lucindashirleydancingonmars

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

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Ready, set, write!

It's a wonderful thing to tell and share our stories. I enjoy encouraging and supporting people who want to write a life legacy as a gift to loved ones and friends. That's what my Writing Coach hat is for.

(Image from Facebook via life-redefined)

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Good Question!

From Charles Schulz Museum via Facebook.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Letting Go Again and Again

Image Source: Becoming Minimalist Facebook page.

This image and the words could be a wonderful object meditation, couldn't it?

Sunday, March 24, 2013

New Review - by a Man

So, fellas, Dancing on Mars isn't for women only! Two guys who read it said it helped them understand women better. In a message to me rather than reviews. Incentive enough to give it a read?

An Excellent Read for Woman or Man, March 24, 2013

George Cappelmann -Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dancing on Mars (Paperback)

Lucinda Shirley has turned her spiritual and psychological journey into a real adventure for the reader. It is a page turner about the efforts and courage involved in leading a real and complete life. Dancing on Mars is funny and intelligent. It has a light touch but is also profound which is quite an accomplishment for any writer. I especially liked the greek chorus of very good poems. Smoke and Mirrors and The Unknowing amoung others come to mind as being exquisite.

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."