lucindashirleydancingonmars: February 2012

About This Blog

Welcome!

Dancing on Mars ( published by All Things That Matter Press)—is available for Nook at Barnes and Noble online and at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audio. To check out reviews or order your own version: http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Mars-Lucinda-Shirley/product-reviews/0985006617/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

One reader says, "Dancing on Mars is a genre-bender, mixing interview, memoir and original poems. It's a feast, not an appetizer!"

Here's how author Cassie Premo Steele describes it: "They say 'the truth shall set you free,' and here it is: a truth-telling memoir about growing up in the small-town, segregated South—politics, sex and religion; relationship, marriage and motherhood; loss, healing, feminism and enlightenment; and the bare beauty of a life by the water's edge. . . ."

There are also some fascinating insights from other women on the subject of living married and single lifestyles— and a sprinkling of original poems to amplify relevant prose.

One reviewer says, "This is EveryWoman's book—every age, every experience. You will laugh, cry and learn through this fascinating, honest and courageous journey to one woman's truth, but you won't put it down." A few wise men have enjoyed it and learned more about women.

You'll find a book trailer here and photos from the hometown in Dancing on Mars. I'll be posting comments and sharing book reviews, writing about themes presented in the book, and sometimes commenting on the events of the day. Humor will be in the mix; it's a high-value aspect of my life.

Please click "follow" to receive new posts from this blog. Also, you can click the Facebook "like" icon if you like what you read. And there's an option to "recommend on Google." Promotional possibilities abound. Would you kindly visit my Facebook author page and "like" it? http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucinda-Shirley-author-Dancing-on-Mars/189083217857282.

Writers need readers almost as much as we need oxygen, so major thanks for being here. I'll be happy to hear from you!

Lucinda

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Comments from Pre-publication Readers

This is EveryWoman's book - every age, every experience. You will laugh, cry and learn through this fascinating, honest and courageous journey to one woman's truth - but you won't put it down.
          ~ Patricia Mikelson

They say “the truth shall set you free,” and here it is: a truth-telling memoir about growing up in the small-town segregated South — politics, sex, and religion; relationship, marriage, and motherhood; loss, healing, feminism, and enlightenment; and the bare beauty of a life at home by the water’s edge. Men may be from Mars and women from Venus for some writers, but Lucinda Shirley is from Earth, and we rejoice that she is here to tell us the good news of living — awake, joyful, and dancing — on this planet!

        ~ Cassie Premo Steele, Pushcart Prize-nominated poet and author of the novel,
Shamrock and Lotus.

Dancing on Mars is full of both wisdom and humor. This original approach to complex issues includes a handful of poems, sprinkled throughout the text. The poems give pause and open small windows onto moments of resonance, enabling us to better see the world through Lucinda Shirley’s eyes. What an uplifting message.

       ~ Marjory Wentworth, South Carolina Poet Laureate, five-time Pushcart Prize nominee. Author of four books of poetry, the award-winning children’s story Shackles, and co-author of Taking a Stand, The Evolution of Human Rights.

Would marrying enhance your life or diminish it? Lucinda Shirley explores this critical question for women at many stages of their lives, with courage, grace and honesty.

         ~ Sara Davidson, N.Y. Times best-selling author of Leap! and Loose Change

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Sneak Peek

Three authors I admire will have comments for the book's back cover: Sara Davidson (NY Times best-selling author of Leap! and Loose Change), Cassie Premo Steele (Pushcart Prize nominee and author of two books of poetry and a novel, Shamrock and Lotus), and Marjory Wentworth (South Carolina's Poet Laureate whose poems have been nominated for The Pushcart Prize five times. Her work includes four poetry books, an award-winning children's story, Shackles, and Taking a Stand, The Evolution of Human Rights by Juan Mendez with Marjory Wentworth.)

I've told you that All Things That Matter Press selected a photo of one of my paintings for the cover. Today I can show you what the book's cover will look like!

I'm happy to share this news on Valentine's Day. If you like the cover, please leave a comment to celebrate with me! Let's also celebrate all the love in our lives today and every day.
Thank you for being very much "with me" in this adventure. I couldn't have gotten this far without your support!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Moving into the Fast Lane!

My patient publisher at All Things That Matter Press is done with edits; he was most gracious about my low-level technical skills throughout that process. Big exhale after that was done!

I had submitted photos of one of my paintings for consideration when the time came to decide on cover design. Even though it seemed to me like a fit for the book, I knew there was only a slim chance they'd feel the same way. So, I didn't get attached to the idea.

Today I'm happy to report that they will use my artwork on the cover! I hope to post an image here soon.

The next step will be what's called a "mock-up," last chance for any corrections; then, it's production time!

Looks like Dancing on Mars will be blooming with the azaleas and magnolias this spring — definitely before the butter melts on the table here in South Carolina. Please stay tuned.

