Dear Reader Column 08-26-09

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Dear Reader,

You don't need to be a writer to enter my annual "Write a Dear Reader Contest." All you need to do is grab a notebook and your favorite pen, sit down and start writing about whatever is on your mind. "Life is filled with miracles, only we need to stop and observe." Rita, a woman who reads at the book clubs included this sentiment in a note she sent the other day--and she's right. There are miracles all around us, every day stories waiting to be shared.

Simple is better when you write. Those are my words of advice. Last year's winners and runner-ups wrote about Grandpa's old Dodge pickup, raising children, teenage neighborhood vandals, and "One of our own is down!" It was a frantic cry from blackbirds coming to the rescue of a fallen friend.

If you need some inspiration, read what last year's winners wrote, go to: http://tinyurl.com/lt4yjy

Write a Dear Reader column, see it published at the book clubs and win your own library of books!

Two First Prize winners will each receive an 80 book library (most books are signed by the author), a book bag from Vanguard Press and their column will be published at the book clubs. Four Runner-up winners will each receive 35 books and the winning columns will be featured at the book clubs.

To view the books that will be given away and read the guidelines go to: http://tinyurl.com/qmahqu

A special thank you to author M.J. Rose, and to all of the other authors who signed and donated a copy of their book. I appreciate it.

Don't be shy, there's a story inside of you and I can't wait to read it.

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 Thursday's Bubble, Book and Muffin Recipe Card Giveaway: Joyce Edmeier, Jessica McInish, Robin Steinweg, Shonna McPherson and Millie Henderson.

Comments

[Brady Cartee]

I've read a couple of the entries, and the best thing about them is that they speak clearly and from the heart. That bit about the truck is inspiring. We treasure things because they remind us of the people we love, no matter how old that item is. You're generous to offer this opportunity to avid readers.