Peeking Between the Pages

...escape into the pages of a good book

Guest Post & Giveaway with Bill Surie, author of Holly’s Inbox

by


I am really pleased to welcome Bill Surie, the author of Holly’s Inbox to Peeking Between the Pages today. I read Holly’s Inbox in a couple of sittings it was so good. It’s funny and I have to say addictive getting to snoop in someones inbox. I loved it and you can take a peek at my review here if you’d like. Now on to Bill’s guest post where he shares with us a childhood funnie of his and some thoughts on his own family…

I was nervous, I didn’t trust this new ‘specialist’ my parents had found. It was the summer of 1977 and things were about to take a turn for the worst.

Looking back to those days of my childhood and being a relatively new father (she’s two in September) I realize now I am about to find out what PAYBACK really means. I have no doubt that my little daughter already knows how to play me off against my wife. My wife is a full on – attention seeking performer – I don’t mean she’s ever been on the stage, I mean she just knows how to milk an audience and get exactly what she wants, BUT she is a novice compared to my nearly two year old.

Dar: I thought this was a good place to share this one. A little smooching is always a good way to get what you want and this picture is to gorgeous not to share…


Dar: And here is a darling picture of his little one to share…


This leads me to be afraid. Oh yes.

To put this neatly into context – I was such an attention seeker myself – that I managed to convince a string of specialists, teachers and parents – that I was deaf for a year, when I was eight.

I managed to justify this in my head (and to my parents ever since) by saying I had an over active imagination, with no outlet, and now I get to write – I have one. This of course is absolute TOSH. I was just a little GIT.

They thought I had begun to read lips in a desperate attempt to understand people. My school was informed and I had the best in hearing aids and my friends crisps. I would be stone deaf within the month, and that was that.

So there I was at the end of this corridor in Harley Street (My parents had forked out a lot of money over that year) watching this lady specialist talk to my mum. All the other specialists had been men, not sure if this has anything to do with it, but she was different right from the outset – no headphones, no bleepy thing, no chance for me to sadly shake my head each time a loud buzzing noise nearly deafened me. The tears were actually real – it’s difficult keeping your head still and your face straight when someone screams in your ear. The new woman just put me at the end of a long corridor, covered her lips with her hand and quietly said; ‘I wonder if the poor little cherub would like some ice-cream??”

I screamed ‘YES PLEASE!” from the other end of the corridor….

AAAAAGGH caught! I imagine she was a mother – and had this unnerving instinct for little gits like me.

I had a lot of explaining to do – and a lot of rather miffed friends wanting a years worth of sweets and crisps.

How on earth does any of this tie in with the book – Holly’s Inbox? No idea, something about lying and then writing, or fatherhood. Nope?

Dar: And finally I think this is such a darling picture. Daddy and daughter…just precious…


Anyway I hope you like my book. I had great fun writing it and managed to squeeze in quite a few true incidents in my life.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for having me on your blog Darlene – and for being so encouraging – just now.

