“Slivers”: Secrets Run Amok

Over the next few weeks – as the publication date for “Slivers” creeps closer – I’m going to share three fantastic ‘book blurbs’ from a trio of extraordinarily talented writers: Joy Neal Kidney, Melanie McGauran and Wynne Leon.

Handing your book baby off to readers is quiver-inducing – hoping they’ll like your story. Hoping their appraisal will be suitable for the all-important back cover and inside pages.

Joy, Melanie and Wynne did not disappoint.

They captured the heart of “Slivers”, each in their own way.

I’m thrilled to share Joy’s ‘blurb’ this week…followed by Melanie and Wynne’s kind words in subsequent weeks.

The “Slivers” Synopsis

In a single week in the summer of 1973, a quiet suburban neighborhood implodes when generations of mystical deceit become too much to bear. Drawn to the web of secrets and lies, the other worldly slivers refuse to be ignored, pushing one family to the brink.


Joy’s Beautiful Blurb

You may think your family is a tribe of misfits, but what if there’s a backstory from generations earlier? I’ve never chewed my fingernails, but I could have with this story of ancestral secrets run amok. Teenagers living with secrets, rituals, tension, deceit, assured by their mothers that things are okay but sensing otherwise. Important things, worrisome, unspoken. Family dysfunction on steroids.  With whispers about the gift of intuition in her own family from generations across the ocean, Vicki Atkinson has woven a compelling story of inherited tentacles deeply entangled in the lives of younger descendants.

-Joy Neal Kidney, author of the Leora trilogy and other heartfelt books about family


Thanks to many who’ve asked about “Slivers” AND the cover design. (I love readers who know me…and know how painstakingly picky I am about graphics and design.) I’ll be back to share a glimpse of the cover as soon as I’m able, along with details about pre-orders from my publisher, Eckhartz Press. Supporting independent publishers is especially important these days…

Most of all, thank you for sticking with me as “Slivers” – the spooky, intuitive story inspired by “Surviving Sue” – comes to life!

Vicki 💝

Learn more about Joy here: Joy Neal Kidney – Family and local stories and history, favorite books

Learn more about Melanie here: Leavingthedooropen.com – Keeping It Real Storytelling

Learn more about Wynne here: Surprised By Joy – Meditations on Life and Parenting


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.

Click here for Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcasts. Listen and subscribe. Thank you! Click here for videos of our podcasts.



39 responses to ““Slivers”: Secrets Run Amok”

  1. Joy’s commentary heightens the suspense built into your story with more suspense tied to waiting for your books release, Vicki. The word slivers suggests that the book, in part, involves painful moments and our attempts to extract them. It will be interesting to discover how that word fits, and about the abrupt “knife-like” experience of a sliver tells us something about the story. Best of luck, Vicki.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh my goodness…look at all you’ve discerned already! Spot on, Dr. Stein! Extracting painful moments – yes! This has been such an adventure. Thank you for sticking with me my friend! 💝😊💝

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Congratulations, Vicki, on Joy’s stellar pre-review of your clearly compelling book!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Dave!!! Thank you. Joy is delightful and generous. Grateful for her words and your support, too! 😉❤️😉

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You’re very welcome, Vicki! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Just the title alone has that ‘inviting’, ‘provocative’, ‘potentially dangerous’ feel about it Vicki. All enhanced by Joy’s great review. Excited for ‘Slivers’ and for you. 🥰

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Margaret! Thank you for all of that! Sending big hugs your way…Xo!
      😉❤️😉

      Like

  4. Alright!!🎉🎉🤩🤩 The story concept sounds very interesting and I love the way it ties in to Surving Sue even though one book is fiction and the other non-fiction. I hope they’re holding a spot for you on the NYT best seller list!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Can you hear me laughing?!? NYT…ha ha! 🤣
      Thank you so much, Todd, for being intrigued about the concept. Means a lot! 😉❤️😉

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I see some of the titles on that list and I think “Really?!” Anything is possible! 💪❤️

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Go you! I’ll take alllll of that positivity!
          😜❤️😜

          Liked by 1 person

  5. Wishing you the best for the release Vicki 🥰
    Joy’s blurb has me intrigued .which is its purpose.👏👏
    Thank you for sharing dear friend xo🤗

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you! I’m eager for you, my sister in Scotland 😉 to read! I learned some interesting things when I dug into Sue’s background! 😉❤️😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I am sure you did Vi ki, don’t we always !
        Much love to you dear friend always ❤️🥰❤️

        Liked by 1 person

  6. this sounds so intriguing and what a great blurb from joy. you know I’m fascinated about the gift of intuitions, I can’t wait to see how this fits in!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Beth…thank you! I can’t wait for you to read. Sending big hugs! 😉❤️😉

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Congratulations, Vicki! The book is going to be a hit, I’m sure of it. 🥰

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Awww! Erin.,.thank you! Xo! 😘

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Goosebumps! And hugs. . .

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Xo! Thank you, Joy! 😉❤️😉

      Liked by 1 person

  9. I get the fear about handing off “your baby” for others to read. You put your heart and soul into it. You want others to see it the same way you do. I’ve come to see it less as looking for approval and more about appreciation and valuing the similar traits and effort. But I’ve found over the years that the more we let go, the better we are in the end. It’s like sharing deep personal stuff with others. The other person may not appreciate it the same way. But if they don’t that’s on them . . . not you. And you’ve learned from the process who really to trust and value as a friend. I can’t wait to hear more about your story. Love Joy’s blurb. As someone who’s been known to be anxious and fights chewing my nails . . . you’re starting to scare me Vicki. Ha, ha, I’m kidding, but excited for you. Enjoy these next few weeks. I’m sure the novel is going to have a huge audience.

    Like

  10. Oh, my! This sounds so good. Joy’s words left me intrigued and wanting to know more, precisely what a blurb is supposed to accomplish. I typically read things in order as I put them on my Kindle, but your book is going to go near the front of the line when it’s released.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Pete! Thank you! Yes! Joy’s input is amazing!
      “Slivers” will be out as a paperback only – direct from Eckhartz initially – like “Surviving Sue” and I’m so excited for you to read! Your support continues to mean the world to me, my friend!
      😉❤️😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. No worries. I actually prefer reading paperbacks or hardcovers, even though 75% of my purchases are now on Kindle. It solves the space issue. You know, I’ll still be a customer. Very excited for you, Vicki.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I’m smiling – so big! Thank you — all the best to you and Debbie! Hope you have a wonderful Sunday! 😉❤️😉

          Liked by 1 person

  11. Oh, you are so good at the tease. I love Joy’s line, “Family dysfunction on steroids. ” Amazing and delightful – the book, the blurb, the support of independent publishers. All so worthy!! ❤ ❤ ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Awww…can’t wait to share your awesome blurb, dear Wynne! Thank you for being you and encouraging me all along! 😉❤️😉

      Like

    2. That was the line that jumped out at me, too, Wynne. I imagine the publisher writes their own blurbs for a book, but they should consider using Joy’s line.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Joy is such an expert, isn’t she??? 🥰

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Congrats Vicki on the start of this exciting journey. Look forward to hearing more about Slivers. If I were to guess, it’s a family of witches and lots of secret to be revealed. Can’t wait to read it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ohhhhh! I love your guesses! Hmmmm….
      Xo!😘😉😘

      Liked by 1 person

  13. If Joy’s words are any indication, this is going to be a great read. I can’t wait!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I hope the read will be worthwhile for you! We have similar interests in the “unexplainable”! Thanks so much!
      😉❤️😉

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Exactly why I’m confident I’ll love it!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Yay!!!! 😉❤️😉

          Liked by 1 person

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