Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 08-17-2020

Dear Reader,

There's a story in little things going on around you, and if you sit down and write about them, you just might be the winner in this year's annual Write a DearReader Contest. Today's column is a favorite of mine, and I was inspired to write it after I noticed how my husband beeps our car's horn. All you need is one little idea--650 words or less. This year's contest launches next Monday, August 24th. Cash prizes, deadlines, read winning entries from last year, and find out how your library can win a cash prize, too, if you're one of the winners. Start writing!

There's a horn in our car, but my husband doesn't like to use it. No worries about getting a worn spot on the old tooter, nope, instead of beeping at someone to let them know they're cutting him off, my husband tries to talk the other driver through it.

"Oh no. Don't, don't, do that! You aren't really coming into my lane are you? Stop, stop, can't you see me here?"

Of course they don't, and thankfully my husband's a real good 'swerver,' so he always manages to get out of their way.

On occasion my husband will resort to beeping the horn, but his version is a slight tap, tap, in the vicinity of where the horn should be on the steering wheel. In fact his first tap doesn't even make any noise, the second tap is merely a trace of a toot, perhaps a passing mosquito might move out of the way, and, if and when my husband does manage to finally blow the horn, so another driver could hear it--it's never heard by the offending driver. No, that car is long gone--four blocks up ahead. So now the other drivers around us who hear my husband's beep, can clearly see there's no need for anyone to blow a horn, they assume we know them and everyone waves as we drive by.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 08-14-2020

Dear Reader,

Yesterday I had to write myself out of a funk. Have you ever been there? I sure hope not.

The Land of Funk, it's a magical world--a sort of Disneyland for problems. The tickets are cheap and there are always plenty of rooms, so (unfortunately) there's never a wait list.

"Welcome to our resort. Would you like a queen or king? City view or poolside? And how many days will you be staying with us?"

That's the real need-to-know question. Just how many days am I going to indulge?

Writing my way out of the Land of Funk isn't simply a prescription for relief, it's functional. In-between the fury of the angry lines, there it is--the "reason." And once I've figured out the reason, that's usually enough. I don't need to call someone up and give them "what-for," or beat myself up for what I did or didn't do--instead I feel relieved. I finally understand and so it's time to check out.

Come to think of it, maybe the Land of Funk is a magical world after all.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

P. S. How do you feel today, right this very minute? Writing about your feelings just might be the perfect topic for your entry in this year's Write a DearReader Contest. Prizes, deadlines, winning writing samples, all the info launches August 24th. Start writing!

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

Dear Reader Column 08-13-2020

Dear Reader,

I grew up in a town of 2,000 people. Neighbors knew each other, front doors were never locked, keys were always left in cars. Of course, things have changed today, but one thing that hasn't changed for me, is when someone has a death in their family, I do what I saw my mother and the other women in my small town do--I tie an apron around my waist and I start cooking. It can be difficult to know what to say, if anything, to ease someone's pain and sadness, but when I make a casserole or bake a cake and take it to their home, finding the right words isn't necessary, because they feel loved.

Front doors locked, keys not left in cars, the definition of a neighborhood has changed, too. When my friend's sister died, I decided I'd make two of my friend's favorite things to eat. For years she has loved, absolutely loved my shrimp salad, and a few months ago when she tasted my hot and sour soup for the first time, she sent a text: "Oh my gosh, this soup is fantastic! It's now my favorite. The shrimp salad will have to slip to number two."

I didn't have the ingredients I needed, so I put together an order for the grocery store using Instacart. My husband and I haven't been doing our own shopping, instead a shopper working for Instacart takes care of it for us and delivers our groceries to our door. I was fortunate to be able to click and have my grocery order scheduled to be shopped and delivered first thing the next day.

But early the next morning, I remembered that the fresh seafood counter at my usual grocery store wouldn't be open yet, so when my Instacart shopper sent me a text introducing himself and letting me know that he would begin shopping soon, I replied: "I must have the shrimp for a recipe. I'm cooking for my friend whose sister died yesterday. So if the seafood counter isn't open yet, you could feel free to deliver later to me today. No problem on my end about that. Thanks so much for shopping for us. We appreciate it. Suzanne and Bob."

