Exploring complicated issues from a woman’s perspective

Dancing in Quicksand

A NOVEL

What happens when family values meet domestic violence?

One woman’s search to find meaning beyond the ties of her toxic marriage

“A promising first novel that offers a lighter-than-usual take on a deadly serious subject”

—KIRKUS REVIEWS

“Do the best you can … when you know better, do better.” 

— Maya Angelou

Author Lucille N. Payne

I’m Lucille (Ceil) Payne, and I write about women’s agency — a woman’s ability to make and execute personal decisions about her own life versus feeling or being trapped by social norms, religious dogma, and family expectations.

As a kid, I followed the rules. As an adult, I looked for alternates when tradition or the norm didn’t mesh with my values.

I write about characters who challenge the status quo.

Dancing in Quicksand is my debut novel. A second book will follow in 2024.