Eckhartz Press

March 29, 2026

“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… Continue reading

Slivers, Surviving Sue, writing

author, book reviews, books, Eckhartz Press, Family, fiction, ghost story, history, Joy Neal Kidney, Melanie McGauran, new novel, secrets, Slivers, storyteller, Surviving Sue, writing, wynne leon
March 22, 2026

“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… Continue reading

Slivers, Surviving Sue, writing

author, book reviews, books, Eckhartz Press, Family, fiction, ghost story, history, Melanie McGauran, new book, new novel, secrets, Slivers, storyteller, Surviving Sue, writing
March 15, 2026

“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… Continue reading

Slivers, Surviving Sue, writing

author, book reviews, books, Eckhartz Press, fiction, ghost story, intrigue, Joy Neal Kidney, new book, new novel, secrets, Slivers, storyteller, Surviving Sue, writing
March 1, 2026

Music to the Rescue!

Have you heard about crying in the car tunes? I dunno if the trend became popular because of the hit Maren Morris song, “Cry in the Car” or if it’s a reflection of the challenging times we’re in, but the topic – stolen moments to collect oneself – surfaced in conversations recently with younger women.… Continue reading

Wellness, writing

1970’s, carthatic, cry in the car, Eckhartz Press, music, self-care, Slivers, Surviving Sue, therapeutic benefits, Wellness
February 22, 2026

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… Continue reading

Surviving Sue, Wellness, writing

author, Barrington Writers Workshop, books, Eckhartz Press, fiction, gratitude, self-compassion, Surviving Sue, Wauconda Public Library, Wellness, workshop, writing, writing journey, writing tips
February 16, 2026

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… Continue reading

Surviving Sue, Wellness, writing

author, book reviews, books, Dr. Yvette Prior, Eckhartz Press, fiction, interview, memoir, Surviving Sue, Wellness, writing
January 18, 2026

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… Continue reading

Surviving Sue, Wellness, writing

author, Eckhartz Press, feedback, gratitude, memoir, mentalhealth, Surviving Sue, Wellness, writer, writing
December 21, 2025

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,… Continue reading

Family, kindness, Surviving Sue

authors, Clearbrook, Eckhartz Press, Family, giving, gratitude, Happy Holidays, love, Surviving Sue, writers
December 14, 2025

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… Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

authors, chicago, Eckhartz Press, gift ideas, gratitude, great books, podcast, Surviving Sue, writers, wynne leon
October 12, 2025

Morning Message

I’m not a poet but I love to dabble, especially when stream-of-consciousness poetry arrives. Almost in an auto-write format. I’ll explain… It doesn’t happen often, but words and phrases…sometimes whole stanzas of poetry command my attention if my dad populated my subconscious overnight. I wish I could summon these bon-mot-moments on demand. Alas, I must… Continue reading

Wellness, writing

bold journey magazine, Eckhartz Press, gratitude, insight, poetry, reflection, self-care, Sharing the Heart of the Matter, writing for wellness, wynne leon
October 5, 2025

“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… Continue reading

Surviving Sue, writing

Barrington Writers Workshop, Eckhartz Press, event, Harper College, intergenerational healing, resilience, Surviving Sue, writing for wellness
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
September 9, 2024

Printers Row Lit Fest – Gratitude!

Hey there! I’m checking in to share some tidbits about my second ever visit to Printers Row Lit Fest in gorgeous Chicago yesterday. Here are some top-of-mind gratitude thoughts the morning after: Listening to stories – discovering connecting threads between strangers about shared experiences, especially the challenges of tending to individual and generational trauma while… Continue reading

Surviving Sue

authors, Eckhartz Press, gratitude, Inspiration, Printers Row Lit Fest, Surviving Sue, writing

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

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

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