Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column - October 6, 2022

Dear Reader, 

Due to Hurricane Ian, I've extended the deadline for this year's Write a DearReader Contest until October 11th. You'll find all the contest info, including last year's winning entries at: http://www.dearreader.com/contest2022/index.html

A few times in my life, when I did something without thinking at all--when I lost all sense of self--the task somehow became effortless. When that's happened, it's always proved to be some of my best work.

I used to sing in public. Nothing fancy--in churches, at funerals and weddings. I had some moments when I was quite good, but most of the time I felt like I was going to throw up for days in advance and consequently my singing suffered. I finally accepted the fact that singing just wasn't a good match for me. But my final performance, on a Good Friday afternoon in a church service, turned out to be one of those effortless, magical moments.

I was a nervous wreck all the way to the church and things got worse when I was sitting in the pew waiting for my turn in the program. But somehow when my accompanist started playing, I lost all sense of the fact that I was standing up in front of a church filled with people--and I sang like I'd never sung before. I didn't have to work to remember the words, I could feel them. They effortlessly came to me. I almost brought myself to tears.

After the service, a friend of my mother's--who knew me when I was a kid--walked up to me and said, "Suzanne, I never knew you had that in you." "To be honest," I told her, "I didn't either. I'm just as amazed as you."

The ongoing challenge for me is to figure out how I can get to 'that place' more often. But it's an ironic quest, because if I 'make the effort' then I won't be able to get there.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column - October 5, 2022

Dear Reader, 

When a hurricane is coming you get a heads-up days in advance. But that can be one of those good and bad things. The good news is we had days to prepare. Before Ian arrived, my husband and I, along with our handy man’s help, boarded up every single window of our 100 year old house. But there are so many tasks to take care of on a Hurricane prep list, it’s staggering.

I was so exhausted (physically and emotionally), by the time the hurricane arrived, the overwhelming fear of what might happen didn’t really set in until my husband and I were heading back home after Ian had moved on. I had to brace myself for what I might find. 

The tears flowed as I walked through our house. We were one of the very, very fortunate ones. No damage to our house, just a yard full of tree debris. My husband and I are taking our time putting everything back in its place. 

I find myself grieving for people who’ve lost everything. I can’t imagine losing your house and everything you own, except the clothes you’re wearing. I don’t know where a person begins. So we are doing what we can to help others, which doesn’t seem like nearly enough.  

Thank you to everyone who emailed checking on me and my family and our cats since Hurricane Ian made landfall.

“It really is so good to read with friends.”

From my Inbox:

“Suzanne, I have been thinking of you. I have been going to Sarasota since 1960 when my grandparents moved down there from New Jersey. We now go to Siesta Key where our vacation villa is located and every summer when I am down there I drive by your house to see the bubbles. I accidentally came across your home while taking a drive through what I think is the prettiest neighborhood in Sarasota! I am praying you, your family, and your home are safe after Ian!” – Lisa M.

“Have been thinking of you all week. Hope your 100 year old home and you and your family  have survived the hurricane. So much destruction. We have a 100 year old home, too, and I am sure ours would not survive too much. Luckily, we live in Southern Ohio so our effect from your hurricane will be small.  Be well, safe, and strong.” --  Dawn R.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

* Due to Hurricane Ian, I've extended the deadline for this year's Write a DearReader Contest until October 11th. You'll find all the contest info, including last year's winning entries at:
http://www.dearreader.com/contest2022/index.html

Dear Reader Column - October 4, 2022

Dear Reader,

Due to Hurricane Ian, I've extended the deadline for this year's Write a DearReader Contest until October 11th. You'll find all the contest info, including last year's winning entries at: http://www.dearreader.com/contest2022/index.html

Welcome today’s guest author, DiAnn Mills…

DiAnn says, “I love to thrill readers with a suspenseful story and an endearing romance focused on memorable characters. Just like baking takes the right ingredients with delectable spices, creating an adventure for readers with the perfect characters and story is my passion. I bake like I write--I look for a taste treat and design something uniquely mine.”

DiAnn lives in Houston, Texas. She loves the heat and humidity! “Best place to live on the planet.” Her newest romantic suspense release is “Concrete Evidence,” set in Texas along the Brazos River.  DiAnn loves to hear from readers. You’ll find her at:diannmills.com

Conversation and Cookies

What is sweeter than conversation and cookies? Nothing! I love to invite friends over for cookies and conversation. Pair that with freshly ground coffee and let the laughter begin. I encourage you to try this simple approach to hosting a spectacular event.

