This is Ink & Intrigue—the blog where romance ignites, secrets simmer, and every love story hides a twist. I’m your blog host, Sheila Kell, romance author and lover of plot twists, slow burns, and morally questionable book boyfriends.

Today I am thrilled to introduce you to an author whose stories have enough paranormal to keep you intrigued, enough cozy to make you feel like you’re chatting with a good friend, and enough mystery to keep you turning the pages—Susan Harris Howell! If you love mysteries that include a bit of a ghost story, you’re in for a treat.

Susan is becoming known for fun characters and mysteries that keep you guessing until the end. Her latest release, The Spirit of Vanderlaan, blends the nostalgia of college life with the intrigue of a who-dun-it.

In this spotlight, Susan shares what she learned about writing a novel from putting together a desk that came to her in 483 pieces!

Whether you write stories, devour them, or dream of doing both, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it and give a warm welcome to Susan Harris Howell!

4 Lessons I Learned from 483 Pieces of “Desk”

By Susan Harris Howell

My new desk came to me in 483 pieces—slats, panels, and hardware wrapped in plastic bags for “easy delivery and assembly.” My daughter commented that the company might have just sent me a tree and an ice pick for the work it would require.

I sat on the floor, surrounded by debris that looked nothing like the desk I had ordered. I wanted to lie down and cry. I would have too if I would’ve had enough floor space to lie down. This was an impossible task.

I wanted to send it back, but I could no more repack that box than I could un-ring a bell. So, I picked up the forty-eight-page instruction booklet, turned to page one, and put the “twist-lock fasteners into outer ends A and C.”

That first step was the beginning of a three-day process that led to the beautiful desk I now adore. It also taught me a few things about another “impossible” task I would soon face – writing my first novel.

Here’s what I learned.

Lesson One: Just do today’s work.

As I thumbed through the encyclopedic-sized instruction manual, I knew I’d have to narrow my focus. So, I concentrated on step one without mentally moving on to step two or three. This helped me begin and kept me moving forward.

Likewise, when writing a book, we often work best by tackling one manageable task at a time without mentally wandering into steps two, three, or beyond. Narrowing our focus can move us forward.

Lesson Two: Be confident.

That first day, colleagues dropped by to offer condolences. I assumed they would know more than I and would have secrets to share on furniture assembly. Sadly, none of them did; evidently, there were no secrets.

Similarly, when we have a story to tell, we can’t assume someone else will tell it better. They have their own stories to write, their own “desks” to assemble. My story is my story; your story is yours. Be confident in the telling.

Lesson Three: Use available resources.

On the first day, when my husband offered our power drill, I declined since the instructions clearly said power tools weren’t necessary. On day two, I grabbed that power drill and didn’t let go. Using the right tool made the task easier.

Likewise, when writing, we can avail ourselves of quality resources. Books, conferences, blogs and podcasts – a lot of information is out there. Find it and use it.

Lesson Four: Let others participate.

When one of my students (now a friend) offered to help, I gratefully accepted. Not only was Bethany’s help priceless, she and I bonded through our desk-a-thon, as it came to be called. For several days, we posted pictures and progress reports on social media. Friends across several states watched with interest and celebrated the finished product.

In the same way, writing is richer when others walk alongside us. Whether they read each draft, encourage our persistence, or subscribe to our newsletter, many will participate if we invite them. Don’t go it alone.

The take-away?

That desk continues to serve as a reminder of what can be accomplished when we focus on today’s work, remain confident, use available resources, and invite others to join us.

I hope these lessons encourage you in your next “impossible” endeavor.

Author bio:

Dr. Susan Harris Howell is a psychologist and retired university professor who taught and mentored students for over thirty years. Her novel, The Spirit of Vanderlaan, draws on that career to capture the warmth between a psychology professor and the assortment of personalities which inhabit her office. Her first book, Buried Talents, focuses on the subtle ways women are discouraged from entering male-dominated occupations. Through her writing and speaking, her passion is to free others from unnecessary restrictions so they can step into their best life. Susan and her husband have two grown children, a daughter-in-law, one adorable grandson, and an incorrigible beagle named Doc.

I hope you loved getting to know Susan Harris Howell and hearing about her unique story. Her latest release, The Spirit of Vanderlaan, a cozy, paranormal mystery, is available now. If you haven’t added this to your TBR yet, now’s the time—trust me, you won’t want to miss it. 💖

You can connect with Susan Harris Howell here:

Website: https://susanharrishowell.com 

Email List & Monthly Blog:  https://susanharrishowell.substack.com

📱 Socials: Instagram: www.instagram.com/susan_h_howell/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/susanhowellwriter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22175282.Susan_Harris_Howell
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/susan-harris-howell

Until next time—keep reading, keep swooning! 💖