Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 07-17-09

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,

I write a story and readers write one back to me...

"Dear Suzanne,

While reading your column today, I was reminded of my favorite reality-check phrase. This bit of wisdom was given to me by a nun who was teaching a psychology class I took shortly after separating from my first (alcoholic) husband. I was feeling guilty about abandoning him and I was really beating myself up about it. This wonderful woman taught the class about guilt that day. She taught us about how heavy an emotion it is and how useless it is, in its heaviness. She then taught everyone about the things we say to ourselves that cause us to feel guilty about a feeling or an action.
A primary trigger phrase: 'I should have ___________' (you fill in the blank).

Next came her gift to the class. She taught us this phrase:

'Thou Shalt Not Should on Thyself.'

I have carried that gift with me ever since, and shared it untold times along the way. It became a favorite of my (second) husband's and it was one of the last things I said to him before he died in March. He was feeling guilty for leaving me too soon, for smoking the cigarettes that gave him the lung cancer that took him from me. I will say that there was not a day that went by, that I did not wish he was not smoking. In the end however, he had no cause for guilt for his choices or his actions. I chose to be with him, and not for a minute did I ever regret that choice.

'Sweetie, thou shalt not should on thyself.'

Best to you and thank you for sharing your gem today. Hope you find this one a good addition to your repertoire."--Chriss

"Suzanne,

Thank you for your message today. It was very timely for me and my friends here at work. Lay-offs are going to be announced tomorrow. We've known about it for a week and it has not been a pleasant atmosphere around here. Rumors are rampant and we hash them over constantly. It is stressful.

When I opened my e-mail from you this morning, it was like a giant light bulb clicking on. I know your note was addressing negative comments, but it has a great application to our situation, too. We have spent all this time and energy worrying over something out of our control. Frankly, 'I just don't have that kind of time' to worry over it anymore. I shared your e-mail with my pals and they really appreciated the message, too. Thank you very much for bringing a reality check into our week that we very much needed."--Dot

If you missed the column Dot and Chriss are referring to, you'll find it at: http://tinyurl.com/mjbtea

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 Jonathan Kellerman then read about great thrillers from: Chris Kuzneski, Blake Crouch, James Scott Bell, Howard Shrier, Vicki Hinze, John Gilstrap, Carolyn Haines, Dakota Banks, Eric Wilson, Julie Kramer, Robert Gregory Browne, Leslie Parrish, Eric Stone, John M. Wills, Mike Lawson, Robert Liparulo and Laura Caldwell. Go to: http://www.thrillerwriters.org

* This month's Penguin Classics book is The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields. To comment on the book and enter the Penguin Classics Drawing, go to: http://tinyurl.com/JulyClassics

Dear Reader Column 07-16-09

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,

Who eats orange Popsicles? Apparently hundreds of readers do, because my mailbox was flooded with orange-loving emails last week. Some were from irked orange readers, others offered alternatives or were pitching their favorite flavor. If you missed the original 168 orange Popsicle column, go to: http://tinyurl.com/l2zk39

From My Orange Email Bag:

"I found this morning's diatribe on popsicles to be one of your most amusing (and relatable) columns yet. I, too, suffer from this product dysfunction. As for your popsicles, I did a little quick math. Based on 168 orange popsicles, packaged 12 per box, you purchased 14 boxes. Since the division came out exact, I'm left to ask whether you actually tried an orange Popsicle. Are you sure you are dissatisfied? Perhaps you should send back only 167 so that it will appear as though you actually sampled the offending novelty."--Carrie Davis-Kujath

"Suzanne, I have been 'reading with friends' for a while now and I have thought of writing often. And I just couldn't stop myself this time. I LOVE the orange popsicles. I refuse to eat the grape (yuck) and the cherry reminds me of liquid cough medicine. There has to be more orange lovers out there--somewhere."--Billie Hickman

"Suzanne, my favorite popsicle since I was a child is orange. It's the first flavor I'd pick from the box. I've never heard anyone so vehemently against orange until now. But the real purpose of my email is to tell you, to try Edy's popsicles. The ones we get around here come in three flavors, lime, raspberry and grape. Not an orange in the box!"--Margi Pomeroy

"Now I know you're crazy!! Orange popsicles are the BEST!! Next to orange pop."--Jeanne T.

