My newest book, "Cloudy Skies Over Miami," Tex Ware Publishing, is now available. This mid-grade coming of age story addresses family issues and reminds all of us that families are more loving than perfect. The main character, Josh, spends one week in Miami with his grandparents who completely adore him, but who are nevertheless quirky. Filled with humor, surprises, and a touch of absurdity, "Cloudy Skies Over Miami" will connect the generations and satisfy the reader.

The cover boy, whose picture appears on the front of the book, is Staten Islands Charles Montalbano, who is a student at I.S. 75 in Staten Island, New York. Charles' winning essay, "Why Books Are Magical" landed him the new face on the cover of the novel.

"Why Books Are Magical" by Charles Montalbano:

Have you ever fallen into a pool filled with chocolate? Or met an alien? What about going to school with Abraham Lincoln? Well I have and that's why I think books are magical! Books can take you to places that only exist in the author's imagination (yours also of course.) They can take you back in history to a time and place that you have never experienced. Books can also take you forward and give you a glimpse of what the future will be like. If your mind is open and you are courageous and not afraid to explore the unknown then you will be whisked away to another time and place by the magic of bo oks. There are no limits to where your mind can wander through the magical spell a book will cast on you. As you can see books can be as magical as a little green man, a chocolate filled swimming pool, or a day in the life of a young Abraham Lincoln.

The next installment of our money raising efforts for Brendan Marrocco, war hero, will take place at Sedutto's Ice Cream Parlor at 314 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, Saturday, October 16, 2010 between 2 and 4 PM. Please come and help us support this worthy charity. Please click on Pic to view our flyer:

The Staten Island Advance published an article on October 14, 2010 describing my newest book and the cover boy Charles Montalbano.

Just recently, Home School Book Review, published an in-depth review of Cloudy Skies Over Miami. Just click on the link to read the review.

Susan's writing contest:

My new writing contest is now on. To participate you need to read my latest novel "Cloudy Skies Over Miami." Just as in the previous contest there will be three winners. Each of the winners' pictures and essays will be posted on this webpage. Notification of their achievement will be sent to their schools as well as the local newspaper.

All that you need to do to enter this contest is fill out the form below with some personal information, such as, your name and email address . You can paste or write your "essay" in the appropriate box of the form and then just click on submit. It is that easy. Now for the essay: Write a conversation that Josh might have with his parents, dealing with his stay at his Grandparents' condo in Florida, as soon as he gets back to New York.

This writing contest ends on April 1, 2012.