Frequently Asked Questions

Do you and Mary keep in touch with your birth brothers?
After the first year, our family moved away from Jackson, GA. However, both sets of parents encouraged us to visit. So, as children we would spend weekends or play days together pretty frequently. Naturally, as the boys became teenagers and Mary and I were more involved in “girl” type things, we had less in common and our visits became less frequent. During our early adulthood we kind of lost touch with each other as we went about our separate lives. We have reconnected again and are enjoying getting to know each other and our respective families. We’re having fun catching up and comparing similarities and differences.

What happened to Nancy Malone?
This question is always asked by women readers. Nancy turned into a beautiful woman, she’s married and living in North Georgia. I asked her permission to use her name in the book and she was gracious enough to agree. She is just as delightful, caring, and fun as ever. She always plans our class reunions and is the first person to greet our classmates and make us feel that time has stood still.

Did you leave out parts of your life?
Because I wrote stories that later were compiled into a book, my intention was not to write a biography or chronological account of my life. These stories were vivid memories triggered by an event, holiday, photograph, or phone call. There are many, many other stories that were not told . . .not because I deliberately left them out, but because they did not emerge during the writing.

Are you going to write another book?
Absolutely. I don’t know where I will go next, but there are several ideas just waiting to be expressed. Of course there are other stories that seem to be emerging that are similar in style to the ones in Tap Water Girl. And then there are some writings that are developing that seem to be less “school girl” recollections and are perhaps more intense. I also have an outline for a novel (could it be the next Great American one?) and a couple of children’s books.
* Note: I would love my reader’s feedback regarding your thoughts on future writings.

Reading Tap Water Girl has made me want to write some of my own reflections. How do you suggest I get started?
Congratulations! Writing your reflections can be enlightening, fun, and a great way to process events in your life. The only way you can begin writing is to begin writing. It is not something you need to “get ready for” although a favorite pen and type of journal can add more enthusiasm.

I never was religious about keeping a diary or journals, although I kept logs of several trips and saved old letters (well some of them, anyway). About 6 or 7 years ago, I picked up a copy of The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and began journaling on a regular basis. I discovered through the journaling that I liked recalling and putting into perspective my life experiences. The more I unleashed my creativity, the easier my writing. It became a life saving exercise during the house remodeling and Mama’s illness. I consider that a sanity saving exercise. At that time, I wrote in notebooks that had a spiral binding across the top. I just like that kind of notebook.

Another way to get started is to review the book discussion questions posted on this web site (About the Book). The reflection questions are designed for your private thoughts while the discussion questions create great book club conversations.

How can readers get in touch with you?
First of all, let me assure you that I would like to add you to my e-mail list with your permission. Just e-mail me with your contact information and I will add you to my list. I will be announcing new products, new stories, and exciting Tap Water Girl news on a regular basis to subscribers. I would be flattered and honored to talk with you via e-mail or voice mail. The best way to reach me is through e-mail and then we can set up an appointment for discussion. I would love to review anything you have written, but first, to make sure I can give your work the attention it deserves, please e-mail prior to sending any written material. If you have questions regarding the book, please feel free to send those via e-mail. I will post the frequently asked questions with responses.

Are there going to be Tap Water Girl products?
Yes! In fact, the song, A Tap Water Girl In a Bottled Water World has been recorded and is ready for purchase. Written by Tim Bays and sung by a Nashville voice, the song reflects the message of the book, has a catchy tune, and is currently available. Call Shirley at (770)836-1926 for your copy.