Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 12-17-13

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


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

Dear Reader,

My husband and I are celebrating tomorrow. Thirty-six years ago we were married by a Justice of the Peace. Nothing fancy.

"Do you take this good looking guy to be your husband?"

"Do you take this crazy woman to be your wife?"

(Remember Mr. Beecher, this is for better or for worse.)

"I do."

"I do."

And we were married.

No one threw any rice, but we did get a big bag of samples. When you're married by the Justice of the Peace in Dubuque, Iowa they give you a two-foot long plastic bag filled with product samples--at least they used to 36 years ago. Things like miniature laundry soaps, shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, tissue, aspirin, potato chips, coupons and a trial sized can of pork and beans.

It was a strange wedding present, but it's one of our favorite stories and every year on our anniversary we remember the big bag of samples.

My husband and I compliment each other in a number of ways and it's true: the longer we're together, the more we become like each other. But that's not a bad thing in our case. Because I think we've both taken the best that each has to offer, adopted those attributes, and we've fine-tuned each of our personalities for the better.

For instance, my husband doesn't like confrontation and will do just about anything to avoid it. I, on the other hand, think that avoidance usually leads to a bigger problem, which calls for a bigger solution down the road. So I might as well confront the situation right away. But I admit, I have used his technique, usually by default, because I forgot to get back to someone. And the few times that's happened, it's worked out for the best.

We're best friends and we work side-by-side every day. When people find out that we work together they shudder, thinking what it would be like to work with their own spouse, but neither of us could imagine it any other way.

Thirty-six years and it keeps getting better and better. I sure got a good one.

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

Happy Holidays,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: PICTURES OF THE PAST (Fiction) by Deby Eisenberg

Pictures of the Past begins in contemporary times and sweeps through Chicago, Paris and Berlin, reliving events from pre-World War II Europe. It begins when an Impressionist painting, hanging for decades in the Art Institute of Chicago is challenged by an elderly woman as a Nazi theft.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on PICTURES OF THE PAST to find out more about the book and the author, Deby Eisenberg. Send her an email, she'd love to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 12-16-13

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


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

Dear Reader,

Years ago my husband and I each drew up a will, including a living will. Most people's living will outlines their wishes regarding life prolonging medical treatments. Mine does, too. If there's "no-hope, no-hope," feel free to pull the plug. Quite the opposite of our grown son's wishes, in his own words, "Don't pull the plug! I don't care if you have to plug me into the cigarette lighter and drive around with me in the front seat of the car. Find a way to keep me going!" But come to think of it, he might be out of luck now. Do they even put cigarette lighters in cars anymore? I guess we could hook him up to the iPod car plug-in, or the phone charger and hope the car battery never goes dead.

One of the most important advance directives in my living will concerns personal grooming. Mind you, I'm not overly fastidious when it comes to grooming, but I've left strict instructions for my husband and grown children. If my mind should deteriorate and I end up sitting in a wheelchair parked in the hallway of a nursing home, with a crocheted lap pad resting over my knees, there better not be strands of curled hair dangling down from underneath my chin.

Chinny-chin hair! It's one of my pet peeves. Don't people look in the mirror? Okay I admit those chin-hairs are fast growers. When I went to bed the other night it was all-clear underneath my chin, but when I woke up, there was a single dangling strand of hair waving at me. Get out the wax! Call the esthetician! Yes, I've left no wiggle-room in my living will, pull 'em out with your own teeth if you have to, but get rid of those chinny-chin hairs!

* The winner of my Kids Cookbook Giveaway is Rita J. McElroy.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: LOST IN A ROYAL KISS (Fiction) by Vanessa Kelly

Welcome to my new Regency-set series about the illegitimate sons of the British royal princes. Linnet St. Clare must save a charity boy from the wrath of the king himself, and only Sir Anthony Tait can help. Anthony is happy to assist, but he needs a plan to rescue the boy and prevent a brewing royal scandal--all while convincing Linnet to marry him.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on LOST IN A ROYAL KISS to read more and to email author Vanessa Kelly, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-13-13

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


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

Dear Reader,

Anxious, anxious, when I'm feeling anxious I pinch my ears. I've been seeing an acupuncturist lately to help calm my anxiety level. I seem to be the perfect acupuncturist patient--ping, ping, immediately after the needles are inserted a warm and fuzzy current flows through my body. Thirty minutes later when the doctor returns to remove the pins, she has to wake me up because I'm sleeping. Anxiety put to rest.

