Lystra Books and Literary Services

Lystra Books and Literary Services Lystra Books publishes good stories well written for readers.

Lystra Literary Services provides editing, in-depth reading and commentary, and support for writers

Robert Lott Lee's memoir shows us how we can come to a deeper understanding of our own lives. There are times in life th...
08/21/2025

Robert Lott Lee's memoir shows us how we can come to a deeper understanding of our own lives.

There are times in life that are formative, whether we know it or not. Decades later, we could examine those times, try to understand them, try to see ourselves as they shaped us, and see them through different eyes. Why don’t we? Perhaps because we lack the tools and the vocabulary.
In Making Sense of a Time, psychologist Robert Lee goes back to important years in his early adulthood, and studies them—and himself—with courage, generosity, and humor. The book does not just tell, it shows us how to understand ourselves, heal ourselves, and live better.

We are proud to share a new historical novel. It is 1898. Bridie Murphey is twenty-two years old, widowed, with three yo...
08/21/2025

We are proud to share a new historical novel.

It is 1898. Bridie Murphey is twenty-two years old, widowed, with three young boys, two holding onto her skirts and the baby strapped to her chest. She is in line at the port of Newry, Ireland, waiting to board a ship to America. Bridie carries deep grief, confusion, and necessity along with her scant belongings, and she carries the reader with her on her journey to a new life. We are with her for every step and misstep, every new beginning and setback, every triumph and tear shed, until more than a decade later, she finds her place in another Town Named Newry.

Immigrant stories are American stories. They resonate with readers who are still adding chapters to their own families’ immigrant stories, and aren’t we all? In A Town Named Newry, Alix Crawford Carney gives us a heroine who is both familiar and unique. Readers will remember Bridey Murphey long after the book ends.

In 1965, a young American, Richard A. Berliner, graduated from college and went to Vietnam. This young man did not go as...
07/10/2025

In 1965, a young American, Richard A. Berliner, graduated from college and went to Vietnam. This young man did not go as part of the military, however. He went as a humanitarian hoping to be of service and to see the world in a new way. He could have been our family member, friend, or neighbor. Now Richard A. Berliner tells his Vietnam story in a strong memoir, A Different Journey. If you lived through the Vietnam era, you will want to read this book. If Vietnam is remote history to you, you should read this book. Berliner brings it to life. Lystra Books is proud to be associated with it.

Lystra Books is especially proud to be associated with The Power of a Paper Clip by Linda Hooper and Sharon Shadrick. Wh...
11/14/2024

Lystra Books is especially proud to be associated with The Power of a Paper Clip by Linda Hooper and Sharon Shadrick. When I wrote the introduction, I said, "The story told in this book begins before Paper Clips and extends past it, up to today, no matter day it is, no matter what is happening in the world. It also offers a view of the future shaped by young people and paper clips." We need its message today more than ever.

07/07/2024

Anyone curious about how a writer works on a novel after the first draft? Check my progress on my other page, Nora Gaskin Tells Stories. I hope you'll follow along!

07/05/2024

Five weeks ago today, I wrote "The End" on the last page of the first draft of a novel. With that "The End," the work begins. Follow my other page, Nora Gaskin Tells Stories to follow along.

07/01/2024

The world lost Cindy Campbell far too early. She left us some rules. It's her birthday today, so it's time to remember her and these.

Cindy Campbell’s Rules for Life
1. Always smile when you walk into a room. It helps put others at ease.
2. Eat breakfast every morning. It’s the most important meal of the day—until lunch.
3. Keep up with current events.
4. Play the music loud.
5. Take the trip. Buy the art. Drink the wine.
6. Always peanut. Never plain.
7. Watch the movie Babette’s Feast once a year.
8. Keep reading. Never stop learning.
9. Don’t be afraid to be kind to people. That’s what they will remember,
10. Be sure to put your contact lenses in the appropriate container, not in random wine glasses late at night.
11. Show love. Spread love. Always have love in your life.
12. Practice the Golden Rule.
13. Celebrate your friends.
14. Bet on yourself every day.
15. Remember that everything will be OK.
Go Heels!

I have been practicing yoga for 30 years, so I am very proud to announce the publication of this book. Tim Keim is a ski...
06/06/2024

I have been practicing yoga for 30 years, so I am very proud to announce the publication of this book. Tim Keim is a skilled teacher and can help experienced yoga students improve their practice. If you are new to yoga, the book gives you wonderful guidance. It is available online and through bookstores.

All my writer friends, registration for this event will end on Wednesday, April 10, so sign up soon! I look forward to s...
04/08/2024

All my writer friends, registration for this event will end on Wednesday, April 10, so sign up soon! I look forward to seeing you there.

To all my writer friends--this will be a great day-long workshop. No matter where you are as a writer, you will go home ...
03/04/2024

To all my writer friends--this will be a great day-long workshop. No matter where you are as a writer, you will go home with new energy, knowledge, and sense of community. Join us!

We are delighted to introduce Maximilian Xavier White, Painfully Normal Kid to the world! Jennifer Gambrel has written a...
02/05/2024

We are delighted to introduce Maximilian Xavier White, Painfully Normal Kid to the world! Jennifer Gambrel has written a book kids and parents will love!

I'll be talking with Katherine Snow Smith about her book of essays, Stepping on the Blender at McIntyre's Books. This bo...
01/16/2024

I'll be talking with Katherine Snow Smith about her book of essays, Stepping on the Blender at McIntyre's Books. This book is a celebration of life. And it's funny. Y'all come!

Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

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