The Spirit of Vanderlaan (The Samantha Hayes Series)
by Susan Harris Howell
About The Spirit of Vanderlaan
The Spirit of Vanderlaan (The Samantha Hayes Series)
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting: This story is set on the fictitious campus of Vanderlaan University, in the Midwest or Midsouth region of the United States
Publisher : Wild Rose Press
Publication date : December 2, 2024
Print length : 370 pages
ISBN-10 : 1509258884
ISBN-13 : 978-1509258888
Digital Print length : 322 pages
ASIN : B0DHV65RM4
When beloved professor, Samantha Hayes, learns that her favorite four students live in as many of her old dorm rooms, she wonders how it happened and for what purpose. As she and her student entourage explore the possibilities, they uncover a death years ago and what appears to be the ghost of the dearly departed. All of this stirs up Samantha’s long-held fear that she was responsible for that death, challenging all she thought she knew about herself and the work she holds dear. They must figure out what happened before Samantha gets fired for “dabbling in the paranormal.”
GUEST POST
The Desk: Four Lessons to Help Writers Tackle the Impossible
By Susan Harris Howell
Submitted to Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour
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’d 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 which led to a beautiful desk I still 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 experience. 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 takeaway?
My desk serves as a daily 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.
About Susan Harris Howell
I am a psychologist, speaker, and author of The Spirit of Vanderlaan, my debut novel released in December of 2024. This book is a fun, cozy, ghost story featuring a professor, Samantha Hayes, and her lively band of students who get caught up in solving a campus mystery. This book draws on my teaching career of over thirty years to capture the camaraderie and warmth between a professor and the assortment of personalities which inhabit her office.
I have also published extensively on equality between women and men. My first book, Buried Talents, explores the subtle ways women are discouraged from entering male-dominated occupations. Buried Talents was named a winner in InterVarsity Press’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards.
My husband and I have two grown children, a daughter-in-law, one adorable grandson, and an incorrigible beagle named Doc. While Doc doesn’t understand a word I say, he fully supports my speaking and writing endeavors.
Links to My Socials:
Website: https://susanharrishowell.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/susan_h_howell/
Email List & Monthly Blog: https://susanharrishowell.substack.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/susanhowellwriter
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3Zp0OTN
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22175282.Susan_Harris_Howell
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/susan-harris-howell
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
July 21 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST
July 22 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
July 23 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST
July 24 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
July 24 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
July 25 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
July 25 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT
July 26 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
July 27 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
July 28 – Deal Sharing Aunt – SPOTLIGHT
July 29 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST
July 30 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST
July 31 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT
August 1 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW
August 1 – Novels Alive – REVIEW
August 2 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
August 3 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?
Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Want to Book a Tour?
Click Here
Ruff Drafts 
2 thoughts on “Guest Post and Blog Tour for The Spirit of Vanderlaan by Susan Harris Howell”