The Betty Mystique (A film by Susan Marks) Screening

Save the date! December 3, 2009 at the Mill City Museum at 7pm in Minneapolis, MN.

Almost every damn day someone asks me when they can see my documentary film on Betty Crocker. Your one and only chance is likely this December. Don't live anywhere near the Mill City Museum you say? Book your flight now and do your X-mas shopping while you are in town. How about the Mall of America? A lot people shop there and get all excited about it.

Or better yet, head over to St. Paul and shop at Common Good Books or at the Mill City Museum gift shop. It's really your call.

So come and get your Betty on and quit your crying! ;)

Did I mention it's free? A free event that is open to the public. You're going to wonder how you got so lucky.

Historic Photos of Minnesota Has Successfully Launched!

Thanks to everyone who made it to Common Good Books for the book launch of Historic Photos of Minnesota. What a night! Garrison Keillor was a wonderful host and everyone was all smiles. Standing room only - a book loving crowd. Happy to be a part of it!

Of course there was a cake - shaped like Minnesota - made from Betty Crocker cake mixes.

Book Launch - Historic Photos of Minnesota

What could be more Minnesotans than having a book launch at Common Good Books with none other than Garrison Keillor? I can't wait. I hope you can join us on July 9, 2009 at 7:30 pm for an evening of Minnesota history and a very special Minnesota cake.

From Common Good Books' website:

Common Good Books favorite, Susan Marks, author of the Finding Betty Crocker and Historic Photos of Minnesota is joined by special guest host Garrison Keillor. Garrison Keillor will be on hand to interview Susan about her new book.

There will be cake. The Event is Open to the Public and Free to All.


A little bit about Historic Photos of Minnesota:

Minnesota's past is defined by its remarkable natural resources, and shaped by its native peoples and early settlers. From the fur trade and the establishment of Fort Snelling, to harnessing the power of the Mississippi River as a means to fuel emergent logging and milling industries, Minnesota's history is that of a land like no other.

Pioneering Minnesotans embraced everything that the sprawling prairies, rich farmlands, and more than 10,000 lakes offered. Boomtowns and small towns sprang up and were connected to the thriving metropolises of Minneapolis and St. Paul through a great labyrinth of railways. From the time photographers first started pointing their cameras in the direction of Minnesota's land and people, crystallized moments from the state's history were captured, and stories preserved.

The archival images collected in Historic Photos of Minnesota offer unique insights into the state's not-so-distant past. Spanning more than 100 years, this book documents everyday lives and significant events in Minnesota's extraordinary history.

Do you want to see some photos from the book?

Finding Betty Crocker by Susan Marks

I'm wondering if there is some sort of Betty explosion going on. So many people have been writing to me about Betty. Sure, that's not uncommon, but lately it's been a dozen or more each week. More often then not, people want to know where to buy my book on Betty Crocker. Usually, I don't get involved in the book selling aspect of my books. The way I look at it, I'm the author, not the book seller, but at the same time, I don't want to be a jerk to all the kind folks who are asking where and how to get my Betty book. So here's what I suggest:

Down and dirty suggestion - go to amazon.com
It's just so darn easy. You can order the paperback version or the hardcover. (I suggest the paperback version - it's cheaper and in these trying economic times, we can't just throw our money around at every hardcover we see.)

But, I only want a hardcover version and I'm on a budget, you say?
Well, then head on over to eBay. I saw a hardcover version of my book for $4. (used) $10.25 (new). Ebay changes hourly, so check it out and you may find a great deal.

So how about your local books store - independent or otherwise? Some people tell me they went to buy my book, but the bookstore didn't have it in stock. That is because it sold out. So you have to ask the booksellers to order it for you. They will be more than happy to do that for you. I've talked to many booksellers that tell me they don't know what people want unless they ask. So g'head! Ask!

If you live in the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis/St. Paul - head over to Common Good Books in the Cathedral Hill area of St. Paul, Minnesota. You will find Garrison Keillor's lovely little book store and you will find copies of Finding Betty Crocker. Also, if you want a signed copy of my book, order it through Common Good Books. You can call them at 651-225-8989. Garrison won't answer the phone, but his helpful staff will and they will take care of you.

What's that you say? You want a personalized copy of my book? Common Good Books can help you with that too. My book is a popular Mother's Day present and I'm happy to signed it "To the real Betty Crocker, Your Mom's Name Here." People asks me to do that all the time. I think it's sweet.

There is so much more to say about Betty. More than I could fit in one book, or one documetary or one blog. So for now, thank you for inquiring about the book and for being a reader! Us authors couldn't do it without you.

Happy Easter!