Does Age Matter? by Susan Sands

 Of all the terrible isms out in the world, some are far worse than others. While we're not all directly targets of the worst discrimination, at some point we do experience bias in our lifetimes. Discrimination because of factors we can't control about ourselves is frustrating and terrible. 

Things change as we go through life. If we have acne when we're young, at some point, hopefully, it goes away. Some things get better, and others, not so much. Those stages and experiences shape us for the better or worse.

When we're young, we believe we'll never get old. Looks fade, no matter what. The way we're treated in the job market changes as we age even though technically it's not allowed. As we age, we gain a better perspective about the balance of our life experiences. But our ability to find gainful employment decreases.

As a writer, I believe I'm improving my skills with every book I write. I'm constantly reading books, taking craft classes, and using my life experiences to enrich my stories. But does my age make a publisher pause? Will it? This is theoretical. I worry for the coming years, I guess.

We all want to remain relevant. And we can, given the flow of information all around us. But will be considered relevant. I've watched older people be dismissed as they try to contribute to conversations. It's heartbreaking to see the impatience all around. 

Ageism is age discrimination. And it's rampant in our world. Life doesn't end because we're not cute any longer. Most of us know this, but we are a society that still celebrates youth and beauty. That's okay as long as we can also celebrate age and wisdom. 

Let's be comfortable in our skin and help others to do the same.

Susan Sands

An Odd Thing Happened on the Way Home...Susan Sands

I left early this morning to drive two hours to Milledgeville, Ga to attend my daughter's sorority tea.
We visited with her "sisters" and their moms for a couple hours, and I hopped back in the car for the drive home. This is one of the many excuses I'll give for being late with my blog post today.

As I drove on I-20 headed back into Atlanta, pushing eighty miles an hour, a car with two large men in the front passed on my left. The passenger was unapologetically snorting what I assumed was cocaine. I tried not to look, but I was obviously surprised by the sight. As they continued around me, I noticed a very large and sparkly pageant crown displayed in the place of honor in the back window. Not a tiara, a full-out CROWN, like Miss America or Miss USA might wear. Or any small-town peanut, pecan, or fruit festival first-place winner in the South. Have you seen the size of those crowns?

Anyway, I digress. All I could think was, "Is there a body in the trunk?" I know that's macabre, and a large stretch, but the writer in me goes nuts when I see something the least bit interesting during a boring drive and it gets my imagination revved up for a good storytelling.

Too bad I don't write suspense--yet. LOL!

Readers always ask where we get our ideas from. I get mine everywhere! Today I got one on I-20 headed west.

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving and is looking forward to more fun and festivities with family throughout the holiday season.

Merry Everything, y'all!

Susan Sands

Making Progress--Finally! Susan Sands

Hello, friends! Fall has finally begun to tiptoe its way into the South, Georgia specifically. I'm finally making some real progress in finishing my novel in progress. The past year has proved to be one that put a rope around my waist and pulled and tugged me back every time I tried to make headway or forward progress with my writing. No longer.

I plan to finish my new book within the month and hope it is in keeping with what my agent has in mind for this story. Obviously there will be editing and some rewriting, but typing the words, THE END, will be a personal victory for me with this novel.

Written in first person, this story is far different from anything I've attempted before. I'm excited to see what becomes of it. I'm not turning my back on what I love though, which is Southern women's fiction, and have plans for more stories that fall within a similar vein of my Alabama books to follow.

I hope everyone is enjoying the somewhat cooler weather and looking toward the holidays with anticipation of family get togethers and lots of stuffing, no matter where you are.

I plan to spend Thanksgiving on Lake Burton up in the North Georgia mountains with my family and in-laws. There is no more beautiful place on earth to me in the Fall.

The photo to the right was taken last year near the boat dock after a rain. Notice the amazing rainbow.

Happy reading and writing to everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

Susan Sands

Taking on the Tough Topics by Susan Sands

I took some time to read Kristan Higgins' new book, Good Luck With That, last week. Kristan is one

of my auto-buy authors because she writes with such humor about some pretty tough topics. This book was no exception. It tackled the difficult subject of obesity and her characters' lifelong struggles with weight. Many of us aren't considered obese by the doctor's charts but still fight our metabolisms daily to keep from gaining more than we should. I know I do. I love food and mostly the wrong kinds. I grew up in Louisiana where food was love. I envy those folks who consider food as fuel. But Kristan, through what I imagine was a great deal of research, handled the the story and the agony of how society treats the overweight, and the truly obese. And how those people, because of that lifelong abuse, treat themselves. The obsession with being skinny, the fixation on food, and the utter agony of being hated for their fat. The eating disorders and other psychological issues, not to mention the physical and medical conditions are many and vary widely. I'm not sure I would have had the courage to dive this deeply into such a sensitive subject unless it were part of my own reality. But I think Kristan did an amazing job portraying her characters with an emotional beauty and soul-baring honesty that readers will appreciate and identify with.

