Chic Spotlight: Suzie Salas, Author of “Before The Wedding”

“Before The Wedding” helps couples prepare for marriage.

Cincy Chic: When did you first get started writing?
Suzie Salas, author of “Before The Wedding”: I began writing in 1994. It took me eight years off and on to write my first book, “Bless My Soul.” It was published in 2001. “Before The Wedding” is my second book – I wrote it more than 10 years ago intending for it to be a flip calendar, then revised it to be published in a journal- or diary-type format.

Cincy Chic: What inspired “Before The Wedding”?
Salas: I was a sales rep for 22 years with 500 clients in 10 counties, with a least two people in each office. I followed their lives all these years. I was a sounding board and heard about many, many relationships. I learned a lot from my clients, it was an education. I decided that young people can use all the help they can get. I love day-by-day calendars and think they are such a fun way to impart information. I don’t think families discuss choosing a partner for marriage. They let things just happen. Even with all this information available, this is an area that is neglected. I find articles galore in magazines, but mostly in ones I don’t believe teenagers and 20-year-olds read. How many times to you hear people say, “I wish I would have known, or considered this, when I was younger?” That was the inspiration for “Before The Wedding.”

Cincy Chic: What will readers gain from reading this book?
Salas: “Before The Wedding” introduces 365 topics to think about and discuss. It’s ideal for couples to share their views and to get to know one another better. It gives a couple the opportunity to share not only their love for each other, but how they’ll handle different aspects of life, each other’s family members, friends and perhaps some idiosyncrasies. Some topics are just fun while others might stir a lot of emotions, concerns and jeopardy if not resolved early. Love is the key element, but all these factors need to be addressed early for wisdom and appreciation for each other’s individuality. It also is wonderful for all young people not in relationships, to give them ideas of the kind of person with which they want to share their life.

Cincy Chic: What makes “Before The Wedding” unique?
Salas: It is unique in that there is a blank page opposite the topic to make notes for items to be discussed, resolved or referred to months or even years later. The couple could review this every anniversary and see how they have grown and changed. “Before The Wedding” is best read with someone in mind, or someone you love. It stimulates the reader’s core values which will lead to discussions that will reveal each’s character and hopes. It is also fun and just may give the reader some new ideas. Churches are using “Before The Wedding” for a guide in pre-wedding courses and marriage therapists are finding it a valuable tool to gently create conversation.

Cincy Chic: Is there anything else you’re currently working on?
Salas: I am working on day-by-day calendars. One for elementary school children. Each day a verse to think about, a fun fact or a small lesson to grow on. Another is a companion to my book “Bless My Soul.” Each page shares an idea from this book on spirituality.

Cincy Chic: Where can readers go to purchase the book and get more information?
Salas: “Before The Wedding” is available from either Amazon.com or from the publisher, Greyden Press where it’s $16.99+ shipping. It’s also available wholesale for bookstores and gift shops. “Before The Wedding” can be customized for businesses serving weddings. Contact Greyden Press at 1-855-Greyden for more details.