Tyrone Christian and Missionary Alliance Church is hosting a reception on Saturday, March 13 at 6 p.m., for local author Suzi Walls, and the public is invited to attend.
During this time, Suzi will be sharing some stories from Dress Blues, her first published novel, from Denlinger’s Publishers, and there will also be time for book signings.
On February 28, Tyrone Day in Naples, Florida hosted the debut of the book, and it was then that Denlinger’s Publishers senior vice-president, Gustav Postriech said it was the company’s number one paperback title for 2004.
The inspiration for the book came from Suzi’s husband Lee Walls. Suzi was able to capture his true life stories onto paper, from childhood to the lighter side of love to the dark action of Vietnam, to create Dress Blues.
Writing is something that Suzi has enjoyed for the past 30 years in the form of short stories and poetry.
She returned to school in 1994 at South Hills School of Business and Technology in State College, and while there her teachers convinced her to consider writing professionally.
Besides a writer, Suzi is a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her interests include a love of animals and the great outdoors. She enjoys horseback riding and hiking.
Suzi and Lee live in rural Warriors Mark, and they have two sons, Rob and Jason, and Lee has a son, John, Jr.
They have five grandchildren and one great-grandson. Suzi’s parents, Bob and Marian Sprankle, and her sister’s family, Pam and Jeff Crofcheck, all live in Orchard Crossing.
Suzi and Lee are active members of Tyrone Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, where Suzi serves on the vision committee, and Lee serves on the board of trustees.
Other creative talents for Suzi include designing and sewing hunting clothing for rocker Ted Nugent and for country singer Aaron Tippin.
She has painted signs for various businesses, written greeting cards for graduations and birthdays and founded the former Blue Spruce Huntwear Company.
Her artwork can be seen at many homes across the nation, from mailboxes to milkcans.
At age 10, her first creative venture was a dress design printed in a Katy Keene comic book in the 1950s. She has had several poems published in Treasured Poems of America. The Daily Herald, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Times, and the Pennsylvania Game News have published Suzi’s humorous hunting stories. She shares her poetry at church functions and also enjoys lecturing and public speaking.
Suzi has numerous other works in progress, including Kitty Kuzins, 1-4-3, The Dray and Critter Capers.
For those interested in purchasing Dress Blues, visit the web site www.thebookden.com or www.suziwalls.com. The book is sold locally at Romano’s Restaurant and the Cubbyhole.
Suzi is also preparing an entertaining lecture presentation that will be coming soon.
For questions, orders or to book a presentation, contact Denlinger’s Publisher, Ltd., 386-424-1737 by phone, 386-428-3534 by fax or info@thebookden.com by email.
