert. I will not call myself that, but am I super knowledgeable? Yes. Will I help any of my friends with questions they have? Absolutely! My husband and I are currently planning to go on our fifth Disney cruise in August. I've had a few other friends reach out for tips and info before they cruise in a few months. I thought I would put some of my knowledge to use and write up some things I think would be helpful. I am also thinking of a pros and cons blog soon since this might get long and what I feel are the biggest differences between the ships.

Start off with download the DCL Navigator app prior to the cruise! 

Before your cruise, it will have a handy and fun countdown, plus you can check into your cruise from the app at your designated check in time. Check-in Dates are 30 days before sailing for first time cruisers, 33 days prior to sail for Silver Castaway Club members, 35 days before sailing for Gold Castaway Club members, Platinum Castaway Club members check in at 38 days before and finally, all Pearl Castaway Club members and anyone sailing Concierge check in 40 days prior. Castaway Club is Disney Cruise Line's free loyalty program. You will become a Silver member automatically after your first cruise. You get free in room gifts and some perks when you become a Castaway Club member which get better as you progress in the rankings. You become a Gold member after sailing five times, Platinum after 10 sailings, and Pearl after 25. 

Not only does the app give you the countdown and the check in option, you can book excursions, adult dining reservations, and onboard activities when it opens and stateroom gifts. There's information about your ship, check your balance, and can even order Magic Bands+. I have also added onboard credit though the gifts portal so I already had funds in my account. Super helpful before and a must during your cruise.

Join the Facebook group for your cruise! You'll meet your fellow travelers, hear from others who possibly have done your sailing before and can give advice, join a fish extender group if you want, and more. Lots of people who join a fish extender where you'll get a group to exchange gifts. For our Christmas cruise, we joined a pixie dusting list. We had a list of others who joined and randomly throughout the cruise, dropped handmade magnets and received some fun gifts too. Absolutely don't have to join a fish extender or pixie dusting, but it is a lot of fun.

Quick note about Magic Band+. If you are familiar with them from the Disney Parks, it's similar function on the cruise. Not all ships have access to use them but I think most do now. On the ship, you will receive a Key to the World card. It's your room key and also how you would add charges onto your account for any extras. You can use a Magic Band+ the same way, but you will still need your KTTW card for when you get off the ship. Some I've talked to really like it so they aren't having to keep up with a card all the time, but it's definitely not needed. I highly recommend not spending the money, unless you are really going to use it a lot in the Parks later. It's a fun add on, but that's all it is. No added benefit, really. I personally would recommend bringing a lanyard to help keep up with the KTTW card.

Excursions

There is a lot that goes into picking out port excursions. Always do your research. Main thing I want to touch on here is Disney vs non-Disney booked ones. Third party excursions can save you money, but like I mentioned above, do your research before you book. Check your schedule on arriving and departure times. If you book through Disney and your activity is running late for whatever reason, the ship will not leave without you. Third party... you do run the risk of getting left behind. And you will have to figure out a way to either get back on the ship or travel home. So, there is that. 

The Princess Gathering

On Bahama and Caribbean sailings, there is an event called the Princess Gathering. It's free for all ages, but you will need to make a reservation which opens up 30 days before sailing. It's a way to meet the princesses that are on your sailing in one line. I've done it once and met Rapunzel, Cinderella, Belle, Tiana, and Moana. Lots of fun interactions and photo ops. Spots are limited though. If you are not able to make a reservation, don't fret. Princesses do have regular meet and greets (schedules are in the app) plus spots do open up if you check back in the app often. You can also go to Guest Services once you board and see if they can help. *Do Not get this confused with the Princess Tea. That is an additional charge and you must have a little one to book.*

