You can imagine my excitement when I discovered Susan is now a published author herself! Her debut novel, Rocky Road just released this month!!. Today, Susan is generously giving away a signed copy of Rocky Road along with a $10 Baskin-Robbins gift card (good at
participating Dunkin Donuts, too).!!!
Here's a bit about Susan and her debut novel!
Susan Lohrer grew up in more towns in western
Canada than she has fingers to count them on. She currently lives in southern
BC with her husband of more than two decades, their two teenagers who are still
at home, three dogs, and far more aquariums than a reasonable household should
contain. She believes life is always better with a healthy dose of humor
Sometimes the best
road to love is a Rocky Road…
Physical therapist Nancy Anne Robertson has her sights set
on her dream promotion. Problem #1: she’s engaged to one of her patients, and
if her secret gets out, she’ll lose her job altogether. Problem #2: her
ex-fiancé is back in town, shooting for the same promotion. Complicating
matters are two mothers (and one fiancé) with alarming secrets, an autistic
brother with a penchant for wandering off at the most inconvenient times, and
four rings—the fake diamond kind, the stolen kind, the sticky wax kind that
belongs under a toilet . . . and maybe, just maybe, the kind meant to make a
girl say I do.
ENDORSEMENT:
“Susan Lohrer is a bright new talent who is going places.”—London Times best-selling author Katie
Fforde
I've asked Susan to share with us today whatever is on her heart: (Isn't she adorable?)
Hi, MaryLu, and thank you so much for having me on your
blog.
(For the record, I
was all for chatting up MaryLu and her books, but she won’t let me do that
today. So you’ll have to pretend you didn’t hear me when I say that Forsaken Dreams has the most beautiful
cover of any book, ever. And you’ll pretend you didn’t hear that about a
million years ago I saw the proposal for Veil
of Pearls and knew instantly it was a winner. OK, you didn’t hear any of
that, right? Good. Onward, then.)
Today’s topic is being the parent of a teen who has Down
syndrome, and how that inspired my debut romantic comedy, Rocky Road. You see, I’m the mom of an amazing young woman who has
Downs. From the day she was born, she’s been teaching everyone around her a new
way of looking at the world. Most often, it’s a hilarious way of looking at the
world. Like the time I explained to little miss grumpy pants that my job as her
mom included waking her up for school, and she shouted, “You’re fired!”
One of the characters in Rocky
Road, Will, faces many challenges as a person who has autism. While Downs
and autism are pretty much on opposite ends of the spectrum, the crazy mix of
emotions inside anyone who cares about, well, anyone—but especially about a
family member who has special needs—is exactly the same.
Ancy, the heroine, faces her own set of unique challenges as
a person who cares deeply about a family member who has autism. Do I shelter him? Protect him? Encourage him
to do anything he wants to do? What if he fails? What if he succeeds? Every
day, every decision, brings the question Am
I making this choice for him… or to make things easier for myself? Do I
have these same questions about my daughter? You bet I do. Every single day.
As a mom, I’m vigilant about my daughter’s safety, yet I
don’t want her to feel like a child with no freedom. This requires a delicate
balance and the cooperation of a team of people. And sometimes even an entire
team isn’t enough. For instance, my daughter wants to be able to go from the
school to her bus without supervision, yet one day her younger brother had to
make the driver stop a block away from the school to pick her up—because she
decided to walk home (apparently she doesn’t quite get that we live twelve
miles from town).
And now she wants to get her driver’s license. What if she fails? What if she succeeds? Some
teens with Downs have gotten their
licenses. Imagine someone who’s developmentally seven years old, driving on
public roads. Talk about a crazy mix of pride and terror in a mother’s heart!
I’m still trying to figure out how to get through that
particular challenge on humor alone.
Does someone you love have special needs? Or has humor
gotten you through many a day? Share your story in the comments!
Where to find Susan:
Website: http://www.susanlohrer.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanlohrer
Where to buy the book!!!
5 Prince Publishing: www.5princebooks.com/buy.html
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/320735
(Susan, why did I say about promoting my books, you stinker!)
Anyway, please leave a comment below with your answer to Susan's question, or just to say Hi, (along with your Email) and you'll be entered in the contest. I'll announce the winners next week on Friday the 14th!!
Friday, June 7th,
ReplyDelete"Good morning - MaryLu and Susan".
So nice to meet you Susan, and your book "Rocky Road" sounds terrific !
I so appreciated hearing about your challenges with raising a 'special needs' daughter ... my heart tells me that it can't be easy at all.
One of my sons, has NOT been diagnosed with 'special needs', but I do believe he has mental and emotional needs. At times in the past, I 'might' have found some humour in his antics ... but as he is now a 32 year old, and living in another city (estranged from our family), I fear I am not finding any humour in the various situations he finds himself in ! Mostly, it is just plain and simple -- disheartening.
