Guest Post – Liz Gauffreau – #newbook – Simple Pleasures: Haiku from the Place Just Right!

I am so happy to have Liz Gauffreau here on Fiction Favorites. Liz is a very creative writer and poet. She is here to talk about her new book, which is comprised of haikus. I will admit I’m no stranger to haikus, though; Liz makes my efforts pale in comparison.

Thank you, John, for hosting me on Day #2 of my blog tour for Simple Pleasures: Haiku from the Place Just Right! Haiku seems to have become part of Western popular culture, so when I was putting this blog tour together, I was curious as to whether it had inspired any music.

Sure enough, I found a silly, albeit very catchy, haiku song on YouTube. (I’ll spare your readers, “I Wrote Haikus about Cannibalism in Your Yearbook.” It’s just a bunch of young men screaming unintelligibly over eardrum-piercing heavy metal guitar. Not Zen at all.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvmdEGR93mE

Haiku has even entered the stand-up comedy sphere!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnqUmmJ-zE

I’m sure I could find a scholarly work of literary criticism to explain the cultural phenomenon of poking fun at haiku, but I’d rather just write haiku for my own purposes of expression.

Author Biography

Elizabeth Gauffreau writes fiction and poetry with a strong connection to family and place. Her work has been widely published in literary magazines, as well as several themed anthologies. Her short story “Henrietta’s Saving Grace” was awarded the 2022 Ben Nyberg Prize for fiction by Choeofpleirn Press.

She has published a novel, Telling Sonny, and a collection of photopoetry, Grief Songs: Poems of Love & Remembrance. She is currently working on a novel, The Weight of Snow and Regret, based on the closing of the last poor farm in Vermont in 1968.

Liz’s professional background is in nontraditional higher education, including academic advising, classroom and online teaching, curriculum development, and program administration. She received the Granite State College Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2018. Liz lives in Nottingham, New Hampshire, with her husband. Find her online at https://lizgauffreau.com

Purchase links:

Book2Read Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/SimplePleasures

Print & Fixed EPUB for tablets and Kindle Fire

BookFunnel PDF Purchase Link: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/gef1ili6qd

For any device.

Blog Tour Host Links: https://lizgauffreau.com/simple-pleasures-blog-tour-links/

136 comments

  1. Unknown's avatar

    […] Guest Post – Liz Gauffreau – #newbook – Simple Pleasures: Haiku from the Place Just Right! […]

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for sharing, Charles.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you for sharing, Charles!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Darlene's avatar

    Greta to see Liz and her wonderful new book here!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Darlene. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thanks, Darlene!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. GP's avatar

    Liz is remarkable, John, it’s fitting that you have her over for a review. Wonderful!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, GP. I agree with you she is a treasure.

      Liked by 2 people

  4. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    Thank you, John, for featuring Liz today. I thoroughly enjoyed Simple Pleasures and congratulate Liz on another beautiful success. 🎉🎊🎉

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much for lending your support for her book, Gwen. 🤗

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. coldhandboyack's avatar

    All the best to Liz with her new book.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Craig.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you for your best wishes, Craig.

      Liked by 2 people

  6. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    It’s heart-warming to see Liz’s new book receiving such positive recognition.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree. Her work should be recognized. Thanks, Tim.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you, Tim. I’m so pleased with the reception the book has been getting.

      Liked by 2 people

  7. joynealkidney's avatar

    Simple Pleasures is such a beautiful book, the lovely photos with a haiku to enhance each page. That you for cheering for Liz’s new collection!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for adding your support, Joy. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you very much for your support, Joy!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Thank you for hosting me today, John! If you don’t mind, I’ll stick around to see Twiggy and Tempeste.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You can stay as long as you like. Quesadillas for dinner tonight.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        Ooh, I like quesadillas!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          White bean and spinach veggy Qs

          Liked by 1 person

  9. merrildsmith's avatar

    I’m enjoying this blog tour!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      I’m so glad, Merril!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Merril. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  10. beetleypete's avatar

    Great to see Liz featured here. Shared both posts on Twitter.

    Best wishes, Pete.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you, Pete!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Pete. Liz will appreciate that.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. robbiesinspiration's avatar

    Hi John, a lovely post. Thanks for supporting Liz 🦋🩵

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thanks for stopping by, Robbie!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Robbie.

      Liked by 2 people

  12. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Thank you for hosting me today, John. Robbie caught the fact that I made an error with your last name in my reblog post. Sheesh. 🤦‍♀️ Please accept my apology.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Just don’t call me late for dinner.

      Liked by 2 people

  13. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Many thanks for sharing the work of a wonderful haiku author. The world needs more zen like hers.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Monika. Thanks for the visit in support of Liz.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you very much, Monika!

      Liked by 2 people

  14. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    Great post and my next read, Liz! So true haikus have become a part of our culture in many ways, including humor. For me, I just enjoy them.

    Thanks for hosting, John 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for lending support to Liz, Denise. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you, Denise! I hope you enjoy the book.

      Liked by 2 people

  15. DAMYANTI BISWAS's avatar

    A fabulous feature! It’s always a delight to see Liz’s work.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much for supporting Liz, Damyanti

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you, Damyanti!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Dave Astor's avatar

    Great that you hosted Liz, John! Liz, I really enjoyed the two haiku links you offered; in the second one, Tom Wilson is hilarious! 😂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for supporting Liz, Dave

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you, Dave. I’m so glad you enjoyed the videos. I got such a kick out of Tom Williams.

      Liked by 2 people

  17. Dave Williams's avatar

    These are delightful links for the two songs about haiku! And congrats to Liz on her new book 🌞

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dave. Liz will appreciate your support.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you, Dave! I’m so glad you enjoyed the videos.

      Liked by 2 people

  18. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    How fun that haikus have now entered the world of comedy. 🙂 I just finished your new book and getting ready to post my review. Outstanding! Thank you, John, for hosting today!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Who knew, right? I’m so glad you enjoyed Simple Pleasures!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for supporting Liz, Jan. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

  19. marianbeaman's avatar

    Host John, thank you for posting the jaunty YouTube haiku song. It got over a million views.

    I look forward to reading Jan Sikes’ review of Simple Pleasures. Great!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Marian.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the haiku song, Marian! Thank you for stopping by to lend your support.

      Liked by 2 people

  20. Colleen Chesebro's avatar

    Hi John! I’m thrilled you’re part of Liz’s book blog hop! It’s always nice seeing you again. Liz’s book is next on my list to be read!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It’s always nice to see you as well, Colleen. Thanks for supporting Liz. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Colleen Chesebro's avatar

        You too, John. We have a great community!

        Liked by 2 people

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes we do. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you, Colleen! I hope you enjoy Simple Pleasures.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Debbie's avatar

    Best wishes for much success, Liz! I like to write Haiku, too, and the cover of your new book is very inviting — such pretty colors!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Debbie. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you, Debbie! I’m glad you like the cover. I thought haiku deserved a pretty cover.

      Liked by 2 people

  22. Linda Raha's avatar

    Wonderful post! Liz is an amazing writer!!! The cover of this book is just beautiful!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for your support, Linda.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you very much, Linda–on both counts!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.'s avatar

    Lovely post John to share Liz’s news. hugsx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for yur supportive visit, Sally.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you for stopping by to lend your support, Sally!

      Liked by 2 people

  24. Teri Polen's avatar

    Congrats to Liz on the new release!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teri.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you, Teri!

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Audrey Driscoll's avatar

    I must admit I wrote a blog post with some haiku-esque creations based on spam comments I was seeing at the time. Nothing like the real haikus as written by Liz, however!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Of course, I had to seek out that post: https://audreydriscoll.com/2017/02/09/pseudo-haiku-from-spam/

      You actually have a two-fer form: pseudo haiku and found poetry. I quite liked them!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Audrey Driscoll's avatar

        Thanks, Liz! It was fun to write those.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

          You’re welcome, Audrey. I could tell!

          Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true, Audrey. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. House of Heart's avatar

    A lovely post. Liz writes beautifully esp minimalist poems!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you very much, Holly!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Holly.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Joy York's avatar

    Congratulations, Liz. I look forward to reading it. Thank you for sharing, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for the support, Joy.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you very much, Joy! I hope you enjoy the book.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    It’s great to see Liz here, John. Her book sounds wonderful!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Lauren.

      Like

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you for stopping by to lend your support, Lauren!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

        My pleasure, Liz! I’m happy for you!

        Liked by 2 people

  29. Resa's avatar

    Congratulations! Thanks for hosting, John!

    I’m up in September. (Not that I know what I’m doing)

    OX

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You always know what you are doing. 😊X

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        🐂 🐂 🐂

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          There should be pink OXen!!!!!
          🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Oh yes. Thant would be swell 🐖🐖🐖🐖 How about a pig substitute,

          Like

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you, Resa! I’m heading out Sunday to see if I can get photos of a sculpture park in Vermont, assuming the roads to get there haven’t been washed out. 🤞

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Resa's avatar

        Hope it goes well! 🤞

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        Mission sculpture park completed!

        Like

  30. Jennie's avatar

    Wonderful of you to host Liz! She is such a great writer.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is. My pleasure too.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you for your support, Jennie! I appreciate it.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Jennie's avatar

        Always, Liz!

        Liked by 2 people

  31. Resa's avatar

    The pig substitute is excellent.

    After much pondering, I realized pigs oink.

    Many oinks is oinx.

    O..X..

    Pink pigs it is, whenever, wherever, whyever, whatever, however.

    🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I feel like a new father. 🐖 🐖 🐖 🐖

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        Hahaha!
        🐖 🐖 🐖 🐖🐖 🐖 🐖 🐖

        Like

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          🐖 🐖 🐖 🐖🐖 🐖 🐖 🐖 🐖

          Like

  32. dgkaye's avatar

    So nice to see Liz and her new book featured here too. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Debby.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Thank you, Debby!

      Liked by 2 people

  33. Luanne's avatar

    Hahaha. I guess the concept of haiku has been very stretched in some cases, Liz!

    John, I thought you were going to give us a Johnku!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I suppose I could. Here goes.
      Two poets on scene,
      Very talented indeed . . .
      Lovely smiles as well.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Luanne's avatar

        I LOVE it!!!!

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        Excellent Johnku, John! (If I do say so myself.)

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Thank you Liz 😊

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

          You’re welcome, John.

          Liked by 1 person

    2. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

      Haiku’s definition has definitely been stretched. 🤣

      Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for the link, Miriam.

      Like