Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 10-17-12

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 hard to believe, but after two weeks I'm still sick with a cold. The doctor assures me it's "just" a cold--no doubt a whopper of a cold--so I won't be dying any time soon. But my friend's words felt more sympathetic when I shared my doctor's diagnosis. "Suzanne, it's only 'just' a bad cold, or 'just' a simple procedure, when somebody else has it."

Ironically my yearly checkup is scheduled for this coming Monday and I was thinking of canceling, because I'm still sick with this cold. (I figured since my doctor said there wasn't anything he could do for me, why not wait until I'm healthy? Put my best foot forward for my yearly checkup--so to speak.)

I'm sick of being sick, boy am I sick of being sick! But instead of sitting around moaning, I decided to see if there were any little "sick" tips I could pass on to friends. Save them some of the misery I've endured over the past two weeks.

My list so far...

Chicken soup with matzo balls is really soothing when you're sick, on the other hand stay away from Mexican food. When I got a hot pepper stuck in my already sore throat, I thought I was going to have to call 9-1-1.

But, if you can make it through the brutal coughing jag, hot peppers are great for clearing your sinuses.

You don't have to wait in line when you have a bad cold. I ran out of tissue, so I made a run to the store and while I was waiting in the check-out line, I had one of my violent coughing jags--and the long line in front of me parted like the Red Sea.

Dark Chocolate Dove Bars feel real good on a sore throat. But if you eat enough of them, you're gonna have to switch to stretchy pants--the kind with the elastic waist.

After several doses of prescription cough syrup, if you stare at the wall long enough you'll see pretty pictures.

Signing off for today.

Thanks (cough, cough) for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

* As the winners of this month's Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest, Lee Gilmore, Ashley Cheng and Carol Milton will be munching and dunking cookies soon.

Guest Columnist Debra Ginsberg chose these lucky winners to receive a copy of her new book, What the Heart Remembers: Debbie Robinson, Heidi Zoll, Arlene Dudish, Barbara Zuwala and Millie Lill.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

KIDSBUZZ: Meet new authors--send an email, ask a question and they will reply. Plus enter to win a free (signed!) copy of ALL ABOUT POOP by Kate Hayes; JOONIE AND THE GREAT HARBINGER STAMPEDE by Daniel Landes with illustrations by Ravi Zupa; RED THREAD SISTERS by Carole Antoinette Peacock; and UNPLUGGED by Laura Pedersen. For a chance to win free copies, say hello to the authors, and more, see www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

AUTHORBUZZ: RUINS OF LACE (Fiction) by Iris Anthony

In the seventeenth century, Flemish lace can buy almost anything--or anyone. For Lisette, daughter of an impoverished noble, an encounter with lace leads to downfall; for Katharina, an indigent orphan, lace has always meant salvation. But now both ruin and redemption lurk in the spaces between the threads.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on RUINS OF LACE to read more and to email author Iris Anthony, you'll get a reply.

 

Dear Reader Column 10-16-12

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 I'm an old lady will I be able to wear a feminine, light pink nightgown, lie back against a pillow, throw my arms up in the air and feel like I'm the sexiest thing around?

That thought came to mind the other day when I was thinking about how important it is for me to make peace with my mind, if I want to be happy. But the older I get, the more I realize there ain't gonna be no peace in my mind, until I make peace with my body. I'm a 58-year-old, five-foot-two, 106 pound, Suzanne. My shape doesn't look bad from a distance, but if I look too long in the mirror, or hold my arm or leg in the wrong position--reality hits home. I'm wrinkling at an early age.

I haven't retired my sleeveless shirts, but I do catch myself intentionally positioning my arms in the wrinkle-free zone. Posing like a mannequin, holding a handbag on her arm, folks have been commenting on my perfect (wrinkle-free) posture. But arm modeling can be a tiring job. So every once in a while I just plant those babies down on the arm rest, and "look at your own risk." Wrinkles have even changed my favorite reading position. I used to lie on my back and hold the book up in the air when I read. Not any more--I keep losing track of the story line because I'm counting my wrinkles. So now I read sitting straight up in a chair, book in hand, with arms posed straight out in front of me (but not too far out in front of me, my eyesight is going, too).

