Susan Draper's Blog, page 2
February 8, 2022
Happy February!
Our beautiful granddaughter Aspen wishes all of you a Happy Valentine's Day! She is walking everywhere so when my husband Rick and I babysit her we have to be on our toes. ; ) What a blessing she has been. I'm so glad January is over. It makes me feel like I can make it until Spring. Funny how winter is a blast when one is in their youth but, as we age, it's not so much fun digging out of snow drifts or driving on ice-covered roads. Adults don't get enough snow days!
What part of the country do you live in? Temperate Florida or a winter haven? I do enjoy the four seasons that living in the Hoosier state provides but any storms that result in travel restrictions are not welcome in the least.
Hopefully, the weather will cooperate so our author group can attend two book signings. The first signing is at the Grand Traverse Pie Company in Terre Haute, IN on Feb. 12, from 11-2. The second one is in conjunction with a book sale at St. Mary of the Woods College, located in West Terre Haute, IN. This annual event will be held on Saturday, February 19th. Come visit our table and browse a unique selection of books. We look forward to speaking with you! Enter to win a door prize and browse a huge selection of great reads. Winter is a fantastic time to stock up on new and used books! The college campus is beautiful any time of year.
Next month, all my subscribers' names will be entered for a chance to win a $10.00 Amazon gift card. If you are the lucky winner you will receive an email. Good luck!
I wanted to share a picture I took of our driveway a few days ago after the Midwest was hit by the Groundhog Day Winter Storm of 2022. It took a few hours to clear it with the snowblower!
My husband Rick received a nice Canon DSLR camera from Santa for Christmas. He has a sharp eye for photography. In the future, I'll post some of his images. Since we're both retired from regular employment, we hope to travel more. He can take pictures while I pound away on my laptop. : )
I'm 30% complete on A New World: Cataclysm in the Cosmos-Book Three! The cover reveal will be posted as soon as possible. Writing this series has been a blast. Will I continue to write middle grade adventures? You'll have to wait and see! : ) You can find links to good reads available from other indie writers in my monthly newsletter. Here's to making our way slowly but surely to Spring. Please continue to support local authors, book stores, and libraries. You are appreciated!
Oh, and don't forget your valentine! 💖
December 8, 2021
Get Ready for Release Day!
Good morning, subscribers! The picture above is a sneak peak at the full cover of Survival: Cataclysm in the Cosmos-Book Two! Notice any new characters? Meet Acanthus, leader of the space sirens. Read the book to learn more about his background and role!
My second-in-series releases on 12-10-2021. I plan on offering an ebook and paperback. Here is the link so you can order from your favorite site. Survival UBL
If you don't have book one, Virus Attack, you will be able to purchase it, also.
Remember, all new and existing subscribers have a chance to win a $10.00 Amazon gift card! Entries will be accepted through the end of the year.
Have you decorated for the holidays, yet? We hope to get the tree up soon. Unfortunately, I'm presently experiencing some gallbladder issues. If surgery is recommended I don't want a gazillion things to put away later while I'm recuperating.
My husband Rick celebrated a birthday recently. He is always very supportive of my writing. I love him for that, among other reasons, like helping to babysit our granddaughter, Aspen. Here is a sweet picture of them at her one-year birthday party!
She gets her beautiful blue eyes from Rick and her other grandpa, Pat.
As always, reach out anytime here or at my social media sites. Any reviews are greatly appreciated, no matter how brief. Your support of indie authors and local libraries is something to be proud of.
Happy Holidays!
November 8, 2021
Cover Reveal For My Next Novella!
Happy November subscribers! I'm super excited to reveal the cover for my second-in-series novella! My mom loved bright colors and so do I. The manuscript is currently in my editor's able hands. She is very thorough and did a great job editing the first novella.
Survival: Cataclysm in the Cosmos (Book Two) has been tentatively scheduled to release on December 10th, 2021. Check out the Goodreads link here: Goodreads Link to Survival
You can add it to your "Want to Read" shelves now if you are a Goodreads member. Or, you can click this link to pre-order at your favorite site: Universal Book Link. Indie authors are always looking for readers to leave reviews in order to grow their audience. A few brief words is all that's necessary!
The Vigo County Public Library's Fall Festival of Writers is from 9-12 on Saturday, November 13, 2021. Promotional pricing for my books will be in effect and I'll also offer personal artwork for sale. Hope to meet and greet many kids and parents!
