Suzanne Field and "The Painted Table"

It's been over a week since returning from the Mt. Hermon Christian Writers Conference and I'm still exhilarated from being in the midst of over 300 inspiring authors, publishers, agents, and editors. Had four promising interviews, any one of which might help bring my children's Christmas book, "Estrellita" into publication.

Did a fun interview with Megan Chapman--talented author, dancer, artist, blogger and more! (Is there anything she doesn't do well?) This is a post from her new blog of interviews with people in a variety of disciplines. I am honored to be one of the first. Thanks, Megan.

http://www.meganjoychapman.com/suzanne-field-author-of-the-painted-table-novel/

Suzanne Field, Author of “The Painted Table” Novel | She takes us behind the scenes of her novel “The Painted Table” and shares how living with a mentally ill mother has helped fuel her passion to create.

Will be a participant in the Lewisville (Texas) Library Author's Fair tomorrow. There are some nice quotes in the Lewisville Leader paper previewing the fair:

Suzanne Field, is making her second appearance at the author fair. She will continue to promote her book “The Painted Table.” The novel was published in 2013 and weaves mental illness into its story.
“The table is a silent character that plays a role in the family. What happens to it reflects what is happening to the family,” Field said.
Field began writing her book while she was a member of a writer’s group. She began writing about her family through creative fiction.
“I let the characters flow into various directions while writing,” Field said. “When it was submitted to my publisher, both of the senior editors had mental illness in their family. They thought it was a book that would give hope or healing to families.”
Field described her writing process as “total absorption.” She didn’t begin writing until late in her life after she had already had a career in an unrelated field. She now considers writing her second career.
“My writing process was like joyful drudgery. There is something very satisfying to writing,” Field said. “Hours would go by so fast as I was working on the book. There was a sadness when it was finished, but now I am writing short stories.”
Field said it took her about two years to finish the novel. The self-described “perfectionist” said after writing a chapter she would read it to family or friends and go back and make edits.
“To any aspiring writer I would say that every life has a story, and you never know when an idea will start germinating,” Field said.

Sweet "coincidence" #2: A lovely, bubbly lady from Aloha Blinds was helping me select window coverings for our condo. Suddenly she saw my book cover on my desk and squealed, "I just read that book! I LOVED it! It's about. . ." She looked more closely at the cover, then looked at me. "That's YOU! Your name is on the book! Did you. . . ?" She started jumping up and down with so much enthusiasm I think I must have blushed. The outcome is that she has told a book club about it and seems likely I will get to do a guest appearance soon. Love how things happen :)

Two sweet little coincidences in the last couple days. 1. Michigan author Susie Finkbeiner went to a book store to look at her own book, "Paint Chips." On the shelf, she saw her Christian novel next to, what else, 'The Painted Table." Intrigued, she bought TPT, read it in one day, found it personally applicable, then wrote me nice words about it. "Paint Chips," is about human trafficking. A very timely book with great reviews.

Nice comment today from a reader:
Wow. Found your book in the "New Reads" section of our library. Thank you for writing it. I could tell it came from a place of personal experience, and it was comforting to see the redemption come through. I feel that many will be blessed by your book. Such a thoughtful picture of difficulties and family love. So well-written. God bless you and yours.

Reviews continue to appear for The Painted Table :) This one was especially nice. I like the reviewers observation about Saffee growing in her relationship with God when relationship was not modeled by her family.
http://relzreviewz.com/the-painted-table-by-suzanne-field-tracys-take/

The Painted Table by Suzanne Field ~ Tracy’s Take | relzreviewz.com A beautiful heirloom ingrained with family memory has become a totem of a life Saffee would rather forget—a childhood disrupted by her mother’s mental illness.

"Christianity Today" reviews "The Painted Table"! . . .

Mental Illness, the Dreaded Family Heirloom: 'The Painted Table' offers a realistic picture of a... 'The Painted Table' offers a realistic picture of a family’s struggle with schizophrenia.

http://litfusegroup.com/blog/get-to-know-suzanne-field

Get to Know Suzanne Field Suzanne Field, author of The Painted Table, has the ultimate winter writing spot . . . Hawaii! Keep reading to learn more about Suzanne. And don't miss the opp

http://www.triciagoyer.com/suzanne-field-writing-desk/

My Writing Desk | Suzanne Field This is my delightful, delovely winter writing desk in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Surrounded by tropical plants and within hearing distance of song birds and the ocean behind me, much of the manuscript ...

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-painted-table-suzanne-field-one.html

A Christian Writer's World ~~ Characters who grip your heart: THE PAINTED TABLE - Suzanne Field...

This charming table was created by artist Yvette Meier to accompany the new release of the novel, "The Painted Table." Some lucky person will win it, as well as a copy of the book.

The story behind the story --
http://litfusegroup.com/blog/the-story-behind-the-painted-table

The Story Behind ‘The Painted Table’ Carol Shields once said, "Write the book you want to read, the one you cannot find." When does a writer’s story begin forming? How long does it take to write

THE PAINTED TABLE REVIEWS:

REVIEWED, JAN. 6 ---

The Painted Table is a heart-wrenching tale of one woman’s descent into mental illness and her daughter’s fight for a better life for herself. The description of Saffie’s mother Joann’s illness is heartbreakingly realistic and is written so vividly that it was almost as if I was watching it play out onscreen. Field wisely focuses on Saffee for most of the novel, as she is much more relatable than Joann, and through her eyes, we see how deeply Joann’s mental illness impacted everyone in her family. While difficult to read at times, The Painted Table paints a vivid picture of the power of God to heal and restore.

Written by Christian Chick's Thoughts on January 6, 2014
Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/RT15ECOX7C7AK/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1401689701&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=
The Painted Table By Suzanne Field Review and Contest

REVIEWED JAN. 6 ---

The Painted Table is the debut book by author Suzanne Field and WOW…..what a debut book! I really felt like I was there watching the story unfold as I read. This is not an easy book to read but it is definitely worth the read! I can’t say enough good about it! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction or books on mental illness, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more from Suzanne Field!
I give this book 5 STARS. *****

Written by For The Love Of Books on January 6, 2014
Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/The-Painted-Table-Suzanne-Field/product-reviews/1401689701/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
Book Review: The Painted Table

REVIEWED JAN. 6 ---

Suzanne Field has penned an impressive debut in her novel, The Painted Table. She takes the reader on an emotional journey through the trauma of mental illness. With an unusual subject for Christian fiction, this book presents a realistic and jarring portrayal of the impact of mental illness on a family and the healing that can take place through the redeeming love of God. Not an especially easy read, but one that I highly recommend.

Written by By The Book on January 6, 2014
Read my full review: http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/book-review-the-painted-table/
The Painted Tableby Suzanne Field

REVIEWED JAN. 6 ---

Saffee’s coming of age story starts long before she was even born – back to her mother, and her grandmother, and even before that. The heirloom table is a witness to unspeakable things, and its recurring presence in these women’s lives is like a mark on their souls, reminding each of them from where they came. But as tragic as this story is, it’s also a story of redemption, a story of what happens when the old is made new, when chains are broken by forgiveness, mercy, grace, and hope.

Written by Hope Through Storytelling on January 6, 2014
Read my full review: http://beckydoughty.com/the-painted-table-by-suzanne-field/

REVIEWED JAN 5 ---

This book was a bit different than I expected but I am very glad to have read it. It shows, I think, an accurate portrayal of some families that live with mental illness. The characters were well defined and each came to be cared for as I read. I would recommend this book to others who are willing to open their hearts and minds to this part of life. Many people do not see this and choose to ignore it if they do.

Written by North Laurel Home & School on January 5, 2014
Read my full review: http://www.nlfamily.net/2014/01/book-review-painted-table-litfuse-blog.html
Understanding Mental Illness

REVIEWED JAN. 5 ---

I think sometimes people don’t really understand others that have mental issues and this book is a painful reminder how much those people suffer. I don’t think anyone intentionally decides one day that they are going to be weird or mentally unstable, it just happens.

Written by Mary's Cup of Tea on January 5, 2014
Read my full review: http://www.mmbearcupoftea.com/2014/01/the-painted-table-book-tour-giveaway.html
The Painted Table

REVIEWED JAN. 4 ---

Wow, where to start? This book is not one of warmth and laughter. Instead, it is the story of those who struggle with mental illness and the affects that it has on all those around them. So many will relate and not only that, will be drawn in. You’ll cry alongside Saffee and move with them from house to house. At the end, you’ll breathe a soft sigh as you close the final pages because Saffee has become a real part of your life. Even though this might not be one of those light hearted, fun reads, I can’t suggest enough that you find yourself a copy and read it. It may give you insight, it may give you a new way of thinking or maybe, just maybe, it might even move you.

Written by Life With Katie on January 4, 2014
Win a BEAUTIFUL hand-painted table from Suzanne Field!

REVIEWED JAN. 3

Mental illness is often plagued with stigma. What’s so funny about it? More importantly, why can’t diseases of the brain garner sympathy? Written from a Christian perspective, The Painted Table is exquisitely written and gives a ponderous look into emotional instability.

Written by Priscilla and her Books on January 3, 2014
Read my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/802291657
The Painted Table by Suzanne Field

REVIEWED JAN. 3 ---

This is a difficult book on a difficult topic. The present tense narrative in the third person is disconcerting. But then, so is the subject – the possibility of inherited insanity. Other themes include the devotion of a spouse and God restoring what a mentally ill parent destroyed. In the end, well worth the reading.

Written by Book Reviews from an Avid Reader on January 3, 2014
Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3JW89A4XRE6TB/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1401689701&linkCode=&nodeID=&tag=
The Painted Table

REVIEWED JAN. 3 ---

There is so much to this book! Family, faith, and love are all themes that resonate throughout The Painted Table. The title says it all. The table is a connecting factor throughout the generations, both good and bad. Here is a book that offers a sweet story on overcoming difficult circumstances. Field has written a book that shows the heartbreaking and ugly times that can exist within any family or relationships. For me it was a book that started off slow but as I began to understand and care for the characters I found myself wanting to sit at the table with this family.

Written by Slow It Down on January 3, 2014
Read my full review: http://karislowitdown.blogspot.com/2014/01/win-hand-painted-table-from-suzanne.html
Win a hand-painted table from Suzanne Field in “The Painted Table” giveaway!

REVIEWED JAN. 3 ---

The painted Table by Suzanne Field starts as a tragic and devastating story about a mom’s dissent into mental illness. The descriptions of her inner struggle were very concise and vivid that i almost felt as if I was witnessing it. I felt part sympathy for Saffee’s mom and sometimes more sympathy for Saffee and her sister. I think when mental illness is in a family there are always questions about it continuing through the family and being hereditary. The author does an amazing job of bringing those questions to light while still exploring the redemptive powers of Christ.

Written by Buzz4Mommies on January 3, 2014
Read my full review: http://www.amazon.com/review/R240BPBJMSEVF/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm
Heartbreaking and Emotional Book!

REVIEWED JAN. 3 ---

This book is definitely a different genre and mood than what I usually enjoy but it definitely was captivating once I got into the middle of the book. It was a little slow and a little confusing at first but it ended up making quite an impression on me.

Suzanne Field wrote with vividness and pain that I could feel with every chapter but I loved the end of the story where Saffee confronts her fear and pain and embraces the table for all it was meant to be!

Written by The Review Stew on January 3, 2014
Read my full review: http://www.thereviewstew.com/2014/01/book-review-painted-table.html
The Painted Table

REVIEWED JAN. 3 ---

I read the story in ONE day. The story of Joann and Saffee evokes a strong response. I felt swept away with feelings of injustice, empathy, anger.

Written by A Well-Watered Garden on January 3, 2014
Read my full review: http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.com/2014/01/review-painted-table-by-suzanne-field.html
The Painted Table

REVIEWED JAN. 3 ---

A poignant book centered around pain that will show just how much fight this family has left in them. Your heart will hurt for this family.

Written by A Simple Life,really?! on January 3, 2014
Read my full review: http://asimplelifereally.blogspot.com/2014/01/litfuse-review-painted-table-bysuzanne.html
Book Review And Giveaway: The Painted Table

REVIEWED JAN 3 ---

In this, her first novel, Suzanne Fields has created a gripping tale of how painful memories and mental illness can hold families for generations. The emotions are raw and one really hopes the story will end on a note of hope. I won’t give the ending away. However, suffice to say that the book kept me wanting to read and find out how the story ended.

I love the issues the story dealt with – family legacies and family secrets – how we can choose whether we will allow them to hold us down or to move towards healing.

Written by Everyday Gyaan on January 3, 2014
Read my full review: http://everydaygyaan.com/2014/01/the-painted-table/

REVIEWED DEC. 27 ---

This was a really great book to read. Many people can relate to it. I would definitely recommend it to everyone

Written by krystlbears Corner on December 27, 2013
Read my full review: http://krystlbearscorner.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=TEYZNkMBAAA.qIYOVid4yhnN5Z1pHZLOTQ.5pFwT9PXIGwn1CwiDnuV8A&postId=5700739005206438304&type=POST
Family dysfunction seen from within

REVIEWED DEC. 25 ---

This is a heart-wrenching story to which many of us can probably relate. Coming from a broken family, laced with ethnic diversity that seemed to create a wall rather than a melting pot, my own life seemed mirrored in this sad tale in many ways. Like me, Saffee chose to make a difference for her own family’s sake. If you know someone who suffers from mental illness, or if you feel that propensity within your own heart, let The Painted Table be the change in that future.

Written by Savings in Seconds on December 25, 2013
Read my full review: http://www.savingsinseconds.com/?p=14512

"Heartbreaking and difficult, yet ultimately..." a review of: The Painted Table ChristianChick'sThoughts says: The Painted Table is a heart-wrenching tale of one woman's descent into mental illness and her daughter's fight for a better life for herself. The description of Saffie's mother Joann's illness is heartbreakingly realistic and is written so vividly that it was...

http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/the-painted-table-suzanne-field

The Painted Table by Suzanne Field | Win a Beautiful Painted Table Suzanne Field's novel, The Painted Table is receiving critical praise. Publisher's Weekly says, “This difficult but beautiful story of hurt and healing, despe

http://margaretmcsweeney.com/2014/01/06/refugees-around-the-world/

Refugees Around the World Author Suzanne Field reminds us to remember those in our world and the hardships they face daily

This is my delightful, delovely winter writing desk in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Surrounded by tropical plants, and within hearing distance of song birds and the ocean behind me, much of the manuscript for The Painted Table came into being here. God’s handiwork boosts my enthusiasm for whatever writing task is at hand.

"The Painted Table" has arrived in Hawaii, just in time for Christmas!

Just a few more days until Dec. 3 when Thomas Nelson releases "The Painted Table"!

A new review from Christian Retailers: Saffee watches as Joann – her madness deepening – paints and repaints the old table. The layers of paint parallel the layers of fear, resentment, and emotional turmoil Saffee must strip away if she wants to escape her mother's troubled legacy. . . . The Painted Table is ideal for book clubs with its included discussion guide.

Here's the back-cover text for the NEW The Painted Table due out in Dec.:

The Norwegian table, a century-old heirloom ingrained with family memory, has become a totem of a life Saffee would rather forget—a childhood disrupted by her mother’s mental illness.
Saffee does not want the table. By the time she inherits the object of her mother’s obsession the surface is thick with haphazard layers of paint, and heavy with unsettling memories.
After a childhood spent watching her mother slide steadily into insanity, painting and re-painting the ancient table, Saffee has come to fear that seeds of psychosis may lie dormant within her. As an adult, Saffee must confront her mother's torment if she wants to defend herself against it.
Traversing four generations over the course of a century, The Painted Table is an epic portrait of inherited memory, proclivity, and guilt. It is a sprawling narrative affirmation that a family artifact—like a family member—can bear the marks of one’s entire past . . . as well as intimations of one's redemption.

Just got home from a guest author appearance at my book's seventh book club meeting. Again it was so fun :) 14 women sharing how they relate to the story of "The Painted Table ," -- how they cope with being raised in imperfect families, and how they have come to appreciate the good things of the past and are not stuck in the bad memories.
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The Painted Table is now on iTunes! http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-painted-table/id546421304?mt=11

The Painted Table Read a sample or download The Painted Table by Suzanne Field with iBooks.

WHAT’S THE PAINTED TABLE ABOUT?

An heirloom table is a silent character that plays multiple roles in Suzanne Field’s novel: protector, revered relic, hallucinogenic, and finally, agent of restoration. Its journey spans three generations, reflecting a mid-western family’s decline and subsequent road to redemption.

The table shares stage with a neglected daughter, who labors to remove its stubborn layers of paint applied over the years by her disturbed mother. In the process, she comes to recognize gifts her mother left behind. She determines to honor her mother – by not becoming her. Throughout, the message is one of grace at work.

Suzanne Field has created an engaging story about a family buffeted by a mentally ill mother. A great read!
Sally Jadlow -- God's Little Miracle Book, The Late Sooner

Suzanne is a masterful writer. The Painted Table is told in the present tense, 1st person. The story begins through the eyes the child, Saffee. The reader journeys with the child as she grows up in a highly dysfunctional family. The journey continues until she becomes an honest woman of genuine affection. Suzanne's story is exquisitely painted with language that takes the reader into each setting and the characters' emotional conflicts, humorous interactions and delightful back-stories. Thoroughly enjoyable on many levels. Honoree B.

5.0 out of 5 stars -- Hits the mark, May 5, 2012

Suzanne has captured the life of a person who has lived with someone they love who has a mental illness. Having had a mother with similar problems and a father that loved her "through thick and thin" this book touched my heart deeply. Todays married couples might benefit from this book to learn what "til death do us part" means. One would also benefit to know how much a person like Josephine needs help desperately and it is available to them today. Thank you Suzanne for writing this book. Jewel C.

From Carey:
Beautiful!
This book is about the way hardship shapes you. Field is a great writer. Inside The Painted Table you will find an inspiring message. Great for anyone who knows anyone who struggles with mental illness

Love the message in this book--just because we grow up confused or hurt doesn't mean we have to live that way as adults. Saffee is not only able to pull herself out of her past but honors her mentally ill mother by NOT living like her. The Painted Table is not only encouraging to people from painful childhoods, but the story is full of gorgeous images and prose. Beautiful! You won't be sorry you picked up this book! -- Shirley Walson (Spokane, WA) -- Kristal's Wedding: A Single Mom Overcomes Shattered Dreams