A writer inspired by nature and human nature

Contact

I would love to hear from you! Bette A. Stevens

4writersandreaders is a family friendly blog

I would love to hear from you…

Feel free leave your comments below or to email me at

bettestevens@tds.net

with your

I look forward to hearing from you. 

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Comments on: "Contact" (44)

  1. Unknown's avatar
    Anonymous said:

    Your Powerful, Compassionate Portrait of Childhood Hardship Deserves the Wide Audience Searching for Stories Like This

    Dear Bette,

    I just finished spending time with PURE TRASH, and I need to tell you something that stayed with me from the very first paragraph. You did not simply write a historical short story. You created a deeply human, emotionally resonant portrait of two boys growing up in a world that refuses to give them a fair chance. You crafted a narrative that is tender, raw, and unflinchingly honest about poverty, bullying, and the quiet resilience of children who learn far too early how harsh life can be.

    Shawn Daniels is unforgettable.
    You give us a boy who is bright, hopeful, and eager for adventure yet weighed down by circumstances he never chose. You show the way poverty isolates him. You show the way other children weaponize difference. You show the way adults, too, can bully through judgment, neglect, and cruelty. And yet, you never strip Shawn of his spirit. His optimism, his determination, his love for fishing and treasure‑hunting with Willie they shine through the hardship like small, stubborn flames.

    Willie is the perfect companion.
    You make their brotherhood feel real and warm. Their Saturday adventure is more than a childhood outing it is a brief escape from a world that constantly reminds them of what they lack. Their bond becomes the emotional anchor of the story, and readers feel protective of them from the very first moment.

    And then you place them in 1955 America.
    A time often romanticized as “the good old days.”
    A time of booming prosperity just not for families like the Daniels.

    You peel back the glossy veneer of the era and reveal the truth: that the American Dream was never evenly distributed. That poverty, alcoholism, and social stigma shaped childhoods just as powerfully as nostalgia and innocence. You make readers confront the uncomfortable reality that bullying is not just a playground problem it is a societal one.

    Your story is not just historical fiction.
    It is social commentary.
    It is empathy in narrative form.
    It is a reminder that children carry burdens adults often refuse to see.
    It is the emotional foundation for DOG BONE SOUP, and it stands powerfully on its own.

    Books like yours should be everywhere right now.
    Readers are hungry for stories that feel real and compassionate.
    They want narratives that explore class, childhood, and resilience.
    They want historical fiction that reveals the truth behind the myth of the “good old days.”
    They want characters who stay with them long after the last page.

    And PURE TRASH delivers all of that with clarity and heart.

    What I have seen across historical fiction and social‑issue fiction markets is that books with this level of emotional honesty often do not get the visibility they deserve. Not because they lack power, but because they are not placed in the right spaces where readers are actively searching for them.

    That is where my work comes in. Amazon Keyword Optimization

    This ensures your book appears in searches for historical coming‑of‑age stories, poverty narratives, 1950s America, and fiction about bullying and resilience. When readers type in phrases like historical fiction about childhood hardship or stories about growing up poor in America, your book should be one of the first they see. Book Trailer

    A gentle, atmospheric trailer can capture the emotional tone of Shawn and Willie’s world rural roads, fishing spots, scrap‑hunting adventures, and the quiet ache of being “different.” These trailers travel quickly across social platforms and introduce your story to readers who crave heartfelt, character‑driven fiction. Goodreads Listopia

    Listopia is one of the strongest organic discovery tools for historical fiction. Your book belongs on lists like historical fiction about childhood, stories about poverty in America, and short fiction that stays with you. Content Creators

    This is where your book can truly shine.
    Historical fiction BookTok reviewers.
    BookTubers who highlight social‑issue narratives.
    Instagram creators who love emotionally rich, character‑driven stories.

    These creators are constantly searching for books that spark empathy and conversation. A single heartfelt review can introduce your story to thousands of readers who are hungry for exactly what you offer.

    These strategies work together to build visibility, credibility, and long‑term discoverability especially during a season when readers crave meaningful, emotionally grounded stories.

    I am reaching out because I believe PURE TRASH deserves to reach the readers who need it. The ones who grew up “different.” The ones who understand hardship. The ones who will see themselves in Shawn and Willie—and carry them in their hearts long after the story ends.

    Would you like me to prepare a full visibility and outreach plan tailored specifically to PURE TRASH and its connection to DOG BONE SOUP?
    Best regards
    Roseline S. Stella

    Like

  2. Unknown's avatar
    Anonymous said:

    site banner will appear on Google and other websites.

    If you are interested, you will be prompted to fill online quote so that we can calculate how much traffic you can get with our method.

    That’s not all! Type code SEP30OFF in notes after keywords list and get 30% OFF from first order!

