Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 04-10-2020

Dear Reader,

Thanks for "writing" today's column by sharing your experiences. And I have a puzzling book question that reader Roxana M., has been trying to solve for years. Can you help her?

"Hello Suzanne, a few years ago you mentioned that you keep extra umbrellas in your car to give out as needed. Yesterday morning, on my way to work (I'm the CPA), I was stopped at a traffic light and saw a man waiting for the bus in the rain. Here I am, in my car and still gainfully employed, and who knows what this man's circumstances are. He was wearing a mask as we're all supposed to do when in public places. I reached into the back seat to find my umbrella, rolled down the window and gave it to him. He was very grateful, and I'm glad that your mention of this some time ago stuck with me, and I could make this small gesture to one in more need of an umbrella than me. Thank you for the inspiration to help our fellow man--COVID 19 or not." -- Christine B.

"Suzanne, I was hoping you could help me out. Several years ago (2013-2014) this email book club featured a book sample that I absolutely loved. I am trying to find that book, but with the COVID scare right now libraries are not open. Even more difficult I used to live in California and now reside in Utah, so I no longer have the California library card to my account, to even get the records for my book check out history.

The story is faith based (not religious doctrine), and it's about a doctor who falls in love with his patient, and she has a heart attack/heat stroke which then makes him realize that though he loves his deceased wife, he really wants to be with this new woman. The woman struggles with her self appearance and self worth. I don't know if that would help you but I'd appreciate any help you can give me. I have been searching for this book for months now. Can you or one of our readers help me out? Thank you in advance." -- Roxana M.

I've looked back in our book records, but I haven't been able to find the storyline Roxana's describing. (But I may have missed it, because I've sent out a lot of books.) If you have some ideas about the book Roxana is looking for, please send me an email.

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

Keep washing your hands and singing "Happy Birthday!"

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

Dear Reader Column 04-09-2020

Dear Reader,

The best "medicine" for me right now is to get up every morning and ask myself, first thing, "What can I do for someone else today?"

So when I read an article in the local newspaper about the Senior Friendship Center looking for volunteers to call folks in their homes, to make sure they were able to get groceries, and other essentials, I knew it was the perfect match for me.

After filling out a 12 page application, including current and past job descriptions, I got the job! So everyday I call a list of 50 people, checking in with seniors, most of them living alone, to make sure everything is okay and to let them know what services the Friendship Center offers. Thankfully most of the folks are doing just fine, they have grown children who look in on them and make sure they get groceries. But some people aren't that fortunate.

"How about if I have someone give you a call once a week to have a nice chat, and to make sure you're okay?" I asked an 83-year-old woman who lives alone.

"It does get lonely," she whispered, "even if you could just call and say a couple of sentences, that would make me feel like I'm not alone."

"What can I do for someone else today?" Book club readers share some of their experiences...

"Suzanne, who knew that I, as an award-winning quilter, would suddenly be in such demand? I've been sewing reusable face masks from supplies I have on hand. My fabric stash makes lovely masks! Elastic is unavailable everywhere, because of this volunteer effort nationwide, so clever sewers are using bias and twill tape, shoelaces and grosgrain ribbon for ties. I've donated over 50 so far to local medical personnel, and I feel very Rosie-the-Riveter-ish!" -- Sheila P.

"I'm a kindergarten teacher. I'm trying to stay connected with my students. I miss them as much as they miss me. They all received writing journals, and they were given prompts for each day. Today's prompt was 'What do you miss most about school?' My students know me as Ms. Post. This student's journal entry melted my heart and gave me hope. ("What is one thing I miss about school? I love Ms. Post!") Just wanted to share this. Do not give up. There is so much good in the world. Thank you Suzanne for keeping us connected. Stay safe." With much appreciation, Ms. Post

"Hi Suzanne! I work from home, and in the evening, as always, I read and write, and I still take walks. Everything is different. But people are kind. My son calls often, and I check up on friends, and friends check up on me. I read of the Bear-in-the Window outreach, where families put teddy bears in the window so little kids can count them on walks. I didn't have a bear, but I had a bunny, which is seasonably appropriate--don't you think? Wishing you health and happiness," Diane O.

