“Slivers” Launch Party – Hello, Old Friend

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.



29 responses to ““Slivers” Launch Party – Hello, Old Friend”

  1. Great post, Vicki, about launch parties past and future. (Good luck with the upcoming event!) That IS quite a house.

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    1. Thank you so much, Dave! I look forward to catching up — learning what’s new with you today. (I hate getting behind in reading.) Sending big smiles! ❤️😉❤️

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      1. You’re very welcome, Vicki! 🙂

        I probably won’t post until late afternoon tomorrow or tomorrow evening. Memorial service today for a close friend, and a medical appointment with my very ill brother tomorrow. 😦 Both involving trips to New York City.

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        1. Oh my goodness. Please take care…that sounds like quite a lot at once, but I also believe I know you well enough to say it’s not surprising. Remembering dear ones and taking care of family in need. Doing what needs to be done. Safe travels, my friend. ❤️

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          1. Thank you, Vicki. Much appreciated. Yes, two days in a row of that sort of thing is indeed a lot at once. 😦

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            1. Sending hugs. ❤️❤️❤️

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              1. Thank you again, Vicki! As you know, family can be wonderful and family can be challenging.

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                1. Well said…and taking care, pacing ourselves is paramount. ❤️❤️❤️

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  2. How very exciting, Vicki! Easter eggs are so fun and look forward to hearing how the house in Slivers is a nod to Surviving Sue on the podcast. It’s all coming together for you. Congrats!

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    1. Thank you for riding along, my friend! So grateful for your support and love!
      ❤️😉❤️

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  3. The Barrington’s White House has quite a rich history dating all the way back to 1898 when it was built. And it has served so many functions in the community: hospital, nursing home, office spaces….💞 This is a perfect place to hold a launch party Vicki – it adds to the history, mystery, and grandness of “Slivers”. And when you say this: “Isn’t it fun when we re-read our own work and smile?”, it makes me smile to know I’m not the only one who does this… 😊

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    1. Rose! You said ALL of that so perfectly! Yes! The history tied to the Barrington White House it totally captivating! Wish you were near to come along to the party. I appreciate you soooo much!
      ❤️😉❤️

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  4. Wishing you the best of success Vicki 🥰❤️🥰

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    1. Love you, Maggie! ❤️😉❤️

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      1. Tots of jellies Vicki xox
        Much love to you ❤️🥰❤️

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  5. You’ve got me pumped to read Slivers. Of course, you’ve got me going down a bunch of Easter Egg trails too. I started by googling how Easter Eggs came to be in the techy world. Oh the places I went! Did you know that Toblerone’s Golden Edgy Egg reigns as the sugariest of all Easter eggs, with a shocking 61.2g of sugar per 100g – double the recommended daily sugar limit!!!! Ha ha, Ok, ok, let’s just say I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to hear about the big release!!!🤣🤣🤣😎😎

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    1. 😂😂😂You are a detective and comedian, aren’t you?!? 😂😂😂 Thank you SO much! ❤️😉❤️

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      1. No, let’s be honest. I have a problem with Internet swirl and lack of patience. Ha ha, looking forward to seeing your Easter Egg. 📚📚😎

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        1. Looking forward to your deep dive research! Where the heck did that term come from???? Easter egg,..hmmm…you’ve got an assignment, Brian!
          🤪❤️🤪

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  6. it is interesting looking back, where we were, how we were, who we were. you’ve come a long way and can’t wait to hear about the White House’s history – and it’s connection.

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    1. I love how you said that, Beth — where, how and who we were. Yes! Beautiful…and I hope you know how much your good energy matters. Not just where I’m concerned. All the goodness and joy you offer others means so much.
      ❤️😉❤️

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  7. You have the gift of saying just enough to draw one in — a remarkable talent and a mystery wrier’s necessity. Your new book will top some lists, I am sure. Though you don’t need it, good luck, Vicki!

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    1. Why thank you, my friend! I don’t know that I’m deserving of your high praise but I’m definitely enjoying the adventure. 😉❤️😉

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  8. Oh, I love the smiles that came from looking back at your last launch party. That seems like yesterday and a lifetime ago! You are amazing for many reasons – but your ability to do hard things is so inspiring! Loved our conversation and can’t wait for that Easter egg to go live! Sending all my love and support for your launch!! ❤ ❤ ❤

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    1. Thank you for being you, dear friend. So grateful to you for your love and support and endless enthusiasm, embodying “The Life of Try” in all that you do and encourage in others. xo! 💝😊💝

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