A friend of mine told me there is a simple solution to my early wrinkling problem. "Suzanne, the problem is you don't weigh enough. If you gained five pounds every year, for the rest of your life, the extra pounds would smooth out those pesky wrinkles."

But my husband, who isn't overweight, and is six years older than me--I can't find any wrinkles on him. He says it's good genes. People in his family live well into their late 90s, which causes another worry-wrinkle for me. I'm the last one in my family. Everybody else checked out in their mid-seventies. Hmm, death? I suppose that would be the ultimate way to get rid of wrinkles, but I think it will be more fun--and I'll get to eat more mint chocolate chip ice cream, if I opt for that extra-five-pounds-a year idea, instead.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: ALL THINGS NEW (Fiction) by Lynn Austin

Josephine vows to rebuild her family's plantation after the Civil War. But in Reconstruction Virginia, life becomes a matter of daily survival--utterly devoid of the privilege she knew as a child. When faced with the destruction of her entire world, can she find the strength to carry on?

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on ALL THINGS NEW to find out more about the book and the author, Lynn Austin. Send her an email, she'd love to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 10-15-12

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://www.authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader,

When I asked today's guest columnist, author Kaya McLaren to tell me a little bit about herself, instead of giving me a list of rewards and book titles, she did in fact, tell me about herself. She sounds like a delightful woman, I hope to meet her some day, let me introduce you to Kaya McLaren:

"In addition to being a writer, I've been an archaeologist, a massage therapist, an art teacher, and an elementary teacher. 'How I Came to Sparkle Again' is my third novel. It's a tribute to my mountain life, complete with skiing, finding answers in nature, and finding love in infinite forms--not always the forms in which we expect to find it. When I'm not building houses for my frog, I like to kayak, hike, ski, and go for slow walks with my sweet old dog, Big Cedar."

Kaya is giving away 20 galleys of her book How I Came to Sparkle Again. Send an email to: churchofthedog@gmail.com You'll receive a personal reply and be entered in the drawing.

Take it away, Kaya McLaren...

As I write this, my tree frog is sitting under my television singing.

I live in a little log house with not a flush surface in it, so he was able to sneak between the crack between the screen door and the door frame and get in on hot days, and time after time, he would perch himself near the TV. I could only presume at the time that it was to watch the Olympics, so I named him Michael Phelps. I'd catch him and release him, but the next day he would be back. He grew on me. I sang him songs I made up about him.

When I had to evacuate due to the Taylor Bridge Fire a few weeks ago, I took one last look at him in the little nook under my TV and I thought he would be safer inside my house than outside, where 30 mph winds were moving the fire faster than frogs could hop. I filled the dog's water bowl, wished him luck, and drove away to a friend's house where we watched the massive fire burn from a safe distance. After midnight, the smoke thickened because winds shifted and I knew my house was in significantly more danger. My stomach sank thinking of my Michael Phelps. I decided to go to my parents' on the other side of the mountains where the air was clean, and to stop at my house to catch him, and take him with me.

I raced inside, prepared a jar and some cheese cloth, but when I went to catch him, he was not there. I stood no chance of finding such a little frog. I desperately called his name, sang him songs, and even tried imitating his croaking noises, but he would not answer. Cars raced through my neighborhood with their horns honking. It was time to go, frog or not.

For the next four days I worried. When I was finally allowed to come back into my charred neighborhood and found only emptiness under my television, I was crushed. I opened the door so that I wouldn't ever know for sure if he died or simply left.

Two days later, he sung. Twice, I ran down the stairs to see if it was him or a new frog, and twice there was no frog under my TV, but that third time, he was there. It was him. I cleared a shelf and built him a house with a pool. He prefers it under the TV.

Kaya McLaren Email: churchofthedog@gmail.com

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@EmailBookClub.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

***** AUTHORBUZZ *****

CRIMES OF REDEMPTION (Fiction) by Linda McDonald

Imagine being held captive two years. The price of escape: the death of your captor...who turns out to be the most important man in town. Accused of murder, your only hope is a curmudgeon who believes you and a sheriff who suspects you might be more victim than murderer.

