I was reading editor Sharyn November's website and she had some great descriptions of herself as seen through the eyes of her friends. I thought that was such a fun idea that I simply had to borrow it since my friends are always insisting on things they see in me that I have trouble seeing in myself.

I tried asking my husband if he wanted to write anything about me, really. But first I had to give him just a few restrictions on what he couldn't say. He couldn't mention how he does all the cooking because I don't know how and how my eyesight is so bad I can't see the dustbunnies right in front of me. I didn't want him to tell people that I would do anything for Donnelly's  chocolate except kill said dust bunnies. He absolutely could not say a word about my taste in music (what's wrong with listening to the bubblegum pop of my youth anyway? and country music helps me get in the mood to write sad stuff) or list all the WB TV shows I'm addicted to. All that was left for him to talk about was how, if he let me, we'd have a house full of stray dogs and cats so he decided to pass on sharing his thoughts.

Some of my other friends however had lots to say and I have found some terrific motivation for those days that I'm down on myself just by reading their words. And if you're someone who knows me and wants to add to this page, drop me a note.


From author and editor Lissa Halls Johnson, creator of The Brio Girls series:

A friend. A writer. A person with a great laugh. Sincere. Hurt. Struggling. Fighting. Succeeding. Wise. Intelligent.

Susan lights up the world with her laugh, brings it close with her eagerness to listen, and never, ever, thinks in a way anyone would consider "normal." She's quirky, off-beat, and delightful to converse with because you never know where the conversation will lead.

When I first met Susan, she had a wall around her so thick I figured I'd never penetrate it. It was a surprise to both of us that we even became friends. If anyone were to scrutinize our friendship, they wouldn't know what to think. It's not ordinary in any way.  In the beginning it took us a little while to see that our own strange dance of friendship was not weird at all, just different from how the world would describe it. And our dance brings us great joy, peace and contentment.

Susan is a voracious reader and would rather have books in her house than furniture. She is light and dark, joy and sorrow, laughter and tears, strength and weakness, a warrior and a child. She is an awesome human being whom I am so glad to know and be privileged to be her friend.


From Toni Buzzeo, author of fabulous picture books including The Sea Chest, Little Loonand Papa and Dawdle Duckling:

My friend Susan is an amazingly committed human being.  She shines with courage and a stalwart refusal to roll over and play dead--or to allow her friends to!  I'm thinking that Susan needs a set of t-shirts graced with silly cliches that, nevertheless, exemplify her willingness to step off the cliff of safety and follow her dreams.

Pull yourself up by your bootstraps.

Shoot for the moon.

Wish upon a star.

Lend a hand.

Think outside the box

No guts, no glory.

When at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

From Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff, author of The ABC's of Writing for Children and John Muir and Stickeen: An Alaskan Adventure:

Susan's energy and creativity motivates everyone around her to strive for their goals, no matter what they may be. "You can do it!" I hear her voice saying in my ear. And, on another note, Susan's a whole lot of fun!