I have two favorite cookie recipes:

 

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Dried Cranberries

(Makes 18 to 24 cookies.)

2 1/2 cups unbleached flour

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature

4 tablespoons butter-flavored Crisco shortening

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 eggs, room temperature

12 ounces dark chocolate chips

1 cup dried cranberries*

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.

Cream the butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, then add the butter-flavored Crisco until evenly mixed in. Add sugars and beat for 3 minutes on medium speed. Add vanilla. Add eggs one at a time and mix on medium-low speed just until incorporated. Add flour and mix just until incorporated. Mix in chocolate chips. Mix in dried cranberries.

Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Scoop onto parchment paper. Bake 10 to 12 minutes depending on size of cookie.

Allow the cookies to cool slightly and then remove to a cooling rack.

*Be creative--nuts, raisins, coconut, or a mix of your favorites.

Ginger Cookies

Makes 12 dozen. (I often cut this recipe in half.)

5 1/2 cups sifted flour

1 teaspoon soda

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 egg beaten

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup dark molasses

1/2 cup strong coffee

Sift together dry ingredients. Cream butter, add sugar. Beat until light. Add egg and vanilla. Add molasses and coffee, then dry ingredients. Mix well and chill.

Roll out and cut.

Bake on greased baking sheet at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Frost with your favorite buttercream recipe! My mother used to make these, and the taste brings back great childhood memories.

Now I'm in the mood to text a few close friends and invite them for conversation, cookies, and freshly brewed coffee. Do you have a tip for those who enjoy conversation and cookies?

-- DiAnn Mills

Drop DiAnn a message at diannmills.com

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

Dear Reader Column - October 3, 2022

Dear Reader,

This column was prepared prior to hurricane Ian. I hope to have an update for you soon.

Due to Hurricane Ian, I've extended the deadline for this year's Write a DearReader Contest until October 11th. You'll find all the contest info, including last year's winning entries at: 
http://www.dearreader.com/contest2022/index.html 

Thought maybe I should do a little fall housekeeping today--some book club reminders.

1. If a book isn't a good match for you, don't feel guilty about hitting the delete key. I feature a new book every Monday. Or before you hit that delete key, be sure to read my daily Dear Reader column. Who knows, you might win one of my book club giveaways, or be the lucky winner of two dozen of my homemade chocolate chip cookies. (The next cookie giveaway is coming up in a few weeks.)

2. There are two ways to read your daily excerpt, text in your email or the snazzier, colorful version in HTML. Click on the HTML book club link. You'll find it at the top of your daily read. In the HTML version, you can also access each day's read, Monday through Friday.

3. Missed receiving one of the daily reads? Email if you need assistance, or just click on "Start reading today's book in your browser," above my column, to access the day you missed. Don't be shy. I'm here to help if you need it.

4. If you won something at the book club and the item is missing from your mail, be sure to let me know. I'll track it down for you.

5. Questions or comments about the book club or my column? Please send me an email. I want to hear from readers. I love to read your emails. 

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.

THE ANTI-FAN AND THE IDOL: A My Summer In Seoul Novella (Fiction) by Rachel Van Dyken

I cannot wait for everyone to be immersed in this steamy KPOP story about an Asian-American artist trying to make it in the cutthroat world of KPOP--by way of working with two of her biggest enemies, both who’ve had a crush on her for years. Enjoy learning all about the music that’s taken the world by storm and watch Ah-Ri finally fall for her bully.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on THE ANTI-FAN AND THE IDOL to read more and to email author Rachel Van Dyken, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column - September 26, 2022

Dear Reader,

Today is the day--at midnight this year's Write a DearReader Contest ends. I've been enjoying reading entries and I can still read yours, but you must email it today. You'll find all the contest info, including last year's winning entries at: http://www.dearreader.com/contest2022/index.html

Winning entries will be posted the last week of October.

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

Warmest regards,

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

This month's Penguin Classics book is Mr. President by Miguel Angel Asturias. 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 - September 23, 2022

Dear Reader,

The desire is there, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I think about starting a new project, so I break it up into manageable pieces. If you haven't entered this year's Write a DearReader Contest, because just thinking about it gives you the jitters, I have calming news for you.  