But I can't lie on the acupuncturist's table 24/7 until my body learns how to monitor my anxiety level on its own. That's why there's acupuncture "to go!" Stick it in your ear--literally. Five little silver balls covered with flesh colored tape, placed in each of my ears so if I'm feeling anxious, I pinch my ears and instantly I get a dose of calm. With my long hair hanging down over my ears, only my acupuncturist knows for sure!

But maybe I should've explained that to the people around me at the supermarket the other day. Shoppers were staring at me and rightfully so, because I did look a little weird pushing my cart with one hand and pinching my ears with the other. Grocery shopping used to be a pleasurable, anxiety-free stroll. Walking up and down the aisles visualizing the wonderful dinner I'd cook when I got home, but not anymore.

Now shopping is work. Comparing prices and ounces. You'd think the big economy size of pork n' beans would be the best deal, but it's not. Two smaller cans give you more and cost less. Then there's the hassle of forgetting what I came to the store to buy. The list of ingredients for my Hot n' Sour soup is still at home on the counter, right where I left it. The cell phone salesperson was right, I should have bought the phone that connects to the Internet, then I could just log on and look up the recipe. But then again, I'd be paying three times more a month for my phone service and wouldn't that cancel out any savings from comparison price shopping?

Anxious, anxious, I'll talk to you tomorrow, I need to start pinching my ears!

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: PROFESSOR COCKTAIL'S HOLIDAY DRINKS: Recipes for Mixed Drinks and More (NonFiction) by David J. Montgomery

The Internet is full of drink recipes. But how do you know if they're any good? Don't leave things to chance. This new collection features 112 recipes that are all tested and Professor Cocktail approved. With a variety of drinks to suit any occasion, taste, or skill level, Professor Cocktail's Holiday Drinks is your guide to making merry this year.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on PROFESSOR COCKTAIL'S HOLIDAY DRINKS to read more and to email author David J. Montgomery, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-12-13

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


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

Dear Reader,

I own three hot water bottles, most people don't even own one. That theory isn't based on any scientific study, but rather on a comment the minister made one Sunday morning from the pulpit. He was telling a story about his grandmother and when he mentioned Grandma's hot water bottle, he paused and reflected, "Who would even know what to do with a hot water bottle?"

People were laughing but I almost raised my hand. "Pick me, pick me. Not only do I own a collection of three hot water bottles, but I have compelling hot water bottle stories that would make everyone sitting in the pews want to buy one, too!"

I remember my very first purchase. I was packing for my second business trip to New York City. It was the middle of winter and memories of freezing my toes on my last visit, were still vivid in my mind. So I bought a hot water bottle and neatly rolled it up in my suitcase. Later that evening in my hotel room, after trudging through icy cold, slush filled streets all day long, I filled my red rubber bottle up with steaming hot water, and my toes stayed toasty warm all night long. Now I never leave home for an overnight stay without one.

Hot water bottles get a bad rap. Yes, I admit they're "only-a-mother-could-love-ugly," and the institutional colors red and gray, don't entice people to buy. But a hot water bottle is one of those practical, work-horse sort of products. When you need one, nothing else will do. Sprains, pains, freezing toes, too much gardening, cozy up to a hot water bottle and I'm good as new.

Even Mama and Papa, the stray outdoor cats my husband and I take care of, could provide marketing testimonials for the therapeutic benefits of hot water bottles. Four times last winter when the temperatures were "burr" freezing cold overnight here in Florida, my husband hopped out of bed at 3 a.m. to refresh the hot water bottles tucked away in the make-shift houses he'd made for Mama and Papa. "Mew, mew...we love our hot water bottles!"

But I'm an honest marketer, so I'll have to share that the only downside of a hot water bottle, I've personally experienced, is waking in the middle of the night thinking I've wet the bed, but then being relieved to discover it's only the hot water bottle that's sprung a leak.

