What exactly is ‘Women’s Fiction’?   Goodreads defines it as “an umbrella term for books written by women that are marketed to female readers, and includes many mainstream novels, romantic fiction, "chick lit,"and other sub genres.  One of these sub genres includes women’s ‘upmarket fiction’, which features a female protagonist and often creates great conversations for book clubs.  Rebecca Vnuk nicely outlines her Five Rules for Women’s Fiction (link).

Whatever the definition, women sharing life experiences, struggles, humor and ways to deal with all this is a good thing in my book. No pun intended.  Anytime a woman can break away from the demands of caring for others, career, trying to fit in exercise, friends, and all the other things that yank at us to write a story, it allows a discussion to be had amongst us.  We may find ourselves laughing at the same silly things we do, crying at events that ripped our hearts out, or discovering a new way to deal with a problem in our life.

When I set out to write ‘I Know You’re There’, I was targeting my story to nurses.  It’s very rare to find a novel with a nurse protagonist written by a nurse.  The reason for this surely won’t surprise you. Nurses are busy!  Once, the book was published, I was surprised to find that it had two other popular women’s markets: Emerging Adult (post college graduate age, entering the real world and all that entails) and Prime Time Women (those 50-75 who generally are finished focusing on child raising and/or career but are vibrantly pursuing other interests).

There is no greater compliment to an author than a reader who shares how the author’s novel touched them in a special way. 

“That part when they are changing the women’s diaper, I was rolling on the floor laughing.”

“You described the process of caring for someone who is dying perfectly.  I had so many of those same experiences when I cared for my dad.”

“I really liked how you described heaven.  It made me think.”

As women bond together and share our unique experiences, we grow stronger.  It’s not always easy to get women together given the massive amount of responsibilities they tend to.  A women’s fiction book, however, can be read alone and pondered.  Or, if given the opportunity, open the door to discussions with other women who may be looking for validation, comfort or a good laugh.

‘I Know You’re There’ is Susan Allison-Dean’s debut novel.  It is available on most e-book sites including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBookstore and in paperback.



Have you read a good women's fiction book lately?

This past year, several talented musical artists have chosen to help dolphins and whales being held captive.  Many have forgone lucrative show offers, asked that their music not be played at venues, like Seaworld, or have pledged not to perform where these majestic beings are held unnaturally.  They have graciously given time and their voices to increase awareness of this form, of what was previously thought of as entertainment, but is now considered abusive by many with lethal consequences.

As a way of showing our appreciation, I propose we start Download Friday.  Each Friday, we download a song (album) from itunes of the chosen performer of the week.  With hope, this might encourage those who have not yet become aware of the substantiating scientific research that cetacean captivity is inhumane, to learn more and join their fellow artisans.  Music has a way of bringing us together.

So, here’s the schedule.  Please share and start downloading some great tunes!

February 21:  BareNaked Ladies

February 28:  Willie Nelson

March 7: Matt Sorum

March 14:  Heart

March 21:  Trisha Yearwood

March 28:  REO Speedwagon

April 4:  Martina McBride

April 11:  .38 Special

April 18:  Cheap Trick

April 25:  Joan Jett

May 2:  Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo

May 9:  Trace Adkins

May 16:  The Beach Boys

May 23:  Wynonna Judd

May 30: David Crosby

June 6:  Who’s Next???????

(Please note, if I have missed anyone who should be included on this list, please let me know and I’ll be more than happy to add them.  Thank you.)

It’s Winter Olympic time in Sochi, Russia.  Countries around the world have sent their finest athletes to compete, and what a wonderful group of people they are.  Here are five of my favorite things about them.

1.    They remind us that anything is possible.  Whether they are flying into the air after launching off ski jumps several stories high with boards strapped to their feet or swirling on ice like helicopter propellers, these athletes are fearless. 

2.    They demonstrate that mental training is as important as the physical training.  Many of us at home are in a competition of our own:  raising children, meeting company deadlines, or maybe trying to loose weight.  Whatever the goal, getting in the proper mind zone is key component to success.  I’ve often wondered what these athletes do to achieve their fierce focus and calm demeanor.  Here’s a great article from The Huffington Post that outlines some of what they do.

3.    They demonstrate unwavering grace and humility.  Have you noticed that when the athletes win and the media wants to praise them, they are quick to deflect the accolades to someone else, be it their mom, their coach or fellow teammates?  When T.J. Oshie, winning goal scorer for Team USA men’s hockey, was called a hero, he humbly said, “It’s the men and women wearing camouflage who are heroes, not me.”

4.    They compete fiercely for their countries without weapons.  Imagine if our world leaders could do the same.  Shaun White, third time Olympic snowboarder, failed to win a metal in his sport this time.  He was the first, however, to hug and congratulate Iouri Podladtchikov, a Swiss rider, who won the Gold Medal.

5.    They are breaking age barriers.  When commentators call 27-year-old Shaun White and 36-year-old Bodie Miller old, I wonder if I should go buy a wheelchair.  I’m not even at the 50-year-old midpoint yet.  I chuckle at their expressions, for even they seem surprised.  Let us all have that can do attitude no matter how old we are!

For many of us that live in the United States, this has been a brutal winter.  Waves of artic air, coupled with deluges of snow and ice, have put our stamina to the test.  For those of us who love animals, this past year has inundated us with storms of what has seemed like a never-ending deluge of horrific news.  The surge in social media has linked us to events that we may have never heard of. Mainstream media is hesitant to report on such topics.   Only a few brave networks like CNN and shows like Katie Couric Show have taken the risk to talk about extreme animal abuse issues.  After all,  no one wants their following to turn the channel because, “I can’t watch that.”

Black rhino extinction, dolphin torture in Taiji, Japan, elephant poaching for ivory, shark culling in Australia are just a few of the issues that only a few media outlets are willing to bravely share with their viewers.  The documentary, Blackfish, has hugely surpassed the number of viewers that even the director thought it would have reached.  This in itself, is just one sign of hope-that there are a huge number of human beings, worldwide, who care enough about wildlife to view an emotionally difficult film and then take action to make things better.

Let’s take a look at more signs of better days to come for our wildlife, shall we?

Worldwide outrage about dolphin hunting and capturing for entertainment in Taiji, Japan:

*Protests in Africa, Berlin and soon a collective effort globally on February 14th.

*American celebrities use their collective influence and voices to petition the United States Government to include

*A heightened awareness in Japanese people of the atrocities occurring in their own country and the world view of this.

*Discussion on NPR's, Diane Rehm radio, show about dolphin hunting in Japan.

Corporate culture changes

*Major retailers banning the use of  angora wool.

*Commercials suggesting interspecies relationships:    Side note:  Anheuser-Busch owned Seaworld for years, are they ready to make a statement condemning captivity now?

Youth taking charge of their future

*Prince William joins the Tusk Trust and Joint statement against wildlife crime via video with his father, Prince William

*12-year-old, Rose McCoy, activist making the news for captive dolphins & whales

*13-year-old,Max Guinn, challenges Seaworld to debate the directors of Blackfish 

Countries taking brave initiatives

*India declares dolphins as non-human persons and banning them from captivity

*Palau bans commercial fishing to boost eco-tourism

Bold Activism

While I personally do not support illegal or violent activism, I do understand where the motive comes from when seeing helpless animals suffer.  As the saying goes, if the leaders do not lead, the people will.  Going forward we will need global leaders who show care and show compassion for animals, our environment, as well as people or get out of the way.  We, the people, need to demand this from our leaders.

With gut wrenching videos, reports and pictures about animal abuse running rampant, it’s easy to understand the condemnation of others that is occurring.  I myself have tweeted some curse tweets, in an effort to stop the madness.  What seems to be coming more clear, however, is that this is not a ‘my country versus your country’ issue.  This is a collective awakening of the human consciousness and our behavior as people.  As I sit back and watch the movement, I have great hope that goodness will win.

Do you have an optimistic example of how people are changing behaviors and/or attitudes towards animals in a positive way?  If so, please share in the comments section below.  Every bit of encouragement boosts our morale and helps us move forward.

Note: Dolphin picture via @earthpix

“When there are enough things pushing and/or pulling you in a different direction, you will make a change.” Anthony Robbins

It started when my husband and I followed a truckload of crated pigs on a North Carolina highway.  The cute little guys poked there pink snouts in between the slats and looked at me with their sweet little eyes. 

“I don’t even want to know where they’re going,” I said.

“Yup, bacon, ribs and pork chops, “ he answered.

Living near New York City, where the wildlife mainly consists of squirrels, chipmunks and deer, it’s fairly easy to ignore the true source of the meat displayed in the grocery store.  It’s sealed and stamped, no sign of feathers, hooves or tails.  Drive around North Carolina, however, tomorrow’s dinner is everywhere.

Rather than gross you out with stories of what’s in our meat, or how it is raised, let me tell you some positive reasons I chose to try vegetarianism.  Climate change is one.  Did you know that ruminant animals (cows, goats, sheep are included in this category) produce significant amount of methane gas when they expel gas via their mouths and rectums?  Swapping a beef burger for a bean burger just once a week is estimated to have the same climate impact as if you were to take your car off the road for a month, according to the Environmental Working Group.  Another significant reason I chose to give this new way of eating a try, is because I love animals. 

A friend who has been a vegetarian for years suggested I read Alicia Silverstone’s book, The Kind Diet.  Silverstone nicely outlines many reasons to choose a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.  She also gives tips on how to convert and recipes.  I started eating a few more meatless meals here and there until before I knew it, I was meat free.  I still eat eggs and cheese, but only that which comes from our local farmer’s market.

So, how is it going?  It’s been nearly a month now and I’m surprised at how great I feel!  Sugar cravings that used to plague me are gone.  My mood is calmer.  Our grocery bills are less expensive and the meatless meals seem easier to prepare.  I questioned if I would be able to go without family recipes I grew up on, but so far, I don’t miss them.  I also feel better in my soul now that my actions are more in line with my values. 

Will I go to the next level and become a Vegan?  I admire people who do.  It seems to me almost a different spiritual level to commit to that way of life while living in a culture where using animals for food, clothing, furniture and more is everywhere.  Anything is possible, though, as long as I don’t have to give up chocolate!