Holly’s Inbox is out with Sourcebooks. xxx

~~~~~~~
Bill, thanks so much for joining us here at Peeking Between the Pages and sharing these wonderful pictures of you and your family and this cute little story. I wish you every success in the future and I’m on the lookout for a sequel to Holly’s Inbox!
~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY

I’m thrilled to have a copy of Holly’s Inbox to share with one lucky reader. What do you need to do to enter:

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you please.
  • For 2 entries comment on Bill’s guest post.
  • For 3 entries blog/tweet this giveaway to spread the word.

This giveaway will be open to US & Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Wednesday, August 12, 2009. Good luck everyone!

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Comments

  1. **To put this neatly into context – I was such an attention seeker myself – that I managed to convince a string of specialists, teachers and parents – that I was deaf for a year, when I was eight.** – unbelievable! LOL!

    And that baby is adorable… ohh shhooo shweet! 🙂 And the pic.. i think have this one before on some other blog… but still is beautiful 🙂

    The book has lot of cool reviews!
    Don't enter me 🙂
    Thank You Dar for this!

  2. LOL I think he deserves every biy of "payback' that precious little girl can dish out!!!

    Please count me in.

    mj.coward[at]gmail.com

  3. Bill Surie seems like a very approachable guy. He left me a nice comment on my blog after I reviewed Holly's Inbox. I was tickled pink!

    And how adorable is that little girl?

  4. I hope my kids never read this. I can't believe he kept them fooled for over a year. I have to say he is rather dishy!

  5. Wow – I faked needing glasses because my best friend needed them (not so smart since I really do need them now) but faking being deaf for an entire year! That deserves an Oscar, I would say. And given that he says his wife is also attention-seeking – they could be in for serious trouble with that adorable little girl of theirs!

    I've read such great reviews of this book. I can't wait to read it. Hope I win it!!!

    melacan at hotmail dot com

  6. Dar, did you really do that???

    Oh my, I must have been a boring child!

    (My daughters loved this story).

  7. I would love to be entered.

    That was so funny. I can just picture him when he was caught being able to hear. He held out pretty long for a kid though.

    Thanks.

    carolsnotebook at yahoo dot com

  8. I have read such great reviews on this book including yours so I would love to win it.
    rebecca[dot]cox[at]charter[dot]net

  9. His guest post was a hoot! How would a child even think to fake being deaf. He really wanted attention didn't he. And of course it took a mother to figure out he was faking it. With a sense of humor like that the book is bound to be wonderful. And, I always tell my son, payback will be heaven.
    rebecca[dot]cox[at]charter[dot]net

  11. He is so cool and this is just one of the reasons why I requested this book from my library!!!

  12. Sounds like a good book and what a fun author, love the family photos too expectually the last one his daughter is adorable!
    unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmai(dot)com

  14. Okay your review, as I previously said, sold me on this book. But that story of Bill's really puts it over the top! I love that it took a woman to figure out how to get him to break. I'd love to be included in the drawing.

  15. I want this book!! =P & the pictures are just darling–she's a doll! =) Bill had better hope that little doll doesn't see this post–who knows what she'll come up with to rival Bill's deaf-for-a-year endeavor!

    dreyshouse at gmail dot com

  16. I've been wanting this one!! Those pictures are so cute!!

    luckistarr4 AT gmail DOT com

  17. This looks fun! Please enter me!

    What an adorable picture of daddy & daughter!

    BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com

  19. I want this book. Looks fun! Thanks for sharing.

    I loved the guest post. Oh my gosh!!! Can you imagine having a child pretend he's deaf… for a year? I thought my boys were attention getters. How funny!

    s.mickelson at gmail dot com

  22. Hi Everyone
    I've just logged on and gone through everyone's comments – you guys know how to make someone feel good about themselves don't you! I'm going to have to think of a way of returning the favour –
    I have just emailed this to my mum – who will now read this comment possibly – so mum – if you're reading this – I didn't really lie about my hearing honest, I just got better over night – hard to believe I know, Oh and now I'm just showing off to my friends to make myself look big and clever.
    Thank you all again and thank you Darlene for letting me on your fab site.
    xx Bill

  23. No need to enter me, doll. I'm dropping in to say thanks, as always, for the e-mail. I've got this posted at Win a Book.

  25. Great post. Holly's Inbox sounds like a fun read. Thanks for sharing.

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

  26. I'd love to win this! Please enter me!

    And I think it's great that adorable two year old already has him concerned about "payback". I'm sure he was quite a kid.

    JHolden955 (at) gmail (dot) com

    Thanks.

  27. I want this book! If Bill's imagination today is anything like when he was a kid, I'll bet his books are incredible. My mom told me about payback and it sounds like Bill and his wife are in for some of their own! Only fitting!

    dlodden at frontiernet dot net

  28. This looks like such a fun book!

    And those photos are adorable…

    janemaritz at yahoo dot com

  29. Sounds like a great book. I so can't imagine pretending to be deaf for a whole year – heck I can't imagine doing it for a week. If his daughter takes after him he is sure in for it. LOL. Oh my.

    budletsmom at yahoo dot com

  32. I think this book sounds like just a hoot to read! I could really use the laugh!

    cjay2 (at) iavalley (dot) edu

  35. I am astounded that at age 8 he could fool that many professionals for so long. Quite the actor!
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail(dot)com

  37. This sounds like a fun book and between your review and Bill's guest post you have me hooked!
    Bill has a great sense of humor and if he fooled his mom for a full year he must be an amazing actor! Watch out for what his darling daughter will do next! I enjoyed the beautiful pics of Bill and his family also.

    Add my name to the drawing please!

    I'm blogging about this in my sidebar and sending out a tweet right now!

  40. What a fun little post–I gasped when I saw the words "Ice Cream" but then I guess I should have known. How funny. Thanks for sharing this with us, Dar. And of course, no need to enter me since I've already had my fun with the book.

