Susie

WOW!

Our first issue of SUSIE Mag went to the printer yesterday (April 2). 

I saw the electronic color files, and it looks great! 

I can't wait for you girls in the SISTERHOOD to get your first issue (May).

I'm getting a lot of the same questions, so I'll answer them right now:

• Will I automatically get SUSIE Mag if I was getting Brio?

No, you won't. You have to actually subscribe to SUSIE Mag to receive it. That's because Brio was published by Focus on the Family. They decided to stop publishing teen magazines, so SUSIE Mag isn't connected with Focus. But you CAN call Focus at 1-800-232-6459 and ask for a Brio refund. They'll be glad to refund your money. But you DO have to ask for it. Your refund won't be automatically sent to you.

• I was getting Brio & Beyond. Will SUSIE Mag meet my needs as an older girl?

Yes. SUSIE Mag is combining all teen girls into one sisterhood. It's geared for girls 13 to 19. It will cover ALL the teen years. If you're a college student, you'll see some stuff inside specifically geared for you—stuff about college, relationships and more. If you're a younger reader, you'll love the stuff geared more to your age group—stuff like crafts, quizzes and fiction.

• How come it's called SUSIE Mag?

To be honest, I felt really weird about that. But before launching this new magazine, I met with lots of professional people who are experts at marketing and branding. Guess what? Every single one of them advised me to name it SUSIE Mag. I kept saying, "No. That's weird." And they explained that when starting something new, you want to begin with familiarity. Because lots of Christian girls used to read Brio and know my name from that, they would recognize my name and quickly make the connection. They explained this way we'd be starting with a strong, recognizable factor. I still hesitated. But after praying and finally deciding to listen to the professionals who make a living at marketing this kind of stuff, I gave in. And it's funny . . . only about three people have asked me about it. And just so you know: Unlike Oprah, you'll never see me on the cover! ha

• How do we subscribe?

You can subscribe with a credit card at: susiemag.com

• I live outside of North America. I tried to subscribe, but the Web site looks like it only takes subscriptions from the U.S. and Canada. How can I get the new mag?

Unfortunately, right now our Web site is only set up to take North American subscriptions. BUT . . . we want the new mag to go anywhere anyone wants it. You CAN still subscribe, and we've received subscriptions from Spain, France, England, Mexico, India. But you have to actually send a U.S. check or money order or even U.S. cash to sign up. And believe it: I've actually received cash safely! Send it to: Susie Shellenberger Ministries

3741 Bloomington Street #4

Colorado Springs, CO 80922

And I'll personally sign you up!

• We love the hilarious video clips of you and the SUSIE Mag interns with your dog. What kind is he? And what happened to your other dog, Bosco?

Ah, my beloved Bosco! He was a 160-lb. Saint Bernard and truly a gentle giant! He died of a heart attack in September. I love big dogs, and I really wanted another one. But I was afraid if I got another big dog, I'd always be comparing him to Bosco. So I decided to go the opposite direction and get a little guy. He's a mini-Schnauzer, and I named him Obadiah (but I call  him Obie). He's only 15 lbs. and he's really a sweetie. I love him. The video clips are still on here. I think you probably have to scroll down, but they're here.

Girls, if you have more questions, please feel free to ask! But if you haven't yet subscribed to the mag, you need to do it NOW! Our first issue is already at the printer. 

And what a GREAT gift this would be for a friend. Consider signing up one of your gal pals to show her how much you care!

I love you!

Susie Shellenberger, Editor

SUSIE Mag