Dining

"Get to the food already!" haha I hear you. And there is a ton to talk about. Dining options will vary depending on your ship. On the Wish and Treasure (and soon the Destiny), your buffet is Marceline Market and you have a food court called Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods. This is going to be one of the best places on the ship, in my option. Festival of Foods is a grab and go with several different stations: Donald's Cantina (which is basically Chipotle at sea), Mickey's Smokestack Barbecue, Daisy's Pizza Pies, Goofy's Grill, and Minnie's Ice Cream. The food here is top notch and where my husband and I usually grab lunch unless we go to a sit down (I'll touch on that in a moment). I usually only go to Marceline Market for breakfast. On the Magic, Dream, Wonder, and Fantasy, the buffet is Cabanas. I usually enjoy Cabanas a little more. The grab and go is called Flo's Café that's also pretty good. Flo's will have salads, pizza, sandwiches, and a cantina similar to Donald's with a few less options.

Each ship has three main dining rooms included on the cost of your cruise that you will rotate, and depending on your itinerary, can go to more than once. There's two different dining times to select from. The first one I believe is 5:45 or 6pm, and the second is either 8:30 or 8:45 pm. Most families prefer to go to the first dining. My husband and I enjoy the second one. One of the things I love is your wait staff rotate with you and they will get to know your drink preferences (and often will have your drink ready when you sit down) and any food allergies. 

You might be paired with another group, depending on the size of your party. Disney does a really good job of pairing you with similar groups. On our very first cruise, we celebrated my birthday. We were seated with two other couples close to our age who were also celebrating a birthday. We really enjoyed getting to know them and it helped break the ice I bet for our first sailing, I think. You can request to have a private table and Disney will try to accommodate if they can. 

On sailings in the Bahamas, there usually is a pirate night as well. If you are on 4 night sailings or longer, you will get a special pirate night menu too. I've found people either really look forward to the pirate night menu, or they don't. I believe the menu is the same across the fleet. I enjoy it, but if we were to do a specialty dining during our sailing, I would try to pick it on pirate night.

There are two specialty dining restaurants for an additional as well. Wish and Treasure have Palo Steakhouse and Enchante. The other four have Palo and Remy. Both also will do brunch usually on sea days. These are adults only and sell out fast. We've done Palo Brunch once on the Dream and I really enjoyed it. My husband thought it was fine, but maybe not worth the $50. To each their own. 

Soda, non-specialty coffee, and tea is included! There are cafes around the ship where you can get coffee at a small additional cost. You can get a punch card and your fifth coffee will be free. I really enjoyed the drip coffee in the buffet, but there's also nothing like a nice cold brew looking out from your verandah... sorry, got lost in thought there. You get the picture. I highly recommend bringing a water bottle with you on the ship. Sodas are nice, but make sure you stay hydrated! I actually carried two bottles with me, one for water and one for ginger ale. Ah, the best. 

The adult section has Cove Café on all the ships which in my opinion is the best spot. You can also get smoothies too. What I have found I was pleasantly surprised on my first sailing were the things like a smoothie or even alcohol everything was very reasonably priced. You can get soft service ice cream on deck for free, and there's also a special ice cream parlor with additional cupcakes and other treats. And these weren't 'Disney prices' I was very happy with it. And check your Navigator app to see when Happy Hour is.

Entertainment

Disney has Broadway caliber shows on every ship! My favorite (so far) is Beauty and the Beast on the Dream. Each ship has a special one. There's Tangled, Frozen, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Moana. There usually are a few other shows. We loved the Golden Mickey's and Believe (an original show) on the Dream as well. Disney also plans ahead with these shows too. There are two shows a night planned around dinner which is extremely helpful. If you have first dinner, you can go to the second show. I love going to the show then dinner, but I also don't have young children traveling with me. Depending on the length of your cruise, you may also have different variety acts. We've seen Broadway singers and magicians. There was a boy band on our last sailing too. 

There's also trivia (so much trivia!), art classes, bingo, karaoke, and much more! Again, this is why your Navigator app is so helpful! 