As writers, we walk a fine line. We want to accurately portray characters' lives and emotions and perspectives as accurately as possible. We're often told to "write what we know." This can't always be the case, obviously. We are only one person with a single perspective. I am only one race, one gender, and have only lived within my life experiences. To portray another's life is tricky. Can I authentically write in a woman of color's point of view? Or a man's? Like I said, it's tricky.

In my first book, Again, Alabama, I wrote about a woman who'd been cheated on by her fiancé. She was a celebrity chef and found solace back in her Alabama hometown after a hugely embarrassing ordeal. I'd had none of those particular experiences. But I'd been lied to and hurt by a guy as young woman, (who hasn't at some point?) I love to cook, and my family does make me feel safe and protected when things go wrong. So, I took those emotions and put them to work in my story.

When I write about something unfamiliar, I research, I speak to people extensively about their experiences and how they were affected by things out of my realm of understanding. Plus, writer's often tend to be intuitive and empathetic. We are really good at putting ourselves in others' shoes. Hopefully we get it right more often than not. And we use beta readers. Readers who are our target audience, or maybe the same gender, race, or circumstance as our characters in our stories. I wouldn't consider sending a book to my publisher without fist making sure the voice and tone is authentic.

Bravo to Kristan Higgins on her new book. It couldn't have been easy to write. I'm deeply impressed!

Have a fantastic week, everyone!

Susan Sands

Susan Sands: Trying Something New

 Hello friends! I hope summer is going well so far. I love this time of year, partially because I'm not cold. But I mostly love it because there's a freedom that's a throwback from childhood and having summers off from school. No structure to the day, no place to be. It's carried over to adulthood for me as I've been a stay-at-home mom for years. Summers through the child-raising meant swimming, tennis, and chilling, with a few chore thrown in, for the most part. Until I began writing under contract a few years ago. Then, everything changed. Summer meant deadlines.

This year, by my own volition, I'm not on deadline to finish a book. I decided to take on a new project so different it has caused the writing to become excessively hard. Of course, I've had a helluva year as well, but this book is out of my comfort zone and so, so hard. I've recently come to the realization that I'm not doing what I do best. I've been trying to do what some other writers do well, but not what I do well. So, I've changed my goal for this book. I'm doing what I do. Don't get me wrong, this one has an awesome premise. It will be the best work I've ever done. But it likely won't be the book I thought I was going to write. It's going to be a mix of the two. A bigger book, but with my voice within my wheelhouse. I'm not somebody else. I'm Susan Sands and I write humorous Southern Lit. I've changed to a first person point of view for this one. The style is somewhat different, and so is the genre. Right now, it's not a romance. But in the end someone might fall in love. It's a journey book. A journey of a woman without a memory who must merge who she was with who she's been for eighteen years. It's a homegoing.

Stay tuned for more...

Now that I've decided these things about my story, I can't wait to write every day. I'm not avoiding my computer and spending all my time on social media instead of working. It has been an important breakthrough.

Have a fantastic Fourth of July, everyone!!

Susan Sands

Fun Times Ahead ! By: Susan Sands

Hello Friends! I hope the weather has finally calmed down where you are. Here in Georgia, we are all

coughing and sneezing our way through record high pollen counts. But on the positive side, things are blooming and turning green, and it's beautiful!

Here at the Sands' household, it's become all about graduation! My daughter is graduating from high school this month, and that means invitations, pictures, baccalaureate, grad parties, and caps and gowns! But it also means AP Exams, finals, and lots of stress!

My girl is heading to college in the fall, and already has three roommates lined up. So, let the shopping commence! She's my third child, so none of this is new to me besides becoming an empty nester. I'm a little concerned about that part of it, but am thrilled for her and her new exciting adventures. Fortunately, she will only be two hours away, so it will be an easy drive. 

So, then there's the writing... Yes, I'm writing almost every day. Something new and very different. I'm not sure exactly where it's headed in the end, whether it will have secondary romantic storyline, or if it will be mostly Southern mystery/women's fiction. Either way, it's a new journey that's challenging my writing skills in new ways. I'm hoping to publish another story later this year as well. I will keep you posted!

I signed books at Star Line Books in Chattanooga, TN for Independent Bookstore day on Saturday, April 28th, and had a blast. What a fun city! My friend Rosalind Bunn, a fellow Atlanta (children's) author and I drove in for the day.

Enjoy your spring, if you've had one so far. I know I'll be complaining about the heat very soon!

Susan

     

  

Reading and Writing

By:  Susan Sands

I'm reading and writing this month, but my reading load has increased exponentially between now and the next couple months. While normally I would spend my days writing with a little reading on the side, it seems I'm full up with reading as well as crafting stories.

