Author of “Surviving Sue”

  • Great Books and Gratitude ❤️

    One of the best things about growing older is the unexpected wave of wistfulness, coming from the music of one’s youth. Even before I read Doug E. Jones’ “Take Me Back to Chicago” I was enchanted – thanks to the title of his book which is also the title of a favorite song, courtesy of

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  • How “Surviving Sue” Inspired a Novel

    I know. I’m still kinda shocked about it, but if not for feedback and input from readers of “Surviving Sue”, I’m not sure I would’ve been inspired to write a novel. In large part, I have the delightful Wynne Leon to thank. My dear friend is wildly talented and I dare say…fearless. She inspires me

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  • Thanksgiving Humor 😊

    Of all the things I wrote on WordPress in 2023, a post about mashed potatoes still gets a lot of attention.  I suspect it has little to do with the holiday itself – or the spuds in question. I think the readership has more to do with the message.  Even in the pressure cooker of

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  • Writing for Wellness

    What a treat it was to be back on campus. My Thursday morning journey to the Hill Library, tucked into the center of campus, was quiet. Reflective. I walked familiar paths, taking my time as I wound my way to the Quad. Giving the bust of Dr. William Rainey Harper, the college’s namesake, a secret

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  • A Gratitude Two-Fer 💝

    First – a gentle reminder: If you’re in the Chicago area…I’d love to see you at Harper College, courtesy of The Cultural Arts Committee, when I read from “Surviving Sue” this coming Thursday, November 6 from 11am – 12:15 pm. Second – a gratitude story: I’m ever grateful to my blogging friends for their camaraderie.

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  • “Surviving Sue” – At Harper College!

    If you’re in the Chicago area…I’d love to see you at Harper College, courtesy of The Cultural Arts Committee, when I read from “Surviving Sue” on Thursday, November 6 from 11am – 12:15 pm. I’m a member of the wonderful Barrington Writers Workshop and wrote a short post on their site – about returning to

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  • “Surviving Sue” – On the Radio!

    Wow. Wow. Wow. Do you know about John Busbee’s “The Culture Buzz“? If you don’t, you need to catch up! It’s my new favorite program on the award-winning, independent radio station, KFMG 98.9. John refers to his listeners as “cultural adventurers” – members of a club and membership is free. Just tune in! With content

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  • Tell Your Story 💝

    Whenever a reader offers praise for “Surviving Sue”, it’s a swoon-worthy moment. Pushing the boundaries of joy. Wynne Leon and I had the pleasure of visiting with Pia Mailhot Leichter on the “How to Share” podcast recently and meeting Pia was electric. Her energy and enthusiasm for life and her candor for the cause –

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  • Returning the Favors

    “Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living — if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” – Denzel Washington I was a

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  • Sharing and Healing

    Maggie Watson is a joy. Her depth of understanding about the human condition is evident in her beautiful prose and poignant poetry. She exudes purpose in her writing, revealing the potency of healing through creativity and the power of sharing our stories. I love that Maggie understood the threads of empathy and compassion in “Surviving

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“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.

Peek Inside “Surviving Sue

Visit Resources on Atkinson Group Solutions for more.

Podcasts

Listen to the “Sharing the Heart of the Matter” podcast.

You can find our podcast on Apple, Amazon, Spotify and Pocket Casts.  Please subscribe!

Workshops

Chicago Writers Association Speakers BureauWriting for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor; How to Create a Writing Platform; AI for Caregivers

About Me

Learn about five books that inspired and supported my writing journey by visiting my personalized book review page on Shepherd.

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