Magnets

The doors on most of the cabin doors are magnetic and lots of people will decorate. I think it helps add to the fun plus you can locate your room easier. I get a lot of mine from Etsy. Also, most of the walls are too, except for the Magic and Wonder, so I've brought magnetic hooks to help hang things. Do not bring anything that hangs over the door. It could cause damage and are a big no-no.

Fish extender 

I mentioned this above, but didn't actually talk about what it is. A fish extender is a gift exchange often facilitated in a cruise group for your sailing. NOT by Disney. Named after the little hook by your stateroom for that shows you're room number having a little fish icon. Again, not a must do, but it's fun. You join little groups and everyone does little gifts. We did a pixie dusting exchange for our Christmas cruise. Hung stockings outside our room and occasionally got fun little gifts. I made little magnets to pass out. All in good fun. 

Don't forget your dramamine or similar if you get motion sickness. There is a first aid/nurses station down on deck 1 where you can get some meds for free if you forget or something unexpected happens, but if you know you're prone, it's best to keep it handy. My husband and I aren't,  but we went to the very front of the Wish once and it affected him. 

Packing cubes are always a good idea. Helps minimize space. Also a pop up hamper keeps things tidy.

I heard someone also suggest a sound machine. I would suggest using an app on your phone. Also, if you're in a verandah room, don't leave the door open. The a/c works in blocks so it can affect others too.

Let's see...what else can I help you with? If you see something in the shops that you like, don't wait. There's a good chance it'll sell out. And if you go to Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, that merchandise is specific to that island as well. 

There is a photo package offer that is cheaper before you embark. Disney photographers will also take the picture with your phone, or you can buy theirs. I bought the package on our....second cruise? Maybe first. But at the time I bought it, they had different levels for cheaper. Now it's only unlimited, which can be very expensive depending on your number of nights. For our upcoming seven night, it's over $300. You can buy on the ship too. Just make sure you do before you leave.

Um... I feel like I am missing things. If you are reading this and have questions, please let me know!

Re-introduction: Amethyst Chronicles

 It's been several years since the first book in the Amethyst Chronicles Winter's Kiss was released. Since we are gearing up for the fourth installment to be released this summer, I thought we should have a refresher on this series. 

Amethyst is a group of purple-eyed, genetically enhanced super soldiers. This group of elite four are Earth's greatest defensive weapons. The leader, Ember Wilson, is a tough as nails woman with a chip on her shoulder. Her team is her family and she is fiercely protective of them. She does not get along with her father and sister.

Ember's second-in-command is Michael Lewis. He served in the military with Ember prior to them volunteering for the Genesis Project, the experiment that gave them their abilities. He's as close to Ember as she would allow, but not as close as he would like. 

Rounding out the team are Alexander Nova and Bryan Morris. These two best friends are lovely dubbed the Chaos Goblins (by me and later Ember in book four). They are often the comic relief, but don't discount them as funny men. Morris is the teams tech expert, Nova is the best pilot in their organization.

This series takes place 1,000 years after the evens in Mirror Reformed. The ISC is still going strong with Earth the home base for operations. The planet is in danger from years of horrible weather storms and climate changes. Enter Dr. Clayton Rudo, with a promise of a weather machine to regulate and control the elements so the Earth can start healing. Ember reports to her father that Dr. Rudo is not a savior. He means to use his machine to control and rule. She is dismissed and her entire team gets placed in stasis after they attack and destroy the machine.

Ember was right and Dr. Rudo made good on his plans. Now the team must bring him down with the help of Liam Ross, an Air Force officer and his squad. Liam immediately feels drawn to Ember. She takes longer to warm up to him. 

Book Two is Croceus Poison on a mission, Ember gets stabbed with a croceus laced weapon, one of the only known substances that would harm Amethyst, and she nearly dies. The procedure that saved her live also made her 'normal'. She lost it all when she lost Amethyst. What would she risk to get it back? 

