Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 9-29-17

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

October 9th, is the deadline. Get your entry for the Write a DearReader Contest sent in soon. You'll find all the info, including cash prizes, and you can read last year's winning entries. Click here.

I'm enjoying reading the entries, I'd love to read yours, too.

Dunk, dunk, munch, munch. Today I'm offering one of my Chocolate Chip Cookie giveaways. I'm baking homemade chocolate chip cookies and I'll be sending them to three lucky readers. Baking chocolate chip cookies and giving them away is one of my assignments here on earth--no doubt in my mind--I was born with a cookie recipe in hand.

So I'm ready to bake, are you ready to eat cookies? If you've never entered the cookie drawing before, you're missing out on a lot of fun. I've been doing it for years. Enter your name in the cookie giveaway right now. Click here.

Congratulations to Nancy C. the winner of the Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix. And Susan B., is the winner of Death at the Seaside by guest author Frances Brody.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

* This month's Penguin Classics book is THE WOMAN WHO HAD TWO NAVELS AND TALES OF THE TROPICAL GOTHIC, by Nick Joaquin. Click here to start reading, and be sure to enter the drawing for your chance to win a Penguin tote bag.

Dear Reader Column 9-28-17

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

The minister was in the middle of his Sunday sermon and when he mentioned "Robert's Rules of Order"--that did it. Words in my mind started coming at me fast and furiously, one after another. I couldn't stop them. Pretty soon the words were forming sentences, and the sentences were lining up like jets on the tarmac waiting their turn for take off. I had to get this stuff out of my mind. I didn't have any choice. I had to write a column then and there.

I always carry a notebook with me, but I was nervous about getting it out because my son and daughter-in-law, who are usually sitting in the pew next to me, said that the last time I received so-called "divine writing inspiration," I was oblivious to the commotion I created. You see sometimes when I write, the ideas come so quickly and I'm so completely engrossed in the words, that I'm oblivious to what's going on around me. Apparently, the single sheet of paper and the stubby pencil that I was using that particular day were crinkling and making so much noise that people were turning around and staring at me. I do remember my son giving me the evil-eye to stop, but I thought he was just passing judgment on whether or not I should be writing a column in the midst of a church service.

So this time I gently and quietly (shhh...) pulled my notebook out of my purse, softly clicked the end of the pen and when I started writing, I listened--spot-checking for sound effects--heard none, and it was my turn for take-off.

By the time the minister finished his story, I'd finished mine too, and I discretely put away my tools. But in the middle of the following prayer, two more thoughts that were the perfect finishing touch for my story, were begging to be written down--I couldn't resist. I mean, who would know? Every dutiful praying person should have his eyes closed and head bowed, right? Anyone who didn't--who would see me writing--well it was kind of like getting caught doing something you shouldn't by someone else doing the same thing. So, you're both in deep doo-doo and neither one of you will fess up. And "we" didn't.

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 this title deserves your attention:

(Fiction)
AS THE POPPIES BLOOMED by Maral Boyadjian

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

* This month's Penguin Classics book is THE WOMAN WHO HAD TWO NAVELS AND TALES OF THE TROPICAL GOTHIC, by Nick Joaquin. Click here to start reading, and be sure to enter the drawing for your chance to win a Penguin tote bag.

Dear Reader Column 9-27-17

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

It was a very bizarre purchase for me. My husband was pushing the shopping cart and when I hesitated to pull my childhood favorite off the shelf, he encouraged me to stray, "Go ahead. Be a kid again," he smiled, "don't question it. Even if you decide not to eat it, it's no big deal."

I was so excited, when I pulled a box of Alpha-Bits Cereal off the shelf. Later that evening, actually about three in the morning, when I poured my first bowl of the "Wholesome sweetened oat & corn cereal," I noticed the "New and Improved" label on the front of the box and also guaranteed "A Story in Every Bowl."

And...when I took my first bite, instantly I was inspired.

'Aha, this cereal is all about words. Maybe it really does have secret powers? This is a magic cereal for writers. There's an idea in every bite. There really is a story in every bowl. I wonder if any other writers have discovered this yet?'

Get a grip, Suzanne. Maybe it's just three in the morning and you need to go back to bed.

