Hey, friends –
I felt like many of you were with me in spirit on Saturday at the Printers Row Lit Fest. What a great event! I had the best helpers EVER – husband Paul and our daughter, Delaney. We enjoyed every bit of the adventure – gorgeous Chicago on a sunny day with temps in the mid-70’s and the opportunity to mix and mingle with readers and writers in a vibrant, exciting location. The Printers Row neighborhood DOES NOT disappoint. It’s a feast for the senses. Gorgeous old streets, buildings and a vibe that felt oh-so fabulous.
I’m grateful to my publisher, Eckhartz Press, for giving me a slot in the Chicago Writers Association tent. I don’t know what I enjoyed more…visiting with other authors or talking with readers. I’ve done so many events in my career and enjoy ‘table work’ but this was a new all-time high. Curious minds, intriguing conversations and boy, oh boy…did I ever hone my ‘elevator pitch’ as I described “Surviving Sue” over and over again. The best part? The generous head nods and recognition from strangers as they connected with the threads in my mom’s story.
Here are a few specific highlights:
- Lit Fest is a tremendous networking event for authors. Exchanging business cards and contact info, engaging in quick convos about mutual writing interests and opportunities was an unexpected benefit. Connections with higher ed colleagues who write in the memoir and personal narrative genre, including gender studies? My people!
- Stories about resilience and recovery will resonate with readers forever. The questions ‘How did you know it was time to write’…and ‘How did you take care of yourself in the process’ were asked repeatedly. Maybe because I appeared fairly ‘intact’, despite my adventures with my mom, Sue? 😉 I shared some tips and gave out flyers with my BIO and contact info for my consulting business along with info about workshops and programs that I offer related to counseling and personal development.
- “Intergenerational Healing” is more than a trendy phrase. Having our daughter, Delaney, in attendance was an unexpected benefit. Her conversations with readers about the importance of “Surviving Sue” and her role in encouraging me to write it were so well-received. (And yes…for future events, I’m already snagging her to be my partner.) I was surprised – as was she – by how much resonance there was for readers to see both of us, side by side, talking about the book.
- My background is a little unique as a therapist, an educator and author. Paul quipped that I should’ve created a Peanuts-style “Lucy” sign for my table to acknowledge advice given on the fly…in this case no charge. Not even five cents. Of course, I didn’t do therapy at Lit Fest but the convos about the overlapping threads in Sue’s story – mental health, addiction, Alzheimer’s and elder care – struck notes of recognition as readers thumbed through the book, the synopsis, the handouts. Elder care challenges and memory loss, sadly, are becoming common experiences for many families and those issues don’t travel alone. Often, they ride along with other illnesses. I did a lot of listening and affirming.
- Two conversations surprised me. One was about Sue’s hoarding disorder and the layers of disorientation that often accompany memory issues as we age, sometimes triggering compulsions to acquire unnecessary items. One reader asked if Sue struggled in this way (she’s dealing with her mom’s self-soothing tendencies and cocooning behaviors as she hoards home goods and food). Another reader shared a story about her brother who is intellectually disabled but still lives with their father. Worries about their safety and long-term plans. I didn’t expect to have in-depth conversations about my disabled sister, Lisa, or Sue’s hoarding disorder…over a table at Lit Fest…but they happened, and I did what was appropriate for the venue. I encouraged.
- Funny stuff – Part I? The small goody bags with peanut butter candy reeled a few folks in. Note to self: Next time, have an alternative treat for those who are allergic. I expected to hear “No, thank you” if someone didn’t like the candy or had an aversion or allergy. No problem. But two folks said, “Oh, I can’t eat that. What else do you have?” I smiled and thought…ummm…. this isn’t a concession stand. That’s all I’ve got – unless you want my protein bar. LOL.
- Funny stuff – Part II? I didn’t expect to get attention for the table display. I DID put some thought into it – the cohesive look to coordinate with the book cover, the table skirt, my handouts and goody bags but I was surprised when people commented (mostly other authors/exhibitors) about how well put-together my table looked. “Are you a graphic designer, too?” “Did you do your own cover – I love the picture” and…“Where did you get the little bags?”. I guess if the author thing goes bust I can add ‘tablescape’ support to my list of services. Hilarious! But…if that’s what drew folks in, I’m good with it. Praise is praise…and I’m grateful!
Thank you so much for coming along…vicariously. As always, I’m grateful for your support. If you’ve read “Surviving Sue” and would be willing to share a review, you can do so here on the dedicated “Surviving Sue” page…or on Amazon or Goodreads.
Smiles and hugs,
Vicki 🥰
Victoria Ponders 
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