REVIEWS for DANCING ON MARS

A delightful book... (by LP - at Amazon)

Lucinda Shirley opens up her life to readers in the warmest, most engaging and enlightening way. It is easy to relate to the changes and challenges she shares, especially as a southern woman. I love that she weaves her wonderful poetry throughout the book; it accentuates her wisdom, her questioning of the 'status quo' and her great sense of humor. I highly recommend the book... a great read!

THE BUZZ:

(Excerpts from Reviews and Articles about Dancing on Mars:)

“Lucinda Shirley is a fearless writer. You will laugh out loud at her sassy wit, but be prepared to cry as well.” ... “Great lessons on co-dependence, compulsive pleasing and finding oneself ... A terrific writer, her eminently readable story is filled with honest reflection, humor, pathos, lessons learned and spiritual and emotional awakening. There is something here for everyone. Enjoy!”

... “More than a memoir, the author generously opens her exploration to include the perspectives of other women. ... A great individual read, also a stimulating read for a women’s discussion or book group.”

“Warm, generous and affirming ....” “An unusual exploration of an interesting life.”

“Dancing on Mars is THE guide for women ready to split the world wide open with their truth and freedom of expression .... Buy it. Read it. Do it!”

“Read this book and be challenged and inspired.”

“I’m reading Dancing on Mars slowly because I don’t want it to end!”

“Reflective insights on topics which will ring true to all women ....”

“... A story dotted with insights into what makes us who we are. [The author] faced the unhappy and problematic, all the while celebrating the joy to be found all around.” “Loved the original poems ... And the reflective essays scattered throughout the book.” “Dancing on Mars is a feast, not an appetizer.” “... A well-written and refreshing book ...loved the mix of personal story, stories from others, and poems that really speak.” “I am not from the South and my journey is different, but it is amazig how much all women have in common. It is a great book for any woman seeking her own truth, wisdom and growth.”

“If you’ve never examined your life in a deep way, you’ll find yourself doing it while reading this book. Consider it a layman’s guide and Ms. Shirley’s gift. I say “thanks!”

Dancing on Mars left me feeling very good about life, even the not-so-good parts. ...She describes things important to her that I’ve never considered but now will. The author’s artistic soul and sense of humor kept me reading!”

“Dancing on Mars deserves a five-star rating!”

“With her humorous, strong, smart Southern self, Lucinda Shirley shares her experiences with relationships, love, joy, pain and happiness in her own unique style that will inspire you to examine your life from a more conscious place of awareness.”

“Even though it’s been called ‘EveryWoman’s book’ I know a no-nonsense Marine (Viet Nam vet) who said: This is a GREAT book!”

Comments from e-mails and Facebook

"Your writing, including the bird at your car's rear view mirror, almost made me choke on my coffee it is so funny." ~ Roberta J.

On Facebook from childhood friend Joyce who gave me the gift of a memory in her comments:

"Just finished reading Dancing On Mars. It's an amazing read. I couldn't put it down. Also loved some of those walks down memory lane. I remember as a teenager when we would walk as a group to town and if we crossed "main street" you would hold out your arms to keep all of us from crossing in front of a car. Always the protector!"

"Read it; loved it!!!" ~ T.F.

"Your book is fantastic! ...I read the last post twice. Looking forward to reading this one." ~ Dianne C.

"It's so easy to read what you write, just like talking to you. All writers strive for that. My favorite story was that of Mary and her ark of promise you found." ~ S. Smith

"I love your writing and the pieces posted. I can hardly wait to read the entire book." ~ T. T.

"I'm thinking how helpful this would have been in my late teens, then into my first marriage, divorce, etc,. up until now. I appreciate that the perspectives in your book caused me to ponder and explore my own experiences, and understanding, of being alone, partnered and/or married. All of these I have attempted more than once. After 60 years of experience, I finally truly believed that I deserve to be in a successful, healthy relationship and that there are plenty of "good" men out there. And perhaps more importantly, I have an inner peace and joy...regardless of my marital status." ~ OM. C.

Cassie on FB: "LOVE it!!!!!"

GM says, "Your writing takes my breath away. It just seems to flow off the page."

Rebecca wrote on FB: "LOVED reading it. As a 47 yr old single working mom still wading thru trials and tribulations of how to fit a relationship into my life and figuring out what kind of man is the right fit, I found these women's stories to be very insightful. Thanks for sharing it!"

From FB: "I've really enjoyed reading your blog. I love all the insight. Thank you so much for sharing." ~ JFS

Third-draft reader, Pat Mikelson, says:

"This is EveryWoman's book - every age, every experience. You will laugh, cry and learn through this fascinating, honest and courageous journey to one woman's truth - but you won't put it down."