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Loving Lisa – Easter Edition
Heads up! This glimpse into “Loving Lisa” – my sweet, developmentally disabled sister – was originally published two years ago. It’s still one of my favorites about Lisa…you’ll see why. I love, love, love my sister. In addition to her intellectual challenges, Lisa has a few physical disabilities, too, but they don’t slow her down…
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“Slivers”: Good Intentions…Tangled Past
Every writer should have a friend like Wynne Leon…cheering them on, reading and nudging with a resounding, “keep going…you’ve got this” message. This week I offer the final “Slivers” Book Blurb, thanks to Wynne. She understood “Slivers” in its infancy and along with my dear friends Linda Frank and Kathleen Canfield, she read as I…
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“Slivers”…Delivers
It’s Week #2 in the “Slivers” Book Blurb tour! Last week I shared Joy Neal Kidney’s wonderful blurb and this week, I’m honored to showcase input from the amazing writer, Melanie McGauran. I loved reading the comments from last week…grateful for the enthusiasm from future readers of, “Slivers”. Thank you for trusting me! Bonus? The…
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“Slivers”: Secrets Run Amok
Over the next few weeks – as the publication date for “Slivers” creeps closer – I’m going to share three fantastic ‘book blurbs’ from a trio of extraordinarily talented writers: Joy Neal Kidney, Melanie McGauran and Wynne Leon. Handing your book baby off to readers is quiver-inducing – hoping they’ll like your story. Hoping their…
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Keep Good Company
What a pleasure it was to present on my favorite topic last week – Writing for Wellness! I’m grateful to the wonderful folks at the Wauconda Public Library for hosting a ‘lunch and learn’ event. As a bonus, several friends from the Barrington Writers Workshop attended – such a fun crossover and a delight to…
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Honored! My Interview with Dr. Yvette Prior
Today I have the pleasure of highlighting my interview with Dr. Yvette Prior, and her generous praise for “Surviving Sue”: “Surviving Sue” is a memoir that traces a childhood shaped by instability, fear, and complicated love. Atkinson recounts growing up with her mother, Sue, whose struggles with alcoholism, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, and Munchausen by…
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Lifted and Loved ❤️
Goodness and gratitude came in a three-day wave this week – a reminder of how impactful feedback and acknowledgement can be as grist for the creativity mill. First up? A fantastic follow-up chat with a former student, “Karly” (not her real name) who reached out to share she’d read my post, “Sue Had Rizz” and…
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Hello, 2026!
Hello, friends! I’m doing my best to welcome 2026 with positivity and I know you’re trying to do the same. I see you…and I thank you! I’ve got a couple of good news items for you today: I’m honored again this year to have two offerings – Writing for Wellness and Navigating Elder Care –…
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Holiday Hugs
This post has become an annual holiday tradition – sharing my mom’s love of Christmas while highlighting her giving heart and the ever-worthy Clearbrook organization. Thank you so much for all of your support and kindness – all year long, dear readers. Here’s to a happy, healthy 2026 for all! Santa Sue My mom, Sue,…
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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…
Victoria Ponders 
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