And my shopper's reply: "No problem, Suzanne, I'll get you that shrimp for your friend. I'm headed to another grocery store, I know from experience their seafood counter opens earlier. I hope it helps your friend feel better."

Ah, what a sweet, neighborly thing to do and I feel blessed, because I realize that the Instacart shopper is now part of my 'small town' neighborhood.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

AUTHORBUZZ:

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

(Fiction) THE NAUGHTY PRINCESS by Claire Contreras

(NonFiction) THE NEW CHARDONNAY: The Unlikely Story of How Marijuana Went Mainstream Currency by Heather Cabot

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

Dear Reader Column 08-12-2020

Dear Reader,

(Note from Suzanne: Hi, I'm out today, but I'm sharing a past column, from when we could actually go into a store to shop. It's an easy-going story and I hope it inspires you to start thinking about what you could write about for this year's "Write a DearReader" Contest, which launches August 24th.)

I bought a new writing desk this past weekend. Not exactly earth shattering news, or perhaps even column-worthy, but I absolutely love my new antique desk. And the bonus is--I got a great price because I asked the magic question, "Is that your best price?"

The "magic question," some days I'm just not up to asking. I don't really get any particular thrill out of haggling, but if I don't ask, I'll always wonder. Some people are insulted when I ask, or maybe just uncomfortable coming up with a reply. Perhaps they don't enjoy haggling either. But usually when I ask the magic question, the reply is: "I could give you 10, 15, sometimes 20 percent off," or "What price were you thinking?"

What price was I thinking? Smart cookie--put the haggling back in my lap.

My husband is uncomfortable asking the magic question, so he took me along to the store when he wanted to buy a new bass guitar. He knew exactly which one he wanted, so I volunteered to do the deal. The price tag read: "List Price $550--Now Only $359.99 Save: $190."

I'm never comfortable starting the conversation with "Is that your best price?" I like to ease into it, telling a story about why I'm buying the guitar, anything, so the salesperson and I get to know each other before I pop the question. Secretly I always take a deep breath before I ask. It's not really as effortless as I make it out to be.

But finally I did ask, "Is that your best price?"

The salesperson looked at me, was silent--for what felt like hours--and finally he replied, "What price were you thinking?"

Oh no, I hate it when that happens. 'Think Suzanne, think.' And the first thing that popped into my mind was, "How about an extra 20 percent off?"

And to my surprise he countered with, "You seem nice, how about $259.99?"

I'm not a math whiz, but a quick mental calculation suggested the price he quoted was better than my 20 percent, and indeed it was.

Happy salesperson, happy Suzanne, really happy husband. I'm so glad I asked the magic question.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

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

Dear Reader Column 08-11-2020

Dear Reader,

Today we have a guest visiting the book club. Please welcome author Ashlee Eiland. Ashlee is giving away a copy of her book, Human(Kind): How Reclaiming Human Worth and Embracing Radical Kindness Will Bring Us Back Together.

To say hello and enter the giveaway, email [email protected]

The Element of Surprise

It was late and I was in my pajamas. My kids were in bed. The house, quiet.

Then a knock came at the door, rappity-rapping in a firm but cute cadence that made you appreciate the effort. It was a young knock. Grown people don't knock like this.

I opened the door to find that a little girl, no more than eight, was standing on my front porch in red and black jammies, barefoot, no parent in sight.

I panicked.

Why is this little girl at my house? Do her parents know she's here? Why isn't she in bed? Why is she wearing flannel in the middle of the summer? Why is she smiling?!

"Oh, hi! Um, I just wanted to let you know that my sister is having a birthday party...tomorrow...and I wanted to invite your kids before I forgot. She's turning 5. It's at 4:00."

And because I couldn't think of one thing we had to do the next day, and because maybe this girls' gumption was enough to throw me off my introverted party-averseness, and because I really really wanted her to be home and in bed: "Sure! We'll be there. Thanks for inviting us." "Ok, we'll see you tomorrow!"

And then from my bay window I watched her sprint, barefoot, down my street, back toward what I hoped was her house. She'd barely even looked both ways crossing another major street. What just happened? The feeling that lingered was like the hum of silence you hear right after a door has been slammed. Something about her surprise invitation stayed with me, even though she was long gone.

