Susan's Blog
Reflections on writing, family, sports, and Southern life — from the author of Cold Case in Ellyson.
Where have I been
Susan reflects on embarking on a surprising new adventure at 47 — and why she wouldn't trade her unpredictable nature for anything.
Early spring and the diamond will be rough
Florida warmth, grey double-knit pants, and the hopeful optimism of watching 14-year-olds take the field for their first baseball scrimmage.
The art of letting go
On stepping back from micromanaging her son's schoolwork and discovering that natural consequences can be the best teacher.
Technical fouls and holding firm
Her nearly 13-year-old earns a technical foul on the basketball court — then channels the frustration into focused, game-winning determination.
The Tragedy of Boise State's Kyle Brotzman; no — the Tragedy of Kyle Brotzman's Boise
A kicker receives death threats for two missed field goals. Susan argues that success in sport is an accumulation — never a single play.
The Hill Country and rocky roads
A Thanksgiving road trip from Florida to Austin stirs reflections on modern conveniences and the hardships faced by early settlers.
The dichotomy of giving thanks
Gratitude and hardship don't cancel each other out. Susan balances 2010's blessings against broken bones, a blood clot, and financial strain.
At a loss for words
When her 13-year-old's football injury reveals a blood clot and leads to hospitalization, even a writer finds herself without words.
And if that weren't enough
Her eldest son suffers a catastrophic femur fracture on the football field. Susan documents it — and still believes in the value of youth sports.
Beware: tennis is a contact sport
A humorous dispatch from the tennis court: an overhead smash, a black eye, and a cut — proof that no sport is truly safe.