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, May 26, 2013

Memorial Day 2013

On the brink of Memorial Day I'm thinking about my father's good fortune and the tragic fortunes of so many war heroes.

 

I tell this story in Dancing on Mars: Serving in the Navy during WW II, Papa was scheduled to ship out when an ear infection intervened. His eardrum burst, and his orders were cancelled. The ship departed San Diego on schedule and shortly afterwards came under attack; there were no survivors.

 

My father must have experienced some survivor guilt as many humans do; he definitely felt grief about his mates who were killed. And he was always grateful his own life had been spared.

 

I think of the men on that ship and of my hometown friends who fought in Vietnam and never came home. Every Memorial Day, I'm thankful for my father's long life—and I feel gratitude for all the courageous men and women who have lost their precious lives in the service of our Country.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Audio Book Released!

Now in audio!  Amazon/audible.  I learned about the release yesterday when All Things That Matter Press posted it on Facebook.  At one place on Amazon it correctly specifies that I'm the author and Frances Fulmer is narrating.  On the page that has been dedicated to print and kindle versions of the book, however, it says:  by Lucinda Shirley and Frances Fulmer.  As if we both wrote it.  That's the place where readers can see or write reviews, too.

I'm told that's the norm for by-line presentation with producer-created books.  It seems it wouldn't be a bad idea to change the norm so it's apparent who spent over a year writing the book and who is simply reading it aloud.  Of course I'm happy for readers to know the author is not the person reading the audio version.   I hope you enjoy the book, whatever version you choose! 


Sunday, May 19, 2013

Helen Keller Blisters Book Burners

In "The Vault" at Slate you can find Helen Keller's "blistering letter to book-burning German students."  Keller's grit went far beyond the admirable courage it took simply to live an active life without sight or hearing.  Be reminded of who she was as a woman in this fascinating piece. 
 

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_vault/2013/05/16/helen_keller_her_scathing_letter_to_german_students_planning_to_burn_her.html