Truly, I pray -- that God will protect him, and be "both" his 'Father, and, Mother' !
Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Susan. Loved hearing your story (the real-life one, and, about your book).
Yes, please enter me into your contest. Thanks so much.
Take care, and, God Bless,
In Him, Brenda Hurley
brennie7@hotmail.com
I have worked with Special Olympics and have really appreciated the truths they see in the world. At times they are hilarious and I look forward to reading your book.
ReplyDeleteYes, MaryLu,
ReplyDeleteI'm a stinker! Now everybody knows it, too. ;)
Brenda,
I hear you! I have two kids older than my "special" daughter and one younger. Believe me, all four of them do their best to turn my hair gray (I combat this by dying it a gaudy bright blue). Our kids are their own people, and they'll learn from their experiences, it's just that most of the time it takes longer than we would like. Because they don't know everything like we do, right? (Right??? Hmm.) Maybe I should've added that my family gets by on humor and prayer, because goodness knows we've needed them in equal doses over the years. Hang in there, OK? Your son is God's son, too; and even though we don't really know everything, God knows a lot of stuff. In fact, he's probably making you and your son stronger, better people right this minute!
Koalasue45,
How awesome that you work with Special Olympics! Thank you for everything you do. :)
Very interesting post. After teaching high school students for 25 years, I can't imagine being the parent of a teen with special needs. What a challenge! Your daughter sounds like she is a lot of fun. I know she is a joy. I'm sure your book is wonderful and I'd love to win a copy. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeletemay_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com
Haha, I love your relationship! Reminded me a lot of my best friend and me. My mom's sister was mentally disabled and so I grew up around it. I wish I could say I was more comfortable around them, but I just never know what to do or how to respond. I feel like I am going to break them. It is hard when your sister and mom are great with them and want you to join - yet you are a nervous wreck about it. That being said though I loved my Aunt dearly and miss her smiling face each day.
ReplyDeleteWhoops left out my email - silly me. It is Ninjaspy13(at)gmail(dot)com
DeleteHello MaryLu and Susan! So nice to meet you Susan. Your book sounds very good and your daughter sounds like quite the character. I applaud anyone who was blessed with a special needs child and chooses to raise that child for God.
ReplyDelete*Brenda, I will be praying for you and your son...God is right beside him*
Susan, I would love a chance to win your book. Sign me up! God bless.
debsbunch5[at]jesusanswers[dot]com
KayM,
ReplyDeleteWell, it's like with any other child, you just love her with all your heart and that's that. :)
Thisisme,
That's hard. I remember being uncomfortable around people who had Downs when I was younger. But now? My daughter has taught me to appreciate the small things in life. She has this wonderful childlike worldview, and every single day she makes me stop and think and appreciate. She has that effect on everyone, actually. I'm sure your aunt did too, and I can tell you loved her very much. Thank you for your touching comment. :)
I don't have anybody close to me will special needs like this.
ReplyDeleteLove humor in a book, I look forward to reading 'Rocky Road'.
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Chaplaindebbie,
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to meet you too! I so enjoyed reading Pearls from the Sea. I think we can all agree that anyone who manages to raise any child, with any degree of success, deserves some applause. As do the kids who survive their parents' parenting efforts. ;)
Patty,
Thanks for dropping by. :)
What a great intro to a new author, I loved it! I have to have humor to get through my days, if I take life too seriously I will just cry my way through days or let depression get me down. Sharing a good laugh with friends and family is also a great way to bond over shared memories :)
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading Rocky Road, it looks wonderful, thank you for the chance to win!
potosrose(at)gmail(dot)com
Happy Friday MaryLu and Susan,
ReplyDeleteYour book sounds very good and I'm gonna add it to my too read list:)
Rebecca
Rebeccahartman07@yahoo.com
Happy Friday to you both!
ReplyDeleteI don't deal with any special needs in my household, except for all the special needs we all have...lol. However, as a psychology major, I certainly can see the wisdom of learning to deal with any needs with humor, if possible. Would love to read this book. I lived in the Fraser Valley for a number of years, so find your place of residence most interesting!
Betti
bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com
Renee,
ReplyDeleteSometimes people look at me like I'm crazy because of the odd moments I choose to crack a joke. Oh well! A smile does something chemical inside our brains, and it makes things a little better...eventually. Keep on laughing with your friends for me, OK?
Miamigirl007,
Cool! :) Thank you.
