Thanks so much for all the well wishes about my visit to this year’s Printers Row Lit Fest, friends! Whether you made it to the event or not, I felt the good energy.
There’s nothing like the Printers Row venue, nestled in a historic neighborhood in Chicago. Being there once again (my third time) felt like a homecoming, returning to a place with excellent memories.
Positivity oozes out of the distinguished brick buildings, reminding modern day authors of the power of place, the importance of tradition.
Of course, it’s the people–fellow authors and attendees–who are the main attraction. No doubt. But I couldn’t resist taking a few photos of the stunning architecture. Old buildings speak to me; they’re storytellers, too.
Printers Row is full of historical significance, but on the way there from the train station, it’s hard not to be awe struck by architecture of all sorts. On a glorious, blue-sky morning, Chicago was gorgeous.
I love the Civic Opera building, and it’s become a tradition to take a pic of it, en route to Lit Fest. Oh—and see the picnic basket in the photo? A gift from my dear friend Kathleen Canfield and I take it everywhere. A piece of Kathleen traveling with me; my trusty carry-all and table decor rolled into one.
Entering the Printers Row district, the magnificent Dearborn Station is there to greet us with Lit Fest tents lining the street like a grand promenade.
But it’s the people who make it special. Hubby Paul who’s an awesome roadie and companion. And I loved visiting with talented writer friends: Joanie Becker Goldberg, Keith Mulford and Edward Ortiz.
And this year? I had the honor of meeting author, Siobhan O’Connor Hartsell and learned about her historical, Gilded Age novel, “The Innkeeper’s Wife“. A book I can’t wait to sink my teeth into! Every year, Lit Fest is full of surprises. Meeting Siobhan was a delight.
In addition to talking with tons of readers about my books, Slivers and Surviving Sue, I met celebrity chef and author, Carla Hall who was on hand to promote her new book, Carla Bakes.
My conversation with Carla was brief but loaded with joy. She asked what I was doing at Lit Fest and I babbled something about my books and whiffed when it came to getting a pic with her. I know, I know. I should’ve offered copies of my books or at least my card. But her unexpected compliment threw me off; telling me she “loved my look” as she eyed me up and down. My cheeks are still crimson, LOL.
So…that’s a wrap! Thanks for coming along to Lit Fest, friends, whether you were there in person or you’re reading the re-cap here. I’m grateful for your good company and support of my writing adventures.
Vicki 💝
Lagniappe? A little more? I had the best time recently, visiting with book clubs about Slivers. More about that in my next post. So fun!
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.
Copyright ©2026 victoriaponders.wordpress.com – All rights reserved
Victoria Ponders 
Leave a comment