SusanWiggs | reading Archives

September 24, 2018 | Leave a comment

I’m a longtime fan of Maria Shriver‘s newsletter and books, not to mention her social initiatives. She invites readers to send pictures of their Sunday dinner time with family. This morning, I was inspired to send her this very retro “Sunday dinner” photo, because of the story it tells. It’s my parents and grandfather in upstate New York–in a town not so different from Avalon, on Willow Lake–with my brother and me at the Sunday table. My mom had just given birth to my younger sister.

These days, we would call my grandparents farm-to-table organic producers. Back then, they were known as subsistence farmers. Everything on the table was homegrown and farm raised, and canned, preserved, or frozen at home. They didn’t have a lot of money, having raised their family through the Great Depression and WWII. The humble Formica table and dishes, the freezer in the background, and the jars on the table were a ubiquitous presence in my childhood.

This Sunday, my husband and I are spending the day canning homegrown tomatoes from our sunny garden here on Bainbridge Island in Puget Sound. I like to think my grandparents would approve of our effort, and at dinner, we’ll send a special prayer to them out there, wherever they are.

Here’s my simplest and most delicious recipe for pasta sauce. I think it was made popular by the late, great Marcella Hazan, but I learned it from the label of a big can of San Marzano tomatoes imported from Italy. For this recipe alone, I was inspired to grow my own San Marzanos. Don’t skip the butter or use a substitute. When you taste this, you’ll know why.

My version is even simpler than the original because I won’t make you peel the tomatoes or fish the onion out after cooking

Perfect Pasta Sauce

3 cups canned or 2 lbs fresh San Marzano tomatoes

1 onion, quartered

6 Tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon salt

NOTE: You can peel the tomatoes or not–up to you. The peels will slip off during the cooking, so if you want, you can pick them out of the pot with tongs as the sauce simmers. Otherwise, the peels with disappear during the blending.

Place all ingredients in a heavy pot and simmer for about an hour. I don’t put a lid on the pot because it reduces the liquid. Just make sure the onion is submerged. After simmering, blend it smooth with an immersion blender, or in a food processor or blender. Serve over hot pasta with a grind of pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes, a sprig of basil, and a shaving of Parmesan.

photo by Matt Duckor

What are you serving your family this Sunday?

signed book scavenger hunt

April 19, 2018 | Leave a comment

How do those special “signed edition” books happen? It starts with the bindery shipping thousands of pages to the author for her signature. Then she binge-watches The Last Post (which I heartily recommend) while signing her name, over and over again.

You can pre-order a signed copy of Between You & Me from my local indie bookseller, Eagle Harbor Books, or from Barnes & Noble.

To add some fun to the project, I marked some of the pages with my feather logo stamp. If you order a signed book and you get one with the feather, you are in for a huge treat! It means you’ve won a gift basket of all my favorite things (think chocolate, coffee, candles, lotion, books, writing and art supplies…).

a few of my favorite things

Just send a pic of the autographed page to susanmwiggs (at) gmail.com and we will shower you with goodies!

going naked

March 02, 2018 | 2 Comments

Not me, silly. My book. That’s because I’m being a merciless tease about the cover art for the upcoming Between You & Me.

judging a book by its lack-of-cover

But my oh-so-generous publisher and the good folks at Goodreads are giving away 50 (FIFTY!) copies of the reviewer’s edition. You can enter to win one here.

Want to have a peek behind the scenes? You can check out my Pinterest collection of odds and ends I collected while researching and writing the novel.

I’ve written a lot of books, and each novel is its own journey. This one in particular was what I call a heart-grabber. When inspiration struck, it consumed me for days, weeks, and months on end. I couldn’t wait to get to the page to find out what would happen next. I even created an image collage to look at:

Some images I collected for inspiration

Anyway. The cover design is meant to reflect the most startling aspect of the book–a clash of two worlds that will leave you breathless. There will be a splashy “cover-reveal” event soon to launch Between You & Me into the world.