Betti,
Hello there, fellow canuck. The Fraser Valley is gorgeous. So green, and the mountains are so rugged and steep. I love driving through there. Psychology major, huh? Now you've got me paranoid my characters are all weird and abnormal, and so am I for thinking them up. Eeek! :)
Well, Susan, you know I love your outlook on life. You have gotten me through a lot over the years. And it has been fun to see your daughter grow, virtually, over the years. And everyday that my kids roll their eyes at me I think "you're fired!" Thank you for that! Beautiful blog...and you know I LOVE THE BOOK!!! and you!
ReplyDeleteHey Susan and MaryLu , loved your review . I did have a niece that was deaf and bless her heart was the sweetest thing . Would have made a perfect nurse . She passed away last year and I miss her . Susan your book Rocky Road sounds so goos . Can' t wait't to read it . Would love to win the contest . Thanks and Blessings .
ReplyDeletelizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
I've recently become disabled because of a medical error that causes serious complications. God and having a sense of humor is what will get through the problem. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Bernadette,
ReplyDeleteBest. Publisher. Ever. :) I'm so happy, every day, that we met each other.
(If anyone wants to read about the utterly crazy way Bernadette came to be my publisher, check out Bernadette's Warrior Princess Writer blog http://authorbernadettemarie.blogspot.ca/2013/06/guest-blogger-author-susan-lohrer.html.)
Elizabeth,
Thank you for sharing the story about your sweet niece. :)
Barbara,
You go! Show everyone you can do whatever you set your mind to do, and then laugh the whole time you're doing it. I believe in you. :)
Hi Susan, first, sounds like you have done a great job with your special daughter. God knew just who she needed as a mom! Second, congratulations on your new book! Sounds great! And third, thank you for all you have done to help Marylu. I have so enjoyed her books. Looking forward to getting to read your book in the future!
ReplyDeleteNancy
Nancycooks4u@bellsouth.net
Rocky Road sounds like a great book. I think it is fun to "meet" new authors.
ReplyDeleteI work with special needs kids at an elementary school. This summer, I'm working once a week with some special needs middle school kids. It's kind of fun to work with older kids, though I'll be ready to go back to my "little" kids when school begins in August.
We have to have humor to work with kids, whether they have special needs or not.
Blessings to you and your family!
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Hi Everyone!!! Thanks so much for dropping by and entering to win Susan's new book. As you can tell from her responses to you, she's hands down the sweetest person on the planet! I was truly blessed to have her as my editor.. she's one of those people who when handed a pile of junk, not only finds something good to say about it, but transforms it into treasure.
ReplyDeleteI hope that if you don't win, you'll run out and get her book. You won't regret it!!!
Hugs to all!!
Hi! I don't have any stories to share, but comedy/laughter is HUGE in my life... it's a requirement just for my own sanity. :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book... sounds great!
thatnks,
ladettek[at]gmail[dot]com
hello, the school that I work at has a classroom of special needs students and they are always a joy to interact with. centraleast2 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteMy hat is off to all mothers, especially mothers of children with Downs or autism or physical handicaps. This book looks so intriguing!
ReplyDeletekandrajane at bell south dot net
HI to the both of you! I guess I would qualify as a special needs person. I have been in a wheelchair since I was 16 and was born with a neuromuscular disorder. There are also 5 others in my family with the same disorder. Although I have these issues I don't feel like I am really a special needs person. I just do some things a little differently. Humor is a must for day to day living and I love to laugh. Your book would be a real boost on those tough days. Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWanda Barefoot
flghtlss1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi Susan!
ReplyDeleteI love reading books with humor and am exited to read Rocky Road! I have a nephew that has had speech problems all of his life, he's a teen now still with the problems but that doesn't stop this kid from having fun and being a comedian! He is a true blessing to all who knows him and keeps us smilin :) God bless!!
- LJ
ljbayer44@yahoo.com
Another reason to enjoy Rocky Road now. I love reading author debuts. It's exciting to be there from the very beginning.
ReplyDeleteI wish you every success Susan.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Hi Susan,
ReplyDeleteYour book sounds great! I would love to win it. Charlotte rttl@mosquitonet.com
Pam,
ReplyDeletePeople who work with kids who have special needs have a special place in my heart. Thank you for everything you do! And yep: parenting, marriage, whatever the relationship, humor helps along the way.
MaryLu,
It was more of a diamond in the rough. ;) And I'm sure everybody knows you're the sweetest!
Ladette,
I'm sure there's a story in that. Thanks for dropping by. :)
CentralEast2,
Aren't they just a breath of fresh air? :)
Kandra,
On behalf of all the moms, thank you. It's harder sometimes... but sometimes it's not (I have four kids altogether, and they take turns being the easy-to-raise child).
Flghtlss,
I love your attitude! One of my parents is physically disabled, and I grew up understanding there are lots of ways to get things done (and I do lots of things differently than a regular person would). Huzzah to you!
