The Practically Shameless blog
The Practically Shameless blog

Update on the Clean Talk book

I posted to this blog last August that I was beginning work on a book about Clean Talk, the communication model we use in Shadow Work, to help people avoid and resolve conflicts.

The date of that post was August 19, and within a week of my posting it, my mother's health went into serious decline, and it became evident she was dying. She died on September 2nd, the Friday of Labor Day weekend. 

I got back to work on the book a few weeks ago, but it's evident that it will most likely be a little while before my mind can be totally engaged on such an engrossing project. I still have grieving to do, and it seems that during a grieving process it's difficult to make any project proceed without difficulties. 

Testimonial to "Practically Shameless"

In an email exchange this morning, I heard from a former therapist who had just finished reading my book, Practically Shameless. It's one of the nicest testimonials I've ever received. Here are excerpts.


"Funny, I'm just finishing reading your book today. I ripped thru it in 2 days (and I have an 18 month old!) and am about to do the Risk Manager exercise. I came up with about a thousand things I could be when I'm Practically Shameless. So, excited and grateful you wrote the book. Love your writing style. Thank you! . . . good luck to you whatever direction you're heading. You've left inspiration in your wake."

Donating to Wikipedia

I've just become a regular monthly donor to Wikipedia. The monthly amount is small, but over a year's time it will add up to something.

I use Wikipedia with increasing frequency to research or verify almost everything, from medical conditions to popular songs.

Please consider donating to Wikipedia today.

Coming book about Clean Talk

I've just published two new essays to the Shadow Work website.

A Comparison of Clean Talk with Nonviolent Communication (NVC)

The Healthy Warrior in The King's Speech

Writing essays containing this kind of careful analysis is harder for me these days while I take care of my mother, and consequently it takes months longer, but I enjoy it just as much. I'm enjoying writing of all kinds right now, the words are flowing, which is so satisfying.

As a result of writing the essay about Clean Talk and NVC, I am now planning to write a book about Clean Talk.


Testimonial to "Practically Shameless"

Testimonial from a reader of Practically Shameless, received via email:

"I have been reading Practically Shameless and have found it extremely good. ... This text should be required reading for every certified MKP leader."

The reader also included some more personal reflections.

"Practically Shameless" now for iPad and Nook

Practically Shameless is now for sale as an e-book for both the Apple iPad and the Barnes and Noble Nook, in addition to the Amazon Kindle.

in iBookstore for Apple iPad -- Apple ID is 418821610
ISBN is 9780979832659

Apple's iBookstore sells the iPad version in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France and Germany.

Links to the other e-book editions:

for Barnes and Noble Nook

for Amazon Kindle in the US

for Amazon Kindle in the UK




"Practically Shameless" now on the Kindle!

I'm happy to announce that Practically Shameless is now available for the Amazon Kindle!

Here's its sale page at Amazon in the United States   (for some reason the product description is missing from the page, I've contacted support)

Here's its sale page at Amazon in the UK

Thanks so much to the readers who suggested publishing as an ebook, I really appreciate it!

"Practically Shameless" now in its third printing

Books were delivered from the printer on Wednesday, and Practically Shameless is now in its third printing!

More than 2300 copies of Practically Shameless have been sold since its publication in February 2008, and I'm delighted with the response from readers. Thank you again to everyone who has sent testimonials!

If you've read Practically Shameless, please take a minute to visit the book's Amazon.com page and click "Like" (a small button to the right of the 5 stars).  I appreciate it!




A holiday reminder

A reminder, that my audio CD, "Home for the Holidays: Tips for a Practically Shameless Holiday Season " is available on CD and download for as low as $9.95.

The economic downturn was already in full swing when I released the CD, so I kept the price as low as possible so that as many people as possible could afford it.

I've received some wonderful testimonials to the CD since its debut two years ago, most of them of an informal or confidential nature that I couldn't easily share.

I hope you'll decide to find out what other customers have discovered, that "Home for the Holidays " can help at a difficult time of year!

Best wishes for a lovely, and a practically shameless, holiday season!


Feedback from a reader

For some time I've been posting feedback I receive on Practically Shameless. I seem to have missed posting this one, received last winter, probably because I found it difficult to accept, and not deflect, such a wonderful testimonial.

"This week I read Practically Shameless. For any of you who are struggling with the feeling that they can't be creative, for whatever reason, or who, like me feel that they are the odd one out in groups, always the outsider, this book is priceless. If you want to get a feel for Alyce and her realness, have a look at her blog and if you get a chance, dip in further. I'm humbled by her willingness to be so open, and am having an interesting time exploring what that would feel like for me."

About the reference to my blog -- I have two blogs, this one and my personal blog at AlyceBarry.blogspot.com. These days, however, while I care for my elderly mother, I have less energy for regular blogging. When I write something at a deeper level, it's usually in an essay for the Shadow Work email newsletter, published about 4 times a year. Those essays also appear at the Shadow Work website on the Commentaries page.