Vicki Atkinson's Blog

From picking out favorite purple items (ranging from violet nail polish to Paul’s lavender bow tie) the festivities were all about Lisa. And she loved it.

We tried a few hairstyles in some test drives…experimenting with curls but I’ll say Lisa’s held together a lot better than mine, given her naturally wavy tresses.

Lisa loved her purple crystal headbands, and we decided she could double up and wea...

Time to reveal the cover of my debut novel, “Slivers” and officially announce that pre-orders are open.

Thank you to the talented cover designer, Jeff Waggoner at Eckhartz Press and to Joy Neal Kidney, Wynne Leon and Melanie McGauran for their generous reviews and “book blurbs”. Joy and Wynne’s kind words grace the back cover and Melanie’s magnificent endorsement is tucked into the front cover – on the inside pages.

If you missed my recent pos...

I can’t think of a more compelling message for the back cover of Maggie’s Watson’s latest book, “Wildflower“. In six words she articulated her heart, her resilience and recovery story:

The subtitle of Maggie’s book describes the volume as “poetry to heal and empower” and she delivers–over and over again. While it’s hard to pick a favorite poem, I’ve returned to the piece entitled “Progress” because of its starkness and truth. I think you’ll love it, ...

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.

In addition to her intellectual challenges, Lisa has a few physical disabilities, too, but they don’t slow her down much.  She’s hilarious and quirky, with a savant memory for vintage TV trivia and music.  If not for loving Lisa and doing what I could to protect her, I...

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 wrote — encouraging me to do the unthinkable: finish my first-ever novel.

When Joy Neal Kidney and Melanie McGauran offered their praise (in Book Blurb Revea...

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 input from those who have read (or are reading) “Surviving Sue”. Here’s one of my favorite comments, offered from Dale at the A Dalectable Life blog:

I ...

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 appraisal will be suitable for the all-important back cover and inside pages.

Joy, Melanie and Wynne did not disappoint.

They captured the heart of “Slive...

-Héctor Elizondo

I had no idea my mom, Sue, often quoted the charming actor, Héctor Elizondo, but she did. Without attribution. His simple proclamation, “Food is love, love is food” was a persistent mantra in my mama’s life. A sentiment she offered on the regular — used to justify spontaneous celebrations and voracious imbibing of adult beverages and delectable nibbles.

Growing up, visitors’ feet scarcely skimmed the threshold of our home before Sue ratt...

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.

I’ve been asked, “Hey Vicki – do you have one – a crying in the car song?”

Hmmm…I’ve got a few but the iconic 1973 tune – “We May Never Pass This Way Again” from Jim Seals and Dan Crof...

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 have Harlene, Katy and Nancy in the room.

Finding a supportive writing community is a gift, no doubt. I’m lucky to have several circles of thoughtful folks around me including each...