**Please use this email to enter your name in the drawing for the book, 1,000 Jokes for Kids of All Ages by Michael Kilgarriff. Email: Suzanne@DearReader.com

* I think the virus has spread to the server that delivers the book club. (You've got to have a little humor these days.) Our apologies if any of your daily reads or links have been interrupted. We are working on it right now.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

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

(Fiction) BEYOND THE GHETTO GATES by Michelle Cameron

(Fiction) THREADS A DEPRESSION ERA TALE by Charlotte Whitney

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

Dear Reader Column 04-08-20

Dear Reader,

I'm wishin' for a little smile every day in the midst of everything going on around me, and Wisconsin book club reader Linda D.'s email gave me one..

"Suzanne, last week when my husband picked up three orders of fish fry at a local restaurant, guess what they gave us for ordering? A roll of toilet paper! Now I know in today's world TP's like money. But imagine before COVID-19 getting toilet paper with your meal, would it be like a commentary on the cooking? Or is toilet paper the new after dinner mint?"

"Dear Suzanne, I hope what I did makes people smile during this frightening time. I strung Christmas lights along my front porch rail. It looks beautiful!" -- Jean P.

A birthday party made book club reader Cedar D. smile...

"Hi Suzanne, my birthday (70! how did that happen?) was on March 31. Some of my friends had a Zoom party. My computer doesn't have a camera, but I called and we could hear each other. I could see them, and since they couldn't see me, I didn't have to brush my hair!

I made half a cake recipe, one pan, cut it in half so it would still be a layer cake. I couldn't fit 71 candles, so instead I used toothpicks. (I'm kidding, they were to hold the wax paper off the cake.) It was pretty good. I think I can finish it before it gets stale. I made extra icing to keep the cut edges covered. It's good to celebrate with friends--even from a distance."

In response to my suggestion of sorting container tops and bottoms for a stay-at-home activity, book club reader Liz wrote...

"Suzanne, I bet I won't be the only person who writes to let you know about the magic matching of Rubbermaid square food containers. All lids fit all bottoms with only three (incredibly visible) differences. Square tops are either small, medium or large. That's it! To get a wider variety of options, there are short, medium and tall containers that fit these lids. Even better, if you like, the lids also attach to the bottoms of the containers, making stacking and storing so much easier."

Liz, I think you should get a job writing marketing copy for Rubbermaid, I know you've sold me!

Book club reader Mari M. sent me a note "Thought you'd appreciate this" along with a photo of her son's latest homeschooling activity. It's sure to make you smile.

To see Mari M.'s photo, Cedar D.'s birthday party photo, and Noreen B.'s suggested use for your hanging shoe bags, and to enter today's giveaway for a book that will entertain your kids, grandkids and even you, "1,000 Jokes for Kids of All Ages" by Michael Kilgarriff, click here. 

What's makin' you smile these days? I'd love to hear from you.

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

Keep washing your hands and singing "Happy Birthday"!

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

Dear Reader Column 04-06-2020

Dear Reader,

After reading one of the headlines in today's newspaper, here in Sarasota, "New forecast says brace for major hurricanes to strike the US in 2020," instead of mentally piling-on this new anxiety-ridden information, adding it to the COVID-19 virus, my husband tripping and injuring his leg, my occipital neuralgia flaring (a bang-your-head-against-the-wall pain), and one of our cats being sick--I've decided this is almost getting laughable, so I'm announcing, "bring it on," and I'm taking Pat Benatar's advice in her song, "Hit me with your best shot!"

I'm ready. Now, instead of worrying, I've decided to give my full attention and concentrate on what I can do--in the moment--writing, dishes, gardening, calling a friend, turning on the bubble machine I run in front of my house. These things bring some "normal" into my day and they are where I can find peace.

Baking is another way for me to let down and relax. So when I saw a simple recipe for Pantry Peach Cobbler in the newspaper I decided to try something new. This recipe is really so good, it's unbelievable.