This website has items available for purchase, too. Books and decor make wonderful presents during the holiday season.
We had a good time taking our granddaughter Aspen trick or treating. Needless to say she was a big hit at the nice neighbors. Rick and I can't believe that she will be one year old on the 23rd of this month. It's a true blessing being able to babysit a couple days out of the week. Get ready for some cuteness overload!
My hubby took the last picture. Funny thing is, both of her parents are brown-eyed. Those two teeth are adorable!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Can you believe it? Yesterday I watched the first holiday commercial on television. Ugh, wish they would wait until December to air those annoying ads.As usual, thank you for your support of indie authors and local libraries. Have a wonderful holiday!October 9, 2021
Buy My Books and Artwork Direct!
The same bonus bling will be sent when any artwork orders are mailed. I am so thrilled to be branching out by utilizing the powerful reach of ecommerce. New items are forthcoming. Please help me spread the word by telling your friends.
My books and artwork will also be available to purchase at promotional book events. The Fall Festival of Writers, hosted by the Vigo County Public Library is scheduled for Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 9-2. I can't wait to meet and greet parents and children. Personally signing a copy will make my day!
Survival: Cataclysm in the Cosmos-Book Two is nearing completion. The cover is being designed right now! It still has to go to editing before publishing, of course. Target launch date is early December.
The Covered Bridge Festival is underway in Parke County. My husband Rick took this great picture of the bridge in Mecca today. Out of the 98 covered bridges located in the beautiful Hoosier state, 31 are in Parke county. It's nice that people get to enjoy all the great food and vendors again. These bridges have a lot of stories to tell. Tours are available for large groups.
In the meantime, keep reading your favorite genres and supporting local libraries. Indie authors like myself really appreciate your purchases. Happy reading!
October 3, 2021
Products for sale by Susan Draper Author/Artist! xProdu...
September 7, 2021
Seasonal Changes
It's the time of year when I am always a little reluctant to put away summer decor. Autumn doesn't officially begin until Wednesday, September 22nd. However, leaves are already starting to fall and temperatures at night have cooled off considerably. The urge to change things up around the house usually hits me at random. Today isn't the day.
For this blog post, I'll prolong the season by posting a pretty, green picture from one of the local parks nearby.
I'm excited to report that Mary P. was the lucky winner of the Amazon gift card! Thank you for signing up to receive my monthly newsletter. I will have more promotions down the road; all subscribers will be eligible to win.
The Clinton Public Library is hosting a local Author Showcase on Saturday, September 25th, from 11-1. I can't wait to meet and greet parents along with their middle grade children! Signed copies of Virus Attack: Cataclysm in the Cosmos-Book One will be available for purchase at a promotional price. I will also have goodies for the kids!
The Vigo County Public Library will have the Fall Festival of Writers on November 13th. I'll post more details closer to the event. In- person promotional opportunities continue to increase for area authors and it is so exciting!
Our beautiful granddaughter, Aspen, will be ten months old on September 23rd. My gosh, this year has flown by! She is the sweetest thing ever. Look at those baby blues!
This year, Hoosiers are looking forward to the return of The Covered Bridge Festival in Parke County. It should be a huge success! Indiana has so many wonderful fall festivals. Come visit a few if you are visiting the state!
I look forward to your comments here, on Instagram, my Facebook author page, or even TikTok. You can subscribe to posts and my newsletter by clicking on the upper left corner of my blog site.
Please don't forget to frequent your local libraries. They do a lot to support indie authors, like myself. Ours have wonderful activities for kids, teens and also adult patrons.
Until next month's blog post, you can enjoy this picture of West Beach at the Indiana Dunes. Lake Michigan will always be my go-to for rest and relaxation. It's where my dad taught me to swim by "throw-ins" so many years ago. Wasn't quite as relaxing then.... haha. Happy reading, my friends!
August 4, 2021
The Cat Days of Summer
Okay, I know that's not how the saying goes. It's actually, "The Dog Days of Summer." This phrase is often quoted by people during the months of July and August, when the weather is particularly hot and humid. Temperatures are currently moderate in the Hoosier state, but are expected to climb back up.
My novella series is centered around a super species of cats, so I have invoked my author privileges to change it up a bit!
In fact, one of the hottest characters in my first-in-series book is a beautiful, grey cat, named Artema! Her piercing, alabaster eyes are on the front cover of Virus Attack: Cataclysm in the Cosmos-Book One.
Artema is the kind of cat I always wanted. I think grey cats are gorgeous, but have never owned one. Those eyes reflect the bravery and natural ability to lead that she possesses. Don't let the stone cold gaze fool you. Her story heats up even more in Survival-Book Two. It will be available for pre-order soon!
Every time August rolls around I feel a little sad that summer is starting to wind down. School supplies have been purchased and baseball trades fill the news.
As you probably know, I'm a huge Chicago Cubs fan. The recent trades of Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez left me rather disenchanted with the front office. I'm happy those elite players will now be able to play for contending teams, but it still hurts to not have them on the team. They played such a huge role in winning the 2016 World Series.
It's the ballpark that I love the most, anyway. Wrigley Field will always hold a special place in my heart. New players will make history at The Confines just like players before them. Here's a picture from one of the games we attended not too long ago. I can't wait to go back!
Don't forget to sign up for my monthly newsletter! Click above to join my fan base. One lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card after the end of August!
As always, I welcome input about your favorite books or ballparks!
You can catch me on Instagram, Facebook, and even TikTok as @Hoosierwriter!
Long live baseball and good reads!
July 1, 2021
Release Day is Here!
Happy July! I'm excited to share that Virus Attack: Cataclysm in the Cosmos #1 releases today!
The ebook and paperback versions are available now. Here is the link: Order Virus Attack Here!
July has always been my favorite month of the year, and not just because it includes my birthday. Summer is in full swing when the seventh month of the year begins. We get to enjoy warm temperatures and lots of fun activities outdoors. To me, July represents a carefree, no worries state of mind. I think back to when I was a kid, growing up in the seventies with my two older sisters...
Our time consisted of sleeping in late, doing a few chores, and hanging out in the neighborhood. Most days, mom would drop us off at the Italian-American pool in Merrillville, IN. The membership fee was reasonable and being there never got old. Swimming pools and cute boys/girls keep teenage kids occupied.
After mom picked us up, we'd go home, eat dinner, and then head back outside to ride bikes until the sun went down. At night we'd watch TV shows. Everyone in the family enjoyed reading books. No cell phones. No computers. No Kindles. How times have changed. I panic now if I misplace my phone. It's sad and funny at the same time.
As those summer days waned I'd become more melancholy, because I knew returning to school was inevitable. Like a flash, it was over.
I think writing helps me to remember those simple times. It's hard for our kids to believe that we were happy without having to depend on any electronic devices.
In a few short days we will celebrate the Fourth of July. Americans are thankful to enjoy holidays with each other once again. Last year, just about all public displays and festivals were canceled. God bless this great nation!
Don't forget that all new subscribers have a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card! This runs through the end of the month.
I have a newsletter that comes out around the 23rd of each month. Please help me grow my audience. I'll be taking books to local libraries soon! So exciting!
Get outside-soak up the sun and your favorite books, whether they be in your hands or on your devices. Read to your kids. They love it!
As always, thank you for your support of indie authors.
May 25, 2021
Here is a sneak peak at my upcoming novella paperback co...
Here is a sneak peak at my upcoming novella paperback cover which will release on July 1, 2021!
Also, all NEW subscribers will be entered for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Woohoo!
Currently, the hum of the 17-year locust invasion is everywhere. For many young Hoosiers, this is their first time to witness Brood X. Here's a picture of one. Aren't they cute? Lol!
They are totally harmless but those eyes are indeed freaky! They leave their exoskeletons everywhere, too. My oldest daughter recently stepped on one-barefoot! It squished beneath her heel. Ewwwww!
Hope all my subscribers are staying busy and healthy. I want to to let you know that I've already started Book Two in my series. Be sure to sign up, (above left), for that chance to win the gift card.
You can preorder my ebook here:
Virus Attack: Cataclysm in the Cosmos
Happy reading!
May 13, 2021
Advance Release Copy signup is Available!
Hello everyone! I'm very excited to report that you can click the link below to be taken to my advance release copy (ARC) signup form. My novella is coming soon!
Virus Attack: Cataclysm in the Cosmos (Book One) ARC request
It will be releasing on July 1, 2021. This is a clean, middle grade series that I'm sure your kids and teens will enjoy! Who doesn't love books with cats as the main characters?
Sign up for my blog in the upper left hand corner for updates. I will have information about promotions and personal tidbits.
Thanks to all who support indie writers. : )