What's your inspiration for this year's Write a DearReader Contest? The deadline is October 9th. You'll find all the info, including cash prizes, and you can read last year's winning entries. Click here.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

* This month's Penguin Classics book is THE WOMAN WHO HAD TWO NAVELS AND TALES OF THE TROPICAL GOTHIC, by Nick Joaquin. Click here to start reading, and be sure to enter the drawing for your chance to win a Penguin tote bag:

Dear Reader Column 9-26-17

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

We have a guest author today, but before I introduce her, let me remind you the deadline for the Write a DearReader Contest is fast approaching. Entries must be received by October 9th. Find out all the info here.

Before joining forces with her daughter Maria to write three adult murder mysteries, today's guest author Annie Dalton, wrote forty-plus books for children and teens, including an internationally best-selling series about a ditzy high-school girl who inadvertently becomes an angel.

Annie also worked for three years as writer-in-residence at one of Her Majesty's prisons. Maria has a varied CV which includes guerrilla film-making at the New York Film Academy, and a stint as an apprentice to a chimney sweep where she had access to some of the most spectacular rooftops of rural Scotland. Between them, Maria and Annie have two dogs, a Border collie, a Springer/collie cross, and three cats. Their latest title in the Oxford Dogwalker mystery series is A Study in Gold.

Please welcome Annie Dalton to the book club. You can reach her at: dogwalkingmysteries@outlook.com

My daughter and co-writer Maria and I had been shut up indoors all day working on the final chapters of our latest murder mystery. We stopped for a scratch supper then carried on. The outside world felt very far away. Nothing seemed real except our unwelcome discovery of some troublesome plot holes and our increasingly looming deadline. We were suddenly startled by a knock at the front door. I opened it, feeling frazzled, to find our neighbour Jai holding a tray which he handed over. 'You've both been working so hard. John and I thought you needed encouraging,' he said, before disappearing back into the dark. The tray held a plate with two slices of pumpkin pie and a small terracotta pot filled with Chantilly cream. The pie was still warm. It was the loveliest possible reminder that despite being anti-social writers Maria and I are still considered to be part of our tiny community.

Our little Norfolk cul-de-sac of nine cottages dates back to the 1500s. By the early 1970s, four out of the nine had become completely derelict but were rescued at the last minute from the developer's bulldozers by what my estate agent described rather charmingly as 'like-minded 1970s idealists'. Four young families bought the cottages for a song, living in caravans while they rebuilt these characterful dwellings, scandalising locals who rechristened the street 'Hippie Hill'.

One of the original couples still lives here on this hill-which-isn't-really-a-hill, in a cornflower-blue cottage with solar panels. Aileen tells the story of how their stairs were finally completed mere heart-stopping moments before the midwife arrived to deliver their new-born son! Other people have come and gone since those days, including an American diplomat, an artist, a retired rock-musician and a merchant banker. Yet somehow the inclusive Hippie Hill spirit is universally embraced by even the most conservative of newcomers. This is most evident at the annual street party where everyone invites extended families and friends to share food and talk, often late into the night. But, more importantly, it warms our everyday lives with countless small acts and exchanges that, in days gone by, would have seemed like normal human currency; neighbours sharing surplus produce or tools or gardening advice, fetching shopping or cooking a meal for someone just out of hospital.

This summer we all joined forces to create a scarecrow tableau on a Star Wars theme for the village show. Somehow, a task we had all slightly dreaded ended up as an impromptu party. Maria and I consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have neighbours who function more like a family, with all the warmth, security, ups, downs, fallings out and irritations that real families provide!

--Annie Dalton
Email Annie & Maria

I'm waiting to read your entry in this year's Write a DearReader Contest.You'll find all the info, including cash prizes and to read last year's winning entries. Go here.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

* This month's Penguin Classics book is THE WOMAN WHO HAD TWO NAVELS AND TALES OF THE TROPICAL GOTHIC, by Nick Joaquin. Click here to start reading, and be sure to enter the drawing for your chance to win a Penguin tote bag:

Dear Reader Column 9-25-17

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Okay what is it that I want to write about? Something has to be inside of me waiting to come out. Am I afraid or just lazy? Lazy sounds good. Tired may be the truth. If I keep typing something will probably show up. Can't stop, just keep hitting the keys and eventually the feelings I'm experiencing right now, at this moment, will show up on the screen. When I stop typing, I'm going back to editing my thinking. Maybe I'll have to hit the same key over and over again, to keep the momentum going, but isn't that what life's about? You keep going, no matter what comes your way. You may have to take a break and hit the MMMMMMMMMMM key over and over again, to take a little rest. To take a little "lie-down" as I call it in our house. It's sounds so much better than a nap.