If you write 216 words today (Friday), then 216 more words Saturday, and another 216 words Sunday, you'll have written enough to make a column, with two words to spare. (Entries can be no more than 650 words, but of course your entry can be a lot less than that.) 

If you have trouble starting, just start typing and say anything. The key is to 'not' stop typing, because if you keep going, eventually the words you really want to say will appear on the screen...

'Suzanne said I should just start to type, but I don't know what to say, but I'm going to keep going, I feel stupid just typing gibberish on the screen, but I'll keep going what is on my mind well I'm not sure but I do know the guy behind me in the line at the supermarket was really rude to people he was commenting on what people had in their carts and what he was saying wasn't a compliment and it reminded me of the time...'

And there you have it. The topic for your column. Now simply write your story.

The absolute deadline for an entry is Monday, September 26th at midnight. So if you type 216 words Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you'll have Monday to reread your entry and put the finishing touches on it. I'm waiting to read your entry, so start typing today.

To find out all you need to know about this year's Write a DearReader contest, deadlines, cash prizes and how to enter, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/contest2022/index.html

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 Mr. President by Miguel Angel Asturias. 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 - September 22, 2022

Dear Reader,

First time party invite, first time opportunity to make an impression on new friends. I wore a great looking white summer skirt with a halter top and my husband--he got hopelessly locked in our new friends’ upstairs bathroom. The vintage door handle fell off in my husband’s hands as he was trying to open the door to leave...

Another memorable party…

My husband and I had just moved to Florida, and some new friends invited us to their New Year's Eve party. We didn't know anyone else at the party, but I made, without a doubt, a big first impression. I was wearing a brand new, black velvet dress--purchased just for the occasion (and it wasn't cheap)--but it started shedding. Everywhere I walked, I left a trail of huge, black fuzz clumps behind. The dress was literally falling apart from the inside out.

But I wasn't aware of what was happening until I visited the bathroom. The tile floor had two huge, white rugs spread over it, so instantly it became apparent that I was leaving a trail with every step I took. I was horrified. The only thing I could do was quickly pick up my "droppings" and head back to the party, and stay put in one place….

The story behind one of your memorable party experiences could be the inspiration you’re looking for when you sit down to write your entry for the 18th Annual Write a DearReader Contest.  Everyone has a favorite story. I’m anxiously waiting to read yours. The deadline for entering is this coming Monday, September 26th. All the information you need, guidelines, cash prizes (for you and your library) and past winners are at:  http://www.dearreader.com/contest2022/index.html

While you’re thinking about story ideas, look through some photos from the family birthday party I hosted last week. With birthdays just one day apart, my granddaughter and daughter-in-law always celebrate together, but they each get their own cake. My daughter-in-law loves caramel cheesecake and my grandson, Paul, made a special cat cake for my granddaughter, his sister. To see the party photos, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/Hadley-B-Party.html

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

Get busy and start writing,

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

This month's Penguin Classics book is Mr. President by Miguel Angel Asturias. 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 - September 21, 2022

Dear Reader,

You have six days to finish your entry for this year's Write a DearReader Contest. Don't miss the deadline. All the information you need, including cash prizes (for you and your library), guidelines and past winning entries are at: http://www.dearreader.com/contest2022/index.html

I can't wait to read what you've written. Here's one of my favorite columns to inspire you...

"When it gets tough, I get going. I can make it through anything. Whatever the challenge, I'm up for it." That's the little speech that I've given myself through the years, to get me over the rough spots. And it's true, I am pretty darn resourceful. I can take a punch, regroup, and bounce back quickly.

But I admit, there have been times in my life when even though I was up for the challenge, the rough spots got way too rocky--even for me. And I became so weary, that I just didn't have it in me to go it alone, and I had to ask someone for help.

"I need your help."

I don't know why those words are always so difficult for me to say. It feels like defeat when I utter them. But in reality, I've learned that when I do, they're a gift--to me and to the person I say them to.

Years ago, when a doctor handed me a red and white cane--because I couldn't see where I was going--I gave myself my "little speech" and I thought things would be fine. But a friend of mine saw my situation differently, and wanted to know why I didn't ask the people around me for help.

"I don't want to bother anyone," I told her. To which she replied, "Suzanne, you're one selfish woman." Well, she caught me off guard. Here I was walking around bumping into walls, and she was telling me I was selfish. Just where was she coming from? 

