MUSE MONDAY

Please welcome Susan Howelll to Discover... for Muse Monday. It's a fun library story.

I have been borrowing library books for as long as I canremember. And while I do buy books occasionally - to support a new author or ifthe book has information I’ll want to reference later - most of my readingtoday comes to me in digital form from my library.

I used to wonder how authors felt about people borrowing rather than buyingtheir books. But considering the number of books purchased by libraries and thenumber of people who wouldn't read their books otherwise, I assume thatauthors, as a group, are pro-library.

I know that this author is. When peoplecheck out my books, I’m happy. For one thing, goodness, I get it. If you read alot you can go broke buying each book you find interesting. Plus, the morelibraries that carry my books, the more people will benefit from what they offer.And I won't pretend otherwise - I hope those who check out my books today willbecome fans who look forward to buying my next release.

The first time I saw my first book, Buried Talents,in our local library I was more than a little thrilled; the same, when Ihappened to run across my second, The Spirit of Vanderlaan.

Okay - In the interest of full disclosure, I didn't happento run across it - I entered the Taylor County Public Library ofCampbellsville, Kentucky like a woman on a mission. I zipped past all authorswith names beginning A-G like I’d found a rainbow leading to my pot of gold. Islowed just a bit at Kristin Hannah and Ernest Hemingway, but I stayed thecourse. At Bell Hooks I knew I was almost there. My hands danced along thespines of those books like I was practicing scales on the piano.

And then— then I saw it. Sitting there on that shelf like itbelonged.

My book.

I giggled and did a little happy dance. I’d never thoughtabout authors getting a kick out of this sort of thing. And who knows, at somepoint it might get old. But I doubt it.

So, if you've purchased my books, borrowed them from alibrary, or even stolen one from a friend - you have my sincerest gratitude.And if your library doesn’t already carry them, I would appreciate if you’drequest the physical and digital copies so others can discover them too.

And if you don’t have a library card, September is the monthto get one. Your future favorite author is waiting to be discovered. And whenthey find out they have a new fan, I bet they’ll do their own happy dance.

Blurb:

When Samantha and herstudents uncover a campus death, they must draw on everything from science toseances, to learn whathappened before Samantha gets fired for “dabbling in the paranormal.”

Excerpt:

As she walked toher first class of the day, Samantha congratulated herself that for the firsttime this semester she would arriveat her own class on time. A glance at her watch revealed she even had fiveminutes to spare. With Douglas Hall in sight and her classroom on its mainfloor, she was sure to make it on time—“Samantha!”

Grrr! So close. Although showing up late for classfrustrated her, she was mostly annoyed by the person who was about to detainher. If I ignore him, maybe he’ll goaway.

“Samantha!” This time he was more insistent.

Samantha releaseda breath of resignation. She should have known better. He wasn’t the kind to beignored. Samantha turned to face him as she reached the door of the building. She hadn’t been at Vanderlaan longenough to flout someone who carried the weight around here that he did. “Whatcan I do for you, Len?”

Dr. Len Titusstood before her, dressed as always, in a suit with a starched white shirt andtie which he would loosen by afternoon. His graying hair with a precise part onthe side had become his hallmark, along with his hands-on-hips pose andgravelly voice. Levi’s imitation of each was spot on, althoughprofessional decorum requiredthat Samantha refrain from the encouragement her laughter would ensure. SinceLen Titus was of slight frame, someone unfamiliar with this man might assumepassivity or weakness. Not Samantha.

“I see we’re bothteaching in Douglas Hall this semester,” he said. “Hope I won’t be in yourway.” He peered over his wire-rimmed glasses. “Or you in mine.”

Samantha took abreath, gritted her teeth, and walked through the door. She would use the backentrance next time. 

Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Vanderlaan-Samantha-Hayes-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHV65RM4?ref_=ast_author_dp

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-spirit-of-vanderlaan-susan-howell/1146282868?ean=9781509258888

AuthorBio:

Dr. Susan HarrisHowell is a psychologist and retired university professor who taught andmentored students for over thirty years. Her novel, The Spirit of Vanderlaan,draws on that careerto capture the warmth between a psychology professor and the assortment ofpersonalities which inhabit her office.

Her firstbook, Buried Talents, focuses on the subtle ways women are discouragedfrom entering male-dominated occupations. Through her writingand speaking, her passion is to free others from unnecessary restrictions sothey can step into their best life.

Susan and her husband have two grown children, adaughter-in-law, one adorable grandson, and an incorrigible beagle named Doc.

ContactInformation and Social Media Links:

            Email: susan.howell.writer@gmail.com

Website: https://susanharrishowell.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/susan_h_howell/

https://susanharrishowell.substack.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/susanhowellwriter