To be the first to know, you can sign up for my e-newsletter (it’s infrequent and not annoying, I promise) or follow me on social media. I cannot wait to tell the world!

Smart Shopper Tip: For a GUARANTEED free copy–and you don’t have to enter anything!–you can request the book from your local library. All you need to do is give this info to your librarian, and she’ll do the rest:

BETWEEEN YOU & mE BY SUSAN WIGGS

ISBN: 9780062425577
ISBN 10: 0062425579
Imprint: William Morrow
On Sale: 06/26/2018
Pages: 368
List Price: tbd USD
BISAC1: FICTION / Contemporary Women
BISAC2: FICTION / Romance / Contemporary
BISAC3: FICTION / Amish & Mennonite

welcome to my world :: july 19-22

February 22, 2018 | Leave a comment

I love where I live. And I love showing it off in the summer when it’s the most beautiful corner of the world. And there’s good news–the fine folks at my publisher have organized a fabulous weekend for us to hang out and experience the best of the northwest.

First, the ferryboat. It’s a 35-minute cruise from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island.

No filter needed. It’s a wonderful spot to relax and read a book.

Here’s the street where I live. Kayaking and paddleboarding for the water lovers, hiking and biking for the landlubbers…and lolling on the beach, reading a book for the rest of us.

The Manor House is a 1912 mansion that now houses a lovely restaurant and bar. TRIVIA: I got married here.

The main street is full of delightful surprises, including a world-class yarn shop and an adorable indie bookstore.

Image result for churchmouse yarns [photo: Lollyknitting Around]

(gratuitous shot of my daughter and granddaughter)

One of the brightest jewels in the island’s crown is our first stop on the Bainbridge visit–the Bloedel Reserve. I don’t want to say too much about it. This is one of those things you need to see to appreciate. Trust me, it’s mind-blowing. The perfect place to dream, relax, and recharge. Here’s a sneak peek.

Image result for Bloedel reserve

And that’s just the beginning. We’re planning a Seattle welcome reception at the legendary Arctic Club, wine tastings, gourmet lunches, lively conversation…all while enjoying the best weather on the planet. Here’s a full schedule of events.

You’ve heard about Seattle’s rain. But in July, it’s all about the sun. I hope you’ll join me.

#Seattle #summer #islandlife #writinglife

read :: write :: dream :: relax

May 10, 2017 | 2 Comments

“I’m not a ‘cruise’ person.” That’s probably what you’ve told yourself. How do I know? Because I used to say that to myself, too. It’s a floating hotel full of newlyweds and nearlydeads, I thought.

Then I went on a cruise.

Image result for cruise butlers

And came home a total convert. You will be, too. You’re invited to a one-of-a-kind at-sea event for readers, writers, and dreamers–May 2018. SAVE THE DATE. You’re going from Tampa to Barcelona, with port calls at Key West, La Palma Canary islands, Tenerife Canary islands, Malaga-Spain, Barcelona.

This is not just a cruise. It’s a reading and writing retreat with Elizabeth George and me, and the participation of skilled yoga instructor Cindy Peters.

If you like to read and talk about books, you should join us. If you’re interested in a writing retreat or master class with two proven instructors, bring your dreams with you. And if you’d like to practice yoga (beginners welcome) with a renowned expert, you’re going to love this.

More detailed information on each program will be provided soon.

Here’s a sneak peek:
welcome party :: hosted meals :: evening entertainment :: morning pages :: lively discussions :: mentoring sessions :: morning meditation :: evening flow :: guided workshops :: movie night :: literary trivia :: and more.

At the moment, you can sign up risk free with a fully refundable deposit. If you do it before June 30, they’ll knock off another $100 for you. In order to take part in the special program, participants need to book through Vacations by Design. They know cruises, so they’ll pick out the best stateroom for you. Call Scott at Call 800-828-4813. Tell him I sent you.

