Susan Klatz Beal

Freelance writer with specialty in plant and gardening topics, among other things. I write for Demand Studios as an eHow contributor, Bright Hub, Examiner.com (as the Waco Gardening Examiner,) and Helium.com. At Helium, I am the Root Channel Manager of the Home and Garden channel. I also oversee the Lawns, Architecture, Real Estate, Vegetables and Herbs, Cleaning, Houseplants, Weeds and Pests and Gardening and Home and Gardening (other) channels as the sub-channel manager of these sub-channels. I've won first place in 37 writing contests and places second or third in countless other contests. I'm an avid gardener and am always seeking to learn more. My extensive research experience as an undergraduate Music History student and graduate student at the University of Iowa Center for the book has helped me incorporate authoritative research into articles as needed. My academic accomplishments include several scholarship awards that were received as the result of contest wins. I have a significant background in Classical and Medieval Latin and Paleography, a rudimentary knowledge of German and a proficient, but rusty knowledge of French, Old French and Medieval French. As a writer, I am consistently aspire to push the envelope and to improve the quality of my writing. I love the challenge of doing research, and hope that that is evident in the thoroughly researched articles I write. I take a break from research by writing articles that don't require research. Other interests include reading (especially historical fiction and mysteries,) swimming, nature hikes, watching hummingbirds, family, classical music, opera, theater and ballet. I enjoy baking, cooking, and looking for creative ways to use locally grown ingredients. I'm married to a retired Army SFC. I have two step children, five step grandchildren, and two step great granddaughters. I have two younger siblings who live in the eastern part of the U.S and a mother who lives in a major metropolitan area. I travel to visit her frequently.