The Lit Chicks

We call ourselves THE LIT CHICKS. No-o-o, it’s not what you think. We are all sober, dignified (well, for the most part) ladies. LIT refers to our common bond - a literary interest. More specifically, we are all Authors, Wordsmiths. In the fall of 2005, several of us met and agreed we needed a literary support group – a critique group. That idea became a reality when five of us local authors began meeting once a month.  Gay Martin, a well-known, well-established food and travel author; Shirley Mitchell, an author who not only writes about making the most of life at any age, but one who lives out her words; Alice Duckett, formerly from Albertville, now living in Anniston, has written for several newspapers, including The Gadsden Times; Lori Boatfield, a talented essayist and a great novelist-in-the-making; and yours truly, Barbara Eubanks, an author who blends devotions with humor and a Christian humorist who tells audiences that God wants them to be happy, bring a plethora of ideas and interesting pieces of writing to each meeting. We have found great strength and encouragement for our individual literary endeavors and development for our talents by listening to and sharing with each other. No group of Southern ladies can have a meeting without involving food.                               The Lit Chicks are no different. As we rotate the site of our meeting among the homes of the members, we not only look forward to being sounding-boards for each others work-in-progress, but we delight in and look forward to the great refreshments (which now have evolved into full gourmet meals) the hostess provides. How nice it is to have this comfortable haven to freely share successes without appearing braggadocios, to unburden stresses and personal crises without being labeled whiners, to criticize without being mean-spirited, and to accept criticisms with great appreciation, for these are the stones on which we sharpen our writing skill.

Lit Chick Shirley... Shirley W. Mitchell, of Alabama, known today as "The Golden Egg of Aging™", is a Mother of Three, Grandmother of Ten and Great-Grandmother of one. She was writing about, and promoting, a "Positive Aging Lifestyle" before most were even thinking about it. Her life "Passion" and "Mission" is to promote "Positive Aging and Vitality in Health". She is highly recognized as one of the Top Writers and Speakers on Aging, Seniors, Senior Lifestyle, the Baby Boomer Generation, Women's Issues and Healthy Lifestyles of today. She is the Author of 5 Books: "The Christian Writer's Desk Diary", "The Beauty of Being God's Woman", "Spiritual Sparks for Busy Women", "Fabulous after 50®" and "Sensational after 60®", and the Co-Author of 3 books - "Love Notes for Mom", "Love Notes for Dad" and "101 Great Ways To Improve Your Life", A Columnist of the "Fabulous after Fifty™" Newspaper Column in the Sand Mountain Reporter for the past 19 years, and the On-Line Syndicated Column, "Spiritual Sparks for Baby Boomers™". She is a Featured Columnist/Writer for Senior Lifestyle Magazine, Senior Evangelism Partnership and Passionate for Life Magazine. Shirley is a member of "The Lit Chicks" Literary Writers Critique Group of Sand Mountain. She is the Celebrity Radio Talk Show Host of the Syndicated Radio Show "Aging Outside the Box®" on the LA Talk Radio Network - a weekly One-Hour LIVE Broadcast Radio Show heard every Thursday night from 2PM-HIST, 3PM-AKST, 4PM-PST, 5PM-MST, 6PM-CST, 7PM-EST AND 8PM-AST, as well as World Wide, and "Aging Outside the Box®-Christian Spiritual Sparks™" Radio Show every Sunday morning at at 6:45am-MST with KXKS-am1190 in the Albuquerque-Sante Fe, NM area and at 7:30am-CST with WBXR-am1140 in the Greater Huntsville, AL area, which are owned and operated by Wilkins Communications Network, Inc. She is Represented and Managed by Lighthouse Coastal Productions 466 Sardis Cutoff Road Sardis City, AL 35956 Agent@lighthousecoastalliterary.com.

Lit Chick Barbara Barbara Eubanks, in teaching English/Journalism for 35 years, didn't retire; she simply re-sparked. My first after-teaching goal was to get my first book published. With the Lord's help, that was accomplished Dec. 2004 when "Humorous Happenings in Holy Places" (Tate Publishing) hit the market. Not only did that serve to re-spark my desire to write, it also opened up a speaking career for me. I've averaged one event a week since then. My second book, "And the Angels Laughed",also published by Tate, is presently in production and should be on the market in another month or two. Not only will the print copies be available, but both will come out soon as audio books. I travel to Mustang, Oklahoma, to the Tate Out-Loud studio the week of August 14th to voice both books. What an exciting time! What supercedes the joy of seeing my own words published is the joy this has brought to my family, especially to my eight grandchildren, who have supplied some of the funny happenings for both books. I've tried my hand, since finishing the two devotional book, writing fiction. I've completed my first novel, A Web Too Tight. At each meeting of the Lit Chicks, I share with them a chapter or two. If the rest of the world meets it with their enthusiasm, it will be a best seller.

Lit Chick Gay "As a student teacher at Albertville High School, I was lucky to have Barbara Eubanks as my supervising teacher," said Gay Martin. "She inspired me (and our students) in the classroom, and she continues to inspire me with her writing. In fact, largely because of her encouraging words, I am now embarking on a fiction project - quite a departure from my usual travel writing." Gay and her husband, Carlton, are looking forward to a trip to Chile and a cruise around the southern tip of South America in a few weeks. Her guidebooks, "Alabama Off the Beaten Path" and "Louisiana Off the Beaten Path" (The Globe Pequot Press) are due out in their 8th editions in late 2006.

Lit Chick Alice Alice Duckett has 31 years of teaching experience mostly in Marshall County and Albertville City School Systems of Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida. I have published over 300 articles, features and columns in newspapers and magazines including The Gadsden Times, The Sand Mountain Reporter, The Tribune News, The Islander, The Island Chronicle, Transitions Abroad Travel Magazine, Alabama Wildlife Magazine, Alabama Conservation Magazine, and The Christian Advocate. Having attended numerous writing conferences, I have had the privilege of winning 10 writing awards in competitions around the Southeast. I have been an editor for writing organizations such as the Council of Writers/Journalists and several professional teacher organization newsletters. Currently I am working on a workbook for kids, "From Attics to Basements" - a how-to booklet on compiling Family History. This is going to accompany my programs, "Genealogy from a Christian Perspective" and "Fun with Genealogy for Kids" which I present in churches, at civic organizations, and Calhoun County Genealogy Society meetings. I am also working on a series of nostalgic vignettes about growing up in rural North Georgia. I enjoy presenting stories, readings and special programs in school settings. Alice holds degrees from Auburn University (BS-English), Jacksonville State University (MS-English), University of Alabama (MS level certification-- Gifted ED) and has completed post graduate work in creative/professional writing at the University of South Alabama.

Lit Chick Lori... Lori Boatfield is a writer and stay-at-home mom. A graduate of West End High School and Snead State Community College, she completed her education at Auburn University with a bachelor of arts. She is presently involved in several freelance projects, including writing a column entitled "Momedy: The Lighter Side of Parenting" for Valley Babies Magazine, published in Huntsville, Alabama and writing monthly posts on the BLOG, "My Baby Photos". Lori recently accepted a staff writing position for the On-Line Magazine, "Revive Your Life", which will go live in the spring of 2009. She has a novel, "The Creekhouse", a long time in the works, and is working on a book about surviving postpartum depression. Lori lives in Boaz with her husband, Jason and 2 year old son, Rafe. As a child, Lori loved reading and writing and credits her mother with instilling this passion. She has had articles published in the Gadsden Times as guest commentary and is presently working on a novel. Visit Lori's BLOG!

