Do you know Lori Pohlman? The writer behind the enchanting blog, Lake Arrowhead Lady Writer? Lori wrote a generous review of “Surviving Sue” on March 8 and I must admit, in the not-quite two years since I shared my story with the world, I continue to be thrilled and delighted every time a reader has kind thoughts to share.
Part of my delight comes from learning I’ve got companions in the marketing effort. Oof. I’ve said this before but the promotional aspect of being an author is something I was only marginally prepared for.
My family and dear friends know that once the “Surviving Sue” book launch concluded, I secretly wondered if I could hole up and hide out. Let ‘word of mouth’ – should I be so lucky – do the work. Naivete to the max!
I learned. Being an author challenges the urge to retreat, especially when the desire collides with ambition…the reminder that you wrote because you were mission-focused.
I learned. My goal of highlighting the power of intergenerational healing through writing would be hollow if I didn’t dig in and engage. Talk about the book. Take my place in the spotlight, whether it was in a book club discussion or a presentation at a local library. Or in a blog post.
Every time a new review surfaces, I feel giddy like it’s Christmas morning. Grateful – absolutely – but as much as possible, I’m also driven to highlight the dear one who read and found the glimmers – the pieces of me embedded within “Surviving Sue“.
This is what I mean…an excerpt of one of my favorite essays from Lori where she challenged herself with a timed writing session, prompting all sorts of revelations and a beautiful, relatable conclusion:
And there you are. Or there I am. Do I feel better? Maybe a bit, and I’ll take it! Next a walk. A walk after a writing session helps all the thoughts flow better and meet one another and mix and calculate. Also, writers need to take care of the body that carries them around and allows them to experience many of the things that feed them as creatives.
I believe I’ll go for a walk now.
Wishing you lots of “free to worry” (and resolve) writing time—and all the healing you need and all the hope.
If you’re not following Lori, you should be. 😊
But before you go, take a look at Lori’s review of “Surviving Sue” – another example of her heart on display:
Vicki is a fellow blogger, one I follow and read with pleasure, always knowing I will find something positive, real, and insightful in her posts. Vicki is generous with her readers, sharing of herself, her humor, her highs and lows with an empathic interest in our perspectives.This is Vicki’s voice, and it shines on the pages of her book. She is a profoundly kind-spirited woman who grew up learning how to turn the injury and injustice of her mother’s mental illness into something bigger than her own pain. With keen intelligence, her father’s and sister’s love, and later through her own family and probably also due to her dedication to her studies, Vicki survives and thrives, and she does it without ever compromising her own values.
Vicki’s compassion for her mother is more than challenged over the years, but somehow, she stays the course of doing what she believes is best for everyone concerned. For those who don’t know Vicki or haven’t read Surviving Sue, I’d like to stop here to encourage you to read it for yourself. This story is worth your time. It may even affect the ways you view some of your own experiences, past or present. It may soften your heart. It’s a beautiful book, and an engaging read.
Thank you, Lori, for being a reader and for sharing your thoughts, especially the words, “This story is worth your time.” I’m honored and humbled to have your good company.
-Vicki 💝
Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Launch Party – Victoria Ponders
Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Healing – Victoria Ponders
Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.
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Victoria Ponders 
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