"Hi Suzanne, Normally I agree with your opinions and thoughts but today I am firmly against. Orange popsicles are the best! I also prefer orange lifesavers--the cherry ones are way too sweet."--Cathy G.

"I'm embarrassed to admit after reading your column this morning that I love orange popsicles!! Wow, NOBODY you know likes them?? They were always the first ones I ate out of the box when I was a kid. I haven't had one in ages. I'll have to go buy a box." --;p

"Suzanne, you are the strange one. I love orange Popsicles and orange sherbet, etc. Everyone in Florida should like oranges. Sorry about that."--Gareth

"Suzanne, I am one of those people who like Orange Popsicles. Actually, they are my favorite, then I would eat the cherry, but the grape would pile up forever in my freezer until I found someone to eat them. I really do enjoy your columns and today's is the first one that I ever wrote in a comment on, because I thought you needed to know someone out in the world really does like orange popsicles. (I'll keep on reading with you.)"--Marlene Schultz

"No-o-o-o-o-o-o-o, orange popsicles are the best! That's why the company puts more orange in the box than any other flavor. Is the Florida humidity affecting your taste buds?? As my Grandma used to say, if we all liked the same stuff, there wouldn't be enough to go around."--Marlene Pittsburgh, PA

Thanks for reading with me, (even if you do love orange popsicles!) It's so good to read with friends.

Thanks for the laugh,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise that there are five that deserve your attention: Kwei Quartey, Wife of the Gods; Mary Guterson, Gone to the Dogs; Phyllis Norton Hoffman, Honey, It's All in the Shoes; Susan Mallery, Straight From the Hip; Clyde Ford, Whiskey Gulf. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

* This month's Penguin Classics book is The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields. To comment on the book and enter the Penguin Classics Drawing, go to: http://tinyurl.com/JulyClassics

 

Dear Reader Column 07-15-09

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,

There's power in numbers, but it only takes one. One single person holding a protest sign on the street corner can get coverage on a slow news day (which is good news if I'm the person holding the sign). But the bad news is, it also takes only one negative comment to change the focus of an entire day.

A friend of mine, a very talented successful author, sent an email to me a few months ago because she'd visited a book site, and one of the reviews about her latest book was less than complimentary. The "reviewer" spewed negativity about every page in the book, even mentioning the photo on the inside dust jacket. Every other reader's comment at the site was glowing--and there were a lot of them--but all my friend could concentrate on was that one meant-to-be-mean review. Isn't it amazing how one nasty comment has such sticking power?

One person, one nasty comment, I wasn't sure what I could say to help my friend feel better, but then one single book came to my rescue. Earlier that morning I had been rereading an old favorite, Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott and I remembered reading about an experience Anne had when she was shopping with a friend.

"...a month before my friend Pammy died, she said something that may have permanently changed me. We had gone shopping for a dress for me to wear that night to a nightclub... I tried on a lavender mini dress, which is not my usual style. I tend to wear big, baggy clothes. ...the dress fit perfectly and I came out to model it for her. I stood there feeling very shy and self-conscious and pleased. Then I said, 'Do you think it makes my hips look too big?' and she said to me slowly, 'Annie? I really don't think you have that kind of time.'"

"I don't think you have that kind of time either," I told my friend. "You are an outstanding writer. The review wasn't constructive criticism, just someone who wanted to be mean. Don't go back and reread it any more."--Love, Suzanne

It's so easy to let one little comment steal the joy, I know, because it's happened to me many times. I just hope next time I remember those magic words, "Suzanne, I really don't think you have that kind of time."

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

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

* This month's Penguin Classics book is The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields. To comment on the book and enter the Penguin Classics Drawing, go to: http://tinyurl.com/JulyClassics

Dear Reader Column 07-14-09

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,

This month's Penguin Classic The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields, has arrived and I have Penguin Book Bags to give away to seven lucky readers.

