Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 06-29-12

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,

Congratulations our recent chocolate chip cookie winners: Elaine Ruggiero, Celeste Judge and Barb Dudich.

The winners of Guest Columnist Carolyn Haines new book BONEFIRE OF THE VANITIES are: Judy Phillips, Barbara Logsdon, Mary DuBrucq, Sharon Berger, Phoenix Vie, Linda Hitchcock, Cathy Feola-Thompson and Millie Lill.

Thanks for taking the time to write. Reading emails from readers is the favorite part of my day.

From my Email Bag:

(In response to Wednesday's worrying about kids column. If you missed the column, go to: http://tinyurl.com/062712 )

"Your column today brought to mind a phenomenon I experienced when my oldest daughter went to college. She would call late at night (often after I had gone to sleep) and I would drowsily answer the phone. She poured out all her anxiety about a paper she had to write, a test she had to study for, or project due the next day or two. I would talk her through the steps of planning and execution over the phone. After hanging up, I would be unable to sleep again and worry about it for several days. When we reconnected, I would ask how she was doing and how everything went. She would say, 'After we talked about it I was fine.' Mom, on the other hand, had worried for days. The anxiety seemed to transfer over the phone line and she was able to move forward and, eventually, get her PhD. I'm very proud of her and my two other daughters--the women they are and their accomplishments."--Kristin Ems

"Dear Suzanne, although I tell my kids that worry is a waste of precious time, because it doesn't help anything and it keeps you from thinking about other things more important, in that same breath I tell them I'm worried in my 'be careful,' 'got everything you need?' 'Call me when you get there,' and the ever-famous 'Are you sure?' comments. They look at me with that Mommmmm...look, at which time I shrug and say 'It's in the contract.' You see I told them long ago that when every parent takes their child out of the hospital and accepts responsibility, they 'sign a contract' saying they will love and cherish, and that they will WORRY. So, my kids smile at me, because inside they know (my worry) is just me saying, 'I love you with all my heart.' So don't be so hard on yourself (about worry) it's never for nothing. Have a wonderful day."--Sandi

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

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

P.S. Monday, it's finally here! All the news about the 8th Annual Write a Dear Reader Contest.

AUTHORBUZZ: LOVE IS MURDER (Fiction) Edited by Sandra Brown

An anthology of short stories penned by some of our most popular romantic suspense authors, LOVE IS MURDER also features stories by writers better known for their thrillers, but who often incorporate into their books the relationship layering that is the trademark of traditional romantic suspense.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on LOVE IS MURDER to read more.

 

 

Dear Reader Column 06-28-12

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,

When things are going good, a thief in the night tries to take it away from me. Sometimes I think I don't know how to act when everything is lined up, when it feels like I'm living the good life. I waste precious time feeling nervous, waiting for the bad to show up. Oh it will show up Suzanne, so there's no need putting out the welcome mat. Life is good and bad, calm and explosive. Enjoy the calm times. Enjoy not having a list to worry about. Instead, spend time thinking about your flower gardens, the husband who loves and cares for you, the family relationships you wished for when you were a kid--the close knit family you vowed you'd work to create--and you have. (I smile when I write that.)

Right now, I'm in the midst of one of those happy times. There are always problems in life if I look for them, but at this very moment, I choose not to see them. I'm a "very happy girl" I wrote to a friend in an email.

"A VERY happy girl," he wrote back. "A great book title, singable and a wonderful reality you deserve!" And my friend is right. Happiness. People deserve to find happiness. "...state of mind cannot be overstated," my friend continued. "You've made a career out of creating states of mind, both for others and yourself. Pick the best one, and stick with it. Methinks this is your greatest ally."

Methinks my friend is right. State of mind cannot be overstated, so let me say it again (for my benefit), I'm a VERY happy girl.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/

AUTHORBUZZ: The new Frank Quinn novel, PULSE, takes the reader on a wild ride as a serial killer operating in Manhattan might be a copycat murderer. The killer he might be imitating is Daniel Danielle, who has been convicted of several murders but over the years almost certainly killed scores of women. Daniel was sentenced to be executed in Florida years ago, but a hurricane possibly allowed him to cheat death and kill again. The monster is dead...or is he?

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on PULSE to read more.

*Fun, free books and meet authors. Ask questions, they'll reply and read samples from their books. Visit AuthorBuzz at: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

(Fiction)
SHOUT HER LOVELY NAME by Natalie Serber

(Fiction)
STARLIGHT by Carrie Lofty

(Fiction)
INTO THIS WORLD by Sybil Baker

(Fiction)
LOVE IS MURDER Edited by Sandra Brown

(Thriller)
PULSE by John Lutz

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

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 06-27-12

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 been a while (our youngest son is 34), so I'd forgotten how this worrying about your child thing works. But last Sunday, when my husband and I dropped off our granddaughter at the Ringling College of Art and Design, for a month-long pre-college experience, I was vividly reminded that raising kids involves a lot of worry.

When my kids were young, my son could be up all night worried about a test in the morning, or my daughter might be feeling terribly rejected because her classmate, Mike, sent out birthday invitations and she didn't get one. And then there was worrying about the first day of high school, which happened more than once in our household, because my husband and I raised four children. Preparing for high school demanded a special kind of worry. It required no less than one full week of intense, advanced worry, "What should I wear? What if I can't find my classes. Nobody in high school takes a lunch in a brown bag, Mom, I need money for lunch."

I remember it like it was yesterday, feeling sick to my stomach when my daughter looked back at me, after I dropped her off on her first day of school. That "deer in the headlights look," it's the same look my granddaughter gave my husband and me, when we said good-bye and left her at Ringling College. Apparently parents (and grandparents) worrying about their kids hasn't changed over the years, and neither has the ending of the worry story.

Worrying about my son, because he was so worried about his test, I used to worry all day long about things my kids were worried about. But then when they got home from school and I nervously asked how things went, they shrugged and said it was no big deal. Their new worry? "Hey, Mom is there anything in the refrigerator to eat?"

Things haven't changed. When I anxiously asked my granddaughter how she felt after her first day of art school, her only complaint was, "Well, I don't like the long walk between classes."

You've got to be kidding. All that worry for nothing.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/

AUTHORBUZZ: INTO THIS WORLD (Fiction) by Sybil Baker

Determined to discover the truth about Mina, her adopted sister, Allison flies to Seoul, yet Mina--and Korea--are nothing like Allison imagines. Over the next three months, Allison and Mina will unearth thirty years of family secrets--and Allison will discover in Mina the sister she never embraced and in herself, the stronger woman she can be.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on INTO THIS WORLD to read more and to email author Sybil Baker, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 06-26-12

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,

If you have a question about writing, I'm happy to reply in my column. To read previous writing questions and answers, go to: http://tinyurl.com/WritingQ-A

"Suzanne, I love to read with you each week. Not only do you inspire me to read more, but to pursue my writing itch. Which brings me to a question I'd like your advice/opinion on. I've come up with a rough outline of a fictional cat story (short story), but I know very little about cats. Do I need to study cat behavior before I continue writing this piece? I know when writing non-fiction you have to have facts, but I'm not too clear how much fact needs to be implemented with fiction. How do you know when too much information is too much?"--Debbie

(Suzanne replies)

Cats--one of my favorite subjects. Does your cat story take place 50 years from now in 2068, or maybe the cat you're writing about is part of a murder mystery? The cat's owner was killed and now the cat is playing detective--eventually solving the murder. Either way, sci-fi cat, detective Colombo cat, or wherever the story line, I think it would be valuable if you spent some time researching how a cat behaves. Then you'll be able to make an informed choice. It's fiction, you can break the rules, but keep in mind that even though a cat couldn't really ever solve a mystery, some readers who own cats, might think the story feels more realistic if your cat is a bit finicky, "Really, you're going to serve me canned turkey and giblets again this evening?" or perhaps every-now-and-then your kitty gets distracted from chasing down clues, because he's on the trail of a mouse instead.

My suggestion is not to worry about cat eccentricities on your first draft. Simply write and have fun.

* If you have a writing question, email it to: [email protected]

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

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: STARLIGHT (Fiction) by Carrie Lofty

To earn their father's inheritance, the four Christie siblings face challenges that will lead them on unexpectedly passionate adventures.

Astronomer Alex Christie, will do anything to keep his son safe from an abusive villain, even if it means managing a Glasgow mill and sparring with Polly Gowan, a sexy, feisty union leader.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on STARLIGHT to find out more about the book and the author, Carrie Lofty. Send her an email, she'd love to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 06-25-12

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,

Read all about it on July 2nd! If you've never entered my annual Write a Dear Reader Contest, you really should this year. Cash prizes ($600) and having your entry published at the book clubs and at BookTrib.com is motivation to enter, but the real rewards are in the act of writing. Hundreds of folks entered last year and a surprising number of entries included a personal postscript. This one made me smile, then it made me cry:

"I am grateful for this writing opportunity Suzanne."

Because being able to write brings gratitude and is a blessing in my heart. I am grateful that I've been given the job of writer here on this earth, and I am so very grateful to folks who read what I write, and take the time to write back. Yes, many people say thank you, "I loved what you wrote this morning in your column," but what I'm really grateful for are the stories readers share with me. Might be a situation that happened years ago, the sweet thing their husband said to them yesterday morning, or the joy or struggle they're experiencing in their life. Sharing stories is divine inspiration for both the writer and the reader. I hope I've inspired you to enter this year's writing contest. I can't wait to read your story.

Read all about how to enter on July 2nd.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/

AUTHORBUZZ: SHOUT HER LOVELY NAME (Fiction) by Natalie Serber

Flawed, free-loving Ruby Hargrove adopts strays--cats and men. She and her steadfast daughter, Nora, scrutinize, criticize and inspire one another in a suite of stories that make up the center of SHOUT HER LOVELY NAME, a collection focused on the intense love and sandpaper relationship between daughters and their mothers.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on SHOUT HER LOVELY NAME to read more and to email author Natalie Serber, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 06-22-12

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,

New members of the book clubs are glad they joined. If you have the chance, please tell your friends and co-workers about the book club, I appreciate it.

From my Email Bag:

You are so good! I love reading everything you write, I am speaking of your comments at the beginning of each book you send out each time, even when you speak of your shortcomings, your failures are inspirational to me and probably to most of your readers. You are so normal, yet very talented. So glad I discovered your book club.--Thanks, Sandra (One of your biggest fans)

"Dear Suzanne, Thank you for this word of encouragement [from your daily column]. I needed it. A friend just introduced me to your website recently and it has been an inspiration to me."--Lola Simons

A special thank you to Dorine C. DeLutri who adds this tag line to all her emails:

Discover great books with me, five minutes a day, at www.DearReader.com

I really appreciate you spreading the word about the book clubs Dorine.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: HER MAJESTY'S WILL (Fiction) by David Blixt

Of the many mysteries about William Shakespeare, one of the biggest is the question of his "Lost Years." After fleeing Stratford, where did he go? What did he do? How did he get to London? My answer is that he was a spy for the Queen. A very poor spy. I set out to write a novel that was part a Hope/Crosby Road Movie, part spy adventure, and part parody. What I ended up with was beyond my hopes, a raucous romp through the underbelly of Elizabethan London with the devilishly charismatic Kit Marlowe as our guide.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on HER MAJESTY'S WILL to read more and to email author David Blixt, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 06-21-12

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'd never be able to answer the inevitable job interview question, "Where do you see yourself five or ten years from now?" Because by design, I'm lovin' my work, or I find a way to change it. I live in the moment and spend very little time looking down the road. No regrets looking back either, not even when I think about the bad, nasty stuff--and unfortunately I've been through plenty.

Sometimes in the midst of troubles, I questioned whether or not I would make it through, even angry at times, but now I feel thankful. Because the hard parts of my life are where I've learned the most about Suzanne, especially from things that even today still sting a little bit. Those memories remind me when new trouble shows up that I've been there, done that and I made it through.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Fun, free books and meet authors. Ask questions, they'll reply and read samples from their books. Visit AuthorBuzz at: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

(Fiction)
THE WORLD WITHOUT YOU by Joshua Henkin

(Fiction)
FAMILY PIECES by Misa Rush

(Thriller)
FINAL CROSSING by Carter Wilson

(Fiction)
HER MAJESTY'S WILL by David Blixt

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

 

 

Dear Reader Column 06-20-12

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 discovered vintage and now I'm wearing it, sewing with it, and sitting on it. Take a look...

Go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/3-dollar-dress.html

My grandson Paul and I are ready to bake. Today's the last day to enter this month's Chocolate Chip Cookie Giveaway, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/cookie061412.html

Congratulations to the winners of DEATH DROPS: A NATURAL REMEDIES MYSTERY by last week's guest columnist Chrystle Fiedler: Judy Sherman, Donna Taylor, Joyce S. Bartley, Crystal R. Blackburn, Mary Neville, Margie Bunting, Mary Ellen Weiler, Barb Dudich, Deborah Bates and Aida Varela.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: FINAL CROSSING (Thriller) by Carter Wilson

Ever since his victimization at the hands of the Preacherman, Rudiger has committed atrocities even he cannot explain, and he won't stop searching for his next victim until he gets what he wants: Salvation. One man remembers what Rudiger is capable of. Jonas Osborne, an Army Ranger and Senatorial Chief of Staff, could now be a target on Rudiger's quest. He enlists the help of a beautiful psychic criminologist to understand where Rudiger will erect his next cross. And only on the biggest international stage will Jonas and Rudiger meet again for one final confrontation.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on FINAL CROSSING to read more and to email author Carter Wilson, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 06-19-12

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 thing leads to another in life. I don't always know ahead of time, but when I look back, I clearly see how the pieces fit together.

Frequently it happens at the book club. I'd been saving an email that Sam sent to me after reading my reply to Debbie Johnson's writing question two weeks ago. Debbie was frustrated because she used to write endlessly and worry-free when she was in school, but now, even though she has the desire and ideas, whenever she tries to write, "I hit a massive, insurmountable, proverbial wall." Unless she's writing emails to people at work, then her writing flows. Debbie's boss even compliments her on her writing. (To see Debbie's complete email and my reply, go to: http://tinyurl.com/WritingQ-A )

One email leads to another. After reading Debbie's email, Sam was inspired...

"Suzanne, I am always amazed when I come across someone who has exactly the same problem that I have--in any area. This time it's writing. I have exactly, to the nth degree, the same problem as Debbie Johnson. Thanks for the advice, even though indirectly given. Never imagined that you could have the same problem, though. You write for a living, and you write every day!! So it's not only advice, it's also inspiration."--Sam

And then there was Betsy's email asking for advice from me and book club readers. Betsy and her husband were going to have to downsize and move from their family farm, and she wondered, "How do you move from a place you love with grace?"

I replied, readers replied (many who had experienced the same situation Betsy was facing) and now, just like Sam, Betsy is inspired knowing she is not alone.

"Dear Suzanne, I am overwhelmed by the kindness, goodness, and openness of strangers. They gave me great advice, shared experiences, and opened new ways to look at my move. I feel lighter about the next phase of my life. Deep inside I know that 'All is Well.' Thank you all from the bottom of my heart." With Gratitude,--Betsy

Thanks for reading with me, Debbie, Sam and Betsy. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/

AUTHORBUZZ: FAMILY PIECES (Fiction) by Misa Rush

Karsen Woods' life seems charmed from her hunkalicious boyfriend to her picture-perfect midwestern roots. Away at college, even the necklace she wears serves as a constant connection home--a family tradition created when her grandfather handmade each immediate relative an interlinking charm. Each piece crafted in the shape of a puzzle piece, each one interlinking perfectly together. But when the unexpected death of her mother turns her world upside down, she discovers there is a missing piece of her treasured family tradition and her life as she once knew it may never be the same.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on FAMILY PIECES to find out more about the book and the author, Misa Rush. Send her an email, she'd love to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 06-18-12

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,

Today's guest column is written by author Carolyn Haines. I'll tell you about her books right up front, because after you read her guest column, you'll probably be crying--at least that's what happened to me.

Carolyn is the author of the Sarah Booth Delaney Mississippi Delta Mystery series. Bonefire of the Vanities, the 12th book in the series, will be released June 19th. Ms. Haines has been honored with the Harper Lee Award, the Richard Wright Award, and Best Amateur Sleuth from Romantic Times. Carolyn reads all kinds of books, writes in a number of genres, works to help animals and urges everyone to please, please, spay and neuter.

Please welcome Carolyn, send her an email, she will reply and she will enter your name in her book giveaway. She has 8 copies for readers. Her email is: [email protected]

It is my pleasure to introduce guest author Carolyn Haines . . .

My teaching year is over, and I have long summer days ahead to continue the saga of Sarah Booth Delaney and friends. But I have a secret life. Nothing glamorous like a spy or superhero--I am a foster for Labs4Rescue. As I write this, my wonderful Tootsie is leaving tomorrow for a home in Maine.

The good news is that Tootsie will be loved and cherished by a human who will be totally devoted to her. Here at my house, which is also Good Fortune Farm Refuge, she lives with many dogs, cats, and horses.

I found Tootsie in a ditch on the side of the road. Pregnant and chasing cars, she was so malnourished her hair was falling out. Her girlish figure is gone forever--too many litters.

I was driving to work and to my amazement she let me catch her. I hefted her into the backseat and took her straight to the vet. Now she is sound, spayed, healthy, and ready for a new life.

But for Tootsie to step into her wonderful new life, she has to step out of mine. This is hard. I have fallen in love with her. But if she stays, I won't be able to help the next rescue dog. Or the next.
And she will be cheated out of being a cherished pet.

Most of the animals at GFFR are unadoptable. Some have been with me many years. The good thing about Labs4Rescue is the incredible homes they find--homes so good I'm willing to break my heart and give up Tootsie and her predecessors.

As a foster, I take care of any health issues, socialize the dogs, housetrain them, crate train them, get them used to riding in vehicles, because it is a long trip to their new homes in the Northeast where effective spay and neuter laws have halted the horror of unwanted pets. Here in Mobile, thousands of dogs and cats are euthanized each year. Thousands. And this is just one small county in Alabama.

Tootsie has been my under-the-desk companion this spring while I finished writing my book. She's given me a few fits of anxiety-like when she disappeared in the woods and I feared she was lost, only to find her asleep beside my truck.

I will let her go, because it's best for her. And then I'll do it again with another dog, who wouldn't have a chance without this rescue.

Say hello to Carolyn and enter her book drawing. Email: [email protected]

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: THE WORLD WITHOUT YOU (Fiction) by Joshua Henkin

It's July 4th, 2005, and the Frankel family is descending upon their beloved summer home in the Berkshires. But this is no ordinary holiday. Leo, the youngest of the four Frankel siblings, was killed a year ago on assignment in Iraq, and his family has gathered to memorialize him: his parents; his three sisters; and his widow, who has arrived from California bearing her own secret. Over the course of three days, the Frankels will contend with sibling rivalries and marital feuds, with volatile women and silent men, and, ultimately, with the true meaning of family.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE WORLD WITHOUT YOU to read more and to email author Joshua Henkin, you'll get a reply.