A Christmas Treat
For a Christmas Treat please welcome back one of the original Book Tarts, Susan McBride!
It's incredible to look back and realize how much has changed in six years. I was a single girl back at the beginning of Lipstick (but met Ed shortly after, and I still remember Harley telling me that he sounded like a keeper from early on! She was SO right!). I was healthy except for my bad eating habits (who knew that Snickers wasn't a vegetable?). I was writing a mystery series. And I was definitely not pregnant.
Now I'm a happily married woman of nearly four years who's survived breast cancer (and watched my mother survive it as well). I've switched genres to women's fiction and YA (although I can't help sprinkling a bit of mystery in everything!). I've been through a miscarriage and now I'm pregnant again (I knew some of those dusty eggs still had it in 'em!). I can only imagine what the next six years will bring!
I wish only wonderful things for everyone here at Lipstick: good health, great friendships, joy in everyday things, and, of course, fabulous books!
Susan calls herself an "Accidental Cougar" after meeting a younger man in 2005 when she was a St. Louis Magazine Top Single. They were married in February 2008 and live happily ever after in a suburb of St. Louis. Susan is a breast cancer survivor and often speaks to women's groups about her experience. She is the author of Little Black Dress (HarperCollins/William Morrow, August 23, 2011) and The Cougar Club, selected by Target Stores as a Bookmarked Breakout Title and named a Midwest Connections Pick by the Midwest Booksellers Association. Cougar also made MORE Magazine's list of "February Books We're Buzzing About." Find Susan at her website: http://www.susanmcbride.com/index.html
View the book trailer of Little Black Dress right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-I6kRvY8Ic&feature=youtu.be
Congratulations on so many things!
Glad you could post at the end of the TLC road. Best wishes for all your creations - past, present and future.
Posted by: Kathy Reschini Sweeney | December 25, 2011 at 07:45 AM
We're so happy for you, Susan! Merry Christmas from the office water cooler!
Posted by: Nancy Martin | December 25, 2011 at 08:46 AM
I remember you and Ed all new and lovey-dovey at the Virginia Book Fest! I'm so happy you kept each other.
I wish you all happy things, for a long long time.
Posted by: Ramona | December 25, 2011 at 09:05 AM
Hi Susan,
Glad to see you here. You're the reason I found the Tarts. Thanks for that.
Congrats to you and Ed, and Merry Christmas.
Posted by: KD Easley | December 25, 2011 at 09:48 AM
Merry Christmas, Susan, Ed, and Peapod -- and to all the rest of the TLC community. You are part of the reason life is so good. May we all continue happy and healthy -- and friends! (and if you haven't checked the Google Doodle yet, do).
Posted by: Storyteller Mary | December 25, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Funny! I worked with a principal who was a St. Louis Hot Single. She is a great lady. I remember meeting you and getting some autographed books at a book fair.
Posted by: Alan P. | December 25, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Susan, we were reminiscing recently about the Famous Dinner Party your mom hosted the week that TLC was , uh, conceived (out of wedlock, naturally) . . . we all love you to pieces, and Ed too, and Baby Peapod. Keep writing, stay well, and enjoy parenthood. What an adventure you're on. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Harley | December 25, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Congratulations Susan! I am a recent survivor...what a journey. I tell my friends it's one club that they are NOT allowed to join. Trying to tell my husband that a Pink Ribbon tattoo is not trashy. Think I need one...since I already have radiation tattoos!
I have all your Debutante Dropout novels...:)
Many blessing on you, Ed and Peapod (love the name).
Posted by: Lora in Florida | December 25, 2011 at 11:09 AM
O Susan, so good to hear from you! Happy writing, stay healthy, and best wishes for the little pea and Ed, too. May 2012 be the best yet!
Posted by: twist | December 25, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Susan.. how wonderful to see you! Thank you for everything..and love to all! xxo
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | December 25, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Congratulations, Susan. When I was in St. Louis "Little Black Dress" was all over the bestseller lists. Hope it hangs there for a long time. Wishing you a safe and happy pregnancy.
Posted by: Elaine Viets | December 25, 2011 at 01:01 PM
It's so nice to see you here. Have a wonderful year filled with joyous things, and wonderful events!
Posted by: lil Gluckstern | December 25, 2011 at 02:11 PM
Hi, Susan! May your new year be bright and merry!
Posted by: NancyP | December 25, 2011 at 02:55 PM
Susan, wow what changes the last 6 years brought you! I wish I had been here at the beginning of the blog but glad to read you here at the end. I hope your pregnancy goes well and you spend the whole time glowing.
Merry Christmas to all and I hope everyone is celebrating their day exactly as they want to.
Posted by: gaylin in Vancouver | December 25, 2011 at 02:59 PM
Susan,
I'm just getting to know your books. I've only been here for a couple of years and was a lurker for a very long time. Thanks for your part in bringing TLC to life - it has enriched my own life. It's great to hear what else you are bringing to life! LIFE is an important theme in my post today, it seems! I'm glad that you are living such a full life and I wish you and your family the best.
Posted by: Deb | December 25, 2011 at 07:10 PM
Merry Christmas to all the bloggers and backbloggers!
(I borrowed time on a sister's computer this afternoon so I could do another round of Facebook "friending"and to confirm Friend requests. I do not want to lose this TLC Family!)
Posted by: Deb | December 25, 2011 at 07:15 PM
Great to see you back! Wishing you all the best.
Posted by: Avis | December 25, 2011 at 07:27 PM