Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 08-31-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com



Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

A few book club housekeeping reminders today.

1. Keep the book club fun. Read guilt-free. If a book isn't a good match for you, simply hit the delete key. Every Monday I feature a new title.

2. There are two ways to read your daily book club email. You can continue reading the text version, or to read in HTML, click on the link at the beginning of each day's read:

***** THIS WEEK'S BOOK *****

MOON RIVER AND ME by Andy Williams

Start Reading today's book in HTML: (and click on the link)

Two ways to read, take your pick.

3. If you miss receiving one of your daily reads--if you visit the HTML read you can get it there, or send me an email. I'm always happy to send the missing read to you.

4. Have a question about writing? Each week I'm answering readers' questions about writing. To read all the previous writing questions and answers, go to: http://tinyurl.com/WritingQ-A

Send your writing question to: [email protected]

From my Email Bag:

"Hello Suzanne, I am enjoying all your suggestions about writing. My mother passed away in June and my siblings and I were recently were given an envelope of money that she had worked hard to save for each child. When I eventually opened my envelope, I thought, 'How wonderful it would have been if she had written something to each of us--like a final voice from the grave with some sort of praise or encouragement.' While I appreciate the cash, the words would have been priceless. The money will be deposited in the bank for my children, and I've started to form a letter to each of them, telling them what their lives have meant to me."--Regards, Lee

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

KIDSBUZZ: Email an author, sign up for their giveaway, and learn about great books for kids and teens about opposites, the color black, and imperfect love from Patricia Intriago, DOT; Renee Khatami, LITTLE BLACK BOOK; and Catherine Greenman, HOOKED. For a chance to win free books, meet the authors, and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

AUTHORBUZZ: Debbie Macomber, today's featured author, writes...

In the second-to-last installment of Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove collection, newlyweds Rachel and Bruce Payton have separated--even though Rachel is pregnant--due to the stress Bruce's teenage daughter, Jolene, has placed on their marriage. Beloved town matriarch Charlotte Rhodes is getting forgetful, but could it be more than that? And Linc Wyse's father-in-law is trying to destroy his business.

To read more about 1105 YAKIMA STREET goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

 

Dear Reader Column 08-30-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com



Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

It's a ritual. Every night before I go to bed, I open the sexy, maroon glass container of micro-sculpting cream, take off my glasses, dip my fingers into the silky lotion-potion, and smooth it on my face in upward strokes. Wrinkle experts insist that massaging the magic cream in upward strokes is important, when you reach a certain age, because gravity pulls everything down--I must be at that age. So dutifully, I do my part to smooth the wrinkles away (I love an assignment, a mission, if you will), but just between you-and-me, all I've seemed to accomplish is to soften up the wrinkles so they don't stay in place as much as they used to.

My husband says he doesn't see any wrinkles (isn't he a sweetheart?), but if one or two wrinkles do happen to show up some time in the future (way in the future), like a run in a nylon stocking, he reminds me, "If you don't point it out to people, Suzanne, no one will notice."

So why do these saggy-baggy wrinkles bother me? After all, they're really well-earned badges of life experience. But the wrinkle experts (most likely the makers of the magic lotion-potion) insist that if I stop my ritual, those well earned badges will multiply quickly. So just in case, every evening I'm lotioned-and-potioned, and (I warn my husband) just a little bit slippery.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Susan McBride, today's featured author, writes...

Two sisters, a daughter, and a magical black dress that changes all their lives forever. On her wedding eve, Anna Evans and older sister, Evie, stumble upon a store selling vintage baubles from Paris. Anna buys a silk dress with a mystical past. She wears it to dinner and, the very next day, she vanishes. When Evie realizes the secret of the dress--and why Anna disappeared--her world turns upside-down.

To read more about LITTLE BLACK DRESS goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 08-29-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com

Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

Flicking through television channels the other night, I bumped into a program on the educational station about Benjamin Franklin. It was inspiring to watch, and when it was over I decided that from now on, I'd like to spend more time learning new things.

I'm not suggesting I don't ever learn anything new, but somehow I've strayed away from allowing myself to spend time on things "just because." When I consider learning something new--something that demands a chunk of my time--I feel the need to justify it. How will this new thing further my career, or make me a better person? If it doesn't pass the test, I feel guilty about wasting time on such "nonsense" and I dismiss the idea.