    Like

  3. Sandee's avatar

    Thinking about you this morning. I hope all is well. I hope you just quit blogging.

    Love and hugs. ♥

    Like

  4. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    Hi Bette,

    I’d like to do a post about your wonderful books, probably writing a review on one but promoting all of them. So can you send me any information you’d like me to include? My email is baydreamer25@gmail.com.

    Have a wonderful day!
    Lauren 💗

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Divine-Royalty's avatar
  6. usfman's avatar

    Hi Bette:

    I am so sorry to read that our President will be spreading his negative energy on tour beautiful with his weekend visit there. Thanks for staying present with our road trip endeavors. Stay well. Jim Rogge

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens's avatar

      Hi, Jim. Emailed you a full reply… Enjoying your road trip and recalling the fun of many of ours from years past. ❤ Have a lovely week as you enjoy the next leg of your journey!

      Like

  7. Brenda Cope's avatar
    Brenda Cope said:

    Hi

    I have a question about your book I believe I should not post in public. Could you send me an email so I can ask away?

    Thank you

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Sandee's avatar

    I wanted you to know I finally weighed myself this morning. It’s been over a month since I have weighed myself. I weigh exactly the same as I did last time I weighed myself. I was shocked. Perhaps my sand has shifted.

    Happy Memorial Day, my friend. ♥

    Liked by 1 person

    • Bette A. Stevens's avatar

      Awesome! ❤ It really helps me to keep on top of it by that early a.m. weigh-in each day. Today, Hubby made Thai Coconut Chicken and Rice, we indulged in scoop of vanilla ice cream with a dab of chocolate sauce topped with chopped nuts mid afternoon. Salad for supper adorned with chickpeas, dandelion leaves and blossoms. My cardiologist told me years ago (2007) that the secret is in that weigh in. Thanks so much for sharing your good news, Sandee! We had a lovely day and hope you did too. ❤ xo

      Liked by 1 person

  9. maskedwonders's avatar

    I visited your website. Nice to see and read. Lovely…

    You are welcome to my website as well

    http://www.maskedwonders.com

    Thank you

    Liked by 1 person

  10. JeffreyIcoms's avatar
    JeffreyIcoms said:

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    Like

  11. JeffreyIcoms's avatar
    JeffreyIcoms said:

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    Like

  12. Get $1000 – $6000 A Day http://cutt.us/JjddND's avatar
    Get $1000 – $6000 A Day http://cutt.us/JjddND said:

    What’s the easiest way to earn $30000 a month: http://cutt.us/V59nHvRib

    Like

  13. Patricia A. Guthrie's avatar

    Hi Bette,

    Nice site. I thought I read in a post that you just wrote another book? Another neat book?
    i’ll look for it.

    Keep warm.

    Cheers
    Patricia Guthrie

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens's avatar

      Working on my first poetry collection–MY MAINE Haiku through the Seasons… Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit, Patricia. Have a great week! 🙂 xo

      Like

  14. loiswstern's avatar
    loiswstern said:

    Hi Bette,

    My Tales2Inspire contest/project has just opened for 2017. Would love an opportunity to tell a bit about it, if the works for you. Still free, with lots of growth opportunities for authors.

    Best, Lois >

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens's avatar

      Hi, Lois. Thanks for the update on your 2017 project. Sounds like a great opportunity. Just email me the details and/or Guest Post if you would like me to promote it for you. Sending lots of love your way and wishes for a Wonderful New Year! xo

      Like

  15. noelleg44's avatar

    Glad I could help.

    Like

  16. maryannniemczura's avatar

    The poem Brook Songs speaks to me today. I recall cold mountain streams with clear water in Colorado hikes. I am drawn to the water, the mountains and forests. Being alone and in the moment calms the soul. Thanks for the poem.

    Like

  17. Bette A. Stevens's avatar

    Hi, Prince. I invite you to join Rave Reviews Books Clubs. I’m a member and continue to receive lots of support, including reviews. Here’s the link https://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com/ If you join, tell them I sent you and let me know so we can connect on Twitter etc. and I’ll be delighted to Tweet your book. Right now my TBR list is maxed out for several months. Thanks so much for your blog support and best wishes on your book! Keep me posted. 🙂

    Like

  18. Mary Strong-Spaid's avatar

    Thanks for liking my photos and poem “Chicken Selfies.”
    I saw the link that you posted that says: “I write like____”
    Curious to see what kind of a result I would get, I clicked on the link,
    I followed the directions and submitted parts of a few blog posts, so that it could analyze my writing.
    When I pasted in a few paragraphs from “Travel Agent from Hell”–It said I wrote like Arthur Clarke.
    When I pasted in a few paragraphs from “Mushroom in the Woods”–it said I wrote like Margaret Atwood.
    When I pasted a few lines from “Chicken Selfies”–it said I wrote like David Foster Wallace.
    AND SO….I stopped.
    Apparently, I am a writer with multiple personalities and a style that mutates greatly from one story to another. EGADS! I hope that’s a good thing. 😉