LJ,
Your son sounds like 1. he's a blessing to everyone who knows him 2. he has an awesome mom. :)
Mary,
You sound like an adventurous sort of reader. I love that. :)
Anonomous Charlotte,
Why, thank you for dropping by.
I grew up in a very humorous, laugh at everything, type family. It's how we deal with the not so fun times in our lives.
ReplyDeleteBut, I am just like you, MaryLu, as in I do not normally laugh out loud at anything. :)(I find many things funny, smile and laugh inside) There are times I do and my hubby looks at me in awe because I did. lol So you sold me on this book if it made you do that!
It sounds fantastic and I will for sure add it to my TBR pile. Thanks for visiting with us today, Susan! (btw, love the name) ;)
Susan P
farmygirl at hotmail dot com
Hi, Susan. :) Your family sounds wonderful! Thank you for dropping by.
ReplyDeleteSusan here, commenting on behalf of Natalie because she was having trouble with the link:
ReplyDeleteYes...2 sons have Reading Disabilities and ADHD. They are both awesome fellows and very talented & intelligent-trials but blessings! They have taught me much & God has used that to help others as well.
(Natalie, thank you for sharing your story. We've had so many inspiring stories here in the last couple of days--yay! :) )
I hope I am not too late in commenting or entering in. I don't know of anyone who is close to me that has special needs, but myself. I have a reading comprehension disability which ties into a learning disability and at a very young age I have and still have ADD. There are certain things I can read and I do read at a much slower pace, for something very complex for me, I would usually need an audio book. I am thankful for my audio bible where I can follow along and hear what is being said. On the side note, I am extremely well organized to where that gift has gotten me through much trails throughout my school and now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for listening!
In Christ,
Tracy
http://poetics-of-life.blogspot.com
tlcfinch4 (at) gmail (dot) com
Tracy, I didn't know that about you! Thank you for sharing. It's interesting how a condition that might be looked at as negative also has a positive side.. because I, for one, know you are very organized!
ReplyDeleteTracy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story. I so admire people who are organized, because I'm... not very. And I'm super glad you've found creative ways to do the things you love, with a great attitude. :)
Thank you, MaryLu & Susan!
ReplyDeleteGrowing up I rarely read at all and if I did, it was mainly short stories with lots of pictures and very little wording or my mom would read to me when she had the time. I have tried so many times to read fiction novels and I would only get through the first chapter or a couple of pages into the second chapter and I would be lost in what is happening. Throughout grade school, I'd burn myself out just trying to get through schooling. I think that is where I learned to be very organized in getting what I need done, even if it was not nearly perfect or correct. College I'd get audio books and three times the extra time to get testing done.
After high school I was invited to go to a book store, and I figured I'd just go along for the company. Well, walking around the book store a Christian Fantasy book perked my interest in wondering what it was all about. I read the back over carefully and flipped through the pages. It was a youth fantasy novel, and I'd figured why not just give it a shot to see if I can read through. I did read through it in one week is because I spent hours on end trying to get through it. I was quiet happy with myself because I understood about 75% or more of the book, which is quiet rare. I love to read and I am very thankful with your novels MaryLu, because what you write in your novels keeps my interests going. I even heard from Chris that he figures I can read something that I know more about or have a real interest in. Like any scene on a tall ship, I clearly can picture it and understand what is going on (with growing up on a sailboat for over 20 years. Plus, since 2004 my ready skills have improved, but I still struggle reading other novels and books out there. So far with all your books, I have enjoyed.
I love being organized and I find different creative ways of being organized. Also, when it comes to math, I exceed above average. My special educational teachers were quiet amazed with myself having the different learning problems, but when it came to being organized and working with math (other than math word problems) I blew there minds away. They have even told me, I was a good example to the other special needs students around that had similar or different problems. I'd even help the other special needs students with areas I could help with.
:)
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteYour story is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing it with us. :)
I would love to read this.
ReplyDeletecrochetsisters (at) earthlink (dot) net
Lora,
ReplyDeleteThank you. :) And thank you for dropping by.
Thanks to everyone who participated. So many of you shared uplifting, encouraging stories. :)
ReplyDeleteTo make sure everything was official and done properly, I wrote everyone's name on a little piece of paper, put them all in a bowl, covered my husband's eyes with my hand, and got him to draw the names. He's good about doing stuff like that for me.
And the winners are...
Tracy, you won the autographed copy of Rocky Road!
Elizabeth Dent, you won the Baskin Robbins gift card!
Congratulations to you both, and I'll e-mail you shortly to get your mailing addresses.
Thank you again for dropping by, and a big thanks to MaryLu for letting us play on her blog. :)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete