Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 11-30-05

Join my email book club. Over 300,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

It's true. If you're on the road enough--and I am--you accumulate some unpleasant travel memories. Whenever I'm waiting in an airport, someone usually ends up telling me about their travel horror stories: "I remember the time I got caught in the Detroit airport for four days, snowed in, I thought I'd never get home. Had to sleep on the floor..."

But I'd have to say that in between the disagreeable, "Oh-don't-let-my-flight-be-canceled-again" times, I've been blessed, because when I needed it the most, strangers treated me like family.

When I was getting the book clubs started, I used to be in New York City calling on publishers every single month, for at least a week. In fact, one November I spent three weeks straight in Manhattan. It was an election year, and I didn't even make it back to Florida in time to vote. (At least I couldn't be blamed for the "chads".)

My room at the Marriott became my little home/office away from home. I even had a printer and computer set up in my room, so I could quickly create handout materials. And after the first week, I guess I was "family". The hotel staff started bringing cookies and milk to me every night, and they'd wish me luck on my way out in the morning. And when I'd walk through the revolving door at the end of the day, I was always greeted with a genuine, "Hello, Mrs. Beecher. How were your appointments today? Were they good ones?" They got hooked on my daily "story" and wanted to hear all the details of each and every one. I was the little fish in the big pond, and they were rooting for me to succeed.

And then there was the time that I had an appointment on December 23rd at a publisher in the Midwest. When I went to the airport to head back home, I discovered that Cincinnati--where I was supposed to make my connecting flight--was shut down because of the weather. And it didn't look hopeful that I would be able to make it out on the 24th either. So I called the hotel shuttle driver and asked him to turn around and pick me up.

I was really worried that I might not make it home for Christmas, and the hotel desk clerk must have sensed my misery. "I'm so sorry that your flight was canceled, Mrs. Beecher, but I do have a little good news for you. I can offer you a 'traveler's distress' rate. It's 50 percent less than our regular rate. And, there's a spa across the street. How about a massage? Would you like us to call and book an appointment for you? We'll keep you posted on the airline status."

It was a small airport and even though I hadn't heard any encouraging news from the airline, I decided to try it again the next morning. The luggage security man recognized me from the day before. "Giving it another go, Suzanne? I don't know if you'll be able to get out today, but if you can't, my wife is a great cook and we'd love to have you as our guest for Christmas Dinner. And don't worry, I'm sure Santa will leave something for you under our tree."

It's true, if you're on the road long enough...you meet some unforgettable friends and (family).

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.DearReader.com

P.S. Free cookbooks, and a great Meatball Soup recipe are waiting for you at: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/meatball.html

Dear Reader Column 11-29-05

Join my email book club. Over 300,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Some days, even after I've had my morning coffee, I realize that it's going to be an overwhelming day. My "to-do" list could have absolutely nothing on it, but after I've spent 10 minutes with myself, I'm stressed and feeling anxious. And even though I'm not facing any threatening tasks, I've managed to talk myself into a mental meltdown.

Why? Who knows. Thank heavens it only happens now and then, but when it does, I always think about the Beltline Highway in Madison, Wisconsin.

There's a highway in Madison, Wisconsin that locals refer to as the Beltline. The congested, avoid it at all costs Beltline--at least when I lived there 13 years ago, that's how we described it.

It's the road to take if you want to get there fast. Well, unless too many other people have the same idea at the same time of day. But I noticed the last time that I visited the city, they'd installed a light at one of the entrance ramps. Now, just like the big cities--to avoid congestion--the stop and go light only lets so many cars enter the Beltline at one time.

And there you have it. That's what my brain is like on those mental, meltdown mornings, and that's how I get things back on track. When there are too many thoughts vying for my attention at the same time, the only way to clear up the congestion is let them in one at a time.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.DearReader.com

P.S. Free cookbooks, and a great Meatball Soup recipe are waiting for you at: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/meatball.html

Dear Reader Column 11-28-05

Join my email book club. Over 300,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Every Monday, for the next three weeks, I'll be featuring a recipe from one of my favorite cookbooks, and I have copies to give away to readers. This week I'm cooking from Ciao Italia Pronto: 30-Minute Recipes from an Italian Kitchen, by Mary Ann Esposito. The recipes are quick and easy. No kidding.

I tried the Meatball Soup, on page 34. I liked it because the ricotta and pecorino cheeses gave the meatballs a different flavor than I'm used to. I'd never heard of pecorino cheese before, but now I'm a fan, and I've been grating the leftover cheese on my salads.