In a season that's felt like both silence and so much noise, in recently emerging from a two-year writing process that felt both structured and spontaneous, I now find myself reflecting on how surprises are either most unwelcome, reminding me of how truly out of control and vulnerable I am, or...they're just what I need in that moment.

Maybe we need to be interrupted and found. Perhaps we need to be invited out and into something new: in our neighborhoods, in our writing, in our lives.

Maybe we need to be open to an unexpected knock at our door.

But maybe we're the one knocking--and someone actually answers and says "yes."

(By the way, the party favor was a "choose-your-own" original piece of artwork from an outdoor gallery curated by flannel jams herself. I won't soon forget that.)

Ashlee Eiland

Email, [email protected] say hello, and when you do, you'll be entered in a drawing for a copy of her new book, Human(Kind).

For more information, visit AshleeEiland.com and @ashlee_eiland

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

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

THE NEW CHARDONNAY: The Unlikely Story of How Marijuana Went Mainstream Currency (NonFiction) by Heather Cabot

El Chapo probably never imagined a rival like Beth Stavola. Yet, the glamorous Jersey mom of six managed to build one biggest marijuana empires in the US--legally. In my new title, you will follow Beth and three other improbable entrepreneurs racing to cash in on cannabis. The page turner tells the story of pot's astonishing rebranding from the "evil weed" to the center of a multi-billion dollar boom.

Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on THE NEW CHARDONNAY to read more and to email author Heather Cabot, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 08-10-2020

Dear Reader,

I've found my passion. I love to write and most of the time my passion is right there on the surface. I feel every word. It's easy to get lost in my thoughts and when I've finished a column, the best part of me is right there in what I've written.

I love it when my passion is burning--when it's difficult to close my eyes at night, because I don't want to waste time sleeping, and when it's not a problem hopping out of bed in the morning, because I can't wait to "begin." But the heat of passion comes and goes and that's frustrating for me.

I want to be able to grab ahold of that passion anytime, anywhere, but sadly it doesn't always work that way. When I have to dig deep, when things don't come as easily as they usually do, my first thought is, 'It was a good ride and now it's over.' But the other day, when I was looking at my Coleus plants, I discovered a new way of thinking about passion.

One of my flower gardens is under a big oak tree and I always plant a lot of Coleus there. Coleus plants like a little sun, but mostly shade, and that's the climate underneath my big oak tree. The setting and the soil in that garden are the perfect match for Coleus and they thrive. Big, huge, overgrown plants fill up the space. The Coleus plants get so big and are so passionate about doing their job that their roots come up right out of the ground. Instead of staying buried a couple of inches underneath, when the Coleus are in full bloom, the stalky stems, with the sinewy roots, actually lay on top of the soil.

The Coleus is so determined it keeps on growing for months and months, nothing stands in the way of that plant. It knows its purpose. It thrives and is a thing of beauty to look at. But eventually, it starts to look a little ragged, not enough so most people would notice, but I've seen the Coleus at its best and I know it's time to cut the plant back and give it a rest.

And I've decided that's the way of passion.

Most of the time the words will flow and be a thing of beauty, but sometimes the writing will be a little ragged--not enough so most people would notice--but I won't let it bother me, because like the Coleus, I just need a little time to renew my passion.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

P. S. Grab hold of your passion today and start working on your entry for this year's annual Write a DearReader Contest. Prizes, deadlines, winning samples, all the info launches August 24th.

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

Dear Reader Column 08-07-2020

Dear Reader,

It was a joyful feeling when I wrote the email and it was a joyful feeling when I read the reply. I'm going to look for more opportunities to say, "Thanks."

To: Confection Protection

Hello,

I just wanted to thank you for the gorgeous cake boxes. I ordered both the red and pink striped ones. My grandchildren live in Sarasota, as do I, but I can't see them because of the virus. So every weekend I make a dessert for the grandkids, my husband and I drive to their house, leave it on their doorstep and ring the bell. Cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, your fancy boxes make the dessert even more fun! And my daughter-in-law always sends a text with photos of the grandkids enjoying the dessert. My husband and I may not be able to give our grandchildren a hug, but your boxes filled with my baked goods, does it for us.

Thank you for such a wonderful product. You sure are "dressing up" my weekly dessert.

Warmest thanks... Suzanne Beecher

A few days later, after sending my email I received this personal reply...

Hi Suzanne,

I can't tell you how happy it makes me feel that I am providing a product that helps people in some way or fashion, have a better day! Thank you soo much for the warm feedback!

We will soon be introducing new sizes to expand our product line. I am also looking to offer my product on other platforms, but due to the weight of my items, it has been very cost-prohibitive so far. Please check out our Facebook page under Confection Protection, for all the latest updates and to ask anything you would like! Many of our customers post their cake boxes with their baked goods inside and I am truly amazed by their creations.

Thank you again, Suzanne, for sharing your experiences with me, and please feel free to reach out at any time! It warms my heart every time I get these emails!

All the best,

Harvey McGuire, Confection Protection

I bet you have a "feel-good" moment story that would make the perfect entry for my annual Write a DearReader Contest. This year's contest launches August 24th so it's not too early to start writing. Cash prizes, your column is featured in the daily read and a donation is made, in your name, to your local library. Start writing!

* Congratulations to Judy L., the winner of the silicone spatula set.

And Julia K., is the winner of Young Blood by guest author Tricia Fields.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

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

Dear Reader Column 08-06-2020

Dear Reader,

Happy Thanksgiving! That's what I want to be saying to my family when they show up at my house for the big dinner this November. I know, I know all too well, there's a virus and gathering together isn't possible right now. But where there's a will, there's a way--maybe. So for right now, I'm skipping the maybe part and I'm planning a Thanksgiving dinner that respects social distancing with antibacterial wipes and sprays as party favors.

Birthday parties and holiday celebrations for our family are always at my house, and I love the job. Three months in advance of a family member's birthday or a holiday, I decide on a theme, start ordering decorations, plan a menu and shop for Bingo prizes. Any party at Grandma's house (even Thanksgiving), includes playing Bingo in between dinner and the pumpkin pie. "What happens at BINGO stays at BINGO" our sign reads, because the game can get a little serious sometimes. Well, actually I should say that choosing a Bingo prize might cause a few friendly disagreements, when someone does a walk-around the Bingo prize table ahead of time, secretly trying to hide, deep down in the stacks of prizes, the one thing they'd like to win. I'm constantly on the lookout for Bingo prizes (this year I might even include rolls of toilet paper!)

I'm determined to make Thanksgiving a safe gathering outdoors: a small table for each person, disposable plates, silverware, tablecloths and everyone gets their own set of serving spoons to pile on the dressing and potatoes and gravy. The food can be set up outdoors too, and we can even play Bingo. I'll put a box of disposable gloves and a wastebasket nearby, so someone can put on a glove, pick their prize and dispose of the glove. (No digging through prizes this year.) Disposables, prizes, everything can be "quarantined" ahead of time.

When I've mentioned to people in my family that I'm planning a way to have a Thanksgiving dinner at my house this year, no one has discouraged me, and I thank them for that. Bringing the family together for a celebration is my way of showing my love and creating memories. Of course deep down I realize that I might not be able to bring us all together, but right now planning the party is filling my heart with joy!

To see photos of some of our family's past birthday and holiday parties, click here.

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise this title deserves your attention:

(Mystery) THE MIMOSA TREE MYSTERY by Ovidia Yu

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

Dear Reader Column 08-05-2020

Dear Reader,

I write something to you every day and you write back to me. It's a mixture of reader emails today, the best kind of column.

(And don't forget to enter my giveaway. Keep reading...)

"Suzanne, I love this story about the drawers in your home. Now I shall count my own and that can be yet another task during these trying times. So far, I've organized recipes...meaning I put them in folders and the folders in an accordion folder. Gone through family photos and thrown hundreds away after giving many, many, to our four sons. Cleaned several rooms. Painted stones (with sayings to secretly place in the neighborhood and on lawns of church members), and of course READ READ READ... Thanks for your uplifting words each day! Stay well...and blessings to you!" -- Melody

"Hi Suzanne, your spatula story still has me smiling. While visiting a dear friend of mine at her home, I went in search of a fork. After opening drawer upon drawer I finally found the silverware drawer. Seeing an opportunity to give her kitchen some clarity, consistency, and proper flow, I decided to put the place in order. More than ten years has passed and I've moved away, but my friend will still call and ask where to find items.'Do you remember where you put the tongs? My husband has been cursing you under his breath every time he uses the grill. I've bought him new ones, but he can't find his favorite. So I've decided to leave what 'sparks joy' for Marie Kondo." -- Respectfully, Arlene

Suzanne comments: Counting all the drawers in my house and determined to organize each and every one, when I opened the kitchen utensil drawer and realized there were 15 spatulas in it, I was inspired to make this week's giveaway a spatula. Not to worry, it's not one of my 15, a brand new set-of-four silicone spatulas will show up in the winner's mail box. To enter, click here.

