Not quite three years ago I wrote about the “Surviving Sue” launch party, offering an insider’s peek at the event and the afterglow I felt. It was fun – just now – re-reading and reliving; seeing where my head was, both in a Victoria Ponders post and one on Sharing the Heart of the Matter. If you have a moment, take a look. I was surprised by my candor. Admitting to all of the insecurities and uncertainties I felt about assuming “author” as an identity when “Surviving Sue” was born. Isn’t it fun when we re-read our own work and smile? Like visiting with a younger version of oneself, an old friend.
I wrote about the upswell of emotion before the launch party, roused by the venue itself: Barrington’s White House. A historic mansion that’s been on my radar for decades:
Here’s my memory lane reminiscence from three years ago:
I was a frequent visitor to the house when I was a punky high school student. The house fell into disrepair and the ramshackle shell that remained was subdivided into small businesses, one of which was a Xerox copy center that I frequented often. Late assignments and all…in the pre-digital age when actual hard copies were required. Especially for homework. Thanks to community-minded preservationists, the house was lovingly restored. This week I stood in the corner of the foyer and I swear I caught a glimpse of my sixteen-year-old self, reflected in a vintage lead glass mirror.
The old girl looks pretty spiffy these days:
She’s been well-cared for by loving preservationists who turned the mansion into an event space. One I’ll use again in a few weeks for the launch of “Slivers”.
Some of you’ve asked about the “Slivers” cover image — a stately old house of another sort:
I’ll share a secret. The house earned its status as a character in the story. Tune into Wynne Leon’s The Life of Try podcast next Wednesday and you’ll learn why the “Slivers” house and its distinctive color is an Easter egg…a nod to secret keeping behavior in “Surviving Sue”.
Thanks much for the interest and pre-orders…and for supporting me and my wonderful publisher, Eckhartz Press. It means a lot. Just like your presence here.
Vicki 💝
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 and Slivers.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love. Check out this link to pre-order “Slivers”…a ghost story with surprising twists.
Victoria Ponders 
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