Book Three is Past Reflections. An accident sends Ember back in time 1,000 years. She expects to lay low and not cause any trouble while getting to know the men and women who shaped the ISC's past and her future. However, destiny has other plans. While trying to figure out how to get Ember home, the team learn she is the only one who can protect a heavily pregnant Dr. Maddie Brooks from a threat. Shawn Silvers, the leader of Caeruleus team from Ember’s time has also traveled with plans on changing the future.

All this time, Ember kept her heart out of her missions, except this time it might not be possible. The more time Ember spends with the legendary group, the more she feels connected with them. Especially with Logan Brooks, the handsome, enigmatic warrior who is as fascinated with her as she is with him. Her new goal is clear: protect Maddie from Silvers and return to 3018. However, how much of her heart is she willing to leave behind when she goes home, if she returns at all?

Book Four, Future Ramifications, is slated to be released this summer!  

Welcome to 2025!

 Hope everyone enjoyed their holidays, whatever you celebrate, and had a great and save New Year!

I know I've been quiet lately, but that doesn't mean I haven't been working. Exciting updates will be happening soon!

A while ago, I had written short stories on the characters leading up to Mirror Image. All three Brooks brothers had their story published. Good news is Jackson's is in edits now and we should have cover art in a few weeks! 

I've also written a novella for Mack, leading up to Mirror Image. This story is very dear to my heart and exciting in many ways. I can't wait for y'all to get your hands on it and understand Mack a little better. Her story is also going through edits and will be releasing a few weeks after Jackson's. 

Also in the works: The Complete Mirror series in paperback! 

Amethyst Chronicles book 4 should be releasing in August. Expect new covers coming soon as well. 

Keep an eye on my author page and my Bluesky page for all the updates.

New World by Liza O'Connor

                            NEW WORLD

                                Blurb

With much of Earth burning presently, soon Earth will fall into a very long ice age.

Fortunately, a group of women, men, half-saires, and one full-saire are hidden on a lovely island. The full-saire has a spaceship capable of leaving Earth and traveling to a more reliable planet that never grows too cold or hot.

However, when they arrive, the planet looks much like prehistoric Earth, with giant reptiles everywhere. Fortunately, Keelan and Tiburon are strong and mighty warriors. By noon, they have killed most of the deadly creatures that their life bubble protects. They also saved the life of a twelve-foot chicken-like creature who turns out to be sentient and a great help when locating dangers.

The two warriors were able to remove most of the T-Rexes as well. Only two had to be killed for refusing to leave their valley. Thus, they have survived day one.

But how long will their bullets and luck hold out?

EXCERPT

3. Fear sets in, due to all the crap they brought.

Finally, the ship was ready, the skies were clear, and the winds were calm. Jesse had not realized how much had to be right before a ship could take flight...or whatever it did to pop into the space next to their new home.

After serving the children an early breakfast, Jesse and Keelan led them to the invisible spacecraft which he had moved near the mansion so they would not have to go into the jungle. Still, it took several hours to properly secure each child in their soft cocoon attached to the wall. Per Enigma’s instructions, which only Keelan heard, the children were soon safely secured, but unhappy with the tight cocoons that prevented any movement.

While Jesse tried to sooth and calmed the children, Keelan returned to their beautiful home and rounded up the adults.

“Where exactly is this ship? Mechel demanded.

Keelan turned off the cloaking devise so they could see the ship.

Unfortunately, seeing the mass of junk attached to the exterior of the ship seemed to terrify them more.

Keelan attempted to calm them with assurances.

“While the hop from one place to another will not harm the massive amount of crap strapped to the ship, the ascension from earth and descension on their new planet would rip everything to pieces if not for a bubble device that I will  activate around the ship, leaving only the exhaust sections of the main rocket uncovered.

Now everyone was reconsidering the wisdom in going to an unknown planet in such a poorly built ship. Many now stated a wish to burrow into the Earth for the rest of their lives.

Keelan tried to assure them that the bubble device would keep them safe during both entry and landing. Unfortunately, many of the adults didn’t believe him.

Keelan was most put out. “I realize none of you have the competency to grasp the concepts of true space travel, but my existence here on this planet should be sufficient for you to believe space travel is possible.”

“Excellent point. How do we know you actually came from space?” Kyle challenged.

Tiburon glared at Kyle. “I have seen the ship from inside. It is far beyond our comprehension, but our inability to actually fly this ship is no reason to hide underground. I dare say none of you can fly an airplane, but you don’t question whether a plane can fly!”

“We don’t have time for this nonsense,” Keelan yelled. “Jesse and the children are already secured inside. Either enter the ship or stay here.”

Fifteen feet above them, large metal doors opened and a ramp extended to the ground. Jesse stood in the entrance. She spoke to the adults outside. “We have worked so hard to go to a better home. Why are you doubting this is the right path now?”

“This island is a good place to live,” Kyle yelled. “Why do we need to go anywhere else?”

Mike stood next to his father. “I agree that we should wait until there is a true need to leave.”

Jesse stared at her frightened family. “We cannot predict the exact moment this planet will cease to be a haven for humans, but the signs are already here. Why are you doubting this is our best chance for survival?”

She focused on David, then Carmella. “You two may be the smartest people on Earth. How can you wish to go underground for the rest of your lives than to blink across two galaxy’s and create a new home in a better place?”

David chuckled. “Oh, I’m going. This is too enticing not to do.” He then turned to the others. “I know you are all concerned about dying. But we will eventually die, no matter what we do. Now, you can stay here and die a gruesome death of starvation since I never filled the bins with food, or you can join a grand adventure.”

“Why didn’t you fill the bins?” Kyle demanded.

“Because we had all agreed going to a new world was better. I’m aware that many of you are shocked at the external shabbiness of the ship’s appearance. It disturbed me as well. Had they not put the bubble around it, I would still be concerned. But they have confined all our messy junk we insisted on taking, and I believe it can do its job.”

“But is it not safer to stay here?”

“The answer is no on many levels. First, you will run out of food within a month. Second, this island will be underwater in less than two years. Third, without Jesse’s soothing nature, you will all be fighting within a week.

Links for D2D

About the Author

   Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog Jess. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens in a myriad of genres.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT

LIZA O'CONNOR’S MANY BOOKS

Investigate these sites:

Liza's Blog and Website   Facebook   Twitter

Multiverse Blog

Personal blog: Gallifrey falls no more

Sorry, this isn't a blog about Doctor Who. The title will make sense, I assure you.

Recently I wrote a downer but true blog about how I was feeling. I didn't post the link on my social media but I didn't want to leave such a sour note on here. Yes, I am doing much better and am in a better mental state than I was when I last updated here.

How I was feeling was deeply affecting my husband. It was affecting so many aspects of our lives it wasn't fair to him. It broke my heart hearing him confess that he was afraid it was going to damage our relationship. I just couldn't let that continue. It took some soul searching to pull me out of the funk.Instead of focusing on the bad, I found the good again. My positive nature eventually won out.

There's a reason why people make new years resolutions. A new year feels like a fresh slate, a clean notebook waiting for the pen. Suddenly I couldn't wait to fill pages with my purple ink marks. I don't have to wallow. I can take control. A new shift bid will be coming out soon at work that will help with feeling like all I do is work and sleep. In the meantime, we started on a better daily routine that has been a huge help. All my life, time management has been a huge problem for me, but it's getting better.

Also after a few missteps, I have started back on the keto lifestyle. I just want to physically feel good again and today I started that journey. The first goal is to be under 200 pounds by Valentine's Day. Got 30 days to lose the first 15. I think that's manageable.

I will carve more time out to write. Ember has been getting in my ear lately, painting a beautiful picture of the fourth book. I can't wait to start exploring it more. Soon I will have three lovely new covers to update on the Mirror series with. I also plan to update the paperback so expect a new post about that soon!