When I think of myself taking a nap, for some reason I feel like I'm being bad. Taking a nap is something I should be ashamed of. But if I announce that I'm going to take a little lie-down, it sounds as if I'm sitting down to have a cup of tea and a cookie. A dainty little pinky-finger, cup of tea break in the day.

My husband takes a nap every day. No excuses, he simply goes into the bedroom, draws the darkening shade and does a lie-down. No, 'shame on me' he takes a real nap. He's willing to let dreamland set in for a bit. Not only does the nap provide a respite, it inspires his creativity. Frequently he'll suddenly wake up and rush to his computer, because he has an idea (he's working on a book about a new way to learn how to play the guitar). Sometimes all he needs is a 10-minute nap, but sometimes it's a real snooze.

I'm still working on my napping skills. I guess really, I'm still working on giving myself permission to take more than a lie-down. Since I'm a writer, and my husband is so inspired and filled with creativity after a nap, perhaps a nap should be in every writer's repertoire. And of course if I'm going to take more naps for inspiration, that means I could buy more nightgowns and pjs--guilt free shopping. After all, whatever I do, I do it with gusto. I put everything I can into it, and a new nightgown would inspire me for sure. What's that phrase..."Dress for success!"

If you think you're not a writer and you're having trouble getting started on this year's Write a DearReader entry, I hope today's column has inspired you. When I'm having trouble figuring out what I want to share with readers, I just start typing, like I did today. Even if the only sentence I can write for a while is, "I have no idea what to write about." Eventually a topic reveals itself. So my advice is to take a nap, then start hitting the keys on your keyboard, and don't stop hitting those keys until the magic happens. (Oh, and don't forget to buy new pjs, too!)

Enter this year's Write a DearReader Contest. The deadline is October 9th. You'll find all the info, including cash prizes and you can even read last year's winning entries. Click here.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ

AS THE POPPIES BLOOMED (Fiction) by Maral Boyadjian

It is 1913 and late summer in the Ottoman Empire. The sun rises, full and golden, atop a lush, centuries-old village tucked into the highlands where the blood-red poppies bloom. Outside the village leader's home, the sound of voices carries past the grapevines to the lane where Anno, his youngest daughter slips out unseen. She heads to a secret meeting place. She forgets that enemies surround her village....

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on AS THE POPPIES BLOOMED to read more and to email author Maral Boyadjian, you'll get a reply.

* This month's Penguin Classics book is THE WOMAN WHO HAD TWO NAVELS AND TALES OF THE TROPICAL GOTHIC, by Nick Joaquin. Click here to start reading, and be sure to enter the drawing for your chance to win a Penguin tote bag.

Dear Reader Column 9-22-17

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

PJ's on, snug-as-a-bug tucked in underneath the sheets. When my kids were little, before I'd turn out the light I'd hear, "Tell me a story." Thankfully it seems we're never too old.

When Danny, my cousin, read my story about the time I made our Grandma Hale's Red Velvet Cake recipe, and after I took it out of the oven, one side looked like a ski hill (I filled that side with frosting and served it to guests anyway), he sent me a story of his own.

"Suzanne, I smiled when I read your story about Grandma's red velvet cake. Don't take this the wrong way, because it's really a compliment, but it reminded me of a cake disaster when I was a kid in the Cub Scouts. Each of the scouts were supposed to bake a cake for our fundraiser. My parents were at work, so they didn't help me, but even if they'd been around they probably wouldn't have. Similar to them saying, 'Do your own homework,' they would have told me it was my project. I had a clear vision of how I wanted my cake to look, but...

...the night of the fundraising event, when I looked at the other cakes, obviously not made by my fellow Cub Scouts, I was dreading having to hold my cake up to be auctioned and then having to deliver it in person to the buyer. After seeing other cakes sell for more than fifteen dollars (which I considered at that time to be a lot of money), it was my turn. Bidding started very slowly and stopped quickly when someone yelled, 'Eight dollars!' The auctioneer grabbed the bid, 'Going once, going twice, SOLD to the lady in the back.'