Enter my hot water bottle giveaway, cozy up to one of your own. Send an email to: Suzanne@EmailBookclub.com

* Congratulations to the winners of The Hidden White House by guest columnist Robert Klara: Susan Grant, Betty Royster, Marlys Frisby, Willie Lieske and Pat Harmer.

And the winners of The Quaker and the Rebel by guest columnist Mary Ellis are: Marlys Wiest, Jeanette Skwor, Elaine Salsbury, Diane Smith and Debbie Floyd.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these deserve your attention:

(Fiction)
DAUGHTER OF THE KING by Carlene Havel and Sharon Faucheux

(NonFiction)
SLOWSPOKE by Mark Schimmoeller

(Fiction)
VOICES FROM HEAVEN by Maija Rhee Devine

(NonFiction)
PROFESSOR COCKTAIL'S HOLIDAY DRINKS: Recipes for Mixed Drinks and More by David J. Montgomery

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

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 12-11-13

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


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

Dear Reader,

Sometimes I don't want to pick the weeds because they look like they have potential. I know they're weeds, at least I think they're weeds. Truthfully, even avid gardeners like me don't always know for certain what's a weed and what's not, especially if it has a flower attached to it.

When I first moved to Florida (after living in Wisconsin for 30 some years) it was quite a shock when I looked at the plants growing in my yard. I only recognized ferns, rose bushes, and a loner, pink impatiens plant with spindling, spent stems. Our new home had been vacant and unattended for a few months and all the other plants looked like jungle vegetation, because they were extremely overgrown.

So, with a book about how to identify Florida plants propped up in front of me, I had to be the judge: what was a weed, what had to go and what could stay. It was a trying time for me. I can't even toss my Poinsettias out after Christmas. I make my husband "find good homes" for them when I'm not around. But I yanked, pruned, planted, fertilized, and now I love how my flower gardens look.

However, you'll still find a few weeds amongst the "real" stuff in my gardens, because I just never know, it might be a weed or it might be a flower simply growing in the wrong place.

To see what I found in my garden, and so see what happened to last year's Pink Poinsettia when I planted it in my garden, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/plant.html

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: VOICES FROM HEAVEN (Fiction) by Maija Rhee Devine

During the final years of the Japanese Occupation, when most Korean brides and grooms were married sight unseen, Gui-yong and Eum-chun strike gold by finding a love as sweet as sticky rice. But their love for each other and for their secretly adopted daughter is not enough, as they must soon accept the impossible a mistress moving in to bear Gui-yong the male child deemed necessary. The Korean War breaks out and tears flesh and souls. The separated couple wage a war to keep their love ablaze.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on VOICES FROM HEAVEN to read more and to email author Maija Rhee Devine, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-10-13

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


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

Dear Reader,

I've been baking once a week with my six-year-old grandson Paul, since he was three. Which prompted Karen, who reads at the book clubs to email and ask...

"Hi Suzanne,

I love that you have taught your grandson to bake with you, but how did you start? I don't have any grandchildren to teach and my baking daughter is off to college, so I thought about adopting a neighbor's child. (She has 6 so I don't think she'd miss one!)

How did you start? What level of difficulty is appropriate for a child in 1st or 2nd grade? Any particular cookbook/recipe to use as guidance?"

Thanks, Karen M.

(Suzanne replies:) Your neighbor has six children? Karen I think your neighbor would be glad to loan you one child (probably two or three), for an afternoon!

"Do you like cookies? What kind?"

That's how you could start baking with your neighbor's children. Kids like to bake something they love to eat, and they'll get compliments when their mom and dad eat their tasty cookies. But not every child is interested in baking. My grandson Paul loves to bake, but my other grandson James, he only likes to eat the baked goods. I'm sure your neighbor will know which one of her children would enjoy baking with you.

The biggest challenge for me when I started baking with my grandson Paul, was to hold my tongue, or sit on my hands--anything to avoid saying too soon, "Let me help you with that, Paul."

You have to show a child "how" to measure and crack eggs, and in the beginning they won't be able to do everything by themselves. But you need to let them do as much as possible, and that includes watching them struggle, and even make a huge mess. It's tough not to jump in when they're trying to scoop flour into a measuring cup, or crack an egg, but "doing" is the only way they'll learn, and they'll feel the satisfaction that "they" did it.