Pantry Peach Cobbler
(Yesterday's newspaper)
Recipe by Southern Kitchen

serves 6 to 8

8 T (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 29-ounce canned peaches, in juice (I only had peaches in heavy syrup so I didn't add as much sugar)
1 cup sugar, plus more if you want to sprinkle after baking
3/4 all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup milk

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the butter in an 8-inch square baking dish. Place in the oven to melt while the oven is heating.

Meanwhile, drain the peaches through a strainer set over a medium bowl. Discard half of the juice from the can, reserving the peaches and the remaining juice.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk in the milk to form a smooth batter.

Carefully remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Pour the batter into the butter in the dish, allowing the butter to lop over the sides of the batter. Pour the peaches and their remaining juices evenly over the batter; do not stir. Bake until deeply golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer the baking dish to a wire rack and sprinkle a little sugar over the top of the cobbler (if you desire). Let cool for at least 10 minutes and serve.

Tomorrow I will share more emails from readers. Let me know how the COVID-19 virus has changed your daily life. Email:

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

BEYOND THE GHETTO GATES (Fiction) by Michelle Cameron

Did you know that Napoleon had a Jewish nickname? He earned it during his 1796-7 campaign through Italy, when he liberated the Jews from their centuries-old incarceration in the ghettos. Based on this little-known slice of Italian Jewish history, this novel tells the story of two women--Jewish Mirelle, torn between love for a dashing French soldier and duty to her faith and family--and Francesca, tied by her Catholic belief to an abusive, murderous husband.

Napoleon's Jewish nickname? It plays on his last name: Helek Tov, a Good Part (Bonaparte).

Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on BEYOND THE GHETTO GATES to read more and to email author Michelle Cameron, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 04-03-2020

Dear Reader,

Staying close to home for me, means staying closer to my kitchen, so I've been doing some extra baking, and it sounds like book club reader Mary B., is going to be baking today, too.

"Suzanne, I'd love your chocolate buttermilk frosting, if you don't mind sharing!" -- Mary B.

Mary, I think you're asking for the frosting recipe I mentioned in my column the other day? I misspoke when I said it was a chocolate buttermilk frosting, actually it's buttercream. You're going to love it!

DARK CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

1 cup unsalted butter, softened but not melted
3-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup dark cocoa powder (or you can use non-dark, if you prefer)
1/2 teaspoon table salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 tablespoons milk

Cream butter for a few minutes in the mixer. In separate bowl, sift together powdered sugar and cocoa. Turn mixer on to the lowest speed and add sifted ingredients. (Make sure you add slowly, or ingredients will blow everywhere.) Mix until the sugar and cocoa are absorbed by the butter. Increase mixer speed to medium, add vanilla, salt and milk. Beat for three minutes. If the frosting needs a stiffer consistency, add a little more powdered sugar, if it needs to be thinned out, add additional milk, one tablespoon at a time.

Today I plan on trying a new Custardy Peach recipe. I'll let you know if it's a winner. Please do stay in touch with how your daily routine has changed. I enjoy reading your emails and readers do, too.

From my inbox:

"Dear Suzanne, In my area (Atlanta), some grocery stores have designated an early morning shopping hour for older folks, one hour before the store opens to regular traffic. Last week, on the first day of such specialness, I approached the open door of a Kroger for the early morning shopping hour. Just ahead of me was a younger man.

As he got to the door, a masked Kroger employee said, 'Excuse me, sir. Are you over 65? This shopping time is just for those over 65.' The younger man said no he wasn't and then he asked when the store would open 'for real'! As he turned to leave, I was entering. So the young man stopped and asked the employee, 'Why didn't you ask her how old she is?'

And I quickly replied, 'She's being kind, sir.' And I think we all smiled. (I couldn't quite tell about the employee because of the mask; but, her eyes crinkled at the corners.) -- Barb R.

Dear Suzanne, Working at home is harder than I thought it would be. I do love staying in my jammies, barefoot, lounging on my bed, but I miss our patrons terribly! My cat Max is not much of a conversationalist...he thinks my lap is his domain, not the laptop's. I am still able to get a good bit done, but it is challenging. Right now our big concern is our Summer Reading Program. We were counting on local businesses in our small town for prizes, but we can't ask them now, as they are struggling. Any ideas?" -- Lynne S.

What are you doing? How has your daily routine changed? You can reach me at: Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

Dear Reader Column 04-02-2020

Dear Reader,

Readers have written today's column. How has your daily life changed because of the COVID-19 virus?

"Suzanne, being on a state-mandated lockdown and home almost all the time (except for doctor or grocery visits), I noticed that my two dogs and cat have been acting strangely. They've been demanding treats all day long, to the point that the dogs will go out in the yard and run back in, just to get their treat. I finally figured it out. They were used to my being away from the house a lot, and whenever I left, and when I came home, they always got a treat. They have assumed that now that I'm always here, it is always treat time. The cat is so confused that he doesn't know when to ask for his meals. He is on a diet and was used to getting fed small amounts when I'd leave and when I'd come back. Now he doesn't know what to make of the fact that I'm always here. He liked that schedule and this has ruined it." -- Dorie F.

"Hello, hello, my dear reading friend, so happy you're still alive and well. Life is all about perspective. One of the nice things about being forced to stay home is--well, cleaning my whole house. I was out on the patio this weekend, working on a much neglected pool and pump. When the pump broke, life got in the way and for a while I was calling it our 'big pond' but by the end of this week, I will be floating with a margarita and loving my staycation!" -- CD

"Suzanne, who knew that trying to find toilet paper would compare to the search for Beanie Babies and Cabbage Patch dolls? But I am finding things that I haven't seen in years, as I deep clean areas in my house that I've ignored for a long time. My house became a storage area for six kids that have moved on, and the items that came when my mother died (twenty-some years ago), I finally threw out curlers she used in the 40's.

I wish I could do more to help. For over 12 years, I have knitted prayer shawls, giving them to people who are sick or suffering from anything. Now I call my neighbors and ask if they would want one. If so, I put it in my mailbox and they come by and pick it up. It adds a little joy and brightens their day. Thank You for brightening my day." -- Mary Lee M.

"Hi Suzanne. Ok, here you go, the news is driving me crazy. The free concerts in small videos are all great. Sir Patrick Stewart is reading Shakespeare sonnets on my Twitter, that makes me happy. Seeing videos of people on balconies, singing clapping, playing instruments, happy. Hearing parents say they are playing board games with their kids. Wow, I think I'm finding a lot of happy in this crazy world! Silver lining." -- Angel P.

How has your daily life changed? I'd love to hear from you and so would other readers.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

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

(Fantasy) FROM BLOOD AND ASH by Jennifer Armentrout

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

Dear Reader Column 03-25-2020

Dear Reader,

Because of the COVID-19 virus, one of the things I wanted to stock up on at the grocery store was flour, because baking is a relaxing thing for me to do. And I must not be the only one whose baking is therapeutic, because the first grocery store I visited--the flour "cupboard" was bare. The next market I went to, there were only five bags of flour on the shelf. (I didn't take five, I left four so other crazy bakers like me could fill their emergency prescriptions.)

It would be impossible for my husband and me to eat all of the baked goods I make, but our next door neighbor frequently reminds me that he's always willing to help. When he was out walking his dog yesterday and he saw me, he must have talked for five minutes about how great my recent Chocolate Banana Nut cake was. 'Keep me on the list for that cake, Suzanne!'

Book club readers agree with my neighbor...

"Suzanne, thank you for the recent Chocolate Banana Nut cake recipe. My husband and I are enjoying the cake. We are all transitioning from working from home, but sitting eight hours online gets exhausting in a whole new way. Librarians are never used to just sitting at their desks all day. I know that I am teaching, talking to students at random times of the day, working with my colleagues away from the desk. I was hitting a wall yesterday, and then I remembered your recipe. So, I took my mental break and made the cake. It was so wonderful to smell the cake baking as I continued through the work day. Then my husband came home (he is still in his office), and it just put such a happy smile on his face to smell the cake, too. And of course, it was delicious. Thank you," -- Eileen W.

