Victoria Ponders

Author of “Surviving Sue”

  • 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…

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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”, 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.

Workshops

Chicago Writers Association Speakers Bureau – Writing for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor

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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