AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.
Dear Reader,
This year we're celebrating 20 years at the book club!
Book club reader Judy S. writes about her daily book club email...
"It's the first thing I read each morning. My favorite stories are the simple ones where Suzanne writes about herself, her family, her vulnerabilities. They are so beautiful, touching and human. To be able to wear your heart on your sleeve is a gift and creates such a wonderful connection with others...it reminds me to be more open with others and to let people in...a good life lesson."
One of readers' favorite columns from the past 20 years...
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 **
THE SUMMER COTTAGE (Fiction) by Viola Shipman
My new novel is inspired by childhood summers with my grandparents at their old waterfront cabin. Though short on luxuries (no indoor bathroom!), it was long on memories. My grandparents had one cottage rule--Be happy!--and taught me even the tiniest homes could feel like mansions if only filled with love. The Summer Cottage celebrates family memories and heirlooms like my previous novels The Charm Bracelet and The Recipe Box, reminding us playing by adult rules isn't always the best path to happiness. Like a cottage, this novel should be shared among generations and help you rediscover the magic of every sunset!
Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on THE SUMMER COTTAGE to read more and to email author Viola Shipman, you'll get a reply.
Comments