Clair-Haley's Cosmic Commentary

Susan Haley is an award winning poet, the published author of three books, a Children’s E-book, several articles on networking, the copy editor and book reviewer for AME Marketing out of San Diego. She also contributes a column to The Florida Writer  the official magazine of the Florida Writers Association, of which she is Facilitator for the Sarasota County Chapter and is a staff editor and poetry contributor and coordinator for “The Infinite Writer.  Susan is also is a political columnist for Fabulously Forty & Beyond.

The audio version of her novel Rainy Day People was awarded runner-up Finalist in the 2008 Indie Excellence National Book Awards. She also contributes a variety of editorials and excerpts of her work to various E-zines, newsletters and local papers. For more info:  www.sucarha.com.

Dahris H. Clair is a writer, former columnist for a New Jersey Suburban weekly, former editor of a monthly community newspaper and is the founder/senior editor of The Infinite Writer, a monthly online e-Zine for writers. She has been published in several anthologies, national magazines and quarterlies. Clair is the author of The House on Slocum Road, a paranormal romantic suspense novel. She is a member of The Florida Writer’s Association, (FWA) and is a facilitator of the Pasco/Hernando County (Florida) writers group. Clair is the recipient of the President’s Award for her outstanding and ongoing contributions to FWA. Other awards include Meritorious Service for the city of Fort Lauderdale.

Haley and Clair were introduced by former FWA president, Dan Griffith, when both were fledgling leaders of their respective groups. The two women found they had many interests in common, have worked together coordinating annual one-day conferences for writers and are in constant communication with each other. They share a deep and abiding love of country & social justice. They are advocates for the protection and preservation of wildlife and domestic animals and saving the planet in general.

Susan's heart & soul

In Amber Returns to Maine – And Other Songs of the Soul, Susan shares her connection with Amber, the character Rainy Day People readers came to love. In an inspiring collection of stories and poems, she shares her own growth in the world of writing and living life since becoming a widow. Readers and writers alike will be touched by this work. She shares necessary tenets along the road to success, regardless your goals. Susan’s poetry is a look into the heart of a writer; her tributes shine a light on the real magnitude of relationships with family and friends, and her positive energy makes this a compelling read for anyone.

From Inside:

Acknowledgments

To my lifetime on this Earth and all the experiences and inspirations that molded me into what I am. The grandmother, the parents, the sister, the relatives, and my own family, husband and two sons, who helped forge my pathways, wherever they led. 

To the teachers and classic writers who broadened my mind to realize the power of the written word. To those like Thoreau and Emerson, Bach, and Whitman, who taught me the value of rejecting society’s standards and fraudulent values while embracing the wise and the natural. 

And to the animals, both wild and domestic, that have so touched my life and my spirit. They are all a part of me, this Earth, and all its creatures. Susan Haley ~ 2010

   

 

Echoes of the past

 

This book is dedicated to my late mother, D. Helen Schilling, whose story began in this place, to my beloved children in the order of their appearance—Janie, Tim, Stephen and Melissa, and my beloved grandchildren, Nick, Amy, Steve, Christian and Victoria. 

Acknowledgments:

My firstborn, Janie Cline, without whose support and faith in me, her suggestions and assistance, there would be no book;

 

My son, Stephen M. Clair, who believed in this story from its birth, offering constant encouragement, and for his assistance with medical scenes; 

The late Bob Gordon, Captain of Detectives, Pompton Lakes, New Jersey Police Force, who freely offered his invaluable assistance in my research;

The late Tina Temple Celentano, my favorite nag, for her unrelenting prodding, unwavering belief and suggestions. And for her eternal patience listening to countless revisions read over the phone;

Barbara Ann Cromartie, my ever faithful friend, for her patient proofreading of numerous revisions;

Debbie McElwain, nurse anesthetist, who guided me through the “code blue” process;

My Northville cousins, Sidney and Jackie Junquera, who provided me with a wealth of Sacandaga history and the picture of The House on Slocum Road;

Loretta Hudson, my editor, who led me in the right direction,

The many “previewers,” who urged me to forge ahead;

And last, but by no means least, to my husband, Carl R. Aden, my rock—for his untiring chauffeuring to make copies, the endless trips to the post office, and for his uncomplaining tolerance of my hermit-like dedication to the craft, his patience with the late dinners;

To all of you, my love and grateful thanks—from the bottom of my heart.  Dahris            

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