books

November 2, 2025

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. Continue reading

Family, Surviving Sue, writing

artists, author, books, creatives, event, Family, gratitude, storytelling, Surviving Sue
September 23, 2025

“When Things Go Missing” – A Must-Read!

I’m a reader and a writer and a lover of great stories – especially those that delve into the complexity of relationships. I don’t enjoy glossy characters and descriptions of families that are too tidy. I suspect it’s because I cannot relate. Not even a smidge. Enter “When Things Go Missing“. The book I longed Continue reading

writing

author, book review, books, Deborah Brasket, Family, must read, When Things Go Missing
September 7, 2025

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 Continue reading

kindness, Surviving Sue

author, back-to-school, books, courage, found family, kindness, mentoring, Surviving Sue
August 24, 2025

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 Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

author, books, gratitude, healing, Inspiration, Maggie Watson, mental health, poetry, Surviving Sue, Wellness
July 6, 2025

Peace, Love & Bunnies

Last August I shared a post, “Books, Bunnies and Forgiveness” and included a few snaps of a baby bun-bun. A welcome visitor on our deck. I can’t say for sure, but I think the little dude (or dudette) is now a teenager and decided to visit again. Same spot. Same ambition. Figuring out where the Continue reading

kindness

advocacy, books, kindness, love, peace, self-care, writer
May 18, 2025

Two Hot Tips!

I have Elizabeth Wickham to thank for this post. Not that long ago, she mentioned her love of the book, “Writing Down the Bones – Freeing the Writer Within” by Natalie Goldberg. I’m ashamed to say I’ve had a copy for years – only thumbing through it. Tsk, tsk. When I realized a 30th Anniversary Continue reading

writing

advice, author, books, creativity, editing, flow, writing, writing tips
May 3, 2025

“Surviving Sue” – On the Road

One of my not-so-secret secrets about literally surviving Sue? Finding every resource I could – friends, family, new acquaintances – who had input and insight to share. Even better? Finding whole-hearted folks who understood the power of humor to keep me aloft. Of all the workshops I offer, “Navigating Elder Care with Humor & Grace” Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

author, books, caregiving, Eckhartz Press, Family, free workshop, library, Surviving Sue, Wellness
April 6, 2025

“Surviving Sue” News

I’m delighted to share news about upcoming “Surviving Sue” events. Next week I have the pleasure of visiting with a book club to talk about the mental health and resiliency themes in “Surviving Sue“. Then I get to hang out with retirees at a luncheon gathering – sharing lessons learned about the common bonds of Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, books, events, lifelonglearning, presentations, speaking engagements, Surviving Sue, Wellness, workshops, writing
December 21, 2024

“A Memoir You Will Not Soon Forget”

Thank you, Beth, for your beautiful review, full of kindness about my book, “Surviving Sue”. I love this sentence in your review because it so succinctly summarizes my hopeful intention behind sharing the complicated story about life with Sue. Building resilience with compassion. Yes! I would highly recommend this book to anyone as an engaging Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book reviews, books, gratitude, memoir, survivingsue
December 16, 2024

Don’t Whine

Margaret Atwood offered fabulous advice for writers fourteen years ago and I missed it. Thank goodness for the almighty algorithms that serve nuggets of wisdom. I don’t know how that happens. Sometimes I like it, but other times? It definitely feels invasive…seeing something in my social media feed which addresses a complaint – unuttered – Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

author, books, humor, Inspiration, Margaret Atwood, Surviving Sue, writing, writing advice
December 12, 2024

Live Every Minute!

Sounds bossy, I know. Live Every Minute! But stick with me. I’m mulling the enchantment of books…words and creations…illustrations that transport us; nudge us about what matters most. Kindness. Consideration. Love. I won’t pretend to understand how the Universe works, but I am delighted when coincidences appear. I’m delighted when I meet talented people and Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

authors, books, Inspiration, Joanie Becker Goldberg, kindness, love, Our Town, Surviving Sue, writing
October 14, 2024

Six Questions 😉

I’ve never responded to a blogging prompt before, but who can resist an invitation from a dear friend who tagged me in? The delightful Melanie McGauran wrote a beautiful post recently, prompted – literally, by the charming Pete Springer who invited Melanie to peel back the layers and tell us about her blogging life. It’s Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

author, blogging, books, friendship, gratitude, purpose, Surviving Sue, writing
October 7, 2024

New Reviews! “Surviving Sue”

I don’t think I’ll ever stop smiling when reviews of “Surviving Sue” come my way. Whether it’s my own busy days heightening my awareness about the preciousness of time or a new wave of gratitude, I am delighted when I receive reader feedback. And that’s before I read the review! 😉 Last week my ranking Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

author, book reviews, books, mental health, Surviving Sue, Wellness, writer
August 29, 2024

Reasons to Smile…

Reason to Smile – #1: The 2024 Printers Row Lit Fest is set for Saturday, September 7 & Sunday, September 8, 10AM – 6PM. This FREE event takes place on the streets of South Dearborn, from Ida B Wells to Polk Street in Chicago. Come Rain or Shine! I’ll be there, in the Chicago Writers Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

author, books, friendship, gratitude, mysteries, survivingsue, Wellness, writer
August 12, 2024

Bunnies, Books & Forgiveness

The other day while sitting on the deck I had a visitor. A sweet baby bunny intent on munching on a leafy hunk of geranium, juicy and wet, freshly fallen from the large stone planter thanks to an overnight thunderstorm. She glanced at me, just a few feet away and must’ve concluded I looked harmless, Continue reading

Surviving Sue

books, dementia, Family, forgiveness, gratitude, love, relationships
July 18, 2024

Write On!

The other day a dear friend – a fellow writer asked, “How’s it going?” I immediately knew the ‘it’ she spoke of. We’ve become something akin to accountability partners, checking in about our projects. Me? I periodically blog here on WP about my writing adventures, sometimes posting on FB, IG and LI, too. My friend? Continue reading

writing

author, books, encouragement, Inspiration, motivation, quote, writer
July 11, 2024

“Surviving Sue” – A Riveting Reel

Thanks to my dear friend Alegria for her talents and support. In addition to her riveting review of “Surviving Sue” (which I wrote about here) she created an Instagram reel…a video that made my heart skip a beat. Oh my goodness. See below. The music, the captioning…Alegria captured the intensity of my mom’s story in Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book reviews, books, films, gratitude, storytelling
July 7, 2024

When You Crack Yourself Up: Advice from H.G. Wells?

“If you are in difficulties with a book, try the element of surprise: attack it at an hour when it isn’t expecting it.” H.G. Wells Interesting quote, right? “Difficulties with a book”. Writing or reading, I wondered. Both? Considering how prolific Wells was as a writer, one assumes he meant writing, but for prolific readers…we Continue reading

writing

author, books, humor, Inspiration, productivity, wisdom, writing
July 5, 2024

Book Review Gratitude

With gratitude galore to the talented and generous author Diana (D. Wallace Peach), I’m sharing her review of “Surviving Sue”: Surviving Sue by Dr. Vicki Atkinson This is a riveting memoir by Vicki Atkinson chronicling life with her mother Sue, who suffered from alcoholism, depression, Munchausen by Proxy, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. It covers the author’s Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, book review, books, D. Wallace Peach, gratitude, Myths of the Mirror
June 24, 2024

Inspiration for Writers

I’m not a big reader of thrillers. Never have been, but it’s not because I dislike them. I just haven’t taken the time…BUT an encounter with a super successful author is changing my mind. My dear friend, Linda K. invited me to an event last Saturday at Barrington’s White House…the same place I held my Continue reading

writing

author, best seller, books, Charlie Donlea, encouragement, Surviving Sue, writing advice
June 17, 2024

Worthiness Reminders

I attended an author event this past weekend and it was fabulous. I love learning from accomplished writers – especially when they share their secrets for maintaining motivation. But while I was there, in a room full of fervent fans and aspirational writers, my intuitive, introverted self was overloaded from the jump. Choosing a seat Continue reading

writing

author, book signings, books, friendship, gratitude, motivation, wisdom
June 4, 2024

Fresh Feedback & Coming Soon!

I’ve got some fresh feedback – two lovely reviews to share – and a reminder about an upcoming event! The friendly folks at the Woodstock Public Library have invited me to present on Tuesday, July 30 and I can’t wait: Navigating Elder Care with Humor and Grace | Woodstock Public Library (librarycalendar.com) Caregiving is a Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, books, caregiving, elder care, event, gratitude, mental health, self-care, Wellness
June 1, 2024

The Unfolding

In 2006, just six months before he passed away, author Kurt Vonnegut responded to a letter from a group of Xavier High School students in New York City. I’m sure you’ve read about this – the goodness of the message has gone viral more than once in the intervening years, most recently thanks to actor, Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

author, books, courage, Inspiration, personal development, writing
May 30, 2024

Just Ask

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. -Leo Buscaglia I Continue reading

podcast

authors, books, Family, love, memories, storytelling, writers
May 20, 2024

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – News!

Thanks so much for the continuing interest in my book, “Surviving Sue”. I’m grateful to the Palos Heights Public Library for hosting me on May 9. What a beautiful library and lovely people! Coming up next? Registration is still open for the course I’ll be teaching at Harper College, starting June 18. It’s an in-person Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, books, courses, events, gratitude, healing, resilience
May 10, 2024

Podcast Friday! Storytelling Mama

It’s Mother’s Day weekend! Remembering…telling stories. There’s no better way to celebrate those who give of themselves, no matter what title they hold. Mother’s Day – for me – will forever conjure thoughts about those who cared for me, regardless of their assigned roles in my life. The best of mothering, at its innermost squishy Continue reading

podcast

authors, books, loving, nature, parenting, relationships
April 26, 2024

Podcast Friday: Knowing a Person

You know that old adage, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? I can’t help myself sometimes. I done did it. When David Brooks’ new book, “How to Know a Person” was published, I put it on my TBR (to be read) list immediately. And then I bumped it up a bit, not because I Continue reading

podcast

author, books, David Brooks, lifestyle, personal development, podcast, relationships
April 19, 2024

Podcast Friday: It’s a Fab Collab

I’ve done a lot of “collabing” over the years. Projects of all sorts, and it’s a treat to work with someone when there’s an ease all around. That’s what it’s like – fun and fabulous – as Wynne and I enjoy our shared projects – writing, workshops, podcasting or occasionally, musing about solutions to the Continue reading

podcast

authors, books, collaboration, podcast, relationships, teamwork, trust
April 12, 2024

Podcast Friday! “The Loop Files”

Young and defiant. Memory lane moments. Tortured teen years. Angst before adulthood. Reading Rick Kaempfer’s “The Loop Files” should fall into the category of time travel. I think I logged more than a few miles when I reminisced and read. I feel bad for my dog-eared copy (see images snipped in above). It looks like Continue reading

podcast

books, podcast, pop culture, radio history, Rick Kaempfer, rock and roll, The Loop Files, writing
April 9, 2024

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Care & Keeping

I received a wonderful review recently on Amazon and it made my week. Lindsey’s kind words lined up beautifully with my latest project as I continue promoting my book: Lindsey…if you’re reading this, thank you so much. I dunno about being exceptional, but I’m getting comfier with me…being me. Your sweet review was just the Continue reading

Surviving Sue

authors, books, feedback, how-to’s, Inspiration, promotion, speaking
April 5, 2024

Podcast Friday: Learning to Pitch

No…not baseball. 😉 But I guess it’s baseball season again. I’m thinking about the dreaded “elevator” pitch. Book pitch-style. How to take our brilliant writing ideas and condense the goodness into one fabulous fast ball…enticing all readers, generating interest and enthusiasm. Like hitting a home run! Writing friends…the ‘pitch’ matters. Whether you’re in the exploratory Continue reading

podcast

authors, book pitch, books, bravery, friendship, writers
January 12, 2024

Podcast Friday: Sharing a Secret

I’m going to share a secret. I get nervous…really nervous when I’m talking about my book, “Surviving Sue”. Even when I’m chatting with my dear friend Wynne Leon on our podcast. I’m continuing to learn how to talk about the motivation to write my mom’s story… about living with her and persevering. Yes, surviving. The Continue reading

Surviving Sue

authors, books, courage, gratitude, love, personal narrative, vulnerability, writers
January 7, 2024

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Speakers Bureau

Two years ago, I’d just finished my experiment. My writing experiment. My audacious and scary commitment to write 500 -1000 words a day as the story about my mom, Sue, poured out of me. What began on October 1, 2021 as a lark, a project about writing for resilience and healing, turned into a book. Continue reading

Surviving Sue

authors, books, lifestyle, love, mental health, public speaking, resilience, self-care, Wellness
November 17, 2023

Podcast Friday! Hot Tips for Writers

Oh…this was fun! Another visit with our friend and writer Brian Hannon talking about our common interests in writing about families. I love a good ‘tip list’ to keep me on track and inspire my writing and Brian found a gem of a resource, which he shares in this episode. I can’t lie, the tip Continue reading

Surviving Sue

authors, books, elder care, friendship, Inspiration, mental health, podcast, publishing, writers
October 31, 2023

Peek Inside: “Surviving Sue” – Learning & Growing

Thanks so much for continuing to ride along as I share more about “Surviving Sue“. I can’t believe it’s only been three months since her debut! (Hmm…Three months or three years?) I’ve learned so much about the process of publishing and promoting but even more… about myself. A lot of personal growth has been packed Continue reading

Surviving Sue

author, books, healing, love, personal narrative, publishing, vulnerability, writing
August 28, 2023

Readers, Writers, Book Lovers? Shepherd Helps!

Thanks to friends Diana (D. Wallace Peach) from Myths of the Mirror and Cheryl Oreglia from Living in the Gap, I learned about a wonderful resource for writers and readers alike, called “Shepherd”. How does it work? Authors showcase one of their books along with five books they recommend. Books that are sources of inspiration, Continue reading

Surviving Sue

authors, bloggers, books, gratitude, publishing, Shepherd for Authors, writers
August 27, 2023

Lovely, Little Books

My mother-in-law, Maxine, was one of the most gracious women I ever met. I cannot believe she’s been gone since 2009. She was around for many years of the mayhem with my mom, Sue, and despite being shocked and overwhelmed at times, Maxine was always a soft landing spot, reminding me that Sue’s lack of Continue reading

Family

books, family treasures, lifestyle, love, memories
August 30, 2022

Beautiful Books

Using family mementos – books – to make your home your own. Easier than you think! Continue reading

Design

antiques, books, fireplace mantel, interior design, repurposing, vintage

“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 Bureau – Writing 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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