To enter the cookbook giveaway (cookbooks make great holiday gifts), to find the recipe for Meatball Soup and to see a photo of the batch that I cooked up, go to:
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/meatball.html

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
www.DearReader.com

P.S. Congratulations to the winners of last week's cookbook, The New York Times Chicken Cookbook: Mike Adamson, Meechal Dana, Doreen Farrar, Nedra Weinreich and Dan Rutkowski.

AUTHORBUZZ: free stuff, tours, personal stories. This week's authors: Ann Howard Creel, Under a Stand Still Moon; Justine Musk, Blood Angel; and M.J. Rose, The Delilah Complex. Go to:
http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 11-25-05

Join my email book club. Over 300,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I ate way too much turkey and pumpkin pie. I'm on holiday today.

If you haven't entered this week's drawing for a copy of The New York Times Chicken Cookbook, I have five copies to give away to readers. To see photos of the scrumptious Asian flavored roasted chicken--the recipe is on page 13 of this week's cookbook--and to enter the drawing go to:
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/chicken.html

Have a great weekend and thanks for reading with me. I'm so thankful to be reading with friends like you.

Warm regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 11-24-05

Join my email book club. Over 300,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

It's funny, I've always considered myself to be a loner. I enjoy people, and I'm always fascinated to hear about what's going on in their lives, but I never felt that I learned how to be a friend. The desire was there, but it just wasn't something that came naturally. I'm an only child, and when other people talk about their brothers and sisters or how a group of friends got together, I've always felt like I wish I could get in on the action. I realized today, when I was reading my email, that I have. Friendship is one of the things that I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving Day.

From my Email Bag:

"Dear Suzanne,

I once again want to express my gratitude for such a great experience everyday. I really enjoy most of the books that you choose, which makes me a regular at our local library, but it's your 'Dear Reader' column that keeps me coming back day after day. You make me feel like I have a girlfriend that I haven't met yet, because you write about the everyday stuff that my friends and I discuss all the time."

Sincerely yours, Carmela Knoll

"Suzanne,

When I first subscribed to your book club I thought the salutation 'It's so good to read with friends' seemed insincere. Now that I have been reading with you for quite a while, I get it! You are a friend--you do all of the things (share recipes, be vulnerable, encourage, tell family stories, send gifts...on & on) that friends do, and are quite generous about it. I especially enjoy your sense of humor and your willingness to make fun of yourself. Thanks for being Suzanne. It is good to read with friends."

Pamela Diederich P.S. When can you fix my brakes?

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Warm regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: free stuff, tours, personal stories. This week's authors: Douglas Clegg, Priest of Blood; and Lynn Sholes and Joe Moore, The Grail Conspiracy. Go to:
http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 11-23-05

Join my email book club. Over 300,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

My husband and I went turkey shopping earlier this week. I realize that our search for the biggest bird--nothing under 23 pounds will do--might not be the usual way of creating sentimental holiday memories, but for us it's become a tradition. We don't actually need a huge turkey any longer--there will only be a handful of us at the table this year--but it just wouldn't feel right cooking a puny little 10-pounder, and besides, everyone wants to take home leftovers. In fact, I'd have to say that leftovers are the best part of the Thanksgiving meal.

I'm not the only one who craves leftovers days before the big feast. My father-in-law lives in a retirement center, and most of the people there are single. So this year, I suggested that he bring two or three of his neighbors along with him to Thanksgiving dinner. Two extra people at the table--that was okay with him. Three? No way. He was concerned that inviting that extra third person might mean no leftovers for him to take home.

People get serious about their leftovers, and if it looks like there might not be any, they take matters into their own hands. My mother loved my Shrimp and Shell salad. She'd gobble up at least three helpings right away, and then spend the rest of the meal keeping tabs on anyone who headed back to the kitchen for seconds. Following right behind them, she'd do her best to encourage them to eat more turkey, mashed potatoes, cole slaw--anything except the shrimp salad.

I've been thinking about it, and maybe we should extend the Thanksgiving celebration to two days? On Thursday, everybody gets formally dressed for dinner (including the turkey), and then on Friday we'd all gather together again, but this time we'd be eating a Thanksgiving Leftover Day Dinner. Sitting at the Thanksgiving table in pantyhose and a form-fitting dress, I can't really do the original 20-course meal justice. But slide me into some stretchy, elastic-waisted pants on Leftover Day, slip on my flip-flops, twist my hair up and stick it under a baseball cap, and I could probably even go back for thirds on pumpkin pie.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
www.DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 11-22-05

Join my email book club. Over 300,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Some people want the white meat, some will only eat the dark, and for years our family members used to argue over who was going to get the turkey drumsticks on Thanksgiving. Every year it was the same routine. My mother would ring her china bell, "Dinner is ready. Come to the table," and we'd all start calling out "dibs" on a turkey leg. When there are only two turkey legs, but ten people want one...well, it used to be a huge problem until the year my mother made her famous Turkey Drumstick Thanksgiving Dinner. Now nobody in our family even wants to look at a drumstick. The memories are still too fresh in our minds.

