Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 02-27-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Such kind words to receive on the last day of my week long 10 Year Book Club Birthday Celebration! To see Lizzie's photo and to enter today's giveaway--unique individual cupcake holders--I love 'em and you will, too, go to: http://tinyurl.com/d2qxpq

From My Birthday Email Bag:

"Dear Suzanne, I've wanted to drop you a line for a while now, but I've been talking myself out of it day after day because I know you get a ton of fan mail without my contribution! Today's 'Dear Reader' column, however, hit so close to home that I just couldn't resist. I can really relate to what you said about skating right past your victories and focusing on your opportunities. I am guilty of the same practice and I get the impression that A LOT of people in this day and age share the same crux--women in particular. So I commend you on your decision to take action and make a conscious effort to reverse your line of thinking when you find yourself focusing on the negative--and I will join you on the same journey.

They say it takes 21 days of a consistent practice to create a habit, so I'll make that my goal and take it one day at a time. And let me just say--if anyone deserves to celebrate their accomplishments--it's you! Suzanne, you are an absolute inspiration to so many people every day--you're a radiant beam of sunshine in our lives. I love to read, but I have to admit, it's your Dear Reader column that I'm clamoring to read every morning much more so than the book excerpt. People who are lonely find a friend in you, those who are overburdened taking care of everyone else in their lives find a moment to themselves with you, people who just need a little push in the direction of choosing to read have a steadfast leader in you, and I'm sure I'm barely skimming the surface of all of the wonderful ways that you influence people and inspire them. You are one of those truly gifted people who can reach out and touch complete strangers, who are hundreds of miles away, by just sharing your life with them. WOW! That's what life is really about: helping people (including ourselves) find some happiness and solace every chance we get.

Thank you so much for everything you do and cheers one-hundred times over for the blossoming success of the book clubs."

Your Faithful "Positive Thinking" Partner, Lizzie Smiley

Thank you to everyone for helping celebrate 10 years at the Book Clubs. I'm blowing out the candles on the celebration, so today's the last day to enter our birthday giveaways. To enter, go to: http://tinyurl.com/d2qxpq

** Congratulations to yesterday's "Tote Bag" winners: Rosann Johnson, Alisha Short and Tamara Turati.

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

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

SEARCHING FOR YOUR NEXT BIG THRILL? Read the "Between the Lines" feature interview with Peter Straub then read about great thrillers from: Whitley Strieber, JoAnn Ross, Michael Palmer, Michael Jecks, Susan Crandall, Colin MacKinnon, Caridad Pineiro, Matt Lynn, Jaime Rush, Robert Masello, Mario Acevedo, Linda Fairstein, Cate Noble and Cat Adams. Go to: http://www.thrillerwriters.org

 

Dear Reader Column 02-26-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Happy Birthday to the Book Clubs, we're 10 years old! Join in the fun, enter today's giveaway, (there's a different giveaway every day).

Congratulations to yesterday's "Kitchen Tool" winners: Thea Gurns, Lois Pacanowski, Valerie Chuck, Nina Mollica, Micaela Ayers, Phyllis Haber, Susan Israel and Kathy Herfurth.

To enter today's drawing, and to see photos and video clips from the party, go to: http://tinyurl.com/d2qxpq

From my Email Bag:

"Hi Suzanne, I was on pins and needles to find out who traveled the longest distance to attend the party. Who was it and where were they from? Please do tell, or better yet tell in the book club e-mail tomorrow!"--Rebecca Sharpe

(Suzanne responds:) I baked four batches of cookies for folks who traveled the farthest, but those cookies went fast. Some readers were on vacation that lived in Canada, Indianapolis, Minnesota, and then there were people who lived in Florida who drove for hours. So I told anyone who traveled a long distance to write down their name and I'd bake for them. I'm mixing up more cookies today.

"Suzanne, I think the word IS getting around about your book club. The other day a friend of mine, who lives in Spokane, Washington (I live in Mill Creek, Washington) was telling me about HER aunt, who reads at the book club. She sent her a delicious recipe for turkey stuffing from the book club--300 miles away, and people are reading DearReader, just like me! You've really started something wonderful! Keep up the good work."--Mary K.

"Dear Suzanne, thank you so much for the apron you sent which arrived last week. I swear it reminds me of the one my mother wore when I was a kid. She passed away ten years ago this coming August, and no one in my family remembers what happened to her aprons! Rats. (I'd bet money that she made them herself as she didn't have money back in the 50's to buy such amenities/essentials. Make that double rats.) Congratulations on TEN YEARS of putting your heart and soul into your writings and sharing with your readers. I'm proud to be a member of your readership! The first thing I did when I received the apron was to make your Chili, it was a huge hit!"--Sharon Rearick

If you're in the mood for Chili, here's the recipe link: http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/users/susandemo/mweb/path1-1.html

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win. Miriam Gershow, The Local News; Nicole Jordan, To Romance a Charming Rogue; Kyle Mills, Darkness Falls; Elizabeth Diamond, An Accidental Light; and C.M. Mayo, Miraculous Air. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 02-25-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I believe important moments should be celebrated, but sometimes I do a quick acknowledgment and move on down the road. Unfortunately my past MO has been to accomplish one goal, take a quick breath, get up the next day and head out towards another. But I'd like to change that.

I spend a lot of time replaying moments in my life that didn't go right and chastising myself, so why not give the good stuff as much consideration? When my mind slips back to a not so good outcome, I'm trying to recognize that I can choose the tape. Replay the bad stuff, or replay the moments I cherish.

Maybe it's more difficult to spend time with the good stuff because it feels self-serving? 'Three cheers for Suzanne!' Isn't that being boastful, a little bit vain and thinking too highly of myself? And what's the alternative? To replay over and over in my mind when I didn't do it right. No thanks. Been down that road, paid my dues, I'm choosing to spend time with the good stuff.

So all this week I'm continuing to celebrate the 10 year birthday of the book clubs. If you missed the party, I took pictures and if you've already taken a peek, check out the pages again today because I've added a video link. And please enter today's giveaway--there's a different giveaway every day this week--feel free to enter every single day.

Celebrate 10 years, join in the fun, go to: http://tinyurl.com/d2qxpq

Congratulations to yesterday's "To-Do Mug" winners, Pam Longnecker, Charles Scott, Marge Akita and Wilma Cazan.

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

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

 

Dear Reader Column 02-24-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I'm in party afterglow this morning. I write my column a day in advance, so as of this writing, it's early Monday morning. Sunday afternoon was the big 10 Year Birthday Party for the Book Clubs at the St. Pete Beach Library in Florida. Roberta Whipple, the Library Administrator, extended the party invitation and put the big shindig together. What a woman!

Since readers are spread out all over the United States I expected a delightful, yet small affair. But I was blown away, practically in tears, before I even started my talk. Roberta called me into the room where refreshments were set up because she wanted to get a picture of the cake before it was cut. After we posed for a photo, she pointed to the three flower arrangements on the table, handed me the cards and said I should read the party wishes from readers before I started my talk. Penny Carriero from New York, Sarabeth Kalajian Director of Sarasota County Library System and Irene T. from Orange County, California each sent birthday flower arrangements. And the presents and surprises continued. Librarians had to sharpen their dictation skills when readers called in well-wishing notes. Readers brought presents: aprons, a beautiful Rooster bowl from Sue Russo, I tell you I felt like I was visiting family and it was my personal birthday. I'm still practically speechless.

Some Bookclub Ambassadors were in the audience and they talked about the creative ways they're promoting the clubs. Hugs, entertaining stories, 14 door prizes provided by the librarians and I baked four batches of cookies for folks who drove the farthest. Yes, carpoolers Cindy and Lynn did make it to the party.

Cameras flashing, people holding up their cell phones and recording greetings to take back to friends who couldn't make it and for the finale, I read the unedited version of Chapter Six The Boogeyman Just Might Be Under My Bed! from my upcoming book.

Thank you to everyone who came to the party and to those folks who sent well-wishes via email. It truly is a delight to be able to read with friends like you.

A warm thank you and a big hug from a teary-eyed Suzanne.

*Of course I have photos, and a giveaway for folks who were not able to make it to the party--go to: http://tinyurl.com/d2qxpq

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

SEARCHING FOR YOUR NEXT BIG THRILL? Read the "Between the Lines" feature interview with Peter Straub then read about great thrillers from: Whitley Strieber, JoAnn Ross, Michael Palmer, Michael Jecks, Susan Crandall, Colin MacKinnon, Caridad Pineiro, Matt Lynn, Jaime Rush, Robert Masello, Mario Acevedo, Linda Fairstein, Cate Noble and Cat Adams. Go to: http://www.thrillerwriters.org

Dear Reader Column 02-23-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Cooking was the one thing I seemed to do right when I was a kid. My parents never came right out and said, "Wow, that was a great meal Suzanne," but they ate it and sometimes even went back for seconds, so it was implied that I'd done a good job. But when I made Porcupine Meatballs and took them to the church picnic, folks raved about what a good little cook I was and I believed them. And when our neighbor down the street asked me, just a kid in elementary school, if I would give her my recipe, I felt proud as a peacock.

