Reader Reviews Are Important

What a gratifying thing to learn today—that Amazon reviews are generally respected as much those written by professional critics now.  The piece (sorry,  I've forgotten where I read it!) says that sometimes professional reviewers give first-time authors short shrift,  choosing not to review first books at all.  Also, the pros often select books that have won prizes.

On the other hand, "regular readers" usually give us their no-frills assessment of a book, regardless of whether it's a first book or prizeless.  Of course it's possible that a marketing company or publicist could post reviews just to pump up the numbers for a book.  Apparently that doesn't  happen often, and we readers have good radar for that.  We usually can tell a genuine book review from the marketing hype.  Common sense is still a treasured commodity among readers, don't you think?

The reviews for Dancing on Mars have been excellent so far, and I'm hoping to see a few more on the book page over time.  I get excited every time a new one is posted, as if my inner child has been on a chocolate binge!

Wishing you a great weekend that will allow some relaxation and reading time.

Arts on the Ridge Festival - May 5, 2012

If you've never visited the charming town of Ridgeway in the South Carolina Midlands, you deserve to treat yourself.  Dawn Hendricks of Java Nook Books invited me, along with other South Carolina authors, to sign books and visit with Festival participants.  Java Nook Books itself is worth a trip to Ridgeway, even without a festival going on.  This quaint, independent bookstore shares space with the charming Whistle Stop Cafe where I got some of the best sweet tea ever (perfect, not syrupy sweet).  I loved the vibe in there, so much it was tempting to stay inside.  Nevertheless, I dragged my sorry self back outside to the book table just in time to see a cousin I had not seen in decades!

Dawn was so gracious and helpful, she would have turned the heat down if she could have -- 94 degrees and no shade in sight.   I was impressed by the talented, and prolific, authors from around our State.  I shared a table with the lovely Mary Neal Kunsman, there with her memoir Loves Remembered.

My friends and relatives came from Winnsboro, Columbia, Fort Mill and Camden, and it was great seeing everybody.  Thank you all for being so supportive and for being so much FUN!
After packing up my gear from the Festival, I loaded my belongings in Columbia and drove the three hours to Georgetown.  I was eager to get home and see the Super Moon over the lake there and, truth be told,  eager to wake up in my own bed Sunday morning.   At my familiar Sinking Springs. You know what I mean if you've read the book!

Thanks, Dawn, for the invitation and for wanting to have Dancing on Mars on the shelves at Java Nook.  I'll get copies to you ASAP!

Sizzling Saturday in Ridgeway - May 5

                                       Dawn Hendricks and Java Nook Books - thank you! 

                                       Mary is very wise.  No, she's not Mary Poppins!

                                                     Welcome to the Sizzlin' South, y'all!

Book Signing at Rosewood - May 4, 2012

Dancing on Mars

Book signing with author, poet and Rosewood Friend, Lucinda Shirley 3-6 pm    Friday, May 4 .   

              

What a joy to see old friends and meet a few new ones at the signing for Dancing on Mars at Rosewood Market in Columbia, South Carolina.  

                   SCENES FROM ROSEWOOD

Rosewood Market's founder and owner, Basil Garzia welcomed me by announcing the signing in their newsletter and having a tent set up. Very nice!  My friend Fran Massa George (who happens to manage the personal care and supplements department there) had gifted me with a beautiful cloth she made for the signing table!  During the afternoon old friends from the Senate, from the Wellspring health advocacy years, and even friends from childhood showed up to say hello and have their books signed.  What a great reunion it turned out to be!   My friend Cora Plass surprised me with a  vase of elegant flowers, fresh from the florist.  Thank you, Cora and Fran!  And of course I'm grateful to Basil for hosting me and making Dancing on Mars available locally .  AND I thank all of you special humans who took time to visit.  I won't try to name you all because I'd be sure to leave at least one out  (Murphy's Law)... and I met some cool new people, too!   So much fun.    I'll post a few photos - and some of those taken weren't worthy of posting because the subjects are SO much better looking than the pictures.  If your picture doesn't show up here, it's just me being merciful, doing what I'd want you to do for me.  We need to get together and have a re-take!

Lowcountry Book Signing - April 29, 2012

"With a little (lot!) of help from my friends" I had a book-signing party for Dancing on Mars readers in the South Carolina Lowcountry.  Beautiful day, beautiful clubhouse, beautiful friends - from Charleston, Georgetown, Pawleys Island, Litchfield and Murrells Inlet.  My "fairy goddaughter" Laura Lee and her daughter Anna were there.  Anna was the youngest guest at the party; she's an award-winning reader (although she will be waiting a while to read my grownups' book).  Last year, in Second Grade, she had read more books than any other student —not only in her class or her grade — but in all of Waccamaw Elementary! 

This was the first of three Dancing on Mars signing events in one week and the only one I hosted.   Here are some photos.

Dream Yourself

Bad lighting, laptop camera and a weary poet are not the formula for good visuals. Highly recommend
closing your eyes to hear "Dream Yourself" from Dancing on Mars.  Click the arrow and close the eyes!

"Fearless Writer"

 

Being a neurotic soul, I have to admit to feeling anxious at times during this process, especially just before the book was released.  It is humbling that some readers think sharing as I did in DANCING ON MARS took courage.  One day I hope to discover I've absorbed that thought and internalized fearlessness.   Here's the most recent Amazon review— sunshine on a cloudy morning:

 

 

April 19, 2012 - Lucinda Shirley is a fearless, articulate writer. She takes us on a personal journey, but also on a journey to which all women can relate. This book runs the gamut of emotions. You will laugh out loud at her sassy wit, but be prepared to cry as well. She is brutally honest about her weaknesses as well as her strengths. This book truly deserves a five star rating. 

                                                                           Reviewer:  Gail S. McDiarmid