Preview this month's book, share the Classics with a friend, encourage them to sign up for a book club and give them a great summer recipe, too. I've designed some fun flyers that tell people how to join, and it includes one of my favorite recipes, Orange Poppy Seed Cake. It's the perfect summer recipe, so easy, because I cheat when I make it from "scratch."

To enter this month's drawing, simply print out some flyers, distribute them, then send me an email, (please include your name and address in case you're a winner) and I'll enter you in the drawing for your own Penguin Book Bag. It's my favorite book bag.

To print copies of the recipe flyer, go to: http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/users/test/mweb/path23-15.html

**You can get a discount on the Classics all year long at the Penguin site. Use the code "Dreader10" when you purchase Classics.

**Congratulations to the Weekend Crossword Puzzle winners of the Dolly Madison Muffin Mix recipe cards: Cathy Feola-Thompson, Tammy Oskey, Josie Roetemeyer, Tillie Ray and Todd Smith.

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 Jonathan Kellerman then read about great thrillers from: Chris Kuzneski, Blake Crouch, James Scott Bell, Howard Shrier, Vicki Hinze, John Gilstrap, Carolyn Haines, Dakota Banks, Eric Wilson, Julie Kramer, Robert Gregory Browne, Leslie Parrish, Eric Stone, John M. Wills, Mike Lawson, Robert Liparulo and Laura Caldwell. Go to: http://www.thrillerwriters.org

Dear Reader Column 07-13-09

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,

We'd never met, but it felt like I was visiting an old friend when I stopped by Ruth Farello's house to drop off her book club prize. Ruth was one of our first Weekend Crossword Puzzle winners and since she lives in Sarasota (where I live) I decided to personally deliver her prize.

"I know so much about you from reading your column, I feel like you're family," Ruth said when she hugged me at the door, and it felt that way to me, too.

I'd even brought some of my family with me. My husband Bob came along as the camera man, and I brought grandson Paul along because he's just so darn cute. Ruth had invited two of her close friends, Gloria and Margaret, and we all sat down for coffee, cookies and cupcakes decorated red, white and blue for the 4th of July. And to our surprise in the middle of our coffee and cupcakes two-and-a-half year old Paul sat himself down at Ruth's piano and gave a recital.

To see a photo of my visit with Ruth and Paul's recital, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com:80/photo/ruth-prize.html

Read about Dana, another Money Maze winner, who loves the Stillwater Public Library. Go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/Money-Puzzle070709.html

The Weekend Crossword Puzzle winners will be announced in Tuesday's column.

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

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

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise that there are five that deserve your attention: Kwei Quartey, Wife of the Gods; Mary Guterson, Gone to the Dogs; Phyllis Norton Hoffman, Honey, It's All in the Shoes; Susan Mallery, Straight From the Hip; Clyde Ford, Whiskey Gulf. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

Dear Reader Column 07-10-09

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 the weekend (well almost) and it's time to do a little tasty research. Treat yourself to our second Weekend Crossword Puzzle. There are twenty puzzle questions that will entice you to cook something this weekend, or at least inspire you to enter today's drawing. You'll find all of the answers at my Recipe Blog. Whether you decide to do the puzzle or not, be sure to enter today's drawing. I have five handwritten copies of my Dolly Madison Muffin Mix recipe to give away and they'll arrive in a plastic cover. The Dolly Madison Muffin Mix keeps in the refrigerator for four weeks, so you can make a few muffins every morning with your coffee. (And it's one of the answers to the Weekend Crossword.) You'll find the Dolly Madison Muffins and all of the other answers to the puzzle at:

To enter this week's giveaway go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/crossword070909.html

And today's the last day to enter the "First Reader" contest with author Nate Kenyon. Email him at:  nate@natekenyon.com

Have a wonderful weekend. I hope you enjoyed this week's book.

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

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

P.S. Five lucky people will have a chance to become a "first reader" of Nate Kenyon's new work. Email Nate at nate@natekenyon.com with the subject line "First Reader Contest." The winners will receive a signed copy of Nate's new novel, The Bone Factory--and a signed manuscript copy of the first draft of his work in progress, Sparrow Rock. Read his new book even before his editor does. There's a catch, though--he's looking for feedback. Tell Nate what you think of his story and your comments will help him fine-tune the book as it goes through the editing process. Sound like fun? Email Nate, he's waiting to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 07-08-09

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,

The Popsicle box of 24 gives it top billing, first in the line up..."Orange, Cherry, Grape," but that's not the order at my house. Who eats orange Popsicles? I sure don't! I can't even persuade my grandson to eat the orange dregs piled up in my freezer. At the tender young age of 2 1/2, even he knows what tastes good, so why doesn't the Popsicle company? Buying the 24 economy size box may be the best bargain, (actually it's the only size the grocery stores around me sell) but it's a financial disaster, because 6 are cherry, 6 are grape and 12 are orange.

I got hooked on Popsicles during my six week recovery from a recent surgery; two Popsicles in the morning and two in the afternoon, a total of four every day--not one of them orange. That's forty-two days of eating Popsicles and since there were only 12 edible ones in a box; 6 cherry and 6 grape, there are now 168 orange Popsicles stacked up in my freezer. I considered "going green" and recycling, passing them on to an orange loving friend, but after a quick phone survey, not one of my friends like orange Popsicles either. (Well actually most of my friends hadn't eaten a Popsicle since they were ten--but everyone said "Yuck!" immediately when I mentioned orange.)

I'm usually the odd person out when it comes to being in the "popular consumer group." The nail polish I like gets canceled, the television shows I find entertaining get cut after the pilot, so until I checked on the Internet to see what other folks had to say about orange Popsicles, I figured I was odd girl out on my Popsicle tastes, too. But I'm not alone, "Just Say NO to orange Popsicles" seems to be the consensus.

"Satisfaction Guaranteed!" Is what the message on the Popsicle box says: "If you're not satisfied with the quality of this product or have any questions or comments...send the reason for your dissatisfaction along with the entire side panel of the box and a prompt adjustment of equal value will be made." So, I'm taking Popsicle at their word. I've packaged up the entire side panel from my box along with my "dissatisfaction"--168 orange Popsicles (in plastic zip bags).

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

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

P.S. Five lucky people will have a chance to become a "first reader" of Nate Kenyon's new work. Email Nate at nate@natekenyon.com with the subject line "First Reader Contest." The winners will receive a signed copy of Nate's new novel, The Bone Factory--and a signed manuscript copy of the first draft of his work in progress, Sparrow Rock. Read his new book even before his editor does. There's a catch, though--he's looking for feedback. Tell Nate what you think of his story and your comments will help him fine-tune the book as it goes through the editing process. Sound like fun? Email Nate, he's waiting to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 07-07-09

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,

This week you could be one of the five lucky readers chosen to read an author's manuscript even before his editor does!

Thriller writer Nate Kenyon is offering something very special for five lucky Dear Reader subscribers: a chance to become a "first reader" of his new work. Email Nate at nate@natekenyon.com with the subject line "First Reader Contest," and at the end of the week he will choose five names out of a hat. The winners will receive a signed copy of his new novel, The Bone Factory--and a signed manuscript copy of the first draft of his work in progress, Sparrow Rock.

These lucky five will get to read his new book even before his editor does. There's a catch though--he's looking for feedback. He'll be asking these first readers what they think of the story, and their comments will help him fine-tune the book as it goes through the editing process.

Sound like fun? Then email Nate and get started! He's waiting to hear from you.

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

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

P.S. Congratulations to the winners of the Calling Card Holder Giveaway: Pam Wissore, Dennis A. Matejka, Susan Biggs, Katey McKinley, Chandra Stewart and Mim Grossman.