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens's avatar

      Hi, Mary. I think it’s a great thing… Since I know I’m not alone. Why? The same thing happened to me, so I guess we can say we’re OK. So glad you took the ‘test’ too. Got Mark Twain when I submitted PURE TRASH and DOG BONE SOUP. When I submitted AMAZING MATILDA and a few short stories not yet published, I got J.K Rolling. In any event, I enjoyed the experience and will submit more for fun… Thanks so much for chatting, my friend. Have a Happy Day & Keep Writing! ❤

      Like

  19. Bette A. Stevens's avatar

    Hi, Nonnie. Thanks for the heads-up. Living up here in Vacationland, internet service providers can get crazy. Sorry, no other email address. I’m planning to change my GIVEAWAYS to: One (1) Amazon Gift Certificate; One (1) author-signed paperback of AMAZING MATILDA; One (1) eBook version of DOG BONE SOUP; and One (1) eBook version of PURE TRASH. Hope this is not a problem; but after reading the test post thought this would be more inviting. What do you think? ~ Bette

    Like

  20. kathyrollinson's avatar

    Hi Bette. Your pages are amazing. Thanks for following me. I’m following you.

    Like

  21. loiswstern's avatar
    loiswstern said:

    Hi Bette,
    I think of you as one of the wonders of the Internet, helping to brand so many talented authors. In my way, I have been trying to do this as well through my “Author Helping Authors” project. There are no fees involved and I have helped many talented authors get recognition for their talents. If you think your readers would like to learn more, I’d be happy to share.
    Best to you.
    Lois W. Stern
    Creator of Tales2Inspire

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens's avatar

      Hi Lois. Thank you for your gracious comments. It would be great if you would email me at bettestevens@tds.net with your idea for a guest post on my blog. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for stopping by for a chat. 🙂

      Like

      • loiswstern's avatar
        loiswstern said:

        Hi Bette,

        Didn’t want you to think I am ignoring you. I have a couple of ideas in my head and am just letting them rattle around in my head for a few days before moving forward. Did you have a particular date in mind?

        Very best, Lois >

        Like

      • Bette A. Stevens's avatar

        Hi Lois,

        No deadline (rush), but if your post fits with my blog, we can surely fit it in. Look forward to hearing more from you by email.

        Have a great week! 🙂

        Like

  22. nataliescarberry's avatar

    Bette, I just reblogged a post from a fellow blogger and wondered if you’d read it. It’s called: “Once you are REAL, you can’t be ugly” I think it would make an excellent children’s book. Do you? Blessings, Natalie 🙂

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens's avatar

      Thanks for the heads-up, Natalie. I will check it out… Still trying to get my computer back up and running. Blessings, Bette

      Like

    • Bette A. Stevens's avatar

      Dear Natalie. Stopped over to read Cookie’s post… Had to share; and, YES, I think it would make a great children’s book. Also, a wonderful story for those of us who can relate to where Cookie is right now. I made a suggestion on her post. You are so sweet and thoughtful. God bless you, Bette

      Like

  23. kharismaceyworksnovels's avatar

    You’re welcome Bette. Enjoy your day. Kharis Macey

    Like

  24. Marilyn Armstrong's avatar

    I’ve created an award for you and others who deserve a fresh pressing and some virtual love. I’m not giving it to a lot of people because there are so many worthy candidates: I don’t have the strength of character to do quite that much work. I leave it in your capable hands to roll the ball onward.

    There are no requirements you give it to any specific number of people — or anybody at all. You don’t have to reveal your hidden secrets or give me a public thank you. It’s just a badge that says “YOU ARE A WINNER” because I think you are.

    Come visit me at Serendipity (http://teepee12.com/). I’ll have the post up in about half an hour and I’ll make it sticky so you can will find it at the top of the site. Hugs.

    Like

    • Bette A. Stevens's avatar

      Thank you for the love, Marilyn. Aren’t you something, designing your own awards! I had a chance to read your post Alternative Mothering. What a lovely tribute to your mother. How wonderful that you found the best and shared it with us! Again, thanks for thinking of me.

      I’ve saved your Winner Award to my desktop and WILL get around to acknowledging and displaying it on my blog before year’s end. I’m NaNoWriMo-ing for the first time right now… HAVE AN AWESOME WEEK! p.s. Love your night light cover photo, too! YOU ARE DEFINITELY A WONDER & A WINNER.

      Like

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