Welcome to my website! I’m glad you’re here.
I’m Elizabeth Jennings, professional dabbler. I’m the author of The Button Collector, a novel in stories, as well as a smattering of published short fiction and various other works-in-progress. I also provide communications for an awesome technology company and I do an assortment of freelance writing and adjunct teaching.
In 2018, my wonderful small publisher–Cup of Tea Books–went out of business. Even earlier, I had begun to feel called to do what little I could do to stop the rising tide of right-wing extremism spreading across the world. I’m now using this space to contribute my words. If they give a tiny bit of encouragement to one person to vote or to speak up, it will be worth it.
No matter why you’re here, please look around to learn more about my book, read a few of my stories, and consider random, esoteric musings about words, philosophies, and other dangerous ideas.
Email: ej@elizabethjennings.com
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Praise for The Button Collector
“… a lovely, shifting kaleidoscope of Southern mores and domestic lives.” Susan Vreeland, author of the New York Times Best Sellers Girl in Hyacinth Blue and The Passion of Artemisia.
“Beautifully written and deeply moving.” Ann B. Ross, author of the beloved Miss Julia series of Southern humor books.
“This book illuminates the simple magic of memory and family and the depths to which those quiet moments haunt us and lift us up.” Amy Willoughby-Burle, author of The Lemonade Year and Out Across the Nowhere.
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The Button Collector, a debut novel by Elizabeth Jennings, explores how the smallest things in life can sometimes hold the deepest meaning.
When Caroline Tilghman opens her mother’s jar of discarded buttons, she also releases old memories. Sorting through the bits and pieces of her past, she learns to find patterns, mend what’s torn, and ultimately connect the things she needs to make her life whole.
Purchase Links
PageSpring Publishing closed up shop at the end of 2018 and The Button Collector has joined the esteemed ranks of out-of-print books. I have a small collection of signed copies left. If you are interested in purchasing one, please leave a comment or use the link below to visit my Facebook page and send a message. Thanks for your interest!
Other Places to Hang Out with Me
In the land of social media, I’ve carved out a few distinct niches. On twitter, I have a strong political focus but also post topics related to writing and writers–favorite quotes or interesting articles and other nuggets I come across. On goodreads, I participate primarily as a reader, sharing what I’m reading at the moment as well as my reviews–my shelves include cross-cultural books, speculative fiction, frame tales, quiet novels, and, surprisingly, non-fiction, which I’ve been reading more lately. On Pinterest, I have a board called The Button Collector, which is dedicated to button art, craft, history, etc. My book page on Facebook includes a little bit of all of the above, plus funny cat pictures and other items I can’t resist!
Elizabeth Jennings 
Informing
I know you must be so anxious and excited!
i found a button with my metal detector its white with the letters NO does it mean anything
Thanks for stopping by! I can’t answer that but you could try http://www.nationalbuttonsociety.org …. good luck!
Thanks for the visit, Elizabeth.
A very nice and informative site.
What a great premise! I rarely read women’s fiction or watch chick flicks, but you got me with the buttons. I’m obsessed with them but hadn’t thought about them in as many ways as you do, or with such clever and insightful lines. My Kindle Notes page is crammed full of quotable quotes. I want to buy copies of this book for mom, daughter, friends and relatives. Something so small, so commonplace and so functional can have so much meaning. I love it!!
Thank you, Carol! I’m glad you found the book meaningful and enjoyable. Right now, due to the Amazon promotion, the book is available only on Amazon and select bookstores. But copies of the book bundled with handmade vintage button bookmarks are available on etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLiteraryButton?ref=hdr_shop_menu I appreciate your comments and follows!!!
Hi Elizabeth! I just finished reading The Button Collector, I enjoyed it very much. I also have a button collection, handed down from my grandmother and mother. I remember playing with them when I was a child, I made many beautiful necklaces, etc. I hadn’t really paid much attention to them for years. Well, I will now pour them out and see how many memories they bring back. Then, I will find a pretty jar and sit it out where I can enjoy looking at my buttons every day. Thank you for a beautiful reading experience! Sherry
Thank you so much, Sherry! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. There are so many people who relate to the experience of playing with family buttons! I appreciate your commenting.