Author Guest Post :Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark

Dancing Naked in Dixie
By Lauren Clark

Genre: Southern Fiction/Chick Lit/Light Romance


Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.

With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.

Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?

Book Guest Post
Lauren Clark
Dancing Naked in Dixie



Like Julia Sullivan in Dancing Naked in Dixie, I was born and raised in the Eastern United States. That said, when I moved to the Deep South, there was a lot to learn about the area other than the location of the closest grocery store or best restaurants.

Understanding some conversation in the Deep South is like learning a new language. There recognized words, but many are used in totally different contexts. It's been fascinating adapting to an entirely new way of conversing, and after a while, it becomes strange to go back to 'my' hometown and not hear a y'all every once in a while!

If you visit anyone below the Mason Dixon Line, here are the Top Ten Southern Sayings you're most likely to hear, plus a brief translation, and an example.

1. Y'all - You all, You guys, All of you (Y'all get back home before your mama finds out!)

2. Fixin' - Getting ready to do something , About to perform a task (Are you fixin' to eat?)

3. Carry - To take a person somewhere, usually by car or truck (Can you carry MeeMaw to the Piggly-Wiggly?)

4. Mash - Press or hold (To turn on the television, just mash that button.)

5. Get up with - See you later, Call you later (I'll get up with you next week.)

6. Holler - Two meanings: To yell or raise your voice or a location (Holler at me next week! or He lives down in the holler.)

7. Bless her heart, Bless your heart - A phrase used to express empathy or sympathy (Your daddy passed away? Bless your heart.)

8. A piece - A measure of length (She lives down the road a piece.)

9. Ma'am or Sir - A polite reference to a man or a woman; used with strangers and family to convey respect for one's elders. From the time children can speak, they are taught to use these titles. (Yes, ma'am, I did clear the dinner table. No sir, I did not finish my homework.)

10. Tea - An iced beverage made with water, tea bags, and loads of sugar. "Tea" always means iced Sweet Tea, unless the person speaking says "unsweet" or "un." (Would you like some tea? Sweet or un?)

You'll find plenty of fun Southern phrases and eclectic sayings in 'Dancing Naked in Dixie.' Which are your favorites? Any I should have included?








About the Author

Lauren Clark writes contemporary novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets.

A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends.

Check out her website at

Lauren Clark's Blog

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