About the Book
Into the Dust – The Virgin: A Burning Man Story. Burning Man is just a hedonistic music festival, a decadent party for burnouts, druggies, and hippies. Or so Diane believes until an unexpected invitation from her closest friend opens a door to unknown possibilities.
Leaving her carefully ordered life behind, Diane accepts her friend’s invitation and immerses herself in the harsh, unfamiliar environment of Burning Man. After an intense, life-changing two weeks of unimaginable experiences, she emerges into a reality more extraordinary and rewarding than she ever could have hoped for or imagined.
WHAT IS BURNING MAN?
A place made sacred by people who need a sacred place.
Why are people drawn to Burning Man, and what brings them back again and again? What actually happens at the maligned, misunderstood, iconic event staged in the middle of a Nevada desert? More importantly, what happens to the people who go?
About the Author
Jack Lyons grew up in the 70s and 80’s America reading books and dreaming about awaiting adventures. After more than 30 years of working and traveling the planet, Burning Man was a life-changing experience. A determination to share the adventure inspired him to share the insight and splendor in an entertaining story form.
Author Quote:
There is a different life out there, and I am going to find and share it.
Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book, Into the Dust – The Virgin, What is it about?
The book is a fictional story about a first-time attendee’s journey to Burning Man. While fictional, real The book is a fictional story about a first-time attendee’s journey to Burning Man. While fictional, authentic experiences are captured in the book. A must-read before attending Burning Man. Veteran burners will be brought back home.
Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, Into the Dust – The Virgin, is it directed at any particular market?
First, this book will appeal to anyone interested in learning about Burning Man. All of the stories could happen, and some of them actually did. Veteran Burners can go back to the playa without leaving home. The book is absolutely a must-read for anyone going to the Burn for the first time.
Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?
Terry Pratchett has always been a favorite. He built an entirely new world. Conn Iggulden puts history in beautiful storylines. George RR Martin is a master storyteller.
Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?
Read and begin to understand how different authors express themselves. Then, keep showing up and letting the muse flow through you. There is no replacement for just writing. You have to show up and put in the work.
Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, and your book, Into the Dust – The Virgin, do you have a website or a way to be contacted?
I love to hear from readers! Jacklyonsauthor.com has a contact page
Qn 6: Can you tell us more about Diane’s life before Burning Man?
I hadn’t thought about Diane’s life before Burning Man. But I would expect that she had graduated college and pursued a career in business. While seeking out mentors and leaders from which she could learn, Diane found out she was smart, capable and knows her value. A few relationships maybe, she doesn’t feel to me that she was married, but she could have been. Diane does not have children, not because she wouldn’t want them, but hasn’t found the partner she would want to have them with. She had become successful through her intelligence and hard work but felt something meaningful was missing.
Qn 7: How can readers connect with Dianne and her past life experiences and her newfound perception after attending Burning Man?
Diane represents a good person with a certain view of the world and their place in it. It is sometimes difficult to express ourselves creatively, and artistically in structured and familiar environments, i.e.the default world. By being on the playa, you see people running around, having fun, and letting it all hang out. People are allowed to express themselves in ways they may have never had permission to.
When I say permission, what I mean is giving themselves permission to be different and not conform. I believe that there are structures in place while intended to keep us safe as children, still restrict us when we grow up. Being different can lead to being shunned, excluded, or forced out of the tribe. Burning Man is a place where people can explore and express themselves.
Qn 8: You attended Burning Man yourself and say that it was life-changing. How did it affect you and how did it change your life?
How was Burning Man life-changing? By gaining an understanding that the people making art are just people. The people expressing themselves are just regular people like myself. People doing different things are not the other. You can do different things too.
My adult life was fairly structured though unusual in that I traveled the world with my career. I had creativity within me, going to Burning Man let me give myself permission to let it out.
Qn 9: You spent more than 30 years travelling where have been your favourite and wort destinations and why?
I traveled theI traveled the world first through the military and then as a professional mariner. I enjoyed being on a ship and seeing land after a long time at sea. Pulling into a port city via ship was always fascinating. Thailand and Australia were favorite places.
The people and attitudes were just so welcoming and the cultures were great to explore.
Qn 10: What do you plan to do next?
I have completed my second book, Racing to the Dawn, and am very close to releasing it. In addition, I’m learning a lot about the book business and am branching out to doing the marketing side. I look forward to starting the next book. I have the idea I can travel around in my RV all over the country and just write, a simple kind of life.
I look forward to attending both Julplaya and the big Burn this year. I will continue to write and plan on traveling more.
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