On May 28th, author Vicki Atkinson officially published Slivers, her second book and first foray into fiction.

In less than a month, this imaginative and creepy tale has already received many strong reviews. There were rumors that perhaps a good-natured “sliver” appeared at her book launch inside the historic mansion “Barrington’s White House,” which I’ve learned has a rich history and truly oozes atmosphere. Could you ask for a better backdrop? Here’s a link to Vicki’s post about the evening:

“Slivers” – Party Pics!

Although I had the amazing opportunity to write a book blurb for this release, I wanted to share a few more thoughts.

As the fast-paced story swept me along with everything from nervous teens experiencing paranormal behaviors to a ghost man in the attic to a huge betrayal of a name and a destiny, there were moments and descriptions, where I slowed down to take in Vicki’s love of writing. Here’s one example:

“Jane didn’t understand the pecking order in her mom’s garden, but it seemed the tomatoes ruled, followed by the pepper plants. And the roses and tiger lilies were second-class all the way. Regularly ridiculed by the vegetables for being all show and no substance, their petals drooped and swayed. Minimized. A feeling Jane understood.” I love that.

I changed pronouns for this example (I don’t want to hint at spoilers):

“As ‘they’ sauntered through the backyard, they looked like a cocky band of hoodlums. Bold and brazen-shoulders back, chins up. A warning shot with extra swagger-directed at the house and others.” Yes!

Speaking of the house, Vicki made it an important character in the story. This house was often moody, and physically manifested those moods with creepy supernatural activities like the front door “expanding and contracting, concave to convex. Like it was breathing.” Whoa.

I think my favorite part was when Vicki drew a straight line from 1973 back to the 1600s. This is where the characters’ ancestry starts–in Scotland! And this is when their families’ mystical responsibilities began, moving through the centuries to the present. We better understand the long sorrows of the slivers and the role of the Hiraeth. Fascinating. Enough said.

Well, almost. Please read the Author’s Notes which shifts the entire story to one that is closer to real family history.

To purchase “Slivers”, click HERE

Vicki Atkinson started in non-fiction, publishing her own heart-breaking story of “resilience and love.” If you get a chance, I highly recommend “Surviving Sue.” Sue was Vicki’s mother who battled alcohol, Alzheimer’s, anxiety, depression, and Munchausen’s.

To purchase “Surviving Sue”, click HERE.

To learn more about Dr. Victoria Atkinson, click HERE.

And just a brief wave of “I’ll see you soon” as I start my annual break (just for a few weeks) to devote all writing time to my WIP and enjoy some summer activities too. I try to check in on blogs as time allows, so you’ll probably see me in the comments.

For further reviews on “Slivers”, click on this Goodreads link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/252209703-slivers

Here’s the book blurb and my thoughts when I first finished reading Slivers. Today’s post includes new thoughts as I read it again. (I wanted the writing quotes.) A celebration indeed!

Happy summer all.