It seemed like a normal enough Thanksgiving meal, until my mother announced, "I've got a surprise. No one will be disappointed this year. Everybody gets a drumstick, because that's all that I cooked." And Mom plopped down a serving platter, piled high with 20 turkey legs, in the middle of the table. "Dig in."

This felt a little strange. What, no bird this year? Only drumsticks?

Mom was smiling, so proud she'd finally found a solution for the annual turkey leg squabble. Apparently she'd begun working on this year's Thanksgiving surprise the day after our last Thanksgiving dinner. Clipping coupons, and always keeping an eye out for a turkey leg sale, my mother had been buying up turkey legs for the past year. It all sounded okay in theory, but either she didn't wrap the legs in freezer paper, or the turkey legs were on sale because they were near their expiration dates, or it was just a bad year for turkeys--because when we tried to stick a fork into our drumsticks, we couldn't.

I'm not exaggerating here, the turkey legs were nowhere near fork-tender. The tines of our forks actually bounced off of our drumsticks when we tried to pierce them. A table knife wouldn't even saw through the sinewy--who knows how old--freezer burnt, turkey legs. My son suggested we fire-up the chain saw.

Sometimes when you try to solve a problem, it merely shows up in another form, and unfortunately that's what happened the year of the Turkey Drumstick Thanksgiving Dinner. None of us fought over who would get a drumstick, instead we ended up dueling with them. Those were some tough birds.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
www.DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column 11-21-05

Join my email book club. Over 300,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Free Cookbooks--every Monday--for the next four weeks!

When I'm invited to someone's home for dinner, one of my favorite hostess gifts to give is a cookbook. (Hint, if you've been invited to Thanksgiving Dinner...) And this year, cookbooks are also at the top of my holiday gift list. I write a personal note in the front of the cookbook and then every time my friend uses it, they think of me.

This year's favorites--I'm crazy about four of them: The New York Times Chicken Cookbook, Ciao Italia Pronto!, Everyday Asian, and Tate's Bake Shop Cookbook. I've marked several pages in each book--recipes that I want to try. So every Monday for the next four weeks, I'll feature one of the recipes that I've cooked and taste-tested.

If I can make these recipes, anyone can. Not everything I tried turned out the way it was supposed to--not the first time around. It wasn't the recipe's fault. I forgot to add the sugar in one recipe, and another gourmet chocolate delight crashed on my kitchen floor before it made its way into the oven. But cleaning up chocolate and re-mixing a couple of recipes was worth the extra time and work, because they all tasted fantastic!

This week's recipe is Roasted Chicken with Asian Flavors. You'll find it on page 13 of The New York Times Chicken Cookbook. I have five copies of the cookbook to give to readers. To see photos of my scrumptious Asian flavored roasted chicken, to enter the drawing, and for a copy of the recipe, go to:
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/chicken.html

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.DearReader.com

P.S. Congratulations to the winners of the Barbara Bretton books: Rebecca Loveys, Christopher Iannone, Marise Kinyon, Jimmie Ellis, Seamond Roberts, Nelda Shoffner, Debbie Durst, Gene Weinshenker, Leslie Nack, Mildred Abercrombie, Marcie San Miguel, Jody Patrick, Mary Bloodworth, Chrysty Morgan , Evan Massucci, Dianna Stump, Mari Perry, Dee Mulqueen, Gertrude Jostes, Mindy Rubelmann, Catherine Domangue, Karen Rarden, Susan Hochstein, Paula Southwood, Mary Lynne McLintock, Joe Winbigler, Mary Carbaugh, Mark Robinson, Irene Holloman and Steve Nettles.

AUTHORBUZZ: free stuff, tours, personal stories. This week's authors: Douglas Clegg, Priest of Blood; and Lynn Sholes and Joe Moore, The Grail Conspiracy. Go to:
http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 11-18-05

Join my email book club. Over 300,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

It's that time of year again. The catalogs are piling up on the end table next to my leather chair. That's where I stack my magazines, newspapers and "thumb-throughs"--you know, those glossy, four-colored gift catalogs that do their darndest to try to convince me what I can't live without this holiday season. "Give them color, give them fun, give them joy, give them unique gifts that they'll always remember. And while you're at it, find something special for yourself."

