Past Updates
Winter Greetings
I've just finished a semester as a visiting writer in the Creative Writing Department at the University of South Florida at Tampa (www.usf.edu). Big thanks again to Rita Ciresi (www.ritaciresi.com), director of USF's Creative Writing Program, who suggested me for the post, and USF English Department Chair Hunt Hawkins, who hired me, and to the wonderful students in my Fiction III and Fiction Writing classes.
USF is just starting a master's of fine arts program and anyone who wishes to be in on the exciting beginning at a fine school in a place of some very nice weather should visit www.english.usf.edu/graduate/cw/degrees/.
While in Florida, I lived at The Porpoise Inn in Clearwater Beach. It's a sweet and wonderful family-run place three blocks from the Gulf of Mexico. If you're headed that way and are looking for a cozy, quiet and convenient lodging in the placid North Beach are of Clearwater Beach, visit www.porpoiseinn.com. I thank Terri and Gary Hidu for being such great hosts.
I'll think fondly of The Porpoise Inn for many reasons, including that it was where I finished the
very, very final work on what will be my newest book, Sundays in America (www.beacon.org).
It's slated for a March publication, and I'm thrilled already to be planning readings and signings. See the Events link for dates, which start the third week of March. Anyone who'd like to book a "Sundays in America" reading or signing at a bookstore, library, social club or book group is invited to contact me (sess7@comcast.net) or my publicist, Gina Frey (gfrey@beacon.org or 617-948-6583).
Don't hesitate to propose an event just because you're not in New England, I'm planning to tour far and wide.
Early kudos includes these, and I thank Luanne Rice and Karol Jackowski immensely:
Do you believe in miracles? You will after you read Sundays in America. This book will lift you up. If you've stopped going to church on Sundays, it will lasso your lost faith.If you've never left, it will remind you of why you gather, why you pray, why you're part of the flock. Suzanne Strempek Shea writes with soul, straight from her heart; this book was just what I needed to read.
- Luanne Rice, author of Sandcastles and What Matters Most (www.luannerice.com)
Sundays in America is unlike any other book you'll ever read. While born and raised Roman Catholic, Suzanne Shea invites us to accompany her on a yearlong pilgrimage of weekly services in non-Catholic Christian churches. As I did so, I found myself taken on an extraordinarily delightful and insightful spiritual journey that helped me see the face of religion in America more clearly; love the diverse faces of believers and non-believers more dearly; and follow the Holy Spirit she found everywhere more nearly. Like all pilgrimages, this will one will enlighten you and change your life too; and, I might add, you will not find a pilgrim guide more fun to be with than Suzanne Shea."A review of Sundays in America will be featured in the March/April issue of Yankee (www.yankeemagazine.com), one of my very favorite magazines of all time (and not just because they're going to review the book).
- Karol Jackowski, author of Forever and Ever, Amen: Becoming a Nun in the 1960s (www.karoljackowski.com)
Also while on the beach I finished some freelance stories, and I invite you to visit www.obit-mag.com for a piece I did on attending several funerals while on a trip to Ireland this past summer, and ask all dog lovers who don't already subscribe to pick up the November/December issue of The Bark magazine, (www.thebark.com) which includes an endpiece essay titled "The Winter Baby." It's about my pup Bisquick and is worth the price alone just to see the photo of his little face.
I'll soon be submitting something to Beacon Press' new blog, Beacon Broadside (http://www.beaconbroadside.com), featuring essays, news items, and dispatches from Beacon authors, authors who serve as advisors or friends of the house, and staff. It will also be a forum for discussion, with all posts open for comments by readers, so feel free to join in.
I just want to assure those who value the independent bookstore that Edwards Books, which inspired my second memoir "Shelf Life," is still open for business. A move to smaller quarters in Tower Square is planned, but that's about the only change at Edwards, which is located at Tower Square, 1500 Main St., Springfield, Massachusetts. I still work there when I can and plan to put in some time prior to Christmas. If you'd like to purchase a signed copy of any of my books, write info@edwardsbooks.com or phone 413-736-6844.
Finally, I want to mention the life and death of Dominick Pecora, who died October 24 after five very difficult years dealing with cancer. Rest in peace and rock on, dear friend.
Suzanne