“It’s a little bit magical how much people appreciate being heard and understood.”
–Tania Israel
I’ve said this before. One of the most unexpected gifts, arriving after the publication of Slivers, is readers’ interest in Surviving Sue. I could not be more pleased. While the two books are entirely different in terms of genre (fiction and memoir), they are inextricably linked in my heart. Writing Slivers allowed me to creatively explore the maddening characteristic of unexplained, supernatural “knowingness” I witnessed with my mom, and described in Surviving Sue.
Enter the tandem review.
My friend and fellow Barrington Writers Workshop member, Nancy Nauman did the deep dive, reading Surviving Sue and Slivers in quick succession. I joked to her that she was experiencing the “full Vicki”.
Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
But stalwart woman that she is, Nancy was all in and delighted me with her insightful comments about the continuity she saw between the two books.
Writing to be seen, heard and understood is a powerful driver, a magnificent motivator. I couldn’t agree more with psychologist, Tania Israel, whom I quoted at the top of this post.
When a reader responds, with gusto, that the whole of the effort – experienced across two books–was well received, appreciated? I smile and feel a renewed sense of urgency to get busy with what comes next. I’m busy scoping out two new projects and my fingers are tingling at the keyboard, once again.
Today, I’m sharing Nancy’s lovely reviews, grateful for her kind words and depth of understanding. First up? Her review of Slivers:
Vicki paints an intricate family portrait with words brushed on a canvas of secrets. Three adolescents—Jane, Katie and Eric experience what can’t be explained because of secrets. Secrets hidden by their mothers. Secrets about their family. Secrets that buried their past. Secrets about their intuitive sense. But secrets can’t be kept forever. Slivers—spirits from another dimension—reveal themselves to these young souls. They soon discover that some slivers are mischievous and others harbor malicious intent.
What are slivers? Where do they come from? Can they be controlled? Can you escape from them? Why do we experience what others can’t? Why can we share unspoken thoughts?
These are the questions their young minds want answered. And they won’t give up until they get answers from the secret keepers—their family.
This book is engaging and nail biting. The author paints you into the family portrait. You, the reader, like Jane, Katie and Eric are drawn to seek answers to these questions.
Slivers by Vicki Atkinson | Goodreads
I promised a double feature…here it comes. Nancy’s generous review of Surviving Sue:
This is a powerful and intense story. As a mother, my heart went out to Lisa and Vicki reminding me the life of a child is impacted by a mother’s mental and emotional well-being. But this is not a story about victims. It’s a story about heroes building healthy, productive lives despite family drama. Thank you, Vicki, for writing “Surviving Sue” to show this is possible. You and Lisa are the heroes.
This book engaged me from the first to last page. The narrative reflects no malice or unforgiveness in the author’s heart. A heavy heart? Sadness? Confusion? Yes, but this revealed to me the emotional toll Vicki paid to pen her story.
This is a work to encourage those struggling with complex family issues. I’m grateful for Vicki’s courage to share her story.
Surviving Sue by Vicki Atkinson | Goodreads
Thank you to those who are reading or considering doing so. Both books are available through my publisher, Eckhartz Press (see links below) and your reviews and input on Goodreads are welcome.
Most of all, thanks to Nancy for her kind words!
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 order Slivers…a ghost story with surprising twists. Click here for the interview with my publisher, Rick Kaempfer from Eckhartz Press.
Victoria Ponders 
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