Suzanne Berry

Writer for multiple occasions

Hallmark senior lead writer Suzanne Berry has written for most of Hallmark’s “core” card lines, but her most recent project, helping to develop the new encouragement line Journeys, really let her tap into her favorite part of her job.

“The best part of my job is knowing I have a chance to provide the right words at the right time to someone who needs them,” she said. “To think I’m playing a quiet little role in helping other people connect is truly a good feeling.”

Originally from a small town in rural Missouri, Suzanne’s years at Hallmark have been highlighted by finding ways to address more difficult sending situations, such as blended families and troubled relationships. Her keen interest in what makes relationships work even in difficult situations drove her writing for the Journeys encouragement card line.

“Some of my favorite cards to write are those that are heartfelt messages to loved ones because it seems like there’s so much emotional material to work with there,” she said. “It’s nice to be a part of something that brings about more love and compassion in the world.”

Suzanne wrote, finessed, and rewrote cards in the Journeys line, and helped determine how each card should be labeled on store shelves. She said the editorial team spent quite a bit of time talking through the most appropriate life events and situations for the line, and organizing the offering accordingly.

Suzanne also drew upon personal experiences and the experiences of her friends and family to inspire her writing. She thought about two friends who endured cancer treatments at young ages, and spoke with a Hallmark colleague whose husband had received an organ transplant, learning about what each person’s emotional landscape looked and felt like during their experiences. She then translated their emotion to words, considering what people need to hear during these life journeys, and how they find strength to get through.

One Journeys card Suzanne wrote reads: Outside, the body may falter. But inside, a spirit brilliant with strength and resilience shines on... and on... and on. No matter what life hands you, your strong spirit will see you though. Keep believing in it... I do.

Suzanne said she hopes this card not only provides support for people needing a reminder of the strength of their spirits, but it also serves as a celebration of all the strong spirits she has known.

“Journeys cards remind us that there is more to us than what happens to us, and – most important of all – that we’re not alone. I think a card like that does a tremendous amount of good, both for the person receiving it and the person sending it,” she said.

When she’s not writing, Suzanne usually can be found listening to music or enjoying the outdoors, whether digging in her backyard or scuba diving in the Pacific. And she tries to keep a couple very important possessions close by: her family and a good book.