 

Dear Reader Column 07-02-09

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,

Skunk Beans, Siesta Key Hats, Money Mazes, if you've never entered one of my weekly giveaways, you should. Someone always wins and it might as well be you. Ruth was one of the winners in last week's Money Maze giveaway and since she lives in Sarasota, just like me, I'm delivering her prize in person.

My Skunk Bean recipe is on the back of our new Book Club Calling Card. Help spread the word about your book club. Enter today's drawing for a leather calling card holder filled with cards that promote the book clubs. Hand them out to your family and friends. Thanks for spreading the word. I sure do appreciate it. To enter today's drawing (I have 5 calling card holders for readers) and to see the lucky Siesta Key Hat winner from Tuesday's column, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/hats063009.html

From my Email Bag:

"Dear Suzanne, I made your Skunk Bean recipe yesterday for a church dinner and they went over big. I only had a little to bring back home with me, but what I brought home was enough for my son and me, and we both loved them. So different from your ordinary baked beans. Love it! By the way I made a double batch."--Always a Reader, Loretta Blimline

*You'll find the Skunk Bean recipe at:
http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/users/susandemo/mweb/path1-23.html

"Dear Suzanne, I have printed the Weekend Crossword Puzzle and plan to enter. I very seldom win anything but I really, really like that Money Maze. It would be perfect to send my grandson for his 20th birthday on July 8. Of course with a little gift inside! I also live in Sarasota, so I would truly appreciate knowing where you purchased it. My walking is limited and this would eliminate going to umpteen toy stores before I would find it. I have been a fan of your column for several years and can honestly say you give me more chuckles and smiles than a lot of people. Thank you."--Ruth Farello

(Response from Suzanne:)

Ruth, I'll personally be knocking on your door soon, with your winning Money Maze!

"Thanks for the fabulous Siesta Key hat as well for the books you introduce us to, and the inspiring and funny daily column--it's my favorite part of the morning!! Hugs from your devoted reader."--Sabine

*Be sure to enter today's drawing, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/hats063009.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: Nate Kenyon, The Bone Factory; Emilie Richards, Happiness Key; Carla Neggers, The Mist; Hank Phillippi Ryan, Prime Time; and Gaelen Foley, My Wicked Marquess. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

Dear Reader Column 07-01-09

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,

The past few weeks my husband and I have been fixing up our house like we're getting ready to sell it. But we're not. Why do people (including me), usually wait until they decide to sell their house to get their house in order? Why don't I fix things up while I'm living here, so I get to enjoy them instead of strangers?

I'm thanking the Home and Garden Channel for my newfound desire to fix things up around my house, and to even notice they needed fixing in the first place. For six weeks, mostly lying around in bed recuperating from surgery, HGTV was my favorite channel. I vowed when my energy returned, a transformation would happen in my house and it's going on right now.

The wrought iron railing on my side porch has been painted, the ceiling in my dressing room and bedroom are being touched up. The roof sprung a leak two years ago, the roof got fixed, but the watermark stains were left behind. The sexy little lights underneath my kitchen cupboards fizzled out over a year ago, the grout on my kitchen floor needed mending here and there, and some of the wooden blinds in my house were damaged when Mama Cat, (the feral cat I take care of) had surgery three years ago. Mama had to recuperate indoors and when the anesthesia wore off, she scoured my wooden window blinds looking for an escape. Mama's surgery scars healed, but the claw marks on my wooden blinds didn't. I've even hired a carpenter to screen in my front porch and the minute the old fashioned porch railings were in place, it was instant curb appeal. (And no mosquitoes.)

Just like you and me, even the folks on HGTV do the math when they're evaluating what to spend money on. If you update a kitchen it means extra dollars when you sell, repaint and it's money in the bank, screen in your front porch--I have no idea what that means in dollars--but in the meantime the enjoyment of sitting on the front porch is priceless to me.

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

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

P.S. Congratulations to the winners of last week's Hat Giveaway (don't forget to send me a photo when you get the chance): Cara Coe, Mary Diane Hawkins, Sabine Veasey and Martie Philpot.