Victoria Ponders

author

September 16, 2026

That’s a Wrap – Printers Row Lit Fest 2026

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… Continue reading

author, Slivers, Surviving Sue, writing

authors, Chicago authors, Chicago Writers Association, Eckhartz Press, Edward Ortiz, events, gratitude, Printers Row Lit Fest, Slivers, Surviving Sue, writing
September 10, 2026

Bringing Ideas to Life

I thought about titling this post, Fill ‘Er Up. Whenever I read a volume which inspires and energizes, I have a quirk. I come up with my own pithy phrase (in my head, anyhow) to summarize the goodness within. Do you do that, too? Not a synopsis, mind you. Just the boiled down essence, the… Continue reading

author, Surviving Sue, Wellness, writing

anthology, Art Interrupted, artwork, authors, creativity, Dr. Vicki Atkinson, Dr. Yvette Prior, healing, Inspiration, memoir, new book, Surviving Sue, This is How We Create, Wellness
September 7, 2026

Printers Row Lit Fest – See You There!

The 2026 Printers Row Lit Fest is set for Saturday, September 12 & Sunday, September 13, 10AM – 6PM. This FREE event takes place on the streets of South Dearborn, from Ida B Wells to Polk St, Chicago, IL. I’ll be there talking about Slivers and Surviving Sue — in the Chicago Writers Association Tent… Continue reading

author, Uncategorized, writing

authors, books, chicago, Chicago Writers Association, Eckhartz Press, free event, good vibes, historic Chicago, Printers Row Lit Fest, readers, Slivers, Surviving Sue, writing
September 4, 2026

Fun News! ❤️

What a great week! In addition to having fun at the Harper College Bookmarks Festival, I received wonderful feedback from poet and author, Lauren Scott, last week about my debut novel, Slivers. Even better? We’re just a few days away from the debut of Dr. Yvette Prior’s latest anthology. Read on for all the details… Continue reading

author, Slivers, Surviving Sue, writing

author, creativity, Dr. Yvette Prior, events, gratitude, Harper College, Inspiration, Lauren Scott, Printers Row Lit Fest, This is How We Create
August 30, 2026

“You’re An Excellent Writer and Storyteller, Vicki.”

Author Mary K. Doyle offered the most delicious praise last week: You’re an excellent writer and storyteller, Vicki. I’m still soaking up the goodness, wondering if Mary’s right. I have a miserable tendency to deflect praise, questioning veracity. Compliments shouldn’t cause consternation, right? I know the origin story of my “pfft” reaction. It’s a default… Continue reading

author, Slivers, Surviving Sue

author, book reviews, Eckhartz Press, fiction, gratitude, Mary K. Doyle, memoir, Midwest Mary, motivation, novel, Slivers, Surviving Sue
August 20, 2026

Slivers on Vacation

Can you see me smiling? My dear friend Jen is half-way around the world right now, vacationing in Greece and guess what’s riding along, beachside with her? Yup. A copy of Slivers! I don’t know if you remember Flat Stanley, the sweet cut-out character beloved by elementary school littles. Our Delaney had a Flat Stanley,… Continue reading

author, Slivers, writing

author, book, Eckhartz Press, Flat Stanley, gratitude, Greece, humor, novel, Slivers, supernatural, vacation mode, writing
August 16, 2026

Thank you, CWA! ❤️

I’m proud to be a member of the Chicago Writers Association and being featured in the Speakers Bureau is a great honor. In a recent revamp to their website, the wonderful folks at the CWA updated the Speakers Bureau page and I’m tickled to see that two of my favorite programs, Navigating Elder Care with… Continue reading

author, Wellness, writing

author, Chicago Writers Association, Eckhartz Press, events, gratitude, Slivers, Speakers Bureau, Surviving Sue, Wellness, writing
July 19, 2026

Memoirs Matter

In three separate conversations last week I talked with fellow writers about their exploration of the memoir genre. It’s a thread, for sure, in the “Writing for Wellness” workshops I do, becoming an ever-more frequent topic as folks sort out individual identity issues, the impact of family dynamics and invariably, hopefulness about the future. Using… Continue reading

author, Wellness, writing

book review, books, family stories, fiction, Kerry Cohen, memoir, Slivers, Surviving Sue, The Truth of Memoir, writing, writing advice, writing for wellness
July 12, 2026

More Than Words

“More than Words”…the title of one of my favorite songs AND the perfect title for this post — showcasing that a writer’s life is so much more than words, sentences, paragraphs, drafts, etc… It’s been a busy week. I’d forgotten how much time and attention are required when I’m in “book promo” mode. It’s fun… Continue reading

author, Slivers, Surviving Sue, writing

authors, book promotion, books, Eckhartz Press, events, fiction, gratitude, great books, Inspiration, Slivers, Surviving Sue, Wellness, writing, writing for wellness, writing tips
June 22, 2026

Freshly Pressed? Thanks So Much!

Have you been ‘freshly pressed‘ by WordPress editors? I was surprised this morning to receive an email notifying me that one of my recent posts about editing woes — a little humor, a lot of truth — was selected and is featured on the WordPress “Discover” homepage: What a lovely little boost! I love engaging… Continue reading

author, writing

author, community, freshly pressed, friendship, gratitude, humor, writing tips
June 19, 2026

Cheering for You!

I grew up, in part, in Barrington, Illinois and attended high school there, during a tumultuous time in my family. We bounced around the Midwest during my early teen years and although teachers along the way often commented about my “unmet potential”, it wasn’t until I landed in Barrington that I began to believe in… Continue reading

author, Slivers, Surviving Sue, writing

author, books, community, events, gratitude, Inspiration, kindness, motivation, poem, poems, poetry, Poetry in the Park, self-care, Slivers, Surviving Sue, Wellness, writer, writing
June 11, 2026

Great Book Alert – “This Sea Within” by Deborah J. Brasket

I’m honored to share my review today of Deborah Brasket’s latest book, “This Sea Within”. I couldn’t wait to read because the characters in Deborah’s previous book “When Things Go Missing” are still nested in my heart. I knew I would love what came next. Spoiler Alert? “This Sea Within” is my new favorite and… Continue reading

author, writing

book review, culture, Deborah J. Brasket, intrigue, new book, novels, romance, This Sea Within, travel
June 8, 2026

Version Roulette

I know, I know. A Monday post? Not my usual frequency here on WordPress but today’s a great day for a confessional. Or is it a rant? You decide… A giggle popped up in my social media feed a few months ago. Let’s just say the almighty algorithm accurately detected my editing mania. Less about… Continue reading

author, Slivers, Surviving Sue, writing

authors, books, editing, fiction, giggles, humor, writers, writing, writing tips
June 3, 2026

“The Immigrant and the Outlaw”

I’ve been a fan of Joy Neal Kidney’s books for several years and her latest, “The Immigrant and the Outlaw: A Collection of Stories from America’s Heartland” earned its position as my new favorite right off the bat. Joy’s vibrant and compelling storytelling always shines, but in this volume, I found myself leaning in…savoring each… Continue reading

author, Family, writing

Family, gratitude, greatbooks, Joy Neal Kidney, love, Midwestern roots, storyteller, The Immigrant and the Outlaw
May 31, 2026

“Slivers” – Party Pics!

Whoa my goodness. What a good time! I don’t know if the measure of a great party is the amount of laughter, or the amount of food and drink consumed, but it’s safe to say those targets were met at the Slivers Launch Party…and then some. I love Barrington’s White House for its rich history… Continue reading

author, Slivers, writing

70s, celebration, Eckhartz Press, fiction, ghost story, gratitude, launch party, newbook, Slivers, Surviving Sue, writing
May 17, 2026

“Slivers” – Reader Feedback ❤️

Thank you to those who are reading or will soon be reading “Slivers“, my supernatural novel. It’s available exclusively in paperback from my publisher, Eckhartz Press. Thank you for supporting me and indie publishers like Eckhartz. Much appreciated! Please lean into Goodreads to post your reviews: Slivers by Vicki Atkinson | Goodreads I’d also love… Continue reading

author, Slivers, writing

author, book launch, book promotion, book review, books, Eckhartz Press, Goodreads, gratitude, newbook, reader feedback, reading, Slivers, writer