"Hi Suzanne, even when I don't care for the week's book (which is rare), I always read your column! Instead of an email or a blog, your column reminds me of a letter from a friend. (Remember when we used to send and receive those?) I enjoy your column every day. Usually you seem very upbeat and positive. (I love to picture your bubble machine!) Once in a while, you sound down or upset. That's when I want to send you a big hug. Hang in there. Covid-19 can't last forever. And remember: you spread joy to many people every day. How many people get to do that? Sending smiles your way," -- Ann

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

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

Dear Reader Column 08-04-2020

Dear Reader,

Once a week I feature a guest author, and I'm pleased to introduce today, Jami Amerine. She is an author, speaker, and an artist. Jami and her husband, Justin, live in the North Houston, Texas area. They have six children ranging in ages from 6-25.

Jami is a three-time published author and royalty artist. She and her husband are advocates for foster care and adoption. Jami describes her third book, Well, Girl: an Inside Out Journey to Wellness as a transformational read that will set you free. Hilarious, raw, and somehow poetic, she says, Well, Girl "offers scriptural truths, honest and thought-provoking ideas about wellness, and an in-depth look at a life free from the culture's lies--with increased self-worth, better overall health, and more confidence in your physical appearance."

There are five copies of Well Girl waiting for five lucky readers. To enter the giveaway and say hello, email: [email protected]

Please welcome author Jami Amerine...

A Better Route than the Roundabout

As an American, I confess, I don't understand and cannot maneuver the roundabout. The first I ever encountered one was in England, but I was not driving. And the driver was on the wrong side of the vehicle. I submit, had I been driving this would have left me even more dazed were I in need of an exit.

Every so often, here in Texas, some fancy pants city planner or neighborhood developer will try and dazzle us by using the roundabout in a new environment. There is a mall in a town near mine that has one. I opt for the speed bumped straight ways of exiting the premises. I accidentally got caught on that roundabout once. That is 20 minutes I can never recoup.

And while I would tell you that I prefer not to exit off a circle, that I enjoy a sign marking the straight shot; big, bold, and obvious. I recently noticed I go around in circles in my mind more often than not.

My close friend calls this phenomenon, circling the mountain. Either way, it is easy to get caught in cyclical worry, doubt, fear, and what-ifs, and stay dizzily trapped in the brain space without hope of exit. And now, it occurs to me, often, this is a choice. When my flouncy mind starts going round and round, entertaining the worst unknown or droll commonalities of the past, there are options for exit.

What is this outlandish brain we house? That I might choose to play out pictures of dread that go nowhere or choose to write a new story, exit onto a road of best-case scenarios, hope, and enchantment?

And truly, this is where I am at my best, creating something new. Creating from a place of good tidings with fresh eyes. It was when my friend said, "my problem is, I am circling the mountain of what happened before, and not having faith in something new and better happening, if I would head on down the road," when I thought, "yep, I am stuck on the roundabout."

Truly, the roundabout is not that complicated. But when I believe I cannot escape, it rules me. When I stay in the middle lane and run the gamut of my limited belief and the negative rules of "with my luck," and "it will never work," there I will stay.

"No more!" is all I could muster as I jumped the curb, plowing through well-manicured rose bushes, barely missing a fabricated, concrete waterfall. Desperate to be done with the nonsense of round and round, I choose to navigate the unknown, veering to the side of the very best outcome. In the fast lane, I made up a new route. No, I had no idea where I was headed, but I expected more. I created an open road, straight with exits to my right and left, where the impossible is totally plausible and worry and doubt were left in my dust.

-- Jami Amerine
Email: [email protected] to enter her book giveaway

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

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

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