Gratitude thoughts about camaraderie and connection AND a fresh review of my supernatural novel, “Slivers”!
It’s been a great week, filled with opportunities to meet fellow writers and creatives. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by inspirational folks, including you, kind person, reading these words at this very moment.
In my workshop last week, “Writing for Wellness” I mentioned, in an offhand way, that I’ve been blogging seriously (meaning weekly) here on WordPress for four uninterrupted years thanks to a nudge from my friend Carolynn Muci back in 2022. Carolynn is incredibly creative — a talented textile artist who will be featured in the upcoming Morton Arboretum Wine and Art Walk. You can preview some of Carolynn’s designs on her new IG page here.
I love it when Carolynn joins me for any presentation I do. She’s the best combination of companion, cheerleader and coach all rolled into one fabulous human being. Do you know someone like that? A friend who provides sparkling energy, helping you hum along?
Carolynn captured a few moments from the “Writing for Wellness” workshop at the Round Lake Library. I usually forget about taking photos…but Carolynn remembers!
My friend and publisher, Rick Kaempfer was there, too. Rick’s a busy guy providing support to a growing roster of authors and the fact that he made time to attend, offering wonderful feedback and posting about it on “socials” for Eckhartz Press made me super happy.
And then, of course, there are the attendees. Wonderful individuals who took time out of their busy lives to spend a chunk of their Thursday evening with me. Listening attentively as I shared nuggets of inspiration mined from favorite researchers, authors and sages — about the power of writing for wellness.
I’m pleased that several attendees are new followers here. Welcome!
Just as fabulous? Thoughtful follow-up emails and text messages from a couple of attendees, letting me know they’re renewing their interest in writing, inspired by the camaraderie in the room Thursday night. Thank you all — so much!
The day before the workshop I enjoyed a long lunch with my friend, author and illustrator Joanie Becker Goldberg. I met Joanie two years ago when we were both promoting our books at Chicago’s Printers Row Lit Fest. What a great way to feel the power and positivity — attending fantastic events, vibing with thousands of writers and readers. Joanie and I will both be back this year and we can’t wait!
Joanie’s beautiful “Goldie A. Poligee & the Three Bears” is the most delightful children’s story and I wrote about it here. I am such a fan of authors in the children’s genre. I think it’s because I love teachable moments offered with rich illustrations and whimsy. Messages curated for children but often oh-so applicable to adults, seeking comfort in kindness.
Last week I shared a portion of Joanie’s review of “Slivers”, my supernatural, spooky ghost story — inspired by what if wondering after I wrote “Surviving Sue”. Here’s Joanie’s full review and yep. I’m still smiling.
From the moment I met Vicki Atkinson, I felt our connection. Something about her…
She emanated warmth, openness, and kindness. She was insightful. Friendly and funny. Honest. Yet, perhaps most striking was her intuitive wisdom. Uncanny, almost as if she could read my mind. Hmm …
That her writing is a reflection of these qualities didn’t surprise me in the least. In her memoir (and first book), “Surviving Sue,” Vicki unselfconsciously reveals family secrets buried within the insanity of growing up the daughter of an alcoholic mother—also afflicted with anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s, and Munchausen’s. Despite this childhood-into-adulthood trauma, Vicki’s story is one of survival, yes, but also, ultimately, one of compassion, forgiveness, healing, and hope.
In May 2026, Vicki launched her second publication, branching into fiction. “Slivers” is a coming-of-age story of three young teens who are undeniably and inextricably connected. But why? Mystery, mind reading, lies, family secrets, estranged relationships, plus more than a pinch of the paranormal, create a page-turning sur-reality within which the reasons come to light.
Vicki’s quiver-inducing writing is rife with description, transporting the reader to the summer of 1973, can of Tab in hand. If you’re looking for a read that’ll give you shivers and make you wonder whether someone’s reading your mind, “Slivers” delivers!
Don’t be surprised if the pages flip themselves. The wind? … perhaps.
I love Joanie’s reference to “Slivers” as quiver-inducing! Exactly what I hoped for. And just like Melanie McGauran, who was the first to say, “Slivers delivers”, Joanie’s praise resonates and resonates. Pages flipping themselves to goose you along as you read? Maybe so…slivers can be playful and naughty. But you’ll need to read to understand…
Which brings me to this. “Slivers” is available exclusively from my wonderful Chicago-based independent publisher, Eckhartz Press. Supporting independent book sellers and publishers has never been more important and I love William Ames’ recent article for Stanford Social Innovation, on this topic. It’s worth a few minutes of your time, I promise.
Thanks to those who’ve read and offered reviews on Goodreads. I am beyond grateful. Always a fan of feedback, reader input is helping me set my sights on what comes next. Oh…the options!
How can you order “Slivers” or “Surviving Sue”? Here’s all the info:
Check out this link to order “Slivers”…a ghost story with surprising twists.
Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love, overcoming adversity.
Cheers to all of you. Thank you for being part of my community of creatives. I glad you’re 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.
Victoria Ponders 
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