But when I look back, it's the nonsensical times I've spent entertaining new ideas, with no particular goal in mind, that continue to bring me the most joy. Cutting squares and sewing them together; I didn't have a plan when I started, but I ended up with some beautiful, cherished quilts. Writing my thoughts down every day in a journal, led to a daily column, and my daily column led to writing a book, and now I've begun a second one. Turning on a bubble machine, just because, led to an entire neighborhood, including walkers, joggers and moms strolling with their children, all looking forward to walking past the "bubble lady's" house so they can play in the bubbles. When I turned on a bubble machine, that little bit of nonsense, inspired Patty Sullivan (whom I've never met) to send me a card. "Thanks for the bubbles, they make me smile every time I go through them!"

Quilts, a published book, bubbles floating through the air, and thank you cards from strangers, yes, I like how this nonsense learning approach is making me feel.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Laura Griffin, today's featured author, writes...

Life can change in an instant. My mother's did the day she was walking down the street, and the woman beside her was hit by a sniper's bullet.

People often ask where I get my ideas. In my new romantic suspense novel, SNAPPED, the inspiration was personal. The story opens on a college campus where the heroine, Sophie Barrett, is caught up in a deadly shooting. As details emerge, she realizes this wasn't the random act it appeared to be.

To read more about SNAPPED goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 08-26-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com


Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

One day a week I'm answering questions about writing. Have a question? Thanks for asking. You can reach me at: [email protected]

I won't be able to send everyone a personal reply, but look for your question and answer in my column.

Today's question:

"Hi Suzanne, I don't have any aspirations toward writing, but I enjoy reading others. However, just out of curiosity, I had a question regarding pseudonyms. Especially some extremely popular authors, why would they write and publish under another name?"
--Marion Z.

(Suzanne replies:) "What's in a name?" It could mean success or failure for an author. Noms de plumes and pen names, there are many reasons why authors choose to conceal their identity, especially if they're established in a particular genre. If an author's been writing thrillers, that's what their audience is expecting when they buy one of their books. If the author would also like to write Women's Fiction, changing genres might confuse some readers, alienate others, and if the author wasn't successful writing in the new genre, it could affect their career.

Age could be another reason for hiding identity. Readers might think an author's too young to write about a particular subject, or that they're too old for the younger audience they're targeting. If gender could possibly pose a marketing issue, because of the subject matter, instantly Alex is Sandra and Cathy is Martin. Or maybe the author's name just doesn't roll of the tongue easily, and a more distinctive name would make their work more memorable and marketable.

To read previous writing questions and answers, go to: http://tinyurl.com/WritingQ-A

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Allie Larkin, today's featured author, writes...

Savannah 'Van' Leone has loved Peter since the day they met, but Peter has loved Van's best friend, Janie, for almost as long. After serving as maid-of-honor at Janie & Peter's wedding, Van drowns her sorrows in Kool Aid-vodka cocktails and reruns of Rin-Tin-Tin, and accidentally buys a German Shepherd over the Internet from Slovakia.

To read more about STAY: A NOVEL goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 08-25-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com



Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

Thanks for taking the time to write. The best part of my day is reading emails from you.

From my Email Bag:

"Hi Suzanne, thank you for the inspiration to cook with my granddaughters. I love to read your columns about cooking with your grandson Paul, the cooking lessons you gave at the school, and the [11 layer cake] you baked with your grandchildren Seth and Bailey.

I'm not much of a baker but this past weekend when my granddaughters, ages 5 and 6, were visiting, we made English Muffin Pizzas. The girls were so cute and followed all my directions. I kept the oven light on so they could watch the cheese melt and get bubbly. They were so excited to make something themselves. Thank you for starting a great tradition for me and my girls and do you have any ideas for some easy meals?"--Love, Jo

(Suzanne replies:) Last week I made a Chocolate Chip Muffin recipe (chocolate chip muffins are a meal, right?) that I think you and your granddaughters would love. The recipe is so simple. No mixer, simply grab a spoon and mix everything by hand in one bowl. You'll find the recipe at: http://tinyurl.com/ChocolateChipMuffins

"Dear Suzanne, I subscribe to the Business Book Club and enjoy it very much. I have learned quite a bit. Reading the book excerpts has led me to purchase six of the books, to this point. I also purchased your book, Muffins and Mayhem. I enjoyed your life experiences. Your humble nature does not completely hide your inner strength. Your drive to overcome adversity is inspiring! I am constantly amazed at how much of yourself you are willing to reveal to your readers. Thanks for letting me read with you."--Earl M.

(Suzanne replies:) What a compliment, thank you so much Earl. I've started working on another book and I'll save your email for inspiration.

"Suzanne, I first used the Never Fail Pie Crust recipe (that you've shared in your column) when I was in college. It was in a handy little cookbook, and it truly never failed. Back then I made crust from scratch a lot, so pretty soon I didn't need the Never Fail recipe, and I switched to my mother-in-law's more conventional one. Over the years, that little cookbook found its way to someone else's cookbook collection and I lost the recipe. Over those same years, I got jobs that left little time for pie crusts from scratch, and I fell out of practice.

Now I have a daughter and she is interested in making pie crust. I looked high and low for a copy of that recipe, so we could practice together, but I couldn't find it. So we made crust with the standard recipe, and have had some fun piecing the crusts back together when they tear, or come up short. But there's nothing like being able to just moosh the pie dough back into a ball, let it rest a little, and try it again. Thanks to you, we once again have the Never Fail Pie Crust recipe that we can roll and re-roll until we get it just right. It's a blast reading with you."--Sue B.

You'll find the Never Fail Pie Crust recipe at: http://tinyurl.com/yc32z99

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: This week a chance to win gourmet dog cookies, signed books and even e-books from these great authors:

RIVER'S SONG by Melody Carlson

SLEEPER'S RUN by Henry Mosquera

THE VENUS FIX by M.J. Rose

STAY: A NOVEL by Allie Larkin

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

 

Dear Reader Column 08-24-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com



Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

My husband laughs when I tell him what our cats are thinking. Like a horse whisperer, I clearly hear their wants and desires. Most of our conversations are about food, "You're kidding, you're going to serve me turkey and gravy again? I don't do leftovers." So I oblige and open a can of salmon and fill a dish with fresh water and ice cubes. (Billee, our calico girl, demands ice cubes.) How do I know? She told me.

Frequently our cats are jealous of each other, because in their minds there is a pecking order: Billee's the oldest (21 years), Abigail is three, and then there's our newest addition, Barry. Billee thinks she should be fed first, and Abigail feels she deserves the most attention, and she's called dibs on the prime sleeping spot in our bed at night. Two "girls" with a new brother in the house, you'd think the older sisters might look out for their little brother. But instead, Billee wants nothing to do with a rambunctious, wild and crazy kitten, and Abigail clearly says (very loudly)..."I don't care if that new black-and-white Barry is just a kitten, you've been paying way too much attention to him."

Poor Abigail, like any youngster adjusting to a new baby in the house, no matter how much attention we give her, it doesn't ever seem to be enough. And just when Abigail thought it couldn't get any worse, Dayla showed up.

Dayla is our son and daughter-in-law's new, cute, little Savannah kitten. Dayla doesn't like to stay home alone, so when they were planning to go out of town, my son asked if she could spend the night at our house. Two little kittens, full of energy, wrestling and running after each other, Barry and Dayla were instant pals.

So the following week when Barry asked if Dayla could come over again, how could I refuse?

"Can Dayla come over for a play date with Barry tomorrow morning?" I wasn't sure whether my daughter-in-law would think it was a sweet idea, or that I'd lost my mind. So I quickly added, "Dogs go to dog parks to sniff and play with each other, why not play dates for kittens?"

So now once a week, it's not only Paul and James, our two grandsons who come to visit, Dayla comes, too. And why not? Who doesn't love to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: M.J. Rose, today's featured author, writes...

As one of New York's top sex therapists, Dr. Morgan Snow sees everything from the abused to the depraved. Morgan Snow's newest patient is a powerful, influential man--secretly addicted to watching Internet Web cam pornography. She's also working with a group of high school teenagers equally and dangerously obsessed with these real-time fantasies.

Fantasies that are all too accessible.

Then the women start dying online, right in front of their eyes.

Now it's all about murder.

To read more about THE VENUS FIX goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 08-23-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com



Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

I was in a grumpy, poor-me mood because my foot was hurting--again. Two weeks ago my doctor gave me a prescription to clear up the inflammation, but I might as well have been swallowing M&M's twice a day. Last week he injected a shot of cortisone, but it hadn't improved.

Since the pain in my foot wasn't responding to anything, I decided to take charge and go about my usual routine. I'd show that foot of mine who was boss! Pain, I could tough it out. So my husband and I headed out on our usual morning walk. I did decide to walk a little slower. I didn't want to insult my foot. When you're negotiating--even with pain in your foot--the best outcome is when everyone feels they've won. But halfway through our walk, I realized "the other party" in this negotiation, wasn't happy at all--my foot was killing me.

Sitting on the side of the road, while my husband walked home to get the car, I was feeling grumpy--really grumpy and I started imagining all sorts of depressing outcomes. The doctor can't figure out what's wrong, I'll never be able to go for a simple walk again, I'll have this problem forever, this foot thing is hopeless...but then a car stopped in front of me.

I'd noticed the car a few minutes earlier when it passed by. I assumed the man and woman in the car were checking out houses for sale in the neighborhood, because they slowed down a little farther down the street, sat a minute in front of a big house, and then continued on. But a few minutes later, when they circled around again and stopped their car in front of me, I realized their topic of conversation hadn't been houses, it was me.

"Excuse me," the woman on the passenger side was leaning a little out the window, "my husband and I noticed you, and we just wanted to make sure you were all right." Both she and her husband had genuine, caring smiles on their faces.

"I'm fine, thank you. I got a cortisone shot in my foot the other day, but apparently it didn't take. My husband is walking home to get the car. I really want to thank you for stopping."

After the couple left I realized my mood had changed. The little 'why me?' and 'I'm sick of this foot problem'--instantly all of those feelings were insignificant to the kindness of strangers. The more I thought about it, the more amazing it was. One simple little question from two people who were generally concerned, one little polite gesture--changed the rest of my day. Sure, my foot still hurt, my situation hadn't changed, but my mind set had.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Henry Mosquera, today's featured author, writes...

Veteran Eric Caine, alone and suffering from PTSD, is on a road to self-destruction. But then a meeting at a bar begins a series of events that helps Eric start fresh. His new job relocates him to Venezuela, where things take an ominous turn as a catastrophic event threatens the country's stability. Eric must escape a team of assassins as he uncovers a conspiracy in which nothing is what it seems.

To read more about SLEEPER'S RUN goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 08-22-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com



Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

I was looking back through old journals from six years ago, and I discovered this entry.

I'm facing the beast today. I'm nervous. It's refreshing to look out my window and realize I'm not alone. All of the people driving next to me had to face the beast, too. There's no other way to get a new car. You must meet the beast head-on and unfortunately on his turf. The beast doesn't make house calls. He stays close to home, in the atmosphere he's created and knows so well.

There's a greeter at the front door. He smiles, "Come in. How are you today?"

I would rather have a root canal, or give a speech in front of thousands of people, than face the beast.

The greeter and the salespeople, they look like normal people. Cardigan sweaters, eating corned beef on rye at their desks, in their cubicles with the small glass windows dividing their workspaces. I have to wait to see the beast. He's out on a test drive with someone. I'll see if he comes back with any blood on his hands.

While I wait, another seemingly kind and gentle beast tells me about free donuts, coffee, and sodas. "You can watch television while you wait for service, and we have six computers available for customers to use. And if you have to wait too long," he smiles, "we'll give you a foot massage." (It's a little beast joke.)

When I finally decide on a model, the beast inquires, "Will you be doing a trade-in?"

But I remember my friend's advice, "Don't tell them you want to do a trade-in until after you've negotiated the deal."

The beast asks again, "Will you be doing a trade-in?"

I say no. My moral compass is bothering me. I shouldn't lie, yet I say with conviction, "I will not be trading in my car." Nothing illegal about my lie. It's okay. It's a game of cat and mouse. Each party knows what part they play. So I have no choice. It feels awkward. (But I notice the beast seems to feel right at home.)

He's filling out the form before he goes to get the manager's approval. "Will you need new plates, or will you be using your current tag?"

He's probing again, he doesn't believe me. It's another question to get me to admit I plan on doing a trade-in. He's a clever beast, he is.

Then he adds, "Let me be honest with you. The reason I'm asking if you're going to do a trade-in, is because it takes less time to process everything if you tell me right up front. You could save at least 30 minutes."

'Let me be honest with you?'

I shudder. Perhaps I should leave this minute? Lick my emotional wounds and rejoice that I have options.

Maybe buy a used car from a regular guy? But then I remember the Suburban wagon years ago. "Used Car For Sale, Excellent Condition."

"Is there any rust?"

"No rust," the man assured me.

One car wash later, the touch-up paint washed off and the rust spots appeared. One, two, three, four, five . . .too many to count.

"Buyer beware of the beast!"

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Melody Carlson, today's featured author, writes...

Anna Larson's life hasn't turned out like she planned. Widowed in World War II, she raised her only daughter in the shadow of a domineering and spiteful mother-in-law. But when Anna's own mother dies, she returns to her childhood home and Native American roots. Empowered by the quiet strength of the beautiful Siuslaw River, Anna decides to transform her family home into a place of hope and healing.

To read more about RIVER'S SONG goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 08-19-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com



Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

"Very good! Bob and I made it on November 18, 2007."

Every time my husband and I try a new recipe, I make a note on the cookbook page, whether we liked it or not. I'd forgotten about the Beef and Bean soup we made in 2007, so I was delighted to discover my note when I was looking through my old cookbook last weekend.

August is the hot and humid month here in Florida, but it's also the perfect time to make soup. Cook a pot of soup, and it keeps in the refrigerator all week long, which means less cooking in the hot weather. My "Very good" note didn't lie. In fact after tasting the soup again, I should have written, "Outstanding! Loved it, loved it, loved it!" I think you will, too. Let me know if you try it.

Beef & Bean Soup

Serves 4, (big servings) I double it

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper (or orange), seeded and sliced
2 carrots, sliced
14 oz can black-eyed peas
1 cup fresh ground beef
1 teaspoon each: ground cumin, chili powder, paprika
1/4 head of cabbage, sliced
8 oz tomatoes, peeled and chopped (I buy the canned)
2-1/2 cups beef stock Salt and pepper to taste

Heat the oil over medium heat (use a large Dutch oven or other good-sized soup pan). Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes or until softened. Add the bell pepper and carrots and cook for another 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, drain the peas--reserving the liquid from the can. Place only 2/3 of the peas in a food processor or blender, with the pea liquid and process until smooth. (Keep the other 1/3 of the peas in a separate dish to use later.)

Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, to break up any lumps, until well browned. Add the spices and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Add the cabbage, tomatoes, beef stock, pureed peas and season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Stir in the remaining peas, cover and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. The soup is ready...Enjoy!

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

 

Dear Reader Column 08-18-11

Subscribe to one of Suzanne's online bookclubs and receive her daily
column at: DearReader.com



Sample Suzanne's book at:
Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

I've started working on my second book, so I've moved into my bedroom closet. It's a roomy little number; plenty of space for a wooden card table, laptop, my petite red swivel chair, and my Bose music docking station. I listen to music when I write--very loud music--except when I'm doing rewrites.

Writing in my walk-in closet, it's not the strangest place where I've found inspiration. Sometimes I write in the bathroom. I live in a historical home and my bathroom is quite nice: a claw-footed bathtub, a wedding dress, a curious toilet that first-timers have a difficult time figuring out how to flush, an antique wash basin, and a big inviting white tile floor with a fluffy white throw rug to sit on. The bathroom is where you'll find me writing when I'm having trouble getting in the groove. "You can do it, Suzanne!" (Isn't that everyone's bathroom cheer at one time or another?) But when I got serious about starting another book, my walk-in closet seemed to be "calling," promising inspiration, and so I moved in.

My closet hasn't let me down, but I did have to do a little housekeeping on the second day of writing, because I couldn't concentrate. The skirts and dresses displayed on antique racks, it felt like they were surrounding me with a big, warm and fuzzy hug. But the fifty-two pairs of shoes displayed in racks on my wall, they were causing the stink--well, two pair to be exact. My favorites, the ones I reach for almost every day.

The saying goes, you never really know someone until you've walked in their shoes. I guess you never really know your shoes until you've shared a closet with them.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Meet authors, send them an email and they'll reply. And enter-to-win one of the Thierry Mugler's Angel perfume line products, and signed books. Click on the link below to meet this week's authors.

HARD WHISPERS by Pamela Martin & Carl Henegan

THE BREATH OF GOD by Jeffrey Small

THE WHOLE PACKAGE by Cynthia Ellingsen

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader