Victoria Ponders

“Surviving Sue” – On the Road!

 

I am so excited!  I’ve been invited to participate in the Midwest’s largest literary showcase, “Printers Row Lit Fest” coming up on September 9 in Chicago.  The Lit Fest is held in a historic neighborhood, once known as the bookmaking hub of Chicago.   

The two-day event is in its 38th year and typically boasts attendance of more than 100,000 visitors.  I’ll be there as the event opens on Saturday, September 9 from 10 am – 12:30 in the Chicago Writer’s Association Tent. 

Thank you for all of the support for “Surviving Sue” – available on Amazon as an eBook or directly from my publisher, Eckhartz Press, in paperback.  If you’re in the area on September 9, please stop by.  I’d love to meet you!

-Vicki 😊

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Victoria

Hi — I’m Vicki and I’m a big believer in the power of connection – taking time to share what matters most. I love pondering…thinking about work, family and home life and I enjoy blogging about all of it. Cheers!

78 responses to ““Surviving Sue” – On the Road!”

  1. VJ Avatar
    VJ

    How exciting! Congratulations!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you so much, VJ! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. VJ Avatar
        VJ

        💕

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  2. Jane Fritz Avatar
    Jane Fritz

    Oh, how wonderful, Vicki. Congratulations! You will enjoy every minute of this experience. 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Jane. It’s a little terrifying…thanks for the encouragement! 😘

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Julia Preston Avatar
    Julia Preston

    Wow Vicki! SO happy for you! What an accomplishment!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Jules…thank YOU so much for being such a source of support and enthusiasm. Grateful to you, dear one. I’m gonna metaphysically pop you into the tent to sit next to me, deal? 😘

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Julia Preston Avatar
    Julia Preston

    Deal! Can’t wait! I’ll hand you the books to sign.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Oh…that’s perfect because I’m all thumbs. How did you know? xo, Jules! 💕

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. Maryanne Avatar
    Maryanne

    Wow! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Maryanne! xo! 😘

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Deborah Avatar
    Deborah

    Congrats! I hope it’s a blast and that you touch people there as you do here.

    While I’m too far away in space to attend such a splendiferous-sounding book centric event (<3 books), I ordered my print copy a few days ago. With all I read here, I so look forward to reading your words in longer form!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Two things from you have made my day:
      1. Your use of the word “splendiferous”. Love! and
      2. The fact that you’re gonna read “SS”.
      Yay! I’m honored and grateful — can’t wait to hear what you think. xoxoxox! 🥰

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  7. drgeraldstein Avatar
    drgeraldstein

    Congrats, Vicki! Will you be reading from the book there or elsewhere?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      I did a reading at the official book launch event but no — no other readings scheduled yet but I’m trying to get the word out that I’m open to it! The Printers Row event is just staffing a table. 😉 (And guess what? Our friend Lois Roelofs will be in the same tent with me, I think!)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. drgeraldstein Avatar
        drgeraldstein

        If so, I am sure you will hit it off.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          I think so — it was a joy to meet her virtually when Wynne and I podcasted with her about her beautiful book, “Marv Taking Charge”. 😊

          Like

          Reply
  8. Esoterica Avatar
    Esoterica

    How cool!! Congratulations, Vicki!! 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Erin! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Ally Bean Avatar
    Ally Bean

    Congrats! Get ready to sign a lot of books. And meet some cool people I suspect, too.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Agree…I think I’d rather be an attendee – so many authors in one place! It’s a great book fair and it will be a little surreal to be there in another role. Thanks much, Ally! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. Deb Avatar
    Deb

    Congrats Vicki! Just remember to breathe. 2 hours will fly by 🙂 I do hope you find and want to wander a bit after your shift, taking some opportunity to meet new authors but scope out a quiet corner to recharge as well.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      You know me! Yes — I think the wandering and meeting other authors will be fun, too. Quiet corners, plenty of water and moments to recharge. Great advice, dear Deb. Thank you! 😉

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply
  11. petespringerauthor Avatar
    petespringerauthor

    Best of luck, Vicki. My parents grew up in the Chicago suburbs, so I’ve spent a lot of time there.

    By the way, guess what book I’m reading right now? 😎 (I’m about halfway and enjoying your compelling tale.) As a teacher, I learned not to assume my stable upbringing was like that of others, and your memoir is a friendly reminder of that. Kudos to you for rising up all about the chaos.

    I know how much we authors appreciate positive reviews, so I’ll be sure and do that when I finish.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  12. petespringerauthor Avatar
    petespringerauthor

    above the chaos.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you so much, Pete — Chicago is wonderful! And you know what? I don’t think I ever posted my review of “They Call Me Mom”. I’m so sorry about that. I will go peek…but I think I intended to and didn’t follow through. Grateful to you for reading — you’re right – it means a lot to receive positive reviews and feedback. 😉😉😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    2. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      I just checked! I’d drafted a review for “They Call Me Mom” but I never submitted it to Amazon. So sorry for that three-month delay. Oh my goodness. I just posted it — hopefully it will appear soon. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. petespringerauthor Avatar
        petespringerauthor

        No worries, Vicki. Thank you for taking the time to read my book.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          It was my pleasure! 😉

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  13. Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader) Avatar
    Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)

    Oh that’s so exciting for you Vicki. Congratulations!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Michelle! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. E.A. Wickham Avatar
    E.A. Wickham

    That is so exciting! How wonderful to be a part of such a great bookfest as an author. Did you have any idea when you were writing “Surviving Sue” that you’d be part of this event?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Oh my goodness, no. No idea! I’m just grateful for the support and opportunity. Thank you for being a dear reader, Elizabeth! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. E.A. Wickham Avatar
        E.A. Wickham

        What a wonderful surprise! I can’t wait to hear all the details.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          Thank you! I promise to share. It will be fun. Xo! ❤️

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. E.A. Wickham Avatar
            E.A. Wickham

            😊

            Like

            Reply
  15. Life with Alegria Avatar
    Life with Alegria

    Congrats Vicki! How fabulous. Enjoy the moment. 🌸

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you so much! Grateful for your kindness. 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Life with Alegria Avatar
        Life with Alegria

        My pleasure Vicki. 💕

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          🥰❤️🥰

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  16. Linda Frank Avatar
    Linda Frank

    This is wonderful! Yay! Way to go!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thanks, Linda Jane! 🥰

      Like

      Reply
  17. Read Between the Lyme Avatar
    Read Between the Lyme

    How awesome! Congratulations 👏🎉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, thank you, thank you! Hope you are doing well. xoxo! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  18. Brenda Avatar
    Brenda

    Congratulations. I’m sure you’ll be a big hit 😁

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thanks, Brenda! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. apeacefultree Avatar
    apeacefultree

    Congratulations 🙂! That sounds so exciting. Hope it is a wonderful experience.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you for your good wishes! ❤️😉❤️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. WritingfromtheheartwithBrian Avatar
    WritingfromtheheartwithBrian

    Oh, this is so cool Vicki! Sounds like it will be an amazing opportunity. So much history there too. So happy for you!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Brian! 😉😎😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. WritingfromtheheartwithBrian Avatar
        WritingfromtheheartwithBrian

        Today, Chicago, Tomorrow, New York, LA, London. Who knows. Ha, ha.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          LOL! You’re hilarious – thanks for the chuckle. 🤣

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. WritingfromtheheartwithBrian Avatar
            WritingfromtheheartwithBrian

            😎😎😎😎

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
  21. Patti Moore Wilson, wednesdayschild2 Avatar
    Patti Moore Wilson, wednesdayschild2

    So happy for you, Vicki! I am finally reading your book… for some odd reason, it took a few months – and two tries – for it to finally make it across the border. The folks at Eckhartz Press were AWESOME at (personally!!!) answering my queries and seeing that your book made it through (last week 😀💕🙏).

    I’m about half-way through and both sad and in awe that you ‘survived’ Sue… it’s incredibly well written and a page turner, for sure, but so much more meaningful as I do feel like a friend, and not just a ‘reader’… I am so sorry that this happened to you and to Lisa, Vicki…😔💕

    I believe I have actually recognized the Manchausen’s in a friend’s ‘Ex’ and will be passing your book along to them. It explains SO much about what my friend (and their family) have gone through for decades, and I believe it might provide them with some relief, knowing it’s not something they could have easily controlled. Sometimes, just knowing ‘why’ makes SUCH a difference…