As I was walked the cake towards the back of the room, all I could see was a hand waving. When I was almost there, I saw Grandma Hale sitting with her arm high up in the air. I was so relieved. Grandma and I shared my cake with chocolate milk when we got home (probably in the frog mug--do you remember that? The mug with the frog inside.), and even though the cake didn't look very good, Grandma thought it tasted pretty good.

That being said, because you made the Red Velvet Cake and it was Grandma Hale's recipe, I wanted you to know that if your lopsided cake was being auctioned off, I would have bid on it and got it!" -- Cousin Danny

"Tell me a Story." I'd love to read your story--your entry in this year's Write a DearReader Contest. Write your story, enter it in the contest, and you'll be giving a gift to yourself, too. Because when you remember and write it down, the story stays with you forever.

Enter this year's Write a DearReader Contest. You'll find all the info, including cash prizes and you can read last year's winning entries. Click here.

* Congratulations to the winners of Firstborn by Guest Author Tosca Lee: Sharon B., Sheri R., Carol M., Louise P., Flo K., Jennifer M., Valerie K., Pat H., Gloria A. and Rick M.

And the winners of a digital copy of Murder in Disguise by Guest Author Mary Miley: Penny T., Karen I., Nancy A., TC, and Cav.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

KIDS BUZZ: Two compelling and hilarious new reads for middle-graders: find out what happens when a kid decides to take a stand against sitting down in ETHAN MARCUS STANDS UP by Michele Weber Hurwitz; and THE PRINCIPAL'S UNDERWEAR IS MISSING by Holly Kowitt, a funny, cartoon-packed story of two very different girls thrown together accidentally. For a chance to win a free copy of these fabulous books and learn more: http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz.

* * *

This month's Penguin Classics book is THE WOMAN WHO HAD TWO NAVELS AND TALES OF THE TROPICAL GOTHIC, by Nick Joaquin. Click here to start reading, and be sure to enter the drawing for your chance to win a Penguin tote bag.

Dear Reader Column 9-21-17

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

My husband isn't the only person who likes "edges-only" brownies. After last Thursday's brownie column including a giveaway of an edges-only brownie pan, readers agreed their favorite cut of the brownie has all the edges. Congratulations to Charlotte D., winner of the edges-only brownie pan.

All this talk about brownies and Theone, a reader at the book club, was ready to bake, but wondered...

"Hi Suzanne, I fully expected to see your favorite brownie recipe at the end [of your column]. Can I twist your arm to include it in a future post? Thanks for an always enjoyable read...everyday!" -- Theone P.

(Suzanne replies) My brownie recipe is a secret--even to me. Because when I make brownies, it's the only time I ever use a mix: The Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Premium Brownie Mix. I'm not sure what they put in that mix, but I'm here to tell you that people think I made the brownies from scratch--every time. I buy the mix in a six pack at Costco. One pouch of mix, 1/3 cup water, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and one egg. Mix it all together and bake it in my "edge-less" pan and 40 minutes later, yum yum! There you have it, my brownie confession.

Feel like baking brownies? Be sure to enter today for your chance to win TWO boxes Ghirardelli Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix, click here.

Have you entered this year's Write a DearReader Contest? If you need an idea, how about sharing a family recipe and the story behind it? Or write about a cooking disaster. Who taught you to cook? Do you remember the first thing you ever made in the kitchen? My mother used to serve liver and I had to sit at the table until I ate it. Ketchup saved me. How about you?

Don't be shy about entering. I started the contest thirteen years ago, especially for people who aren't writers.So give it a go this year. The who, what, where, why--and cash prizes can all be found here.

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

Bake a batch of brownies, they'll inspire you to start writing,

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

(Fiction) THE VENGEANCE OF MOTHERS by Jim Fergus

(Fiction) THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF IVAN ISAENKO by Scott Stambach

(Fiction) VICTORIA by Daisy Goodwin

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

* * *

This month's Penguin Classics book is THE WOMAN WHO HAD TWO NAVELS AND TALES OF THE TROPICAL GOTHIC, by Nick Joaquin. Click here to start reading, and be sure to enter the drawing for your chance to win a Penguin tote bag.

Dear Reader Column 9-20-17

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

What is it that I'm feeling right now? Sad. Tears well up when I least expect them. Raking the debris in our yard, I'm raking and crying, I tell myself it's a good thing--I'm probably saving money on therapy.