The Lit Chicks Write On

Sept. 19, 2006... 1:30PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Shirley Mitchell Guntersville, AL Reading Oct. 2, 2006... 1:30PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Barbara Eubanks Home 4840 McVille Rd. Albertville, AL 256 878 5934 Reading Nov. 6, 2006... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chick Meeting Lori Boatfield Home Main St. Boaz, AL Contact Person: Barbara Eubanks 256-878-5934 Reading Dec. 1, 2006... 6-8PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Gala Book Reception Boaz Public Library 407 Thomas Ave. Boaz, AL Participants: Barbara Eubanks, Shirley Mitchell, Gay Martin, Alice Duckett, Lori Boatfield, Contact Person: Barbara Eubanks 256-878-5934 Signing Jan. 30, 2007... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Gay Martin Home Wildhaven Dr Albertville, AL Contact Person: Barbara Eubanks 256-878-5934 Special Guests: News Reporters Charlotte Christopher Sand Mt. Reporter and Sherry Kughn The Anniston Star Reading Feb. 15, 2007... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Barbara Eubanks Home McVille Rd. Albertville, AL Contact Person: Barbara Eubanks 256-878-5934 Reading Mar. 20, 2007... 12Noon-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Alice Duckett Home Amberwood Lane Anniston, AL Contact Person: Alice Duckett 256-237-7123 Special Guest: Sherry Kughn, Reporter from the Anniston Star Reading Mar. 27, 2007... 11am-PST & 1PM-CST... Third Age Radio Show Hosts Dr. Peter Brill and David Debin of Third Age International - Interview "The Lit Chicks" Barbara Eubanks, Alice Duckett and Lori Boatfield, 3 members of "The Lit Chick" Group out of Northern Alabama. Third Age International provides the tools and support you need for improving the quality of your life and health in the Third Age. We bring people of the Baby Boom Generation together to help each other find ever-increasing levels of passion, purpose and joy in the aging process. Samantha Friedman, Associate Producer. The Third Age Radio Show with Dr. Peter Brill, a Physician and Psychiatrist, David Debin, a Writer and Producer, along with screen and TV star Anne Francis, treat Third Agers to a fun-filled, informative hour discussing issues at the heart and mind of the Third Age of life. Each week Third Age International on Third Age Radio Show features Authors and Guest Experts on topics diverse as Dating, Spirituality, Changing Habits, Grandparenting, Plastic Surgery, Sex, Finding Purpose, Health and Fitness, Fulfilling Dreams, Having Fun, Adult Children, Elderly Parents and many more. Listen in LIVE on Santa Barbara News Press Radio KZSB-1290am Tuesdays from 11am-PST and Rebroadcast Tuesdays at 9PM-PST & Saturdays at 1PM-PST, Plus Streaming on the Worldwide Web. Apr. 17, 2007... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Lori Boatfield Home Main St. Boaz, AL Contact Person: Lori Boatfield 256-593-1565 Reading May 21, 2007... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Shirley Mitchell Home Contact Person: Lighthouse Coastal Productions Reading Jun. 26, 2007... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Gay Martin Home Contact Person: Gay Martin 256-878-6271 Author Reading and Special Guest Poet Suzanne Hobbs of Jacksonville, AL Jul. 17, 2007... 12PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Barbara Eubanks Home McVille Rd. Albertville, AL Contact Person: Barbara Eubanks 256-878-5934 Reading Aug. 13, 2007... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Sherry Kughn Home 711 Keith Avenue Anniston, AL Contact Person: Sherry Kughn 256-237-2358 Reading Sept. 11, 2007... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chick's Meeting Lori Boatfield Home 601 N. Main Street Boaz, AL Contact Person: Lori Boatfield 256-593-1565 Reading Oct. 23, 2007... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Barbara Eubanks Home 4840 McVille Road Albertville, AL Contact Person: Barbara Eubanks 256-878-5934 Reading Nov. 20, 2007... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Shirley Mitchell Home Guntersville, AL Contact Person: Barbara Eubanks 256-878-5934 Reading Dec. 18, 2007... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Alice Duckett Home 4720 Amberwood Lane Anniston, AL Contact Person: Alice Duckett 256-237-7123 Reading Jan. 22, 2008... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Gay Martin Home 135 Wildwood Drive Albertville, AL Contact Person: Gay Martin 256-878-6271 Reading Feb. 26, 2008... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Gay Martin Home 135 Wildhaven Dr. Albertville, AL Contact Person: Gay Martin 256-878-6271 Reading Mar. 18, 2008... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Lori Boatfield Home 601 N. Main St. Boaz, AL Contact Person: Lori Boatfield 256-593-1565 Reading Apr. 22, 2008... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Cultural Arts Center Broad Street Gadsden, AL Contact Person: Alice Duckett 256-237-7123 Luncheon and Reading May 17, 2008... 12noon-4PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Guntersville State Park Lodge 7966 AL Hwy. 227 Guntersville, AL 256-571-5440 guests of Barbara Eubanks at Spring Luncheon/Program of Thursday Book Club Contact Person: Barbara Eubanks 256-878-5934 Book Club Program and Reading Jun. 17, 2008... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Alice Duckett Home 4720 Amberwood Lane Anniston, AL Contact Person: Alice Duckett 256-237-7123 Reading Jul. 22, 2008... 12noon-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Lighthouse Coastal Productions 466 Sardis Cutoff Road Sardis City, AL Contact Person: Lighthouse Coastal Productions 256-281-9399 Reading & Internet Updates Aug. 19, 2008... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Alice Duckett Home 4720 Amberwood Lane Anniston, AL Contact Person: Alice Duckett 256-237-7123 Reading Sept. 16, 2008... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting... Lori Boatfield Home 601 North Main St. Boaz, AL Contact Person: Lori Boatfield 256-593-1565 Reading Oct. 21, 2008... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting... Gay Martin Home 135 Wildhaven Dr. Albertville, AL Contact Person: Gay Martin 256-878-6271 Reading Nov. 18, 2008... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting... The Club 1 Robert Smith Dr. Birmingham, AL Hostess: Shirley Mitchell Reading Dec. 16, 2008... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting... Barbara Eubanks Home 4840 McVille Rd. Albertville, AL Contact Person: Barbara Eubanks 256-878-5934 Christmas Luncheon and Reading Dec. 30, 2008... 10am-CST... Photo Shoot for Lit Chicks Gadsden Senior Center Downtown Gadsden, AL For Cover Photo/Guest Feature Article for Anniston-Gadsden Christian Family Magazine January 2009 Issue Lunch at Courtyard Cafe Gadsden Cultural Arts Center Contact Person: Editor Shon Hill 256-328-1082 Reading Feb. 17, 2009... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Lori Boatfield home 601 N. Main St. Boaz, AL Contact Person: Lori Boatfield 256-593-1565 Reading Mar. 16, 2009... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Alice Duckett home 4720 Amberwood Lane Anniston, AL Contact Person: Alice Duckett 256-237-7123 Reading Apr. 9, 2009... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Barbara Eubanks Home 4840 McVille Rd. Albertville, AL Contact Person: Barbara Eubanks 256-878-5934 Reading May 19, 2009... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Shirley Mitchell Home Contact Person: Lighthouse Coastal Productions 256-305-3060 Reading Jun. 16, 2009... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Gay Martin Home 135 Wildhaven Drive Albertville, AL Contact Person: Gay Martin-256-878-6271 Reading Jul. 21, 2009... 1PM-CST... Canceled Meeting Aug. 18, 2009... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Alice Duckett Home 4720 Amberwood Lane Anniston, AL Contact Person: Alice Duckett 256-237-7123 Reading Sept. 22, 2009... 1PM-CST... Sand Mountain Lit Chicks Meeting Lori Boatfield Home 601 N. Main St. Boaz, AL Contact Person: Lori Boatfield 256-593-1565 Reading

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