I'm judging two contests and taking critiques for another workshop where I'm giving two one-hour talks on craft. Me? Craft discussions? Critiques? A few years ago, I would have actually laughed out loud at the idea of telling someone else how to improve their writing or edit their stories to make them stronger. But I've learned a few things since working with editors and publishing books of my own. Sharing any bit of wisdom and information is the very least I can do for those who are working so hard to get to the next level with their manuscript, find an agent, or publish for the first time.

I've had help from wonderful author friends along the way, and without it, I don't know where I would be in this very difficult process. We put in our time for others because it's our turn. I'm not a brilliant writer, but sharing the hard lessons that might make it less hard for someone else in their journey feels right.

I continue to learn about myself as a writer with every page I complete and rewrite. I still attend craft workshops and industry talks by other authors in hopes I'll hear something to get me to the next level in my own journey. Still waiting for the next light bulb to go on...

Wish me luck to finish all my reading, critiquing, and stay on my writing schedule!! It really is the most fun job in the world.

I hope everyone stays warm and dry until spring finds you.

Take care!

Susan Sands

Wishing Everyone a Balanced New Year! Susan Sands

A new year always feels like beginning with a clean slate in so many ways. The resolutions, you

know. Eat better, exercise more. Keep an organized schedule. All the things. And yes, I do plan to improve myself in all those ways. Last year I began my second half-century of life. That sounds pretty momentous, doesn't it? Yes, I thought so too. I was busy last year. Writing, and taking care of all the things and people who live in my circle.

I'll do that this year, but I have plans to do more. Write more and better. Bigger. But I've also got to nurture and support the heck out of my last chick until I send her off to college in a few months. Give her my best as well. It's all a balance, and it's one that is easy to upset with too much focus on one thing or the other. So my biggest goal beginning the year will be balance. Family, work, exercise, nutrition, sleep.

I spent the entire day reading a book just released by one of my favorite authors. Nothing else, just reading. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy just reading. And how it inspires me to write. So, today, I'm motivated to work on one of my new projects because of the day spent immersed in that book. It was something I'd denied myself because I'd lost the balance. I don't know how I could have forgotten the pure joy of reading, of losing myself in a book. I'm a writer for heaven's sake. But I've rediscovered it and won't let it happen again.

I hope everyone who celebrates enjoyed their holidays. I had all my children under one roof for an entire week, which is hard to come by these days. I've cooked, baked, and just rolled around in the family time.

Happy New Year to everyone! I wish everyone good health, humor, and happiness in the coming year. And balance. We'll see how that goes, won't we?

Susan Sands
         

Happy Holidays, Y'all!--Susan Sands

I can't believe another year has flown by yet again. I'll be an empty nester this time next year if

everything goes as planned. My daughter's senior year is rolling by at the speed of light along with everything else. My mom moved in with me and then moved back out into her own place where she'd been waiting to be approved for an apartment. Plus, I released two books this years!

Life leaves us little room to choose our level of busyness. Mine has been non-stop for a couple years now. But there's a lot to look forward to as well. I'm excited to see what college life brings for my third child in the coming months. I will miss her terribly, but I'm so excited for her next steps toward adulthood and independence. I know, ask me again in May and see what I have to say then. I might be sobbing my eyes out.

I'm writing, editing, and making career decisions right now as well. I should have books coming out next year. I'll keep you posted on that. Hopefully I'll have details coming soon.

So, in the meantime, I'm promoting Christmas, Alabama at book signings and on social media. So far the reviews are great!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a lovely holiday season!!

Susan

Merry Christmas, Alabama: Susan Sands

Christmas, Alabama was released last week, and so far, it's getting fantastic reviews! Whew.

Christmas, Alabama

Until the reviews begin coming in for a new book, an author sweats just a little. This is my first Christmas or holiday story. The season shares the spotlight with the characters and plot because there are so many things going on around our characters while they are connecting and moving forward with the story arc.

Dressing up Ministry for Christmas was great fun and a new challenge. There's a beauty pageant, a 5K Jingle Jog, tour of historic homes, old fashioned Christmas parade, a cookie bake-off, and an imported tree the size of which rivals the one in Rockefeller Square. Oh, and snow blowers.  The snowstorm that hits Alabama is unexpected, and causes all sorts of mayhem for the hero and heroine, Nick and Rachel. Nick is the fill-in doctor who doesn't want to be in Ministry for the holidays, and Rachel is the town's photographer who is not looking for love.

The two become neighbors and share casseroles brought in by the single women in town. Their love of football leads to friendship, which leads to far more. How can a temporary doctor from the city find a way to happiness with a small town girl who plans to stay in Alabama? Christmas magic, that's how!