I would suggest making two batches of cookies. Two mixing bowls, one for you and one for the child. Kids get impatient waiting for cookies to bake, so plan on finishing the baking yourself.

I don't like most cookbooks for kids because they offer recipes for things like, graham cracker cookies using marshmallow fluff and sprinkles. I prefer to teach kids how to bake "real food," baked goods that everyone loves to eat. "Hmm, good," feedback is a huge incentive in learning to bake, and wanting to bake more often.

Have fun with the neighbor kids. Let me know how things went, and please do send a photo I can share with readers.

Karen inspired me to give away a kid's cookbook today. My grandson, Paul, and I used it for a while, but he's moved on to the "real" cookbooks (as he says)--Grandma's cookbooks. Enter to win a copy of Kid's Baking by Willliam-Sonoma. Send an email to: Suzanne@EmailBookclub.com

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

P.S. One last tip, the best way for a child to learn how to crack an egg, is to crack a dozen of 'em, and you can have scrambled eggs for dinner.

AUTHORBUZZ: SLOWSPOKE: A Unicyclist's Guide to America (NonFiction) by Mark Schimmoeller

Go on a journey--an unusual journey--not just across the country on a unicycle--but into a way of life that Americans are finding increasingly rare: one that practices a recalcitrant slowness. The author's recollections of his one-wheeled adventure are interspersed with images of present-day off-the-grid homesteading with his wife in Kentucky.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on SLOWSPOKE to find out more about the book and the author, Mark Schimmoeller. Send him an email, he'd love to hear from you.

Dear Reader Column 12-09-13

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


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

Dear Reader,

You won't want to miss it. "A Lesson from an Old Trunk" is today's guest column by writer, editor and historian Robert Klara.

Welcome Robert Klara...

A Lesson from an Old Trunk

I have something unusual to admit to you: I keep my clothes inside a steamer trunk. Now I have something to share with you: The old trunk has taught me an important lesson about life.

In case steamer trunk is an unfamiliar term, it's likely because you, dear reader, were born in the jet age, when quick trips and suitcases became the norm. But back, say, in the 1930s, travel was by train and steam ship (hence the term "steamer" trunk.) Journeys were long; people packed weeks' worth of clothing. If the traveler was affluent, he bought a 'wardrobe' steamer trunk--the sort that stood on one end and opened to reveal drawers on one side and a rack with hangers on the other. And if he was truly discerning, he bought an Innovation trunk, the company that pioneered the wardrobe design in 1904 and turned out beautiful models trimmed with upholstery and brass.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. You probably want to know why I keep all my clothes in a trunk--especially since I live in New York City, where life is supposedly glamorous. Actually, New York is the 'reason' I keep my clothing in a trunk: Apartments here are tiny and expensive, and my place has no closets. So I decided that, instead of stuffing my things into those ugly plastic bins that hide under the bed, I would find an old steamer trunk and use that instead.

After weeks of looking online, I finally found a trunk--an Innovation trunk, no less. I made the seller an offer, and she accepted. When I asked her if there was a story behind the trunk, she told me it had belonged to her father, Andrew. During the Great Depression, he worked as a traveling representative for General Electric. The man felt (and indeed was) extremely lucky to have a good job. Andrew raised his large family with the paychecks he earned on the road for GE, year after year, packing and unpacking that steamer trunk.

Sometimes, when I fetch a sweater from the drawer, I run my finger along Andrew's gold initials painted the trunk's top. His trunk no longer goes anywhere, but it's still putting in years of service--this time for me, a man who makes his living not by traveling, but by sitting at a desk and writing. And that's the moral of the story: It's not important what we actually do, only that we find a way to stay productive--just like my (sorry, Andrew's) old steamer trunk.

--Robert Klara

Be sure to email and say hello, I'm sending my email right now. Robert will personally reply and he has five copies of his latest book, The Hidden White House to giveaway to readers. Email Robert at: Robert@RobertKlara.com

About The Author...

Robert Klara is the author of two critically acclaimed books: FDR's Funeral Train and the just-published The Hidden White House. Klara has also worked as a full-time journalist for two decades. His topics have ranged from taking a locomotive-driving lesson to the perfumes that retail stores secretly pump into the air. Robert shares his home with a conceited cat named Minerva and prides himself on his collection of bow ties (kept, of course, in his steamer trunk.)

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: DAUGHTER OF THE KING (Fiction) by Carlene Havel and Sharon Faucheux

Thirty centuries ago, high-born daughters were bartered for political gain. Yet Princess Michal married her beloved David, one of the most famous kings of the Bible. Although her culture was enormously different from ours, hearts remain the same across the ages. King Saul's daughter was a courageous woman, whose love endured through war, madness, insanity, and betrayal.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on DAUGHTER OF THE KING to read more and to email the authors, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 12-06-13

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


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

Dear Reader,

Earlier this week I wrote about how wearing an apron makes me feel cozy and inspires me.

Who knew the words 'apron' and 'inspiration' could bring such a flood of reader response. The winner of my apron giveaway is...(drum roll, please)...Cindy Snider, who reads at the book club and plays a dulcimer. (I had to look up what a dulcimer was.)

"Suzanne, in answer to your question...the timing is perfect! I'm 60 something and learning to play the dulcimer. I joined a small folk music group, and we meet once a week to play together for an hour or so. This is my me time. I've spent my life working, volunteering as a Sunday school teacher, a teacher's aide, and late in life, a stay-at-home mom to our only child who is chronically ill. I've had this dulcimer for 25 years or so. At that time, I took six lessons and entered a competition and surprised everyone including myself! So, I need to be inspired to pursue this hidden talent and maybe, just maybe, someone out there will say hey, if she can do it so can I! Thanks Suzanne."--Cindy Snider

(Suzanne replies:) Cindy, your apron is on the way. Please send us a photo of you wearing the apron while playing the dulcimer.

"Last night I put out my kitchen Christmas decorations. One of the things I hang up every year is my Grandmother's Christmas apron, not the fancy ones she had in her drawer that she was given, but never wore (she was keeping them 'for good'), but the one she wore for her REAL cooking. It's terry cloth and the design is so faded you can barely see it. The strings are faded and wrinkled. But I love it, because it is her. It even still sort of smells like her. And yes, I wear it when I cook for Christmas.--Karin D.

I've tried several times during your various apron offers to win one, but it hasn't happened yet. I'm persistent! You asked what inspiration we might need, and without even thinking about it I can quickly answer strength and courage. It's a constant work in progress for me, and I'm sure for many, many others. You've alluded to this same subject, yourself, in countless columns. Thanks, as always, for the opportunity to win one of these wonderful vintage aprons!--Mary Q.

(Suzanne replies:) Mary, I'm sending you an apron, too. Watch for it in the mail.

I need an inspiration so maybe your apron will do the trick. It's the holiday season and usually I am drawn to sadness this time of year. This year is no exception. My husband's job is losing customers and he might have to look for a new one, and in the past two weeks there have been two deaths of people near and close to me. I am looking for work myself after a 19 year absence spent raising my children and taking care of elderly parents. Clearly I need the inspiration to keep my chin up, and not get sucked into the usual depressing thoughts that invade my mind every year around this time. Will your apron do that? I've read your book and I know that you are no stranger to life's challenges. How did you do it? I hope I win your magic apron!"--Karen M.

(Suzanne replies:) Karen, my sympathies for your loss. An apron is on the way. I hope it brings you the inspiration you're looking for.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Meet authors, win free books and more at this week's Authorbuzz. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 12-05-13

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


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

Dear Reader,

The hardest part about writing is writing. When people ask, "How do I become a writer?" I tell them to go home and start writing. They think I'm being trite, but it's advice I continue to preach to myself. Because the truth is, for me, writing is a love/hate thing. Writing is hard work, any writer would agree, but some writers talk about how the light shines through the window, inspiration consumes them, and they can't type the words fast enough. Fine, it's great work if you can get it. But on the occasions when inspiration strikes me, so much so that sentences fall out of my mind on to the paper, after a couple of paragraphs inspiration starts slowing down and soon, screeches to a halt...

"Suzanne to inspiration. Come in inspiration. Are you out there? Don't leave me hanging, what's the next sentence?" But the light has moved on and that's when the hard part begins.

My mind is jumbled, I can't figure out where to start, so I pull, pull, pull on the lawn mower cord, but I just can't make the connection. It would be easy to give up. But I know better. I've been here before. It takes some moaning and groaning, sometimes a loss of confidence, but finally even I get sick of myself, "For heaven sakes Suzanne, just start writing and stop editing yourself before you begin."

That's when I settle in and decide to do the work. I put on my headset, listen to a favorite song over-and-over again, repeat, repeat, repeat until I find the place inside of me that joyfully writes. The light may not be shining through my window any longer, but that's okay, because I've found the light inside my heart.

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

Happy Holidays,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these deserve your attention:

(Fiction)
THE PIECES WE KEEP by Kristina McMorris

(Fiction)
THE VOICES OF HEAVEN by Maija Rhee Devine

(Fiction)
UNDRESSING MR. DARCY by Karen Doornebos

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

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 12-04-13

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


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

Dear Reader,

'I wish I would have had a mother like author Mary Ellis had.' That's the first thought that came to mind after reading today's guest author column.

Mary Ellis has written twelve bestselling novels set in the Amish community, along with two romantic suspense set in Louisiana. Before "retiring" to write full-time, Mary taught middle school and worked as a sales rep for Hershey Chocolate. She has enjoyed a lifelong passion for American history and is an active member of the local historical society. Mary is currently working on several romances set during the Civil War. Book one of her new series is The Quaker and the Rebel.

Mary loves to hear from readers. (Her mom taught her well.) Send Mary an email, she wants to personally reply. And she's giving away five copies of The Quaker and the Rebel, email: maryeellis@yahoo.com

Welcome to the book club, Mary Ellis...

A Journey Comes Full Circle

I remember when I began writing around fifteen years ago, the only person I would allow to see my precious work was my mother. Who understands inner hopes and dreams better than your mom? And who would accept me for the flawed creature I am, yet still love me unconditionally? Since I've always had a lifelong passion for both travel and history, I decided I would set my books in the South. I loved taking off for long weekends or on summer vacations to study people who spoke with drawls, never worried about snowstorms and loved sweet tea. I was also fascinated with eras when men were men and ladies wore big hats and corsets. While writing my first book, I did laundry every Friday at my mother's house. (Who could afford a Laundromat's high prices?) While my clothes tumbled in her dryer, I would read my latest chapter aloud. True to the code of motherhood Mom would laugh--or cry at every appropriate spot. When she died unexpectedly, I buried that manuscript in my sock drawer. It was too painful to submit, even though I went on to publish a dozen other novels in two different genres.

But Mom wasn't happy. It was as though she was sending messages through my dreams that would stay with me all day. Finally I dug out and dusted off my old masterpiece. After a major overhaul (funny how much you learn after a dozen books...) I sent it in. What a surprise that my agent liked it as much as Mom.

One thing I learn while traveling the globe for research--deep down inside people are all the same. Everyone stands in awe before a gorgeous sunset; everyone loves to see a baby smile, everyone enjoys putting their feet up when day is done. And people never stop trying to please their parents, no matter how old they are. It's the same with history. People might have dressed differently back then and ate odd sounding food, but when you get down to it, we haven't changed much. Stories that delve into the human heart are timeless. The issues deviling our ancestors like what to be when you grow up or who to marry are the same ones facing us. So a romance will still ring true today, even after spending a considerable amount of time in my sock drawer.

--Mary Ellis

Say hello to Mary Ellis, she is waiting to reply and to give 5 readers a copy of her latest book, The Quaker and the Rebel, email: maryeellis@yahoo.com

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

Warm regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: UNDRESSING MR. DARCY (Fiction) by Karen Doornebos

An American public relations agent who is never far from her social media takes on an old-fashioned 'Mr. Darcy' from England and is not excessively diverted...

...Until she sees his educational 'striptease' act, Undressing Mr. Darcy. Can he find his way into her heart without so much as a GPS? It'll take three festivals filled with Austen fans, a trip to England, an old frenemy, and a flirtatious pirate reenactor to find out...

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on UNDRESSING MR. DARCY to read more and to email author Karen Doornebos, you'll get a reply.