Go to: http://www.authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on CRIMES OF REDEMPTION to read more and to email author Linda McDonald, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 10-12-12

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,

First thing when I wake up in the morning I try to remember to ask myself, "What's the best way for me to spend my time today?" It's a question I ask out loud, not expecting an audible reply; because no one is listening except me. I'm not trying to assemble a "to-do" list, rather my question is a proclamation of sorts, hoping it will set the course for my day and be a reminder to follow my heart.

When I really listen to my heart, it seldom reflects the "to-do" list I'd crafted the day before. Following my heart, most days it takes a leap of faith as Shelley, a reader at the book club, reminded me in an email:

"Suzanne, I know I may be like a broken down record--but I do love your column--there are times when I'd love to shake you and say Suzanne wake up to who you are. But today I have to share with you that (in my humble opinion) the greatest piece of wisdom you have ever given yourself and shared with your visitors was: 'It's a joyful thing when I follow my heart.'

Do that consistently and regularly and your life will become what it is you desire. Sure it takes a leap of faith sometimes, yet my own experience has been when I do follow my heart, it does indeed all work out for the best--sometimes eventually--but more often than not rapidly. Thanks for being you."--Shelley

Therein lies the scary part of following my heart--the required leap of faith. A list of work items, I was brought up on that kind of logic, but no one schooled me about how to listen to my heart. No one even hinted that the answers and joy I search for in life are there for the taking.

I'm not suggesting that if I'd follow my heart, my life would flow merrily along; no problems, plenty of money, health and happiness, with a storybook ending. But in the midst of working my job, cleaning the house, shaving my legs, spending time with family and friends, feeling happy, and sad, or even scared to death about what lies ahead, it's an easier journey...when I follow my heart.

* It's time to enter October's Chocolate Chip Cookie Giveaway and to see a photo of one of last month's satisfied cookie eaters, go to:
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/Cookie-10-08-12.html

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@EmailBookClub.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

* AUTHORBUZZ  *

NHAKIRA: 'Chosen' Book One (Fantasy) by Jeanine Henning

A rebellious slave girl, Nhakira, is mistakenly given power meant for a Farinian warrior, and becomes the 'Chosen.' Accompanied by unlikely characters, she embarks on a journey filled with danger and magic as they unlock ancient secrets that will lead her to face the very evil they run from.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on NHAKIRA to read more and to email author Jeanine Henning, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 10-11-12

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,
Some days a piece of bad news shows up and before I know it, I'm
running around like Chicken Little, "The sky is falling, the sky is
falling!"
Personally, I always feel better when I write down what's bothering
me--that's my method of getting rid of it. Put it down on paper, or
else my stomach's churning, my mind's racing and I can't concentrate
on anything--except that bad news.
My husband, he used to walk around holding trouble in. It wasn't
always big stuff, mind you, maybe just a little bothersome thing,
but it was enough to ruin his day and mine, if he didn't get it out.
Notice I said, "He used to walk around holding trouble in." For
years I'd encouraged him, "Speak right up. Tell me your troubles."
And now that he finally does--forget it. I've changed my mind. I
don't want to hear about them, because I didn't anticipate the
repercussions; it's like a chain letter of bad news.
My husband tells me his troubles, then he feels better, but now that
I've heard his bad news and soaked it all up, I'm a miserable mess.
I'd gladly send the "oh, woe is me" chain letter onto someone else,
but since there's only the two us living in our house, there's
nobody left for me to unload on.
Except...
"Okay, Abbey, Barry and Cooper come here. Take a seat on the couch
and listen up. Here's what's bothering me."
I'm sure our cats can find someone to tell their troubles to.
It's time to enter October's Chocolate Chip Cookie giveaway and to
see a photo of one of last month's satisfied cookie eaters, go to:
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/Cookie-10-08-12.html
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@EmailBookClub.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

Authorbuzz: LIFE WITH CANCER: The Lauren Terrazzano Story by Frank
Terrazzano and Paul Lonardo

Journalist Lauren Terrazzano wrote about the inequities and
injustices people faced in society. Then at age 36 she was given a
death sentence with a diagnosis of lung cancer. This book,
co-written by her father, recounts Lauren's extraordinary life and
passion for the downtrodden.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on LIFE WITH CANCER to
find out more about the book and the author, Frank Terrazzano. Send
him an email, he'd love to hear from you.