This event is super-affordable. It’s a “repositioning” cruise, meaning the ship needs to be moved from the US to Europe, so the staterooms are selling out fast.

What’s included:
*14 days of reading and writing enrichment provided by Elizabeth George, Susan Wiggs, and Cindy Peters
*Accommodations and a 24/7 staff at your beck and call
*All meals, all day and all night–award-winning menus, gorgeous ambience, endless variety and flexibility
*Days at Sea–on-board pools, climbing wall, fitness center, spa, shopping and sheer relaxation
*Entertainment by performers from all over the globe star in awe-inspiring original shows.
*Exclusive invitation-only events for readers and writers.
*Youth and Teen Program so you can bring the family. Kids are in good hands with uniquely creative, educational and totally awesome programs for all ages.

Do something good for your body, mind, and soul. See you on board!

#reading #writing #writersretreats #yoga #wellness #cruises #travel

working vacation::first stop Paris

October 09, 2015 | 4 Comments

I am on a working vacation. When you’re a writer, it’s not a contradiction in terms, because your job comes with you in your head wherever you go. So if you go someplace awesome, you’re still working. But trust me, it doesn’t suck.

First stop–Paris. I finished FAMILY TREE (coming in 2016) and started research on my next book. Here’s the Jardin de Luxembourg and it doesn’t look much like Paris but when I see beehives, I have to take a photo because, well, beehives.

I love discovering strange shops that sell things like mushroom hunting knives. Here’s one on Boul’ St. Germain called Le Prince Jardiniere:

My amazing husband Jerry takes the best people-watching shots. Check out this French kid taking a selfie in Place des Vosges, aka the prettiest square in Paris:

Calling all book clubs :: Let me send you a review copy

April 25, 2015 | 35 Comments

So my awesome publisher has produced a nice glossy advance-reading-copy edition of STARLIGHT ON WILLOW LAKE.

Lakeshore Chronicles #11, but you don’t have to be familiar with the series to fall in love with this one.

I know all writers will tell you “this book has a special place in my heart,” but this one REALLY does. After you read the dedication page in the front and the acknowledgment page in the back you’ll know why.

It’s a good book club topic. The storyline deals with with tragedy, a person’s role in caring for a parent, and how exploring the past can lead to a whole new perspective on life. Just as bonus, there are dogs, comedy, Balinese cooking, a few cuss words. and love scenes that will curl your toes but not offend your mother. Swear.

You know what’s missing? A reading group guide. I’d love your help with this. What’s the most thought-provoking topic your group has every discussed?

I have 15 copies of the ARC (pub-speak for “advance reading copy”) to give away. Here’s how to enter. Send the name of your book group, along with a contact person and mailing address, to susanmwiggs (at) gmail dot com, and fifteen winners will be chosen at random on May 1. You’ll receive the ARC along with some other goodies for readers to enjoy long before the book gets published.

Sound good?

Yummy book

July 12, 2013 | 4 Comments

Thanks for the love, Shelf Awareness. Fictional Stories, Real Food
There has been a growing trend over the past few years to write novels and memoirs that include recipes, although now it’s no longer a trend, it’s a genre. Obviously, some books are more successful than other with this; really, how many recipes for chocolate chip cookies can the market bear? But when it works, it’s very good. I still make the banana bread recipe (to great acclaim) from Molly Wizenberg’s wonderful memoir, A Homemade Life. Check it out.

Recent months have seen many entries in the book-with-recipes category. Susan Wiggs’s latest novel, The Apple Orchard, about a California apple orchard, an unwilling half-heiress to same, and the pleasures of food and family, is a captivating and charming story. So are the recipes, like lavender scones, and apple chutney. She says, “It’s always lovely to come across a recipe that’s good enough to share. My criteria for including a recipe in a book is that it needs to work thematically with the novel, it has to be delicious and it has to be reasonably easy to prepare. I like to picture my readers having their book club over and preparing something from one of my novels.”