But then she explained: "Suzanne, when someone asks you for your help, you're happy to lend a hand and it makes you feel good, doesn't it? You're selfish, because when you're not willing to ask someone for help, you're robbing them of an opportunity--the chance to feel good about helping someone else."

Fortunately, I was able to retire my red and white cane long ago, but wouldn't you know it, that tough stuff still knows my address. I'm always up for the challenge, but it sure feels better when I stop and ask a friend for help along the way.

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 Mr. President by Miguel Angel Asturias. 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 - September 20, 2022

Dear Reader,

Counting down the days to the deadline. It’s time to send in your entry for this year’s Write a DearReader Contest. If you're one of the winners, or your entry is an honorable mention in this year's writing contest, it will be featured as a guest column. Cash prizes, for you and your library, guidelines, deadlines, and last year's winning entries are at: http://www.dearreader.com/contest2022/index.html

Please welcome today’s exciting guest author, Hayley Arceneaux. 

Haley is a St. Jude Children's Research Hospital physician assistant, a career she committed to at age ten, after surviving pediatric bone cancer. At age twenty-nine, she joined SpaceX's first private spaceflight, Inspiration4, which launched on September 15, 2021, and successfully water-landed three days later, making her the youngest American to orbit the earth, the first pediatric cancer survivor in space, and the first astronaut with a prosthetic body part.

Not only is Hayley the youngest American to ever orbit the earth, she is also the author of the newly released, "Wild Ride: A Memoir of I.V. Drips and Rocket Ships." Arceneaux's uplifting story is the inspiration we all need today. She offers wisdom and lessons in courage to anyone fighting against the odds. And through it all, she reveals how resilience and faith can help us grab hold of the life we've always wanted and live it to the fullest.

Please say “Hello” by connecting with Haley via instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleyarc/

Spicy Margs

"I am a wannabe mixologist. I love making fun (and beautiful) cocktails for my friends when I'm entertaining. I mean, I want these cocktails to be so pretty they make their instagram stories. But like I said, I'm a wannabe mixologist, not a professional. I'm not yet at the point where I can just take bottles and mixers and add a little bit of this and a little bit of that and create something

delicious, so I still stick to following recipes. In my opinion, spicy margaritas are the greatest cocktails. There's something about the combination of spicy and sour, with a little bit of sweetness, that is the ultimate crowd pleaser. And I think what's even more fun is to add something unexpected to the cocktail. For this reason, my favorite cocktail to make for guests is a rosemary jalapeno margarita. And while this recipe is from scratch (because the taste is noticeably fresher from scratch), it's easier to make than it sounds.

First, you're going to make your own flavored simple syrup. Again, easier than it sounds. Boil 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water. Once it reaches boiling point, turn off the heat and add 1-2 jalapenos (I like to slice them horizontally), and 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary. Of note, the more jalapeno seeds that steep in the simple syrup, the spicier it will be. Let it steep for about an hour, then strain out the jalapenos and rosemary. Take that simple syrup and combine to make the margarita as follows:

1 ounce simple syrup

1 ounce lime juice (freshly squeezed)

1 ounce orange juice

1-2 ounces tequila (I'll leave the amount of tequila up to my fellow amateur mixologists).

Put the margarita in a fun glass and add some fresh rosemary and jalapeno slices for garnish. To add even more heat, you can rim the glass with chili salt or tajin.

Your friends will be asking for seconds, so make sure you have enough! This spicy margarita recipe is great for those who are starting out in mixology. Mastering it will give you confidence to attempt even more complicated recipes in the future. Have fun with the process and enjoy!"

-- Hayley Arceneaux

Connect with Haley via instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayleyarc/

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.

VALLEY OF SHADOWS (Fiction) by Rudy Ruiz

My new book is here! Be transported to a distant time and a remote place where the immortal forces of good and evil dance amidst the shadows of magic and  mountains. A visionary neo-Western blend of magical realism, mystery, and horror, my new novel sheds light on the dark past of injustice, isolation, and suffering along the US-Mexico border.

I'm giving away five copies of Valley of Shadows, to enter the drawing, click on the link to Authorbuzz and the book jacket to enter.

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on VALLEY OF SHADOWS to read more and to email author Rudy Ruiz, you'll get a reply.