It had been a long time since I'd made Porcupine Meatballs, but when I found my old recipe card over the weekend--I couldn't resist. They tasted just as good as I remembered. Give them a try, and if you have your own variation, please do share your recipe with me.

Porcupine Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked instant rice
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 - 15 ounce can tomato sauce
1 cup water
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix meat, rice, 1/2 cup water, onion, salts, garlic powder and pepper. Shape mixture into meatballs. Place meatballs in ungreased baking pan. Stir remaining ingredients together and pour over meatballs.

Cover and bake 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes longer.

Serves four.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win. Miriam Gershow, The Local News; Nicole Jordan, To Romance a Charming Rogue; Kyle Mills, Darkness Falls; Elizabeth Diamond, An Accidental Light; and C.M. Mayo, Miraculous Air. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 02-20-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Most of the time I'm just living in the moment, enjoying folks and not thinking twice about people's motives. But other days, like today, apparently I'm a paranoid mess.

The bug man just came and went. He was so cheery during his visit, talking about the weather and how glassy the water looked in the Gulf of Mexico today. He'd noticed it as he drove by. The guy carried on such a pleasant conversation that I started wondering, 'What could he want?'

The first thing I thought of was that he must have been the same person who serviced our house last month. Maybe I gave him cookies and he was being nice, hoping I'd give him cookies again.

"Usually I have cookies, but I'm cookie-less today," I told him.

"Oh, you like to bake? Well I sure hope I show up sometime when you're baking and I get to sample some of your cookies."

Okay, so he's never had my cookies. So why is he being so friendly? A man driving from house to house, spraying for bugs and critters and he's such a friendly, happy guy. This is strange.

No I'm the strange one. What's happened to me today? How embarrassing. Someone's nice and the first thing I think about is, 'What does this person want?'

Okay, regroup. No harm done. At least I caught myself early in the day. I'm the only one who knows what I was thinking, but I'll definitely be baking the next time the delightful Bug Man comes around.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

 

Dear Reader Column 02-19-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I feel like a clearinghouse for readers this week, so I'm just going to stand back and get out of the way.

"Hello Suzanne,

Thank you for the book club. I get up in the morning before the kids, drink my tea and read your e-mails. I'm writing because you mentioned in one of your columns that you like to solve problems.

I am a member of a book club that a friend and I started over a year ago. We need to make-over the book club and I need your help. Any advice from your readers will be greatly appreciated. The problem is we just cannot seem to grow past four members. We're a book club for moms that want a break from taking care of kids and husbands. We meet once a month at the local library. People do join, but then start working again and they leave. I would love to see us grow as a group and reach more Moms that could use a break. My question for you and your readers is how to draw people in? I guess I was hoping for at least eight or ten members. An about to give-up reader in VA." --Bernetta

An Update on folks needing a ride to the Book Club Birthday Bash this coming Sunday, February 22nd.

Cindy, from Spring Hill, Florida sent an email offering to pay the gas, if someone could give her a ride and she found one.

"Suzanne, I met with Lynn and her husband today, (the book club reader who offered to give me a ride.) They are a very nice couple and we are both really looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. Thanks again for getting involved--you are one good lady." --Cindy

If you live in the Ft. Lauderdale area and need a ride--here it is--send me an email and I'll hook you up with Christina.

"Hey, Suzanne, I am driving up from Ft. Lauderdale and if anyone wants to hop in my car I can drive them up. Yah, I am so excited and looking forward to meeting you as I consider you a friend since I have been reading along with you for years (about 4) and love being in your book club. Thanks a million. Your loyal reader." --Christina.

Come on down to the 10 year Birthday Bash for the Book Clubs this Sunday, February 22nd at 2 p.m. The folks at the St. Pete Beach Library graciously offered to throw a party. I would love to meet you, and I'm baking cookies for the reader who travels the farthest to get to the party. It's the least I can do. For more information call the library at 727-363-9238.

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

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Win free copies of books you'll read and never forget from these terrific authors: Andrew Peterson, First to Kill; Linda Fairstein, Lethal Legacy; Barbara Delinsky, While My Sister Sleeps; and Nicole Young, Kiss Me If You Dare; Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 02-18-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

A few years ago a marketing person from a Fortune 500 company contacted me because they thought I could help them with a promotional campaign. The marketing guy said they were interested in having me work with them because they liked my book club concept, I seemed to be able to speak to readers, and I was hokey. Quickly adding that hokey was a compliment. So I wasn't a bit offended when Diana, a relatively new book club reader, sent me this delightful email. Hokey, corny, a woman who wears an apron, bakes cookies and walks down Main Street carrying a bubble machine. Guilty as charged--that's me!

"Suzanne, I love the picture of you and your very tall rose. [from Tuesday's column] How unique! But not only is the rose unique, but you are unique as well. I love that you share yourself so freely with all of your readers. I've been reading with you for about 6 months now and at first I thought you were kind of corny and I went straight to the book. But once I started reading what you share, I realized you're not corny, you're just a really warm, caring person. Congratulations on your own [upcoming] book. And I love your apron!" --Diana D.

Diana, if you're reading today's column please email your mailing address to me. I'd love to send you one of my aprons. Thanks for taking the time to write. You made my day.

* I'd love to meet you. Come on down to our Birthday Book Club Bash at the St. Pete Beach Library, this Sunday February 22nd. Food, giveaways, and chocolate chip cookies for the reader who traveled the farthest. For more information call the library at 727-363-9238.

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

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

 

Dear Reader Column 02-17-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Sandi made my day and her email reminded me that I used to make a point of looking for at least one company to give positive feedback to every week. It takes time to make a call or send an email, but I figure it's one of the little contributions I can make and thanks to Sandi I'm reminded just how wonderful it makes someone feel.

"Dear Suzanne, I stopped by our bookstore yesterday. The lady working asked if there was anything she could help me find. I pulled my list of 'I Want To Read' books out of my purse and showed it to her. She asked where I got my list and I responded with great pride that it was from my email bookclub. That seems like a very small thing to most people, but I find great satisfaction in being a part of your club. My husband has always been an avid reader, bringing a book to breakfast every morning for his 'alone time.' It has inspired me to read with him for years, but your club has taken that a step further. I ALWAYS have at least one book, but usually several, going at a time. They are my continuing education, they are my friends, they are my pride at staying mentally fit.

As I looked at today's entry from you I was compelled to tell you this. It may seem sappy to some, but I am a firm believer in complimenting people often (it's done far to seldom!). So, I'm taking this moment to say thanks for everything you do. I get 'warm fuzzies' being part of this club. That's all, have a wonderful day."--Sandi

I had another delightful, thoughtful surprise from my family the day before Valentine's Day. The florist delivered one single rose, but the rose was as tall as me. I'm 5'2". To see my very, very, long stemmed single rose, go to: http://tinyurl.com/cuw8wq

* I'd love to meet you. Come on down to our Birthday Book Club Bash at the St. Pete Beach Library, this Sunday February 22nd. Food, giveaways, and chocolate chip cookies for the reader who traveled the farthest. For more information call 727-363-9238.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

 

Dear Reader Column 02-16-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 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 a party! I'm counting down the days. If you're within driving distance I sure hope you can come and celebrate. This Sunday, February 22nd, the St. Pete Beach Library is hosting a 10 year Birthday Party for the book clubs. Cake, door prizes, plenty of friendly faces and I'm even baking and bringing along two dozen chocolate chip cookies for the person who travels the farthest to get to the party.

Book club reader Susie Russo is going to be there, "I am so excited making plans to come meet you on the 22nd," and Cindy, another book club member is ready to party, but doesn't drive long distances so she is offering this proposition.

"Dear Suzanne, I live in Spring Hill, Florida. St. Pete is over 50 miles from me, (south). I was wondering if you knew anyone in the area of Spring Hill or Brooksville who is planning to attend on the 22nd? I would pay for the gas! I do not drive long distances."

Over 50 miles away, whoever teams up with Cindy, bring along some milk for dunking, because I have the feeling you'll be winning my chocolate chip cookies! Seriously, if you are driving Cindy's way, send me an email and I'll hook the two of you up.

And since I'm using today's column to carpool, if anyone else needs transportation just stand alongside the Suncoast Parkway (Highway 589), with a book in hand and that will be the signal for Cindy and her driver to pick you up! See you at the St. Pete Beach Library, at 2 p.m. on the 22nd. I can't wait. For more information call the library at 727-363-9238.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Win free copies of books you'll read and never forget from these terrific authors: Andrew Peterson, First to Kill; Linda Fairstein, Lethal Legacy; Barbara Delinsky, While My Sister Sleeps; and Nicole Young, Kiss Me If You Dare; Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader