Show Me a Sign

Published by OakTara

Seventeen-year-old Nathan Boliva becomes the FBI's prime suspect when the deaf girl he likes (Haylie) is kidnapped. This novel is written in first person from Nathan and Haylie's points of view. Available to purchase from oaktara.com, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and other major distributors.

• OakTara

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Falling in Love with You

Short story "The Perfect Crime"

Anthology of real-life love stories published by Oak Tara. Susan's story is "The Perfect Crime". Available from www.amazon.com, www.oaktara.com and other major distributors.

• OakTara

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The Spirit of Christmas

Short story "Christmas Rainbow"

Anthology of true Christmas stories published by St. Martin's Press. Susan's story is "Christmas Rainbow". To order, go to amazon.com

• St. Martin's Press

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Missing

Short story "The Cotton Candy Man"

Anthology of fiction stories about someone or something that has mysteriously disappeared, published by Echelon Press. Susan's story is "The Cotton Candy Man". Written in first person from the point of view of a seven-year-old girl who is kidnapped from a carnival. (No longer in print.)

• Echelon Press Publishing

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Pawprints in the Snow

Poems, colorful wildlife photos and animal fun-facts for ages 3 to 9

Faith, science, rhymes and colorful photos combine in this children's poetry book about the ways in which God designed his animals to stay warm in winter and cold climates. Full color photos and fun facts about animals accompany each poem. To order, go to amazon.com

• March 2, 2017

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Healer

Young adult fiction

*Readers' Favorite award for young adult fiction.

*Royal Dragonfly first place award for fiction.

Hovering just below the surface of Shilo Giannelli's average existence lays an amazing spiritual power. Late one night, her world erupts with the revelation that, like her great-grandmother, she has The Gift. But the power to heal isn't something she can share with the soccer team, her genius little sister, or her boyfriend, Kenji. Definitely not Kenji.

Deep beneath Misty Morning's tough façade is a lifetime of abandonment, foster homes and broken dreams. When her two-year-old son is abused by her boyfriend, her fragile world shatters...until Shilo prays for Tyler, and he is healed, leaving Misty grateful but incredibly curious.

Shilo can't give Misty the answers she needs; she only knows she has a God-given destiny, and despite facing strained relationships, impossible decisions, and the threat of being hounded day and night for her abilities, she will fulfill it.

The journey Misty and Shilo take together unites them as friends but invites danger into their lives. And it will take a miracle for these unlikely friends to elude a gang bent on revenge, keep The Gift a secret, trust God in extraordinary circumstances, and hold on to the people they love.

Want to read the first chapter? Go to https://www.vinspirepublishing.com/healer

• Vinspire Publishing

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Shards of Light

Healer Book 2

*Royal Dragonfly first place award for fiction.

*2020 Readers' Favorite book award winner and 5-star review.

*2020 Illumination Book Awards medalist for young adult fiction.

*Moonbeam Book Award, silver medalist, 2020.

Ice crystalizes around Shilo's heart, threatening to plunge her into darkness as she's gripped by evil. And it is only Week Two of her summer-long exile to Sicily. But Shilo will face the evil, and the torment of missing Kenji, because the reason she crossed an ocean is worth that, and more. Nonna Marie, her great-grandmother. The one who set their family tree on fire. Years ago, she received The Gift - a miraculous, divine power to heal. The same power bestowed upon Shilo just before her seventeenth birthday. Becoming a Healer has already led to danger and heartache, but it is nothing compared to what lies ahead. High on Mt. Etna, in a centuries-old convent, Shilo will discover the horrors of human trafficking, heroic feats propelled by courage and faith, and the unbearable pain of another loss.

On a ballet stage halfway around the world, Melody grand jetés into a life-changing moment. But after years of strenuous preparation, something goes terribly wrong. When she regains consciousness, her ballet dreams lie shattered, piercing Melody with shards of hopelessness. What is life without ballet? And how will she survive this ordeal without Shilo? As Melody struggles to piece together the fragments of her broken life, she reflects on the Nigerian-Russian parents she never knew, and a pair of hauntingly familiar ebony eyes.

Order at http://amzn.com/1732711283

More information: https://www.vinspirepublishing.com/shardsoflight

• August 31, 2019
• Vinspire Publishing

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Signs in the Dark

*Readers' Favorite 5-star review.

*Wishing Shelf Awards red ribbon recipient.

ONE CAPTIVE

Blindfolded, gagged and tied to a chair, 17-year-old Haylie Summers has only one goal: stay alive. Nothing about her abduction makes sense. Deaf since birth, she can't hear her captors and can only guess why someone would take her. Is she about to be thrown into the dark abyss of human trafficking? Or was she kidnapped by the protestors who marched at the wildlife rescue center where she volunteers? Haylie fights the harsh reality that her capture was a direct result of Nathan's unexpected text. Need to talk. Can you meet me in 10 behind your garage? It was the last thing she saw before getting dragged into a van. But it can't be Nathan, with his ebony eyes and easygoing smile that crumbles the walls protecting her heart. No, it can't be Nathan.
Can it?

ONE SUSPECT

After a childhood full of disruptions, Peruvian-born Nathan Boliva likes to keep life simple. Haylie is not simple. She is beautiful. She is brilliant. And she is worth the risk of breaking out of his comfort zone. But days after asking Haylie on a date, Nathan finds himself targeted by the FBI for a crime he didn't commit. Far worse, anything could be happening to Haylie as the search continues. Anything.

ONE CRYPTIC CLUE

"Meet us at sunset." That's what the men said. But is it a time...or a place? And were those words even spoken at all?

• Purchase on Amazon.com

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Surviving Carmelita

*Christian Market Novel of the Year, 2nd Place, AWSA

*Christian Inspirational Finalist, 2021 American Fiction Awards

"Mom?" Ashley's shakes can be heard in that single, whispery word. "Mom, what happened?"

I take a breath, unable to turn my head. Unable to move at all. "I don't know, Ash." But somehow I do know, beneath skin chilled by the breath of demons, that whatever just happened will change everything.

It was Josie's hands on the wheel, her foot on the pedal. Her fault. Now, sweet, beautiful Carmelita will never see her fifth birthday. Where do you run when the world implodes and you can't even function as a mom? Josie leaves her Chicago suburban home to stay with a cousin in Key West, unaware her journey is guided by an unseen hand. Unaware that a trailer park pastor, a battered horse, a pregnant teen, and a mysterious beachcomber might just set her on the path toward an inconceivable hope and redemption.

Includes a recipe by cookbook author Nancie McDermott.

• Purchase on CrossRiver Media
• Purchase on Amazon.com

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Author Visits

Susan will visit libraries, schools, bookstores and other venues to discuss her books, offer writing and publishing tips, and answer questions.

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Florida Keys Journey

Beginning in Key Largo and culminating in Key West, audience members will learn about island life, U.S. style. Highlights include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, The Turtle Hospital, Hemmingway's House, diving and snorkeling, festivals, the Key West sunset celebration, the Dry Tortugas and more. Discussion of foods will include key lime pie, Grouper, Cuban sandwiches and conch fritters.

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Sensational Sicily

Audience members will get a west to east tour, beginning with Sicily's capital, Palermo, and culminating with Taormina. The island's larger than life ancient ruins, beautiful Byzantine churches, breathtaking mountain and coastal scenery and famous wineries will be included in the slide presentation. From The Valley of Temples to Mt. Etna to the 2,000-year-old Greek Theater, attendees will be fascinated by the splendor, culture and foods of Sicily. But that's not all! This program also includes a little side trip to Capri. Discussion of foods will include seafood, pasta, cheeses, olive oils, almond products and more.

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Roaming the Midwest

With airfares skyrocketing higher than a 747, long-distance trips are becoming unaffordable for many families. Come and experience great vacation spots right here in the Midwest. You don't need a pricey plane ticket for these trips. Susan will cover Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and our own Illinois in a fun and fanciful slide presentation. From state parks to amusement parks to museums and breathtaking beaches—there's something for everyone in the Midwest. Discussion of foods will cover regional snacks, such as fudge, fish boils, and goodies made from cherries, berries, apples, and peaches.

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Intriguing Italy

Explore the splendor of Venice, Tuscany, Rome, the lovely beaches of the Amalfi Coast, the mysteries of Pompeii and breathtaking Calabria. Colorful slides depict various Italian regions and some of the foods for which they are known. Audience members will see The Colosseum, Michelangelo's David, Ancient Ruins, The Vatican, Mt. Vesuvius, Venice, Florence, The Spanish Steps and more. Italian cheeses and sweets will be included in this virtual journey of taste and beauty.

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Greek Island Voyage

Beginning in Athens, we will feature the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, Theatre of Dionysus, National Garden of Athens, and much more. Attendees will learn the best ways to get around and how to make the most of their time is this ancient city. From there we will journey to some of the breathtaking Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. Highlights include Mykonos, famous for its windmills, picturesque towns, tiny streets, whitewashed steps, houses and churches gathered around the scenic harbor. Santorini, so beautiful it has become a top destination for wedding ceremonies, will also be featured. Beautiful slides of the islands black volcanic beaches and famous red beach, as well as stunning views from towns perched on volcanic cliffs, will have audience members anxious to book a trip. Greek olives, seafood, crepes, desserts and more will be discussed.

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Explore the Smokies

Experience these misty mountains, from wooded nature trails and bubbling streams with waterfalls, to the restaurants and attractions of Gatlinburg. Find out why this is the ideal setting for a family vacation, romantic getaway, or an outing with friends. Discover Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, white water rafting, the Arts and Crafts Community, Smoky Mountain National Park, Dollywood, and the rich history of this breathtaking part of the country. Discussion of food will include local favorites like trout, barbeque, gourmet pancakes and moonshine.

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Chocolate USA

Celebrate chocolate, American style! Susan will infuse a bit of history and travel into this delicious presentation, with virtual stops in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Hershey, Boston, and our own sweet home Chicago. Learn about different types of chocolate and each city's chocolate claim to fame. Discover fun things to do in each of these "cocoa capitals."� Chocolate samples and recipes included.

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Savor the '60s

 

Take a food, fun, and informative journey through an extraordinary decade with authors Amy Alessio and Susan Miura. Known for her vintage cooking shows, Amy will discuss popular foods from the 1960s, followed by Susan's highlights of that decade's local, national and international culture, entertainment, fashion, celebrities, politics, science, and more. Audience members will sample treats from that decade and receive a 1960s recipe packet.

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Modern Day Slavery

 

Nearly 30 million people worldwide are living in slavery. The majority of this takes place in other countries, but some of it goes on right here in the USA. This informative presentation will take audience members on a virtual journey into a world that is dark, ugly, and brutal, but they will come away knowing there is hope. Susan will provide an overview of the problem, what is currently being done, and what individuals can do to help eradicate all forms of slavery and reduce poverty. Attendees will not be asked to donate money or time - this is purely informative.

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The Art of Imagery

Writing Seminar

Learn to paint pictures with words in this hands-on class that will help writers show, not tell, settings, emotions, and actions. Susan will provide examples and guide participants as they try their hands at various methods of creating imagery. Handouts provided.

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Nail that Pitch

How to Talk to Agents & Editors

Pitch your book with confidence and professionalism by learning tips for nailing those in-person agent/editor appointments. Learn how to prepare, what to bring, what to expect, how to shine and how to follow up. Comments from agents and editors will be included.

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Query Letters that get Results

 

Discover the key elements of attention-grabbing query letters to editors and agents. Susan will provide insight on what agents and editors look for when determining whether to respond with a proposal request. Time will be allotted to practice and share (optional) the techniques discussed.

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Dynamic Dialogue

 

Great dialogue is key to great fiction. Learn tips for writing dialogue that moves the story forward, elicits emotion, creates conflict or tension, and reveals character, while also learning when and how to use attributions and action tags.

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Character Development Through Dialogue

 

Learn how to use dialogue to reveal the emotions, motives, quirks, backstory, strengths and weaknesses of characters.

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Write What You Know (Teens)

 

Whether you're a teen or adult, you have met people, gone places, and had experiences that can be used to create vivid characters, settings, and plots. Sometimes the best fiction takes root in the real world. Discover ways to bring your novel to life by using what you know and enhancing it with research and imagination.

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The Allure of Foreign Settings

 

There's something about a book set in a foreign land that enhances its intrigue. Learn to use sights, sounds, smells and research to create realistic imagery that transports readers to "a land far, far away."

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