 

 

This month's Penguin Classics book is Mr. President by Miguel Angel Asturias. 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 - September 19, 2022

Dear Reader,

You have eight days to finish your entry for this year’s Write a DearReader Contest. Don’t miss the deadline. So many of the entries I’ve read over the past 18 years included a note at the end of the submission: “Thank you for offering this contest to your readers. I had a lot of fun writing, and I’m so glad I entered, even if my entry isn’t chosen as one of the winners.”  

Deadlines, guidelines, cash prizes (for you and your library) and past winners are at: http://www.dearreader.com/contest2022/index.html

Cherished memories make great stories and book club reader, Judi King, an Honorable Mention winner in last year's Write a DearReader Contest, shares a wonderful story. It's my pleasure to reprint her column today.

I’m waiting to read your story.

 

A horse.

Well, specifically, a horse and a carriage, at Blenheim Palace.

Of all the experiences that we had, all the places that we visited, a simple carriage ride was the one memory my mom relished from our trip to the British Isles.

We hadn't planned on stopping at Blenheim--it was just a spur of the moment "Oh, let's stop and look around." kind of thing. We were on our way back to London, when we saw the signs for Blenheim Palace. "Oh, should we stop?" "Yes--let's!" Giggling like schoolgirls, we pulled in the grand entrance and found a place to park. (Unlike our stop at Princess Di's home, Althorp, where we were rudely bounced from the grounds. But, I digress.)

We weren't sure where to begin exploring Blenheim, when, suddenly from around the corner, a lively and handsome driver and his majestic horse clip-clopped their way towards us. "Would you ladies like a drive around the palace grounds?" The driver, Ian, asked. He  barely had the words out of his mouth when my mother swiftly claimed her spot in his carriage. I had no choice but to follow suit, although, I hate to admit, I wasn't as spry as my 51-year-old mom was!

Off we went--two American ladies pretending to be aristocratic duchesses on an afternoon drive to visit the Duke and his court. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, a rarity for English weather--the sun was out, the temperature mild, just the ideal day for a splendid carriage ride around the estate. My mother sat totally rapt as Ian pointed out the perfectly landscaped gardens, the Grand Bridge, and the Column of Victory. I would have paid Ian my whole paycheck just to have Mom spend more time perched up high on her carriage seat behind that white and black dappled horse--her face radiated pure happiness.

My mom was a child of the Depression, one of the youngest of ten, so life was a bit hard-scrabbled in those days, always making do with whatever they could find. My grandpa went town to town looking for any work they could get. I think those times they spent moving around the different farms was where my mom developed her love for horses. And for travel. When she married my dad, they traveled when they could, but with my dad helping to raise his younger siblings, plus a daughter from a previous marriage, they never did get to travel to England. Although we didn't share our feelings with words, my mom had passed on her love for all things British to me. Music and books were the things that connected us. My mom and I both plotted, planned and saved like mad to go to England. To see her getting to go to her oft-dreamed of places like William Shakespeare's home town, James Herriot's veterinary practice, Sherwood Forest, not to mention all the palaces and castles, it was touching and heartwarming. It was a fantastic trip, and while we had our ups and downs (did I mention Althorp?), we never forgot a minute of it.

I didn't realize how much our adventure had meant to her, until years later after her death, one of my aunts happened to chat with me about that trip. She said, "You know, your mom really loved going to England. That carriage ride was all she could rave about for months and months. I am so thankful you all were able to go."

My mom never told me so with words, but whenever I see a mention of Blenheim Palace, my heart bursts with those memories, knowing what that one happenchance stop-off meant to her. So if you ever get a chance to take a carriage ride with a white and black dappled horse at Blenheim Palace, give it a fond pat for my mom. She'd be beaming with joy.

-- Judi King

Honorable Mention, 2021 Write a DearReader Contest

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win.

TAKING THE LEAP: A River Rain Novel (Fiction) by Kristen Ashley

River Rain is back! 

Sweeping from the mountains of Arizona, to parties in New York City, the next in the River Rain series, brings on one of my favorite tropes. A bashful woman who's willing to take what she can get and a good man lying to himself about his future, that future being with her. Can Alex and Rix see the possibility and take  the leap? I hope you dive in and see!

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on TAKING THE LEAP to read more and to email author Kristen Ashley, you'll get a reply.

 

This month's Penguin Classics book is Mr. President by Miguel Angel Asturias. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading and enter for your chance to win