I've been through other hurricanes here in Florida. One year, 2004, we had four hurricanes so close together, my husband and I didn't even take all the boards off the windows of our house, because we knew another storm was on the way. But this hurricane, knowing it was a Category 5, and still vividly recalling the pictures of the Texas, Harvey aftermath, it was going to take more convincing than usual to make myself believe I wasn't afraid that Irma was headed our way. I really wanted to believe that because we'd been through hurricanes before, we'd make it through this one fine, too.

But when I found myself telling my son I loved him, and reminding him where our will and insurance policy papers were, I realized I was kidding myself. I was scared. I was frightened. Being in a voluntary evacuation zone, my husband and I made the tough decision to stay in our home, so we took some shelves out of a small closet and stocked it to be our own hurricane shelter. Our five cats would be next door in the bathroom. We were ready to hunker down, up until the last day of possible evacuation, but with the hurricane path projection moving closer and closer to our location, that's when I caved. "I can't do it. Let's go to a shelter," I told my husband.

After something happens I feel I should simply move on to the next thing in life, but it was a long, stressful week of preparing, and internalizing the reality that Hurricane Irma was coming. Then making the decision to flee to a shelter, and after the storm, on the drive home wondering if our house would still be there, or would it be flooded. And then seeing the house was standing and no water in sight, I was relieved and thankful, but felt guilty at the same time.

Our yard was filled with debris, there wasn't any electricity, so we started the generator, and worked on cleaning up and getting back to a sense of normal. For me it's not the event, it's the anticipation of what might, of what could happen, that wears me down. And it's been a long, emotional journey, so I think this time I'll go easy on myself and continue to rake and cry--when needed--and simply wait until my heart feels ready to move on.

The recovery journey is still going on for so many. Please keep them in your heart and prayers.

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

Don't be shy if you aren't a writer. I started the contest thirteen years ago, especially for people who've never written. So give it a go this year. The who, what, where, why--and cash prizes can all be found here.

Gratefully,

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ

VICTORIA (Fiction) by Daisy Goodwin

I love that our PBS Victoria series is so popular in the U.S., and it was great fun writing the novel. I pored through Victoria's
diaries, and I think the events of her younger years make for a captivating story. So excited it's coming out in paperback, and I hope you love it.

Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on VICTORIA to read more and to email author Daisy Goodwin, you'll get a reply.

* * *

KIDS BUZZ: Two compelling and hilarious new reads for middle-graders: find out what happens when a kid decides to take a stand against sitting down in ETHAN MARCUS STANDS UP by Michele Weber Hurwitz; and THE PRINCIPAL'S UNDERWEAR IS MISSING by Holly Kowitt, a funny, cartoon-packed story of two very different girls thrown together accidentally. For a chance to win a free copy of these fabulous books and learn more, click here.

* * *

* This month's Penguin Classics book is THE WOMAN WHO HAD TWO NAVELS AND TALES OF THE TROPICAL GOTHIC, by Nick Joaquin. Click the link below to start reading, and be sure to enter the drawing for your chance to win a Penguin tote bag, click here.

Dear Reader Column 9-19-17

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Meet delightful Frances Brody, today's guest author. Let's get right to her guest column, and after you've finished reading it, I'll tell you a little more about her.

Please welcome author Frances Brody. Bon bon appetit!...

Thank you so much to Suzanne for having me as her guest on this great blog.

STEWED MUSHROOMS AND AN OLD RECIPE BOOK

When I was growing up, one of my mother's dishes was stewed mushrooms in gravy. They looked so disgusting that I didn't eat a mushroom until I was 25.

Recently, having some scaggy tough old mushrooms to hand, the idea popped into my head to try mushrooms in gravy. By some instinct, I reached for a little recipe book that I had never before opened. Not much is readable from the worn cover except the words "Good Things" and "For Every Home and Household".

A clue to the book's age is that recipes instruct the reader to cook over the fire, or a "clear fire". I had to think about what "a clear fire" might be and came to the conclusion that there mustn't be too much smoke blowing down the chimney.

Some pages are missing from this little recipe book and many pages are loose. Yet this slim volume offers meal suggestions and bumper advice. Top, bottom and side margins of every page boast pithy homilies.