*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)
AGAINST THE TIDE by Elizabeth Camden

(Mystery)
FULL DISCLOSURE by Dee Henderson

(Mystery)
TREACHERY IN BORDEAUX by Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noel Balen (authors),
Anne Trager (translator)

(NonFiciton)
LIFE WITH CANCER: The Lauren Terrazzano Story by Frank Terrazzano
and Paul Lonardo

(Fantasy)
NHAKIRA: 'Chosen' Book One by Jeanine Henning

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

Dear Reader Column 10-10-12

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,

My kitchen smells like chocolate chip cookies. I baked four batches yesterday and now I need volunteers to eat cookies. Can you help me out? Enter the October Chocolate Chip Cookie giveaway today. Someone always wins, and is dunkin' and munching some great cookies--it could be you!

To enter October's Chocolate Chip Cookie giveaway and to see a photo of one of last month's satisfied cookie eaters, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/Cookie-10-08-12.html

Guest Columnist Gayle Roberts couldn't choose just five winners of her new book, SHADOWS IN THE SAND so here are the TEN lucky winners: Pam Cadd, Joanne Hingston, Jean Lesslie, Julie Blankenship, Sandi Hooks, Brenda Riding, Barb Hollace, Peggy Trittipo, Elaine Ruggiero, and Vi Rohren.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: TREACHERY IN BORDEAUX (Mystery) by Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noel Balen (authors), Anne Trager (translator)

Treachery in Bordeaux is a classic whodunit set in French wine country, offering an inside view of this famous region, where the wine has aromas of deceit and intrigue. Some grand cru barrels are contaminated. Is it negligence or sabotage? Who would want to bring down such an esteemed vintner? Gentleman detective Benjamin Cooker and his sidekick Virgile Lanssien search city and vineyards for answers.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on TREACHERY IN BORDEAUX to read more.

Dear Reader Column 10-09-12

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,

Where do authors get their ideas? Today's author Debra Ginsberg, asks "What if?" in her guest column. Debra makes it sound so easy. But that's what very talented people do. They make what they do seem so easy and flawless. Send Debra an email and she will personally reply and enter your name in her book giveaway. She has 5 books for readers. Email: debra@debraginsberg.com Be sure to include your mailing address in case you win (US only).

Take it away, Debra...

A question I'm often asked is where I get the ideas for my novels and I have to say--I never really know when or where these ideas will come from. Almost always, however, I begin with the question What if? and combine it with some sort of reality-challenging scenario. For example, for The Grift I happened to stumble upon an online news article about a fake psychic in Florida who had finally been arrested after ten years of cleaning out the bank accounts of her "clients." What if someone like that were to wake up one day and suddenly really have psychic ability, I wondered. What would happen then? I was working on something else at the time, which is always the case for me (in fact, I'd had the idea and outline for my first novel, Blind Submission, for years before I came back to it after writing three memoirs) but became entranced with this idea and it went from there. The Neighbors Are Watching may well have been the idea I abandoned to write The Grift. I'd had the bare bones of that story rattling around for a long time as well. What I really wanted to explore there was differences in perception of the same event; in this case, an illegitimate and forgotten-about child showing up on her father's doorstep. But I didn't really have a way in to that story until the 2007 wildfires swept through San Diego County. Fire--and a neighborhood literally burning with secrets--then became the leitmotif for that novel.

The idea for What the Heart Remembers came from two different but related concepts that have long been percolating in the back of my mind. The first was what it would be like to wake up one day and be someone else or be inhabited or haunted by another person. When coupled with the idea of cellular memory (that cells in the body can retain all kinds of information), the concept of being another person took on a whole new dimension and made, I thought, a good idea for a story. After I did a little research on heart transplants I warmed to the story even more. Once again I was working on something else--a domestic drama--and I had a vision of these two unusual female characters, Darcy and Eden, and realized I could use the idea of cellular memory to explore their relationship. And at that point, the story coalesced for me.

Debra Ginsberg

Debra is the author of the memoirs, Waiting: The True Confessions of a Waitress, Raising Blaze: A Mother and Son's Long, Strange Journey Into Autism, and About My Sisters as well as the novels Blind Submission, The Grift, and The Neighbors Are Watching. Her new novel, What the Heart Remembers, is a tale of psychological suspense that centers on the unlikely--and dangerous--friendship between two women; Darcy Silver, a beautiful young widow, and Eden Harrison, the recent recipient of a heart transplant. Enter Debra's book giveaway, email her at debra@debraginsberg.com (please include your mailing address)

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: FULL DISCLOSURE (Mystery) by Dee Henderson

Ann Silver is a cop's cop. As the Midwest Homicide Investigator, she is called in to help local law enforcement on the worst of cases. Paul Falcon is the FBI's top murder cop in the Midwest. They join forces to solve two terrible crimes, but as Paul finds out more about Ann, he begins to wonder what secrets she might be keeping from him.

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

Dear Reader Column 10-08-12

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,

There were some unusual things about this year's Write a Dear Reader Contest. I received many emails from readers agreeing on the entries we chose as winners. Many of those emails were about 2nd place winner Brenda Green Riding's column about her mother. Readers not only commented on how much they enjoyed reading Brenda's column, but then went on to tell me about their own mothers, or memories of moms who were no longer with them.

I passed on some of the emails to Brenda, because I know from experience, one of the greatest compliments a reader can share with a writer is, "I read your column today, and it made me remember..."

The other unusual thing about this year's contest was the magical, perfect timing that helped Brenda say good-bye. Below is an email I received from Brenda about the column she wrote about her mother:

"Suzanne, I wanted to thank you again for this contest. Not only do I enjoy [reading] the winners each year, but this year was especially meaningful. I won 2nd place (as you know) and spent the $200 on four dozen roses for mother (she LOVED roses), her favorite cake, and I had plans for other items, but she graduated to heaven on Wednesday, September 26th. [Six days after the column was published at the book clubs.] I know the Lord put that column on my heart. I read it to her but don't know if she really understood. I hope she did. She's with Jesus now, and much happier than in a body that was slowly falling apart. Thanks to you and the contest, she did get to enjoy some of her favorite things before the end.

You, your helpers, and your column are a blessing in many ways. God bless you."

Brenda Riding

*If you missed reading Brenda's column, go to: http://tinyurl.com/BGRiding

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: AGAINST THE TIDE (Fiction) by Elizabeth Camden

Set in 1891 amidst the cobblestone streets of Boston, Lydia Pallas' remarkable fluency in seven languages brings her to the attention of Alex Banebridge, who needs her translation skills in a dangerous quest. As a powerful attraction grows between them, Alex's mission will take Lydia away from everything--and everyone--she ever held dear.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on AGAINST THE TIDE to read more and to email author Elizabeth Camden, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 10-05-12

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,

Things change. The street in front of my house has been a detour road for over a year-and-a-half. City construction deadlines have been missed, then reset, and reset again, and yet again, and still the traffic, that should be flowing on the street where the bridge is being worked on, keeps driving down my street instead. Honking cars, lines and lines of cars backed up early in the morning and late in the afternoon when people get off work, semi-trucks rumbling down my street taking low-lying tree branches along with them, frequent fire trucks and ambulances, sirens and lights blaring, because it's the only route left to take--it's a disaster that will never end. That's the current version of the "story" I tell myself every day, and every day I add a couple of new lines. The latest rewrite: "Unfortunately no city official lives on my street, otherwise this menace wouldn't be allowed to continue." (But the truth is I have no idea whether a city official lives on my street or not.)

Every good story has a conflict and I thought the conflict in my story was about a woman who was angry and fed up with the stupid city bureaucracy and the never-ending detour in front of her house. But early this morning (if I get up at 5 a.m., I can still sit on my front porch and drink my coffee in peace before the traffic jam), I realized that anger about a detour is not the real conflict in my story. The woman in my story isn't angry, she's sad. The woman in my story misses the peace and solitude she used to find in her neighborhood and she's grieving that loss.

Stories don't always have happy endings. Problems aren't always resolved when you reach "The End." But at least now I understand the meaning of my "story" and it makes it easier to move on.

Last week's Guest Columnist, Sheila Roberts, is sending copies of her new book, BETTER THAN CHOCOLATE to these lucky winners: Joyce Rife, Mari Rusk, Lue Ann Lefor, Bonny Conway and Nancy H. Reynolds.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

KIDSBUZZ: Meet new authors--send an email, ask a question and they will reply. Plus enter to win a free (signed!) copy of a terrific books for middle-graders, THE UPSIDE OF ORDINARY by Susan Lubner; and a perfectly-timed election book for all ages, VOTE FOR ME! by Ben Clanton. For a chance to win free copies, say hello to the authors, and more, see www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

AUTHORBUZZ: From Tatiana de Rosnay, author of THE HOUSE I LOVED (Fiction)...

"Born and bred a Parisian, I've always been fascinated by Paris' rich history. Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann, between 1852 and 1870, redesigned Paris--razing whole neighborhoods in the process--to give it a much-needed modernity. I often wondered what it must have been like, as a Parisian, to witness those changes. And what it must have meant to lose a beloved house, like Rose does. This question led me to write THE HOUSE I LOVED."

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE HOUSE I LOVED to read more and to email author Tatiana de Rosnay, you'll get a reply.

 

Dear Reader Column 10-04-12

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,

Built in 1926, my house is insulated with horsehair, and I imagine there are a few newspapers and magazines nailed into the studs, too. The first time a carpenter did some work on my house and he told me there was horsehair in the walls I laughed, figuring it was his humorous and non-insulting way of suggesting that this old house needed to be insulated. But he wasn't kidding. Apparently, back in the old days, especially during the Great Depression, anything that was plentiful and cheap like loose, brown and fibrous horsehair (everyone raised horses) was stuffed into the walls to keep the cold out.

In researching the use of horsehair for insulation, none of the articles I read explained how the deed was done--how a person accumulated horse hair. But since horses are a man's best friend and they want to do their part to help the family (well, maybe a dog is man's best friend, but for the sake of this story let's pretend it's a horse), they pony-up to lend a hand.

How do you accumulate horse hair to insulate your home? A kitchen becomes a barber shop when it's time for a little trim. When Charlie, the black and white pinto's mane is lookin' a little shaggy, the lady of the house invites him into the kitchen.

"Hey Charlie, I think it's time for a trim.

"Yea, it is getting a little too long, and I know you still need to insulate the living room. But don't take too much off the sides, because I'm trying to impress that new golden filly."

Back-in-the-day going green meant using horsehair. Today going green means going blue for some people. As bizarre as it sounds I recently read a step-by-step article written by a woman who uses her old blue jeans to add insulation to her house. Got a draft in your bedroom? Wash your jeans, remove the zipper, rivets, seams and pockets (she suggests saving these things to use for other projects, I can't imagine what, but then again I can't imagine insulating my house with blue jeans either). Then she cuts the jeans into 4-inch squares, runs the squares through a paper shredder, stuffs the shredded jeans into the wall (but not too tightly, the circulating air helps insulate) and her bedroom is nice and cozy.

Personally I think the woman is nuts, but then again, I'm the woman whose bedroom is nice and cozy--thanks to a horse named Charlie.

Guest Columnist Barbara Bretton loved hearing from readers so much, she chose more winners than promised. Her winners are: Carol Beeler, Carolyn West, Barbara Hunsberger, Alice Ptashnik, Judy Phillips, Lisa Gaye Williams, Mary Robinson, Marian R. Walker, Kaylynn Wold, Kathy Fannon, Irene Unger and Erika Scheffler.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.muffinsandmayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: THAT'S NOT A FEELING by Dan Josefson

Two-time failed suicide Benjamin, deemed broken by his parents, is entrusted for fixing to The Roaring Orchards School for Troubled Teens and Aubrey, the unhinged headmaster, whose unorthodox (at best) philosophy has turned the campus into a delinquent-filled free-for-all--one that Benjamin can't wait to escape, or bear to lose.

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