If you’re in the Chicago area…I’d love to see you at Harper College, courtesy of The Cultural Arts Committee, when I read from “Surviving Sue” on Thursday, November 6 from 11am – 12:15 pm.
I’m a member of the wonderful Barrington Writers Workshop and wrote a short post on their site – about returning to a college campus I love – to share excerpts from my book:
Stepping into the River
I’ve found the prospect of book promotion to be daunting for many authors – much more than the writing itself. In the two years since my memoir, “Surviving Sue” was published, I’ve wrestled with how and when to squirm my way into a spotlight. Even the smallest one. It can be unnerving to talk about oneself, craft the various versions of sound bites and “elevator pitches” to suit varying audiences. Interviews on podcasts, radio programs, table talk at book fairs and more. But…I’ll let you in on a secret. It gets easier, bit by bit.
Talking about our books and asking others for input about promotion requires energy and grit but it’s not without rewards. I foolishly thought the first six weeks or so post book launch would be the make it or break it season for my book, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. The slow simmer – allowing readers to react, share their input, interact with the author is a gateway to book club events, speaking engagements and opportunities to see the writer’s work through readers’ eyes.
When an offer to return to my favorite campus arrived, I was both giddy with excitement and overwhelmed. Instantly a quote from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus came to mind:
“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”
When I return to Harper College on November 6 to read from “Surviving Sue” it will be a homecoming of sorts, but I’m stepping into the river with new shoes. I’m not the Dean, I’m not a faculty member or a former student. I’m Vicki – the author who dove into the topic of intergenerational healing by telling the story of my complicated family, especially the secrets my mom, Sue, perpetuated for years.
I’m grateful to my writer friends at the Barrington Writers Workshop for their endless support and enthusiasm. It’s a gift to be surrounded by creative folks who generously cheer one another on. It’s a newer river for me…one that I’m grateful to be swimming in.
I’ve loved the input I’ve received thus far about what to read on November 6. The themes in “Surviving Sue” run the gamut from mental health and elder care to disability and diversity topics and touches of humor, too.
If you’ve read and have a favorite excerpt, I’d love to know about it. Reader feedback is immensely helpful. This handout, available on my business site, continues to draw loads…of downloads…from clients and book club readers, describing the themes and threads in “Surviving Sue“:
Thank you for your support and interest in my story. The dividends continue to pay off as I find myself helping others write for wellness and resilience. Thanks, too, to my supportive publisher friends at Eckhartz Press, Rick Kaempfer and David Stern.
Cheers to all!
Vicki 💝
Lagniappe? A little more? Thanks much for the inquiries about my work-in-progress. I’m on track to share more…soon! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever written and I can’t wait to fill you in.
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”.
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Victoria Ponders 
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