Come on, Baby! Let’s Do the Twist
Susan Cottenham
Jun 07, 2025
Ordinary person writes international bestseller about online dating scams during pandemic.
Ordinary Extraordinary:
You don't need celebrity status to make meaningful impact.
How a debut author Dives into online dating and exposes global romance scams! An international bestseller: Love Notes from the Other Side.
“You have the power to rise up and dream big!” Those inspiring words came from Susmita Dutta, a Million-Dollar "Housewife" I discovered in a random YouTube video. But her message didn’t stop there—it hit me hard, in the best way possible! As an ordinary person with big dreams and bold ambitions, I felt every word come alive!
Love Notes from the Other Side” was born!
The Unexpected Message
It all started with sleepless nights, moments of uncertainty, and that constant nagging feeling in my head—a head that wouldn’t stop talking to me. A little crazy, right? I thought so too. But it was during this period, just before the global lockdown brought on by the pandemic, when everything shifted.
Our lives, as we knew it, changed dramatically. Like many, I spent hours scrolling through the internet, almost giving up on finding anything meaningful. But that’s when fate had a funny way of stepping in.
Out of the blue, my phone pinged with a message: “Hello, how are you?” The photo attached seemed friendly enough, so I replied with a simple, “I’m good. Who are you?” And just like that, a conversation was born.
It didn’t take long before I realized that this was no ordinary interaction. Through the twists and turns of this unexpected online encounter, I found myself drawn into a world of digital romance and deception—a journey that would ultimately lead me to uncover truths far beyond my expectations.
And as I navigated this new reality, I had my “aha” moment and I realized something profound: although I am not a famous celebrity, my story needed to be told.
There was just one problem: I had no professional writing experience. Where was I supposed to begin? I turned to social media groups for guidance, hoping to find a clear direction. Instead, I was met with an overwhelming flood of opinions that left me more confused than ever.
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Finding Inspiration
One night, I discovered Susmita Dutta on YouTube. Inspired, I joined her Zoom session, applied, got accepted, and soon began her course—starting my life-changing writing journey.
Words That Changed Everything
I’ll never forget the moment she said to me, “I believe in you, Susan!” I was over 40, and those words hit me like a ton of bricks. No one had ever said that to me before, and it sparked a fire inside me.
The course moved at my own pace, allowing me to fully enjoy the process. Sush’s mantra—“Enjoy the journey. Embrace the learning experience”—truly resonated with me. I took my time, soaked in every lesson, and followed her guidance meticulously. Along the way, I realized how powerful it is to hear, “I believe in you.” Writing became my way to inspire, captivate, and shed light on the hidden risks of online interactions.
A Newfound Confidence
Diving into the writing process, Love Notes from the Other Side was born. From cover design to edits, it became a colorful, heartfelt online romance with a cautionary twist.
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"You don't have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great."
- Les Brown
Ordinary Extraordinary:
You don't need celebrity status to make meaningful impact.
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From Dream to Reality
The moment my book was ready to publish was surreal. I went from dreamer to published author, knowing my story could inspire others to chase their own dreams.
In 30 days, it hit #1 in Amazon's "Women's Category," and within 60 days, it became a #1 International Bestseller.
Speaking at events and raising awareness about online communication has been incredibly rewarding. But the greatest joy? Seeing my book on shelves and knowing it will inspire others to chase their dreams.
As I reflect on this journey, I can say with confidence—it was worth every sleepless night. Because writing isn’t just about storytelling; it’s about connection, impact, and touching lives in ways we never imagined. And sometimes, all it takes is one person believing in you to make it happen.
You do not have to be a "known celebrity" to make a difference in someone else's life. You just have to have the courage to do it!
This book offers a compelling exploration of online deception and digital identities, making it a timely and gripping read. The relatable characters face real-world challenges, drawing readers into their experiences.
Bonus: The final Q&A section stands out with practical advice on online behavior, adding value beyond the narrative. Fast-paced and thought-provoking, it’s a must-read for anyone involved in online dating.
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Recommended
Perfection is a myth. Progress is your power.
Facts tell, but stories sell - especially in high-stakes leadership.
A simple family recipe became a mission - and a movement.
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