From page 50 (Stewed Mushrooms) I learn:

CARE IS THE LOT OF LIFE

A GOOD TEMPER IS THE CHIEF INGREDIENT OF HAPPINESS

SMALL SERVICE IS TRUE SERVICE WHILE IT LASTS

USE BOOKS AS BEES USE FLOWERS

Because my stories are set in the 1920s, I was interested to read the daily menu suggestions for

SEVEN DINNERS THAT WILL PLEASE YOU

It was no surprise to see Roast Beef on Sunday, with Rabbit Soup as a starter, and Bermuda Pudding for dessert. The following days' menus were not for cooks suffering a midweek cash deficit. On Wednesday, there's Roast Goose; Thursday, Roast Loin of Veal and on Friday Fore-Quarter of Lamb. All are accompanied by first course and pudding.

Although the inside title page of the recipe book is missing, there are strong hints about the book's provenance. The cook is recommended to use Goodall, Backhouse & Co's Custard Powder, Baking Powder, Yorkshire Relish and, among much else, to imbibe the company's Quinine Wine.

But what of the stewed mushrooms in gravy dish? Reader, I made it, we ate it, and enjoyed. There's a familiar voice in my head saying, 'Your mother knows best.'

I'm sorry it took me so many decades to try stewed mushrooms in gravy. I wish that I'd shut my eyes and given those horrible looking mushrooms a try.

Thanks to my publisher for providing a giveaway copy. I love to hear from readers, with or without a mushroom recipe!

--Frances Brody
francesbrody1@gmail.com

Frances Brody lives in the North of England, where she frequently crosses the pond to take part in US Crime Writing conventions. She loves to meet readers and fellow writers. Frances began her writing career in BBC radio and television. Her 1920s classic mystery novels feature Kate Shackleton, First World War widow turned sleuth.

* How is your entry coming along for this year's Write a DearReader Contest? I can't wait to read it, so give it a go. The who, what, where, why--and cash prizes can all be found here.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ

THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF IVAN ISAENKO (Fiction) by Scott Stambach

Ivan is a lifelong resident of the Mazyr Hospital for Gravely Ill Children in Belarus. Life has left him snarky, yet endearing, and totally riddled with defense mechanisms. He curates a very detached and carefully managed life for himself to avoid feeling too much. But when Polina arrives, he wants something for the first time in his life. He wants her to live. Ultimately, Ivan's story is about choosing life over fear and embracing the richness held inside of lives we sometimes write off. A perfect choice for book clubs.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF IVAN ISAENKO to read more and email author Scott Stambach, you'll get a reply.

* This month's Penguin Classics book is THE WOMAN WHO HAD TWO NAVELS AND TALES OF THE TROPICAL GOTHIC, by Nick Joaquin. Click here to start reading, and be sure to enter the drawing for your chance to win a Penguin tote bag.

Dear Reader Column 9-18-17

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

"What can a girl do with only a generator for electricity?" They are still getting power hooked up in Florida where I live, so with a generator, this girl can keep the refrigerator cold, and her electric bubble machine pumping out bubbles, in front of the house.

A bubble machine sounds like a non-essential, but everyone who walks or drives by my house, calls out a thank you for getting the machine running because, "It feels like something normal," in a time when normal is nowhere to be found.

Another thing I can do while I'm waiting for life to get back to a little more normal is to read your entries to this year's Write a DearReader Contest. (Someone else on staff, who doesn't live in Florida, sends the entries to my phone.) So, if you haven't entered yet, please get busy and start writing. I'm waiting for a "real good read" from you.

You'll find the who, what, where, why, last year's winning entries and this year's cash prizes here.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ

THE VENGEANCE OF MOTHERS (Fiction) by Jim Fergus

For years, readers of One Thousand White Women have asked me to write a sequel. This next title chronicles the next wave of extraordinary women who traveled west to become "brides" of the Cheyenne, and in the aftermath of tragedy, must ask themselves: how far can we go to avenge the ones we love?

Go to AUTHORBUZZ click on THE VENGEANCE OF MOTHERS to read more and to email author Jim Fergus, you'll get a reply.

* This month's Penguin Classics book is THE WOMAN WHO HAD TWO NAVELS AND TALES OF THE TROPICAL GOTHIC, by Nick Joaquin. Click here to start reading, and be sure to enter the drawing for your chance to win a Penguin tote bag.