    I wish you SO much success with this book tour, Vicki! It is an amazing and well-earned accomplishment…🙏🙂💕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Patti — I’m so sorry there was a massive hiccup in the delivery of the book to you! The folks at Eckhartz ARE terrific…but still. That’s way too long. Thank you for your patience and for still being willing to read after such a delay. (Shoot — I could’ve personally delivered a copy to you – several times over – in the time it took to arrive.)
      AND — thank you for being a wonderful friend and for your interest and enthusiasm for “SS”. Your words of praise mean so much as we’ve connected about our ‘pain points’ in the past and I believe you are a warrior/survivor, too. We stick together!
      While I’m sad to hear that there’s a thread of recognition in the Munchausen’s/FDIA aspect, I’m so happy to hear that you can pass “SS” to someone you care about who might be seeing the behavior and the detrimental impact in their family. That’s the point of writing for me — shining that light, bringing challenges forward for healing. Love you to bits…can’t wait to hear more as you finish. Grateful, grateful! 🥰🥰🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Patti Moore Wilson, wednesdayschild2 Avatar
        Patti Moore Wilson, wednesdayschild2

        Oh, Vicki, not to worry!!! It’s been a strange summer so the wait worked out very well for me, under the circumstances. As much as I would have loved a personal delivery (🙂), your book arrived at the perfect time and thanks to Eckhartz, I wasn’t in the least worried. I knew they were ‘on’ it 🙂 With regard to our common ‘pain points’, honestly, as I am reading YOUR story, I now feel I had it pretty easy… My heart has gone out to you so many, many times as I have been reading your book… We are exactly the same age (two months apart) and would have been in the same grades, listening to the same music on the radio and living in the same era… How I have wished I could have been your friend in some of those moments. I’m so grateful for all the amazing mentors you met along the way. I sure hope you have felt my empathy… Sending you a HUGE hug and much love…xoxo

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          Thank you, Patti! Yes…I’ve felt the connection—what a beautiful thing it’s been to connect thru blogging. Magical! I figure it was time for us to meet now – and enjoy the realizations that we were youngsters once – experiencing the same wonderful 70s music…and more. I love that! Xo! 🥰❤️🥰

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. Patti Moore Wilson, wednesdayschild2 Avatar
            Patti Moore Wilson, wednesdayschild2

            🙂🙏💕💕💕

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
            1. Victoria Avatar
              Victoria

              🥰🥰🥰

              Like

              Reply
  22. Awakening Wonders Avatar
    Awakening Wonders

    Congrats on being invited to participate in the Midwest’s largest literary showcase! What an adventure it will be and full of unlimited possibilities!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Mary! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. Wynne Leon Avatar
    Wynne Leon

    That’s so fun! Right in the bookmaking hub of Chicago. Perfect! Wish I could be there!! ❤ ❤ ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Me, too — me, too! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  24. D. Wallace Peach Avatar
    D. Wallace Peach

    Have an amazing time, Vicki. How wonderful to be invited to join in. I was recently in Chicago and it’s such a great city – and a huge supporter of the arts, including writing. And I hope you sell a bunch of books!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Diana! I’m grateful to you for your support and enthusiasm. Thank you again for pointing me toward Shepherd, too. So good! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. D. Wallace Peach Avatar
        D. Wallace Peach

        🙂 I hope to read your book this year too!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          I would be honored. Thank you for considering, Diana. 🥰

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  25. Todd Fulginiti Avatar
    Todd Fulginiti

    Awesome! 🎉🎉🎉
    Congratulations!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you! I’m so grateful to you for reading and your terrific Amazon review. xoxox! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Todd Fulginiti Avatar
        Todd Fulginiti

        My pleasure- it’s an amazing story and a great read 😎

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          Aww…thank you! 😊❤️😊

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  26. ParentingIsFunny Avatar
    ParentingIsFunny

    That’s incredible and so exciting for you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Victoria Avatar
      Victoria

      Thank you, Betsy! xo! 😘

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. ParentingIsFunny Avatar
        ParentingIsFunny

        I hope you have fun and a wonderful experience all around. 🙂

        Like

        Reply
        1. Victoria Avatar
          Victoria

          Thank you — it should be a blast…plus the opportunity to visit with other writers? Wowza. xo! 😉

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
          1. ParentingIsFunny Avatar
            ParentingIsFunny

            Live it up, baby!!! 😛

            Liked by 1 person

            Reply
            1. Victoria Avatar
              Victoria

              ❤️❤️❤️

              Liked by 1 person

              Reply
  27. Your Favorite Writer Quotes - Wise & Shine Avatar
    Your Favorite Writer Quotes – Wise & Shine

    […] “People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of their character.” – Ralph Waldo EmersonSubmitted by the insightful and delightful Vicki Atkinson of the Victoria Ponders blog […]

    Like

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“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.

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