I really am feeling better about myself and the new year. I am excited for the challenges that lie ahead with the next few months.

The Doctor thought his world was gone. All he had left was a painting depicting its destruction. I felt that in my heart over the last month or so. Like what was good in me had vanished and all was left was a shell. But he learned that all was not lost, his planet and his people was restored. Today, I am that painting. No longer a shell of who I was, but a shining example of what I am and will become. Gallifrey Falls No More

New year, same me

Last day of the year is usually the time most of us get retrospective. Everything we have gone through, what we want to accomplish next year. New years resolutions. I believe I said it last year, I don't set resolutions. I make goals. This year, I don't even feel like I have that in me.

I had lost over 80 pounds. Then I had to have surgery and derailed everything. I got lazy and complacent. When I tried to get back on it, I didn't lose any weight, just maintained, but that was okay. I was happy where I was. Then came the excuses. It's too hot to cook. I don't have time to meal prep. Went on vacation. Wasn't going to stick to keto while I was in Florida. Come on! It's Disney, bring on the sugary goodness! Came back, said I was going back to my dietary lifestyle. Got strep. Oh, here comes the holidays. Why restrict myself around Thanksgiving and Christmas?

I gained nearly all the weight I had lost back in slightly over 5 months.

I felt awful. Upset at myself for giving in when I was so strong for so long. I had fully embraced the keto lifestyle, it was more than a diet. Then I fell back into the same nasty routine that got me overweight to begin with. The health problems returned. I work in a call center and while reviewing one with my manager, I could hear how heavy my breathing was. My asthma was back. I was tired all the time. The migraines have returned and seriously kick me in the tail. Woke up one morning barely able to move because my back was in so much pain. I wouldn't even take Christmas pictures with my family because of my failures. I became someone who would ask how someone was doing as I was walking away, not because I didn't want to know their answer, but because I didn't want them to ask how I was doing. I just wanted to hide.

I stopped caring about myself. I'm not even sure when that happened. I began to feel resentful. I'm always someone who puts others before myself but even then, I allowed myself to fall so far down I couldn't see it. My husband does. He sees the change in me and is worried.

It's more than just the weight gain, although that's the easiest thing to see and point at. I feel insignificant to just about everyone but my husband. I feel like I could disappear and no one would notice. I wouldn't really be thought of either. Not by friends or most of my family. I would cross Brad's and a handful of others minds. I couldn't pull myself out of my funk to send the "Merry Christmas!" texts. Of course, I was working anyways. Some of my friends reading this will suddenly remember that I didn't text them. Then they will remember they didn't text me either. Or they will check to see if I had texted. Anyways, will be working on New Years as well. Can't even ring in 2020 with the person I love most.

I have failed so much and so hard this year that the little victories don't seem to matter. I don't matter in the grand scheme of things. Times when I'm in a genuine good mood seem fleeting. All too often my smile is fake, unable to fully meet someone's gaze out of shame. Shame for my failures, shame for how I feel. All too often I push through, having to gear up for the fight that's inside my head. It's exhausting.

I'm middle of the road at best. Decent enough writer for some to have purchased a few of my books. Decent enough employee, but not great enough to really be considered for other opportunities down the line. Always just average or just below. What's the point in working hard anyway if in the end you don't even get the satisfaction of a job well done?

It's doubtful I will post a link on Facebook or Twitter to blog. Although maybe I should, if only for those who care to know what I've been going through for a while. I'm writing this because I feel like if I don't, these thoughts will drown me. Mouthfuls of water gurgling to get out before disappearing under the bubbles. This isn't for sympathy or a chorus of "Of course you matter!" comments. I'm not looking for affirmation. I just don't want to drown. Maybe if someone else reads this who is going through something similar will know that I understand. And I'm here. Just bobbing at the water's edge.