  41. Well I'm glad my kids haven't got that creative! An occasional faked illness here and there, but certainly not for a year. Great post!

    I already follow you!

    Blogged about this in my right sidebar at:

    http://janelsjumble.blogspot.com

    jgbeads at gmail dot com

  42. I loved both of the postings….and the pictures were priceless…Please count me in for this wonderful book.

    karen
    kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

  43. Great post!

    No need to enter me in the contest – I've just finished reading the book and found it hilarious!

    gaby

  45. I love the english accent in print. Bill you sound like a hoot! I can't wait to read your work!

    allygotts567 at hotmail dot com

  50. Great interview & beautiful pictures of your baby. Enjoyed the review of your book too.

    Please add my name to the drawing.

    kkhaas AT bellsouth DOT net

  51. Fun interview and he sure is right, kids know how to play their parents to get what they want. The pics are priceless especially the one with the almost identical expressions. Please enter me in the drawing

    florida982002[at]yahoo[dot]com

  54. I have been wanting to read this book -please enter me in this contest.

    The baby is adorable and the blog entry is fantastic!

    laarlt78 at hotmail dot com

  56. This looks to be the perfect vacation read!
    Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

  57. LMAO! A years worth of fibbing gone with the mention of ice-cream! That's hilarious 🙂

    Loved the guest post, and after reading your review I've decided this chick-lit might be just what I'm needing to get over my hesitation about the genre.

    I'd love to be entered in your giveaway and thanks for the awesome guest-post/review Dar 🙂

    shiloki[at]gmail[dot]com

  60. Great interview and cute photos. Please include me in the giveaway. heatherzilla(at)care2(dot)com

  61. No need to enter me for the giveaway, Dar, but I must say it's an enjoyable guest post and love all the photos!

  62. He didn't say how long he was grounded after his parents found out about his faking being deaf, or how long before he ever got an allowance.
    Really cute daughter. I'll bet he hopes that she isn't quite so drastic in her creative ideas.

    rrdjasper(at)aol(dot)com

  64. This book is on my wish list, would love to win it! That story is beyond hilarious 😛

    teagirl1 at telus dot net

  67. Goodness – I thought I already entered to win this one! Glad I realized before it was too late! Really want to read this one!
    Thanks
    Debbie F
    dcf_beth at verizon dot net

  69. I like funny books. Please enter my name in your draw. Thanks.
    wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com

  70. I would love to read this book. I have heard so many great things about it. Cute pics.
    Mariag

  73. What a great review

    I want to read this book :)))))

    I follow and tweet

    madeleine444[at]gmail[dot]com

  75. Loved the guest post. I have been wanting to read this. Please count my in for the giveaway

    bookloverlisa(at)gmail(dot)com

  79. He convinced people he was deaf for a year-that is some discipline and attention seeking

    chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

  80. Well, I didn't do anything quite as elaborate as him. However once in the 5th grade I was telling a classmate that I got myself ready for school in the morning and went to meet the bus on my own, as my mother had to leave the house before me to go to work and my Dad had moved out. So I could wear anything I wanted, and no one would know! I could wear the same clothes everyday, and no one would know! My classmate didn't believe me. So I set out to prove them wrong!

    I don't remember how long I wore those same clothes, but I believe it was over a week. I was clever enough to stick clean clothes in the dirty clothes hamper so that my mom didn't catch on. I finally got busted when my teacher became concerned after seeing me in the same clothes, day in and day out, covered in dirt and mustard stains. She called my mother to see if everything was okay. My mother was horrified and embarrassed!

    Is that attention seeking? 'Cause it sure got me some attention!

    Please count me in. I'll be blogging it tomorrow for my Saturday contests. Thank you!

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

  82. Hi, please enter me into this drawing. I would love to read a chick lit book by a man!

    Many thanks!

    Lori

  83. No need to enter me on this one. I will read Anna's copy.

    I will post this in my sidebar for you though.

  89. Sounds like a great book! Please enter me.

    I used to tell people I was allergic to foods I didn't like when I was a kid, and I can remember Brownie meetings where food was planned based around my "allergies". I don't feel so bad now after reading about fake deafness!

    jl.scully [at] gmail [dot] com

  95. Bill Surie is funny and sweet! WHat a smart, precocious and a little darling bratty boy he was! I love the story he tells and the pictures of him with his daughter are great! SHe is a cutie and it looks like she already has him wrapped around her little finger!

    Thank you!
    Amy
    Aimala127@gmail.com

  98. If the book is as funny as the author's interview, then it should be great!

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

  99. ENTRY #1

    I think that Bill is a "piece of work"!!! I can't beleve he had EVERYONE believing he was deaf for a WHOLE YEAR!! He must have been a good actor!! 🙂

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

  100. ENTRY #2

    I think that Bill is a "piece of work"!!! I can't beleve he had EVERYONE believing he was deaf for a WHOLE YEAR!! He must have been a good actor!! 🙂

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

  104. I'd love something fun and light to read right now. I've read a lot of great things about this one. Please enter me!

  107. I would love to read this book. It sounds hilarious. Thanks for this giveaway and please count me in.

    chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com

  108. This book looks interesting. I have never heard of you as an author so I would love to read what you write, review it and give it as a gift.
    jrs362(at)hotmail(dot)com

    I barely made this giveaway and it has taken me over 30 min. to get blog to let me enter this entry

  110. OH MY WORD!!!! I've just logged back on and gone through Peaking Between the Pages and now read all these comments – SO many lovely compliments about my gorgeous daughter, I can't wait to show her when she's older enough. When she has finished her food she shouts 'All gone' and expects her bowl to be removed instantly. This morning I was a bit late, so she picked it up and emptied it over her own head. Sat there with pasta and tomato dripping down over her face and smiled up at me 'All gone!" she repeated happily.
    xx thanks so much everyone, you've been more than kind spreading the word and I'm very grateful.
    Bill/Holly