Here is a strategy I have been using that I wanted to share with everyone
else. It may seem almost obvious to some but I want to make sure that
everyone knows.

Distance Distance Distance! If you are in an area in which you have good
sight distance, get to the maximum range that you can cast your spell from.
Cast your most powerful spell and then WHILE you are recovering BACK UP even
more and then cast again when recovered. Using this strategy I can hit with
2 shocks of lightning (at level 13, so I am sure it works at level 12 also)
for a total of 158 damage (if they both hit for full damage) BEFORE the
enemy gets to me! Against blues and sometimes evens, this will be enough
damage so that I can now switch to shock of ice (which casts fast enough to
use between them hitting me) and finish them off in 2 or 3 castings. If you
don't want the monster in your face, cast root instead of the 2nd DD spell.

Another strategy that someone posted (should have been obvious but I didnt
think of it) uses the fact that your bolt spells dont actually hit until the
bolt reaches them (using the distance tactic). Cast your most powerful bolt
at maximum distance (I haven't done this but it should work) and while it is
still on the way you can recover enough to root the enemy, then blast away.
I would change this tact for slightly easier enemies and instead of rooting,
cast your best shock spell and then you might even be able to cast again
before the monster gets to you. I haven't played with this bolt tactic yet
so it is all theory. I will try tonight and let you all know.

-Solric of the 4th circle