Lucky Stiff

1. Like her creator, Elizabeth Sims, Lillian was raised by tavern keepers and developed a "colorful" vocabulary. Did you find the language in Lucky Stiff funny? Offensive? Both?
   
   
2. Lillian and Duane understood each other in childhood. They each figured out they were gay at a young age. How old would a person have to be to know they were gay?
   
   
3. Trix played a special role in Lillian's childhood. Did adults other than your parents take an interest in you and influence your life?
   
   
4. Are there things you wish you could find out about your parents or other ancestors?
   
   
5. In what ways do you think Blind Lonnie is an inspiration to Lillian?
   
   
6. At a dangerous moment, Lillian chooses her own safety over Todd's. Was that the right decision?
   
   
7. Duane seems like a wimp at times, but in the end he isn't. How would you describe his courage?
   
   
8. Lillian and Minerva resume their love affair in this book. Do they seem well suited? Do opposites attract?
   
   
9. Trix finally made her dream of being in Las Vegas come true. What's your opinion of Vegas?
   
   
10. Lillian struggles with a desire for revenge. Do you think she's capable of serious violence?
    
    
11. Lillian doesn't want Minerva to write about her life. Doesn't Lillian owe Minerva that much?
    
    
12. As the book ends Lillian is able to improvise on her mandolin. How do you think her new ability will affect what she does next?

From Lucky Stiff: Madeleines (see pages 21 and 23.)

Sweetheart, do me a favor and look in the pantry." Duane pulsed the coffee beans in the grinder. "Do you see a package of madeleines? I'm assuming you've had dinner."

"I'm not terribly hungry. What are madeleines? These cookies?"

"Oh dear, oh dear. Yes. Those are madeleines."...

He broke a madeleine in two and nibbled. I tried one and liked it. It went with the coffee: a light, soft sweetness against the coffee's bitter strength.

IN PERSON
Elizabeth loves meeting with book groups and writers' groups. If your group would like to have her for a visit, let her know. She lives on the West Coast and sometimes travels across the country, so who knows, maybe she could coordinate a visit to your group with other travel. (She does not charge for meeting with groups.)

BY PHONE
Elizabeth has "attended" book groups by speaker phone. If you'd like to arrange a phone call for your group email Elizabeth to request a date and time.

BOOKPLATES
You can request signed bookplates on the more page under signed copies.

Email Elizabeth: esims@elizabethsims.com

BOOK GROUP GUIDES:

The Rita Farmer Mysteries

3. On Location
   
2. The Extra
   
1. The Actress
   

The Lillian Byrd Crime Stories

4. Easy Street
   
3. Lucky Stiff
   
2. Damn Straight
   
1. Holy Hell