How could I resist? I grabbed a pencil and turned the page.

And they were right. Whoever wrote the promotional copy for this catalog wasn't exaggerating. Why, I only had to turn to page three and I spotted something that would give my home that festive holiday feeling--Christmas stockings that could hang down from my fireplace mantel, and for an extra $6.00 each, I could personalize them with embroidered names. Santa's getting old you know, we have to make it easy for him to keep things straight (I circled the stockings). Page 33 had a photo of a "Collapsible Compartment Carryall". It opens wide to reveal compartments that hold up to six wine bottles, glassware, reading material and a bite to eat. Six wine bottles?
Must be some picnic (I don't drink), but it is cute. I think I'll order the lime-colored one and there's free gift wrapping. I circled that item, too.

Monogrammed sheets and pillowcases: "Bedding that elevates everyday essentials to a new level." I know, I used to have monogrammed sheets years ago. They were my favorite. Let's see...I think I'll order white, with a green stitching.

A mesh embellished tunic--the copy says it's an "exclusive"--it would look great on me. A modern kilt skirt--ooh, another "exclusive". Just the thing to go with my dark purple sweater (I'm going to need to sharpen this pencil). And of course, I need the Tall Leather Black Boots to finish off the total look: Size 7, only $158.00. A Cable-Front V-Neck Sweater in soft blue, an Asymmetrical Button Sweater--you can't ever have too many sweaters--and a Vintage inspired reversible belt; that just about does it. That completes my order. One last thumb-through to look at all the items I've circled, and I threw the catalog away.

Yes, it's that time of year again. Thankfully looking, circling, and dreaming are satisfaction enough for me.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
www.DearReader.com

P.S. Barbara Bretton, a USA Today bestselling author, reads with us at the book club every day. She sent me 29 signed copies. I'm giving them away to readers this week. To enter the drawing, simply send an email to:
enter-to-win2@emailbookclub.com

Dear Reader Column 11-17-05

Join my email book club. Over 300,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I pulled an all-nighter last night. Not the kind that my friends and I used to boast about: "Hey, we were up all night working on that new project--drinking coffee, eating chocolate ding-dongs; the creative ideas were flowing. You should have been there."

Nope, nothing to boast about here this morning. I spent my all-nighter trying to get to sleep. Every time I closed my eyes and snuggled up to my cushy feather pillow, full color, action-packed clips--movie clips, moments from my own life--went rolling by in my head. Unfortunately, it wasn't a make-you-feel-good Disney script. The story was more the Stephen King thriller/horror kind. Experiences that I'm not proud of, miserable times, sad memories and fear of worrying about failures yet to come were on a continual loop and it wouldn't stop and I couldn't get to sleep. About 3:30, when I was sick and tired of the movies, I decided to switch on the television. If you ever need to know the complete overnight schedule for TV Land or Nick at Night, I'm your gal. Just call me.

Business marketing ideas must definitely be in my blood, because even though I was miserable, and periodically thinking this must be the big one (a big anxiety attack), I was formulating ideas about how somebody could turn my misery into a business. Infomercial marketers really should expand their thinking. They're missing a desperate consumer need. In my sleepless state of paranoia, I would have gladly turned over my credit card to a television shrink if she could have guaranteed I'd be sleeping in an hour.

Talk about a captive, needy, audience. I can see it now..."Night time therapy--Worries keeping you up? Talk to your own personal shrink. Guaranteed to get you to sleep or your money back. No questions asked. Call in your credit card number, or swipe it at the bottom of your television (this feature will show up soon, I'm sure), your credit card will be instantly processed and then simply switch your TV to your own 'live' infomercial channel, (one of those channels in the 200s that isn't being used) and a doctor will be waiting for you. Talk with an expert until you fall asleep." And just think of all the marketing add-ons. Tapes of nature or ocean sounds, sleep masks, free samples from the nighttime drug companies. Refer a friend and get 50% off of your next session. The first 30 callers will also get...boy I hope I sleep tonight.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
www.DearReader.com

P.S. Barbara Bretton, a USA Today bestselling author, reads with us at the book club every day. She sent me 29 signed copies. I'm giving them away to readers this week. To enter the drawing, simply send an email to:
enter-to-win2@emailbookclub.com

AUTHORBUZZ: free stuff, tours, personal stories. This week's authors: Roxana Robinson, Sweetwater; and Justine Musk, Bloodangel. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader