“It all comes to this: the simplest way to be happy is to do good.”
– Helen Keller
Inspired by Helen Keller’s beautiful quote, this is a good news post with gratitude galore – times four!
First: I’m grateful to a book club for selecting “Surviving Sue” as their summer read recently. They found me through my website and downloaded the book club resources I’ve posted there. Such fun!
Second: Many thanks to the Wauconda Library for inviting me to join them in a few months to offer “Writing for Wellness”. My favorite workshop focused on self-care and tapping the writer’s heart within. Here’s the description:
“Writing for Wellness”
Join Dr. Vicki Atkinson, author and Licensed Professional Counselor, to learn about unlocking your storyteller’s heart and enhancing your self-care game at the same time. Discover Atkinson’s top 10 techniques for improving life satisfaction and relationships and reducing stress – all through developing your voice as a writer. Includes handouts, resources, and Q&A.
Third: As members of the Chicago Writers Association (CWA), Wynne Leon and I have two additional workshops featured in the CWA Speakers Bureau thanks to the support and endorsement from our publisher friends at Eckhartz Press. (Thank you, Rick and Dave!) These virtual workshops are suitable for groups of all sorts. Here are the short descriptions:
“AI for Caregivers: Taking Advantage of a Virtual Assistant”
Learn how generative AI can ease the heavy load for caregivers. Authors Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon inspire you to think creatively about the use of virtual assistants. From building a budget, creating notifications, managing schedules, and more, AI can relieve caregivers of burdensome tasks. Even better? We’ll show you how AI can open doors to creative pursuits – like capturing family history and precious stories. Includes handouts, resources, and Q&A. Virtual only.
“How To Create a Writing Platform”
Establish your online writing presence with actionable steps to build your writing identity. Authors Vicki Atkinson and Wynne Leon have interviewed dozens of writers, authors, and bloggers and know the terrain. Unlock the keys to build a writer’s life while juggling other roles. With clear how-to’s about getting started, promotion ideas on social media, and encouragement, this session will help you begin your writing journey with confidence. Includes handouts, resources, and Q&A. Virtual only.
Fourth: I hope you’re following our continued growth on the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast where we interview amazing creative people with a focus on authors. Every other week we bring you guests who share insider details about their adventures in writing while also offering fabulous tips and inspiration. You can watch episodes on our YouTube channel or listen on all the popular podcast platforms.
The best part about forging these connections is building community. Wynne and I love inquiries about workshops, being on the podcast, queries about our projects…books we’ve published…and the mission we’re on to highlight the good wherever we can. Want to learn more? Have input for us? Reach out: sharingtheheartofthematter@gmail.com
All our best,
Vicki and Wynne 💝
Book Club Resources – “Surviving Sue”
Chicago Writers Association Speakers Bureau
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”.
Click here for Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcasts with talented creatives.
Click here for videos of our podcasts. Thank you!
Victoria Ponders 
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