Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 06-16-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

He doesn't let me touch him, he sleeps on top of my car, and is covered with fleas, but I can't get close enough to do anything about it. Turkey with gravy better be on the breakfast menu or he gets that look in his eye. Basically he's an aloof, stereo-type kitty, "Feed me on demand, ice cubes in my water--thank you kindly, provide a shady place to sleep, but don't expect me to snuggle up to you." So why am I missing Goldie, the feral cat my husband and I have been taking care of for the past two years? Goldie hasn't been around for a few days and I realized this morning just how sad that makes me feel.

A ragged looking Goldie (the name my husband and I gave him because of his reddish-orange fur) showed up in our yard a couple of years ago. Goldie kept his distance, sitting on the edge of our lawn waiting for Mama and Papa (two strays we adopted five years ago), to finish eating lunch on our side porch. Once Mama and Papa left, Goldie came over and gobbled up the leftovers. We didn't mind one more mouth to feed, but it did bother us that Goldie wasn't neutered. Obviously he was a party-boy, out all hours of the night, doing who-knows-what.

So as soon as Goldie started to feel more comfortable around us, we set up a walk-in cage, and slid his turkey and gravy dish way in the back. After four attempts we finally succeeded--secured the door and off we went to the vet. My vet had kindly offered, "If you can catch him, Suzanne, I'll do the surgery for free."

Two weeks after the surgery Goldie was a changed kitty, and he settled into a new routine. Eat, take morning and afternoon walks around the neighborhood, chase a few geckos and squirrels, and then settle-in for a late afternoon nap on the top of my car, or on my chaise lawn chair. Even though Goldie still wouldn't let us pet him, he'd become part of the family. The "strange-one" in the family I admit, but then I'm pretty strange myself, so we bonded from afar.

And now, here I sit feeling miserable. Why did I let myself get so attached to that cat? I think I'll call the cat shelters and animal control later today to see if someone snagged him. But it's going to be a weird conversation: "Do you have a collarless, feral, orange tabby? He's our cat, but there's a slight problem. It's a love/hate relationship. Goldie's had a hard life and is afraid to get too close. But he's our cat, we feed him, got him fixed and he sleeps on top of my car (which has the scratches to prove it). But he won't let me get near him--you don't happen to deliver, do you?"

All this worry and fuss, but in the midst of writing this column, when I looked up through my sun window...

To see the wayward Goldie and to enter this week's Muffins and Mayhem cap drawing go to: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/node/280

To start reading MUFFINS AND MAYHEM in HTML go to: http://www.supportlibrary.com/bc/v.cfm?L=%%list.name%%&V=N1FE39FF2171

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

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

Dear Reader Column 06-15-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

Congratulations to last week's Muffins and Mayhem cap winners: Julie Lincoln, Rae Ann Boerger, Beth Blee, Micky McWilliams and Marilyn Gervais.

From my Email Bag:

"Hi Suzanne--I've just begun reading your Muffins & Mayhem book and am thoroughly enjoying it. If my wife had not suffered a small stroke, we probably would have been at one of my 'informal' class reunions tonight. Held, just because someone thinks we'll all buy the farm before we reach 75 yrs. or more. Anyway, reading of your return to Cuba City [where you grew up] with your husband and losing yourself in 'things gone by, but not forgotten' reminds me of one of your most insightful views into the inner life of our memories. When you close [Main Street, Chapter Two in your book] with, 'Yes, we're walking together hand-in-hand, but my husband's on Main Street, and me--I'm strolling down Memory Lane.' That is a most beautiful expression of the juxtaposition of the inner and outer self, the physical and the spiritual, the past and present as one can paint."--Thanks, Fred Bean

"Suzanne--been reading with you for a number of years, have used some of your recipes, just tried your Gramma Hale's Banana Bread--loved it! I don't bake a lot, but love banana bread. Your recipe was easy and wonderful. My son, a Red Seal Chef breezed in, cut himself a couple of slices, grabbed a glass of milk 'great banana bread Mum, make it again!' It doesn't get better than that!!"--Patti Campbell

Visit my new website: www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

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

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

Dear Reader Column 06-14-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

Since 1999 it's been my pleasure to introduce you to other authors' books; today I have the pleasure of presenting my own book, Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life. It's the book for the week in our Nonfiction Book Club. But not to worry if you read in another genre, in addition to your featured book, you'll find an HTML link that will allow you to sample my book, too. Page-by-page, photos and recipes included, you can read "The Recipe for This Book" and "Chapter One: A Budding Chef."

Over the years, many authors have thanked me for selecting their book for the book clubs. (5,148 titles to date) I've felt the sincerity of their gratitude, but now that I'm a published author myself, with the huge task of getting the word out about my book--I understand first-hand just how heartfelt those authors' thank you's really were.

You've been part of my writing inspiration and cheering me on every step of the way. In the middle of working on the book, when I thought I was in way over my head, one of you would send an email about how much you enjoyed my column and reading your words--cheered me on. I have been blessed. Thank you.

And thank you for purchasing my book and for buying copies for friends. It's been a lot of fun reading the bookplate requests, and reading about the "reasons" you're giving them to folks. I've even been signing bookplates for Christmas gifts.

Hopefully if you purchased my book, you didn't have to struggle as much as Carol Royce...what a trooper!

"Dear Suzanne, I did get into Border's this past weekend to buy your book. I, too, looked all over the front store displays hoping to see your book. Not finding it there, I went to the Help Desk and searched on their computer. The clerk next to me asked if he could help. I told him I thought I would be able to find it myself. But the computer said, it was located in World History!!!! I said that was a strange location and proceeded to briefly tell the clerk about your column.

So off we went to locate it. Searching high and low, couldn't find it. I told the clerk it has a bright yellow cover! So he went to another computer nearby and accessed an employee only search. It said it would be in Biography, so off we went again. It was there on a center display table, and your book was on the top shelf, facing outward, rather than laying in a stack.

But it was on the BACK of the display! I asked the clerk if there was any problem with putting your stack on the FRONT and moving another selection to the back. He said no, and that yours was brighter anyway. So I did! My little way of helping promote your book. I've lost how to request a bookplate--that will be a first for me, I have never put a bookplate in my books."--Carol Royce

Carol, your autographed bookplate and bookmark are on the way, and I've included a Muffins and Mayhem cap as a thank you for bringing my book to the front of the display!

To sample Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life go to: http://www.supportlibrary.com/bc/v.cfm?L=muffins&V=N1FE39FF2171

You'll also find links to request a signed bookplate for your book, in-person book club "goodies," and other fun things.

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

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: Dan Walsh, The Homecoming; Claire Avery, Hidden Wives; Michele Scott, El Patron; Jessica Shattuck, Perfect Life: A Novel; and Lauren Belfer, A Fierce Radiance. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 06-11-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

When I went out to retrieve my husband's Wall Street Journal early yesterday morning, there it was sitting in front of my house as usual, but "Surprise!" next to the newspaper was a shiny shopping cart. Complete with an easy-to-locate SweetBay item-menu on the handle: pancake mix in aisle 4, kidney beans in aisle 2.

Was it a sign? "Suzanne, it's time to buy groceries." Or perhaps it was a new marketing gimmick by SweetBay supermarkets? (I do most of my shopping at their competitor's store.) Or maybe the shopping cart was a "reality" advertising insert too large to fit in the Wall Street Journal? Or could the cart belong to the person who stole plants out of my yard a few weeks ago? Now overcome with guilt, the thief feels the need to repay me somehow. And since he or she has already sold my plants, the shopping cart they transported them in, is their way of making amends? The possibilities about "why" a shopping cart was in front of my house were endless, but the real issue was--what do I do with it?

A friend suggested calling the manager at SweetBay, "One of your carts ran away from home. Would you come and pick it up, please?" I imagine the manager would be thrilled--I checked on the Internet--this cart sells for $227.29. But instead, I decided to push the cart back home to SweetBay; it's only a 20-minute walk from my house.

"I'm sure they'll send someone to pick it up," my friend was insistent and couldn't understand why I'd want to take the time to walk the cart back.

Strange little opportunities showing up on my doorstep, I look at them as an invitation to experience something less ordinary in life. In this case, nothing dramatic happened on my walk back to SweetBay. Some folks driving past me did snicker, I could see them looking at me when they stopped for a red light. But it was a beautiful day for a walk, I was blessed that the shopping cart didn't have one of those noisy, unruly wheels that wants to veer off to the left, and strange as it sounds, the shopping cart and I did a little bonding and it made me feel good to wheel it safely back home.

Of course there are a couple of photos, including an interesting sign hanging above the cart caddy where I returned the cart. To see the photos, to enter today's Muffins and Mayhem hat giveaway, or read a sample from Muffins and Mayhem and request a free autographed bookplate for your copy of my new book, go to: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/content/win-cap

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

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

KIDSBUZZ: This week, books about telling stories and new siblings, the drama and trauma of high school, magic and possibilities, action adventure, and asking questions from Sarah Sullivan, Once Upon a Baby Brother; Sue Wyshynski, Poser; Jennifer Cervantes, Tortilla Sun; Charlie Higson, The Enemy; and Deborah Hopkinson, The Humblebee Hunter. For a chance to win free books and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

Dear Reader Column 06-10-10

Now on sale . . . "Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life" by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

Kristin, one of our fellow book club members asked the question--and I'm so glad she did, because it reminded me of the story about how the table of contents for recipes ended up in my book, Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life.

"Suzanne, I just finished reading your book and I couldn't put it down until I was finished. I'll be hosting my book club at the farm this Friday. So your book will be one of the talked about books.

One thing I would have wished for in your book is an index for your recipes. Minor point, but I am a librarian and love indexes, lots. And I really need to get that shrimp salad recipe now! Thanks again for your presence in my life!"--Kristin F.

(Suzanne replies:)

"Kristin, thank you for the lovely email. Good news! Take another look in the front of Muffins and Mayhem and you'll discover a table of contents for all of the recipes in the book. But the Recipe Table of Contents was a very last minute idea.

Corrections and changes before a book is published are made in 1st, 2nd and even 3rd pass pages if things still need to be checked. Jean, on my staff, helped me go through third pass pages for Muffins and Mayhem. Later that same day, after she was finished working on my book, Jean decided to make the Whoops! Banana Bread recipe, but in order to find it, she had to thumb back through manuscript pages--what a chore. So she called wondering if a Recipe Table of Contents could be added so it would be easier for people to use my book as a cookbook, too.

I thought it was a great idea! (Why didn't I think of that?) So I emailed my editor and 10 minutes later, a decision had been made to add a Recipe Table of Contents to my book. But there was a slight problem. Because it was so close to press time, we couldn't add any extra pages to the book. So if I wanted to add a Recipe Table of Contents, I would have to give up my Dedication page. That wasn't a very appealing idea, but then I suggested putting the dedication at the top of my Acknowledgements Page.

Shift, move, double check recipes, and the corresponding pages; it was a lot of last minute hoop-la--but well worth it and apparently it was a fantastic idea, because you thought of it, too, Kristen.

By the way, if your in-person book club decides to read my book, be sure to check out Book Club Goodies at: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/content/book-club-goodies

I'd love to come and meet everyone in your book club and cook with you. If you would like signed bookplates and bookmarks, be sure to let me know and I'll send them right out."

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

* Guess whose book is listed at AuthorBuzz this week? Check out my special free signed book for your library's FRIENDS group and read about other great new titles at AuthorBuzz, go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

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

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these are five that deserve your attention: Suzanne Beecher, Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life; Josie Brown, Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives; Maggie Brendan, A Love of Her Own; Lisa Brackmann, Rock Paper Tiger; and Sue Duffy, Fatal Loyalty. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

Dear Reader Column 06-09-10

Now on sale . . . "Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life" by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

From my Email Bag:

Hi Suzanne, I purchased your book yesterday at Borders in Utica, Michigan. I was disappointed there was only one copy left in the store. It was on a shelf in the memoir section. Where was the big display in the aisle? I hope they order more and set up a cute display! Good Luck with your book."--Heather Wojcik

(Suzanne replies:) Heather, I didn't realize it until my own book was published, but those big book displays in the stores, including the books you see out on tables featuring "just released" titles, those spots are all paid for by the publisher. Just like in grocery stores, where the shelf space is paid for by manufacturers, the table space and end-caps in bookstores are prime paid locations. Thankfully for me, and many other authors, word-of-mouth is still the best way to sell a book. Thank you for making some noise about my book, and if anyone out there buys the last copy in a store--be sure to let the manager know he or she needs to reorder. I sure would appreciate it.

"Suzanne, I just wanted to let you know that mom got her book yesterday and she was sooo excited since yesterday was her birthday! What a great surprise! The timing couldn't have been better! Thank you for being a part of making her 74th birthday very special indeed. She says it is a treasure..."--Heidi

It was an honor to be part of Heidi's mother's birthday celebration. If you give a copy of my book, Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life as a birthday gift, a "just because" gift to a friend, or to your dad for Father's Day, let me know and I'll send an autographed bookplate, bookmark and personal letter.

Win your own Muffins and Mayhem cap, enter the drawing (if you're a book club that meets in person be sure to check out the Book Club Goodies) and read a sample from my book at: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/content/win-cap

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

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

KIDSBUZZ: This week, books about telling stories and new siblings, the drama and trauma of high school, magic and possibilities, action adventure, and asking questions from Sarah Sullivan, Once Upon a Baby Brother; Sue Wyshynski, Poser; Jennifer Cervantes, Tortilla Sun; Charlie Higson, The Enemy; and Deborah Hopkinson, The Humblebee Hunter. For a chance to win free books and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

 

Dear Reader Column 06-08-10

Now on sale . . . "Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life" by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

"Suzanne, love the [Skunk Beans] beans, but could you please explain how they got their name? I am sure others also wonder."--Karen C.

Karen, your question is perfect timing. My Skunk Bean recipe is one of my all-time favorites, but I never knew the story behind the beans until two weeks ago. I was looking through some old recipes I'd found in my mother's kitchen cupboard after she passed away, when I discovered a folded piece of paper with the heading, "Beans for Skunk Party." Instantly I was smiling, because I realized how the Skunk Beans got their name.

Almost every other Sunday evening the Tindell clan (including my dad, his four sisters, and Grandma and Grandpa Tindell) got together to play some serious Euchre. The kitchen in Grandma Tindell's house was so small that when the table was pulled open to seat everyone, you could barely walk around it. But that didn't matter. Get out the blue and red chips, which represented pennies--it wasn't about the money--it was all about winning the game and could you "skunk" your opponents in the process.

Euchre isn't a complicated game, but until you've played awhile, the table talk can sound like a foreign language. "Fishing out, dead-set legend, the ribbit, farm hand or no ace/no face, follow suit, trump, and skunked--which means that you and your partner lost the game without scoring one single point. Rumor has it that in some Euchre circles a team that gets skunked, also gets a "bum run." (If you and your partner get skunked you must run about a predetermined route--naked!)

I was just a kid, who sat by herself in the living room watching The Wonderful World of Disney alone, because none of my dad's sisters brought their children along, and there was a wall between the kitchen and me, so as far as I know no one ever did a bum run. But I do remember my mother frequently taking Skunk Beans to the Sunday evening Euchre party.

The Skunk Bean recipe is in my new book, Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life. Read a sample from my book, enter today's giveaway--a Muffins and Mayhem baseball cap--just like the one I wear, and if you purchase a copy of my book for yourself or friends, be sure to request autographed bookplates. You'll find today's giveaway and oodles of other fun stuff at: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/content/win-cap

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
Author: Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

 

Dear Reader Column 06-07-10

Now on sale . . . "Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life" by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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 was grateful for a long red light the other day, otherwise I would never had noticed a man pushing a baby carriage. I could see as he walked in front of my car there was a little baby girl inside of the carriage. After the man crossed over to the other side of the street, and was safely on the curb, daddy bent over to check on his little bundle of joy. And the smile on his face told me he must have been reassuring his daughter that he loved her, and would always be there to watch over her.

I spend a lot of time working on trying to keep myself feeling grounded. Yet some days worrying about the future consumes too much of my thoughts. Being privileged to share this father/daughter moment reminded me that if I want to ease my spirit and find peace, instead of worrying about what's down the road, maybe what I'm looking for is right in front of me.

BOOK REPORT for Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life.

"Dear Suzanne: Your book came yesterday. I was in the middle of one of Elizabeth Peters' books (need I say more?) and just set it aside for a moment to look at yours. I was hooked. Elizabeth got put aside while I followed Suzanne's life. My big brother, when I did something great--like tying my shoes for the first time--he'd say 'You done good!' And Suzanne...'you done good!' I was fascinated, following the downs, and the important 'ups' in your amazing life. At the old age of 92, I have faced a few battles along the way, but I've always had support...which perhaps for the first time, I am beginning to realize. Your book can't help being a success." Congratulations...--Marion Lillie

To see if you were a winner in last week's "That's My Baby Giveaway," to read a sample from my book, and to enter today's drawing for a Muffins and Mayhem cap, go to: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/content/win-cap

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

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

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these are five that deserve your attention: Suzanne Beecher, Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life; Josie Brown, Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives; Maggie Brendan, A Love of Her Own; Lisa Brackmann, Rock Paper Tiger; and Sue Duffy, Fatal Loyalty. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

Dear Reader Column 06-04-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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 has been a bundle of emotions for me, because my book Muffins and Mayhem finally went on sale. I remember other times in my life when I've challenged myself, put my heart and soul into something and when the big day finally arrived, I felt overwhelmed. So I guess I shouldn't be surprised that this week I've been feeling high above the clouds one minute, and tearing up with a case of baby blues the next.

Your emails have been so kind and generous. Thank you. Hundreds of you have written sending best wishes, expressing what the book club means to you, and who you're sharing a copy of Muffins and Mayhem with. If you purchase a copy of my book, be sure to request an autographed bookplate and bookmark. And if you're also buying a copy for a friend, I'll send your friend a "Happy Birthday" or "A Gift for You" letter, along with a signed bookplate and bookmark, too.

I thought I'd share a few of the fun, interesting, requests:

Nancy Somers requested a bookplate for a copy of my book she's giving to her mother: "My mom is my rock, she is the most dependable person I know. I work and have three children and she cares for them all while I'm gone--even though she lives 30 minutes away. She even makes it in winter storms! She's the best and I want something special for her and your book will do the trick! Thanks for all the great recommendations throughout the years."

Deb Christmas said she's an avid fan and, "I've been waiting for this book even before YOU thought about writing it, I think! Send me a signed bookplate, please."

Karen wrote: "I am due with my first child in less than two weeks. Her name is Elizabeth Anne. My childhood was dominated with abuse and poverty, but I've overcome all that. I'm happily married and enjoy the finer everyday things in life--bubbles, beautiful crystal glasses for my Kool-Aid, etc. I want to set a great example for Elizabeth and this book is for her. It may be a few years before she can read it, but I'll keep it for her anyway as part of my own inspiration folder for her."

From the youngest to (as far as I know) the oldest, Marion Lillie, who'll be 93 years old this August, used to write a weekly column for the folks in a tiny lakeside town just north of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and asked me to send her a signed bookplate for her copy of Muffins and Mayhem.

Enter today's Book Launch Week fun giveaway. I've got plenty of zany muffin-related items left to give away. Go to: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com:80/content/got-agent

I invite you to visit my website www.MuffinsandMayhem.com View videos, including me going nuts when I realized I had an agent interested in my book, check out the Book Club Goodies for book club members that meet in person, and if you haven't got your own copy of my book yet, read a sample, "The Recipe for This Book" and you can request your own autographed bookplate.

Thank you for buying my book for yourself and for friends--and a special thanks to readers who've purchased copies for their local libraries. I couldn't have written the book without your inspiration. Thanks for reading with me. It's an honor to be part of such a supportive group of reading friends.

Gratefully,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

 

Dear Reader Column 06-03-10

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting: http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

Every day this week I'm giving away zany, fun stuff in celebration of the release of my book, Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life. If you haven't entered, you should. To enter the drawing, or purchase your own copy, and to request a free autographed bookplate, go to: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/content/special-offers

It's been a long journey to publication day and if you've been reading with me for a while, you probably remember reading my column, the day I sold the book to a publisher.

Looking back to April 17th, 2008.

It was a strange day this past Tuesday. Initially when I started writing my column this morning I was going to focus only on Tuesday's good news: My book sold at auction on Tuesday, April 15th! What an exciting thing!

But Tuesday was also the day I had to face the reality that Rudy, my 17-year-old white cat, has apparently been abducted by someone. And it was starting to sink in to my heart that I would probably never see Rudy again.

The auction for my book was at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday. I'd decided earlier that morning, that I was going to put my sadness on the shelf about Rudy, and concentrate on the joy of what was happening with my book--at least for a few hours. My agent was excited, editors who were bidding on my book were excited, friends and readers were rooting for me--a lot of people had put a lot of time and emotion into such a big day, and I didn't want to rob them, or me, of the joy of the moment. I reminded myself that this was the one-and-only day I would be able to celebrate, 'Today I sold my book!' So I whispered to Rudy that I was going to set aside thoughts of him for awhile, but I'd be back soon.

I felt like it was a count down for the space shuttle. T-minus five minutes and counting...10:25...10:26...three minutes more and the auction bids would be submitted. My phone would ring and there would be news. I was a bundle of nerves--surprisingly more nervous than I can ever remember being before.

And so it goes, frequently overwhelming joy and sadness are mixed together in life--same time, same place--and one of the mysteries is finding a way for these feelings to coexist.

(We found Rudy the next day caught underneath our neighbor's house. Amazingly, especially for his 18 years, he was in great shape. Rudy's still sleeping in my writing room today.)

Enter today's giveaway and have fun looking around my new website. Check out the goodies for in-person book clubs, videos, and read a sample from my new book. The direct link to enter today's free drawing is: http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/content/baby

Thank you for reading with me, and for helping me every step of the way in writing Muffins and Mayhem. It's so good to read (and write) with friends supporting you.

Gratefully,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

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