Shirley J. Shepherd

Hi Folks, I am officially elderly, 79-ish years old, and a newly minted author by virtue of the fact I have just published my first book. “First book” means I have more in the works. So you can see I am both a (very) late bloomer and an optimist. More about me later, if you are still onboard.

“Never Leave on a Friday” is about the fun and adventurous sailing trip I went on with my husband Dorin (who was not my husband at the time—we were taking it slowly) and my teenage son Cory. We got into and out of a lot of trouble, some of it pretty scary, some of it pretty funny and had adventures we could never have predicted or imagined. It’s a large book, but then there are a lot of stories I thought readers would enjoy. To check it out, you can go to my website: www.shirleyjshepherd.com and read some excerpts for free.

“Never Leave” is barely “hot on the internet” and I’m already itching to pick up where I left off on two other books. One is about the year my husband and I and two grandchildren lived in Copan, Ruinas, in Honduras.

I have something to say about writing a book. It’s a walk in the park compared to what happens when it’s done. In the past, the hard part was finding an agent and a publisher. But now, due to the blessings of the internet and specifically Amazon where you can publish independently, this is no longer necessary. But! You now have to become technological and internet saavy—or know someone who is, who is willing to help. I am very fortunate in having someone, and he’s a freaking genius, but it still requires a lot of my time to help set up my website, for instance, and to keep it running. It’s fun, but at times, a little overwhelming. I have to think of it as one doable, baby step at a time or I would be, well--overwhelmed.

As long as I’m hanging out here, and Amazon has given me a lot of space, I might as well talk about myself. I am, regretfully, a widow of five years. I have two pets, one dog and one cat, and 27 plants that try valiantly to stay alive when I semi-neglect them. I have a watering schedule that I always intend to stick to. However, I frequently find myself noticing at 11 p.m. the plants are in various stages of wilting. So I sprint around and give them a drink while I apologize to them and thank them for their loyalty and stick-to-it-tiveness.

TV shows/series I like: I just discovered ”Outlander.” Apparently, I am way behind having just watched the first episode of the first season. I am going to love this series and am excited to continue. I am watching the third season of “Stranger Things.” Whew! I’m glued to the edge of my couch. Not for those who can’t handle a little gore. I adore “The Office” and am watching old episodes on Netflix. And “Queer Eye.” What a great “feel good” show. This is my go-to for a lift. I’m reluctant to say I did not watch “Game of Thrones” especially after seeing the documentary on the making of “Game of Thrones.” So, one of these days, I will start at the beginning—Season 1, Episode 1. I did watch every episode of “Downton Abbey”—twice.

I have several favorite authors but this year my favorite book is “Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams” by Susan Branch.

To keep myself going with as much vigor as I can muster, I go to Silver Sneakers--that’s group exercise for the elderly--two or three times a week. I try to fit in walking around a few blocks three times a week. I’m into being careful-ish of the food I eat (as many vegetables, berries and fruit as I can manage daily—though I still eat some animal protein, especially fish) and watch videos about microbiome research. The You Tube videos on the research keeps me on the wagon as far as diet is concerned.

If anybody has gotten this far—really? You must have better things to do. Or, if you don’t, you can read excerpts of my book, “Never Leave on a Friday,” by going to my website: www.shirleyjshepherd.com. Thanks for your dedication!!