"Hello Suzanne, see the photo of your chocolate banana nut cake (it's included in a link at the end of this column). I just made it and it is yum. Thank you for sharing your recipe. I chuckled when I read that the cake will 'giggle' in the middle when you sprinkle walnuts. Since I love quotes here are a couple: Audrey Hepburn: 'Let's face it, a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people; it does for me.' and Julia Child: 'A party without cake is just a meeting.' Take care, be safe hugs," -- Farida S.

To see Farida's Chocolate Banana Nut Cake, get my recipe so you can make one of your own, and to see who inspired me to become a baker years ago, click here.

Keep singing "Happy Birthday" to yourself, wash, wash, wash your hands--and then eat cake!

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 Awakening, by Kate Chopin. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading and enter for your chance to win.

Dear Reader Column 03-24-2020

Dear Reader,

Over the past twenty-five years, the husband and wife writing team, Jim and Nikoo McGoldrick, have crafted over forty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical and contemporary novels and two works of nonfiction under several pseudonyms, including May McGoldrick and Jan Coffey. Their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting. Their latest book, in the Royal Highland series, is Highland Sword.

Contact this writing pair at:
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us

Please welcome Jim and Nikoo (May) McGoldrick...

Jim's path to the writing profession was a natural one, and he was well prepared for it. Aside from his talent, he brings knowledge acquired through years of education and teaching, and his discipline is exemplary. But I (Nikoo) trained as a mechanical engineer in an era when there were only two female students in my graduating class. And English is my second language.

Many things prepared me to give up one career and fall in love with another, but there is one event that stands out in particular. I was entering my final semester of college. All my engineering requirements were completed.

The only three courses I had left to take were electives. But instead of settling on an easy one, the course I wanted was a 500-level Shakespeare class being offered only to graduate students or undergrad English majors with permission of the instructor. As an avid reader who'd read a great many works of classic literature, I saw this my last chance to find balance in my education. The lecturer, Warren Smith, was an eminent Renaissance scholar and an iconic figure on campus.

Holding tight to my registration form, I approached Professor Smith for his signature. He stared down at my double major in engineering and handed the form back to me. "No. We don't have enough women in engineering. Take an elective in basket weaving, graduate, and go change the world."

"But I need your Shakespeare course to change the world."

His smile deepened the wrinkles around his eyes. "Take judo as your elective. You'll need that more."

"We need the arts to understand who we are and why. And everyone says you know so much about Shakespeare."

"Not as much as Shakespeare knows about me." He took my pen and signed the form.

Warren Smith influenced my career and my future. That one course taught me that the human experience has not changed over the centuries. Othello reminded me that life and love are fragile things. Twelfth Night told me I must actively learn in order to grow: "There is no darkness but ignorance." And Ophelia says, "We know what we are, but we know not what we may be."

Life, love, growth, change. Writing is learning, and by taking the risk, by stretching beyond what was expected, a new road was revealed to me. A road that Jim and I will hopefully continue to walk on for years to come.

-- Jim and Nikoo (May) McGoldrick

Contact Jim and Nikoo at: https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us

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 Awakening, by Kate Chopin. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading and enter for your chance to win.

Dear Reader Column 03-20-2020

Dear Reader,

You can count on receiving the library's Online Book Club as usual (M-F), even if your local library is temporarily closed because of the coronavirus virus. The folks who staff this book club are working from home, so your emails will be answered and I'll continue featuring guest authors and fun giveaways. I love to hear from readers, so feel free to write.

If your local library is closed and you find yourself having "going-to-the-library" withdrawal, be sure to enter my book giveaway beginning on Monday. Every day next week I'll be giving away books to lucky book club readers.

Even though most libraries are closed, I know there are two librarians who are munching and dunking my homemade chocolate chip cookies. Emails from two of this month's Chocolate Chip Cookie winners...

"Thank you Suzanne for the cookies I received today! They really are the most delicious chocolate chip cookies. Today is Orange County Library System's first day being closed to the public and the cookies are a huge boost to staff morale. Thanks from the bottom of my heart." -- Shasta Q., Orange County Library System

"Dear Suzanne, thank you for always brightening my day with your column. What a ray of sunshine in an otherwise rainy, dreary day, when your cookies arrived today. I shared them with my family while the library is closed until after Easter." -- Karyn W., Westchester Public Library

A sharp-eyed book club reader spotted my added touch to the recent Chocolate Banana Nut cake recipe I featured in last Wednesday's column...

Re: Giggling cakes
From: Laura W.
"Suzanne, I love the image of you sprinkling walnuts on a 'giggling' cake!"

Laura, watch your mail. I'm sending a free book to you for spotting the "giggle."

Besides a little "giggle" the Chocolate Banana Nut cake tastes amazing--really amazing! I shared some of the cake with my neighbor, and when he was out walking his dog yesterday and he saw me, he must have talked for five minutes about how great the cake was. 'Keep me on the list for that cake, Suzanne!'

Stay safe and healthy. Remember, soap and water and singing "Happy Birthday" twice while we're washing our hands, is something we all can do. (And for a little fun, sing out loud--I do!)

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

This month's Penguin Classics book is The Awakening, by Kate Chopin. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading and enter for your chance to win.

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

THE VOICE THAT WON THE VOTE: How One Woman's Words Made History by Elisa Boxer helps children realize how much their voices matter. For a chance to win a free copy and learn more, see KIDSBUZZ.

Dear Reader Column 03-11-2020

Dear Reader,

Today's guest author, Christi Daugherty, was 22 years old when she first began covering murders as a crime reporter for newspapers in Savannah, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. Her series, The Echo Killing, is about a Savannah-based crime reporter named Harper McClain. Revolver Road, the third book in the series was just released. Christi is also the author of a young adult series, Night School, which has recently been optioned for television.

Please welcome Christi Daugherty to the book club. Say hello here.

5 Things Nobody Tells You About Being an Author

Recently I was asked to reveal the thing that surprised me the most about becoming an author. That got me thinking. I came into fiction publishing blind--a true know nothing. Many things took me by surprise. Here are a few of the things I didn't expect.

1. Authors get less from the sale of a book than anyone else involved. When I want to horrify school children on book tours I tell them the truth about how much authors make. So, go on. Guess. What percentage of the sale price of a book do you think authors get. 80%? Nope. 60%? No way, my friends. Try 8%. Yes, you read that right. The average author gets 8% of the paperback price as royalties. That percentage has been shrinking for decades. It's even gone down in the 9 years I've been an author. In 2010, 9% was routine.

2. Everyone wants to take your picture. This may not sound like much, but it took me years to get used to the fact that strangers suddenly wanted my picture. I am not at all famous but at book fairs I've found myself surrounded by cameras. In France, I was once besieged by actual paparazzi and I've never quite recovered. I used to hate having my picture taken, but the only way to survive in this business as far as I can tell is to find your best angle and SMILE.

3. Everything moves slowly in fiction. From the time you finish writing your book, even if you have a book contract, it takes at least two years to be published. Publishers have long lead-in times and your book has to get into line. I'm used to it now but with my first book it really shocked me. I was writing my third novel when my first finally came out.

4. It's a lonely business. Writers spend a lot of time alone. I am an introvert and a separatist and yet I find myself missing humans, and having long, philosophical conversations with my cat. You need tools to handle the isolation. A coffee shop to write in, or friends to work with. Anything that involves social interaction.

5. You never get over seeing your book in shops. It's the best part of this business. All that hard work, all that worry. And then there your book is, sitting right where Dorothy Parker's books sat. It almost makes up for the 8%. Almost.

--Christi Daugherty

Drop Christi a note and welcome her to the book club.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

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

* This month's Penguin Classics book is The Awakening, by Kate Chopin. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading and enter for your chance to win.