"I enjoyed this refreshingly sweet and entertaining story from start to finish. Each new character in this quirky small town was colorfully described in vivid detail in an amusing manner that frequently brought a smile to my face. The main players were intriguing and endearing, although Rachel was initially rather prickly and aloof. Ministry, Alabama sounds like a unique and appealing community populated with a wide assortment of odd and lively personalities. Ms. Sand’s writing was easy to follow, well-appointed, and flowed with a smooth elegance that kept me tethered to my Kindle. I plan to pick up the previous installments to further acquaint myself with this enticing and engaging group of citizens."   --Amazon Reviewer

I hope everyone enters this holiday season with hope in your heart and a big stack of books on your TBR pile!!

Susan

Things and People: Susan Sands

This should be a blog about books since I have a new book coming out October 26th! I'm so excited about that and want to give it a good promotional shout for it. Christmas, Alabama is available now for pre-order!

Available October 26th

But there are so many other things happening in my life right now that I must purge them onto this page.

Many of us are in a similar place in life where our children are growing up and leaving the nest, while our parents are becoming more needful of us in physical, emotional, and sometimes financial ways. They become our new dependents as their parents became during their aging cycle. It's a life shift that isn't easy for anyone. But it is a transition that happens.

My husband and I are trying to sell our house and downsize. We've just rid ourselves via a three-day professionally-run, estate sale of most of our furniture and household items and accessories with the idea that our house would show and sell better with empty closets and rooms free of clutter. This week we move my dad into memory care. Next month, my mom moves in with us. My daughter is filling out college applications and visiting colleges and will graduate in the spring. Oh, yes, and I have that new book coming out...

So, our house goes back on the market in a week or two after the last offer fell through.

But we're all okay for now. People matter. Things don't. It was easy to get rid of them. We have each other. We all get along pretty well. We're working together as a team to accomplish all these goals. We work for grace every day. Some days are better than others.

I wish you grace in your life struggles.

Susan Sands

Susan Sands: Hottest--Happiest Place on Earth!

I just returned from the Romance Writers of America annual conference in Orlando. Disney at the

end of July ain't for sissies, y'all. The conference was held at the Dolphin resort, adjacent to its sister hotel, the Swan. Our rooms were located in the Swan, wouldn't you know? We made the "hot walk" several time a day between the two, where my sunglasses fogged up and my deodorant was challenged in ways that you don't want to hear about.

As always, RWA did an amazing job of hosting a few thousand of us writers, and keeping everyone darting to and fro to super informative sessions and workshops hosted by the industries' most savvy authors and professionals. My takeaway is, as always, that things are rapidly changing in the publishing world, and if you close your eyes, you might miss it. Don't chase trends. They will be gone by the time you arrive. Nothing is truly dead. Not chick lit, not paranormal, nothing. The names might change, but it's all semantics.

So far, I've managed to avoid the conference crud this time. Fingers crossed it doesn't catch up with me. I'm feeling a little discombobulated, though. I turned in a book I'd been frantically trying to finish just before I left, and now that I'm home, it's strange not to have that deadline looming. Of course, my daughter is a senior in high school, so there are many other obvious deadlines coming up, not to mention more college visits and the pace that is senior year. She's my third, and final child. I've now got one out of college, one in college, and one about to finish high school. The empty nest is just around the corner. We can discuss that later.

I hope everyone is enjoying their last sliver of summer.

My first book, Again, Alabama, is still free in all digital formats! Look for Christmas, Alabama coming up for pre-order very soon!!

Susan

Susan Sands: Happy 4th of July and Cover Reveal!

A fellow writer and I are in pajamas at dusk in a resort forty-five minutes

Christmas, Alabama

from home on 4th of July weekend. Our kids are home with their fathers. Mine can take care of themselves because they are plenty old enough, but my friend has four children under the age of six, God bless her. Her husband is the man.

We got a great room rate through a friend of a friend (thanks, friend). We are desperately making words that will finish our books before deadline. Summer deadlines are the toughest, it seems. Everything in the summer is less structured and it's easier to disrupt the writing schedule.

I accepted an offer on my house after it was on the market for an entire year. The deal fell through due to the inspection report. That was a hit to the writing schedule. My dogs don't like when I sit and write for hours on end. They make their displeasure known by barking and misbehaving, causing writing-stoppage. Kids and husband. Well, they need clean underwear and food. No other explanation needed. So, here we are, making as many good words as possible while others eat bar-b-que and enjoy fireworks (my poor dogs hate fireworks).

If this post seems a little disjointed and frazzled, you should see me.

The great news is that I have a gorgeous cover for my lovely upcoming Christmas novel, Christmas, Alabama. As much a of mess as I am right now, I'm having a blast writing this story, which will be released by The Tule Publishing Group, October 5th (tentatively). I'm bringing all the characters from Ministry, Alabama together again for a snowy good time!

I hope everyone is enjoying summer so far!!

Susan Sands