“A writer finds peace in silence, speaking only to the page, yet the words survive only by stepping into the noise of the world to be seen, heard, and held by others.”
― Lawrence Nault
I have found a great deal of peace in the silent world of writing, “speaking only to the page.” First as an insecure and introverted girl, and later as an adult, writing has provided a safe place for me. A place of comfort and security, and a place to grow.
In my experience the act of writing places the writer in a sacred space both inside and outside of the constraints of normal consciousness. It’s also a place of discovery and healing. Writing has probably saved me from a thousand unknown terrible fates by keeping me grounded, probing, perceptive, and awake. At least it feels that way. Writing has awakened in me a million possibilities, become my friend, my coach, my inward eye. Writing has shaped my existence.
And so, it with great trepidation that I send my writing into the world. The tension between the safety of my personal writing bubble and the “noise of the world” is immense. Sending your manuscript out has been compared to sending your child to school for the first time (“Sending a book out into the world is a lot like sending your child to the first day of kindergarten. You hope the other kids play nice and that she makes friends”—Mitchell Zuckoff), and having a child has been compared to giving your heart away (“Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body” ―Elizabeth Stone). These are apt descriptions of my state of mind as I wait to hear from my publisher.
The contract has been signed, and the editor will soon be digging into my manuscript. This stage feels surreal after a lifetime of reading, writing, studying and dreaming. And years of querying agents and publishers. There’s not much to tell yet, but it looks as though there will be a book with my name on it coming out at some undetermined date in the future. I’m guessing it will be many months from now. I don’t even know if the title I’ve chosen will be used. I can say this, it is a World War II homefront historical fiction novel. It’s set in Lake Arrowhead, California, USA. The protagonist is named Mary Miller. And there are bears.
Write what is in your heart. With love.
LakeArrowheadLadyWriter 
Slivers by Vicki Atkinson
“In a single week in the summer of 1973, a quiet suburban neighborhood implodes when generations of mystical deceit become too much to bear. Drawn to the web of secrets and lies, the other worldly slivers refuse to be ignored, pushing one family to the brink.” –Slivers blurb
Vicki Atkinson employs her considerable knowledge of psychology, a deep interest in intuition, and a firm commitment to empathy to create a novel about a family in distress in her debut novel, Slivers. The young protagonists share much more than they realize as they struggle to reveal the source of strange supernatural swirls, voices, tendrils, smoke, and more that plague them and their families.
Slivers combines teen camaraderie and adventure with a strong nod to tradition, ancestors, and the importance of unity. It speaks of family ties, and the importance of avoiding self-serving interests. It also offers some resplendent images that I very much enjoyed, such as this one:
“…a brilliant sunburst flooded the room. The legacy box grew and its ornate lid opened, revealing a scroll, unfurling until it filled the entire closet, floor to ceiling. The man in the portrait was no longer there, but his presence remained as he gave a one-word command to the scroll: “Reveal!” The largest family tree they’d ever seen hovered before them, grand and imposing with hundreds of large and small branches, each with names and tiny portraits…”
When you read the book, be sure not to miss the fascinating reveal in the Author’s Notes at the end. I won’t spoil it for you, but it’s a bit of Atkinson’s family history she discovered while doing research for the novel. Its relevance really adds weight to the story’s impact.
I’m lucky to have found Vicki Atkinson through my WordPress blog and to have read her riveting memoir, Surviving Sue, which if you haven’t already, I strongly suggest you read. Vicki is a generous writer and friend, one that I am proud to recommend!
Be sure to visit Vicki Atkinson at https://victoriaponders.com. You will love Dr. Vicki!
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