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mar's Desk

​This multi-topic blog publishes weekly on Wednesdays.
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marcoujor: An interview with author, Vicki Warner

10/11/2016

25 Comments

 
Picture


​This week I'm happy to share a follow up to a recent post I 
wrote called The Steps of Healing.  

Today we hear directly from Author, Vicki Warner, in an interview after republishing her Ebook, Healing Steps: A Workbook For Dealing With Loss.


Enjoy! ​

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Maria:  When did you first discover your passion for writing?

Vicki: I remember this distinctly! I was in grade four, and my teacher was Miss Todd. She was destined to remain a spinster all her life, and everyone was scared of her, because she favored rapping children on the knuckles with a ruler. One day she read a poem to us about a slave in the cotton fields of southern USA. She asked us to write an essay based on this. I wrote, and she gave me full marks and read it to the class, telling them that was how an essay should be written!
I wasn't very popular after that, because I became the teacher's pet. Worst of all, she kept a copy and would read it annually to the new class.

But I was hooked  from then on. Seeing Miss Todd cry as she read my work made me realise how powerful words can be when you string them together. The trick is to feel some connection  to the topic, and then find the right word combinations. But as most writers will tell you, that isn't an easy task!

Maria:  Do you have any writing quirks you can share with us?

Vicki: I suppose we all have different little habits with writing. Mine is to start at 4 a.m., usually. At this time I will first of all go out to the sunroom, survey the ocean and various boats beginning their work.  I go back into the kitchen and make a cup of coffee, then visit my computer. Most often I'll loll in my recliner chair, using my nifty laptop desk. I like to have just my little lamp next to me in the darkness of early morning, and then I write, taking little sips of coffee..."This is my time," I tell myself with a bit of a smirk. And it is. No one else is crazy enough to be doing things at that hour.

Incidentally, this is one of the greatest reasons to have a blog, as long as you write regularly, and keep to a consistent schedule. It just keeps you writing and improving your skills, in my case every week, but even if it's once a month that's fine too, because your readers look forward to reading if you keep to a schedule.

PictureClick the image to get it from amazon.com
​Maria: Where did your inspiration come for your ​work book on grief and loss​?

Vicki: It's not hard to remember this. My late husband died very suddenly from a massive heart attack one Monday morning at 3 am. We'd been married for just short of 25 years, and it was a devastating shock to suddenly be without him. As I forced myself to confront  and continue on in life by using small and steady steps it became clear to me that I was doing better all the time.

My workbook was written for others who might be suffering through the process of grief recovery, and just details a month of  the steps I followed. It did take me about three years before I could make important, life-changing decisions, but everyone has their own timetable on this. Meantime the steps in my book can be repeated as needed, and it can be a systematic way of cobbling a shattered life back together.

Maria: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing your book, and how about when you re-published it?

Vicki: I was surprised to realise how far I'd come in the years after my husband's death, and I wanted to share what I'd learned with others. I was also surprised at the realization of how many wonderful friends I've gained through writing, both locally and all around the world. You've been one of my treasured friends, and wrote a very nice foreword to my book. And then of course our mutual friend, Angelia Phillips of flashpress, has been an amazing help with the newly updated version.
​
I think it's always good to review your work after some time, and see if it still resonates in the same way.  It's a surprise to discover that after all this time there is still only one way to recover from grief... You have to go through the whole process. In my calendar I've included some wonderful quotations that remind us of this. Another surprise was the realization that we all go through feelings of loss on a regular basis, some quite minor, like the loss of hair, or loss of energy.  But the process of acceptance and recovery is still the same.

Maria: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Vicki: I spend a lot of time in my garden, and find this is probably one of my greatest passions. I love to spend time with my dearly beloved, and with family and friends. The Sunshine Coast of BC is an amazing place to live, and is an endlessly fascinating place to explore. I seldom go into Vancouver, the largest city closest to us, as everything we need is here, and I have no need to be a shopper.

There are two ways to come and visit here... by ferry, or by air.

My blogging takes up a good amount of time too. I very much enjoy the whole thing of having a website, and I make sure my blog is active.

Maria: What's next?  Can you share any future writing plans with us?

Vicki: I have been busy on a novel for a couple of years, and find it quite frustrating. But out of this frustration has come a plan for finishing it! I started a writing group, and have learned so much from others. It's a great way to methodically work on projects, while receiving positive and helpful critique.
I also have another couple of writing projects on the go, and of course my weekly articles keep me on track for working in the future.

​Thanks, dear Vicki--wishing you a peaceful autumn season. Hoping my readers will take some time to check out your website as well!

​ShoutOuts

​☙Cellphone Love Affair via WarnerWords
☙Quality freebies, just for you! Via flashPress

Until next week, sending peace and hugs,

mar

​
25 Comments
Martie link
10/12/2016 11:34:19 am

Dear Mar and Vicki

This interview is extremely encouraging. Not only for writers, but also for people who are dealing with loss.

How I wish I could publish regularly and keep to a consistent schedule! I envy and admire you!

Hugs from SA,
Martie

Reply
Vicki link
10/13/2016 03:09:22 am

Dear Martie,
So nice to hear from you! I know you're a gifted and exciting writer, and I'm glad you'd like to blog on your site consistently. Wanting to do it is the first step. Next one is to write a couple of paragraphs! You don't have to write long posts remember...lots of readers love really short posts, just little snippets from your beautiful country! Do it, and you'll start getting appreciative tips from folks like me!
Love that you found this interview encouraging. Our dear mutual friend and colleague Mareer has a way of doing that. I so appreciate the opportunity of guesting on her site!
Big hugs to you from the Sunshine Coast!

Reply
Maria link
10/13/2016 06:06:35 am

Dear Martie and Vicki,
So lovely to see you here and think about you publishing on a regular basis, dear Martie.
Vicki is correct in that the consistency outweighs the length of your posts. Your subject matter is of great interest to many readers.
Love and hugs to you both, mar

Reply
Kimmie
10/12/2016 12:02:52 pm

Hello Mar and Vicki
Was so nice learning about Vicki's passions and early writing beginnings. I admire you both so much. Thank you for sharing. Sending lots of love.
Kimmie

Reply
Vicki link
10/13/2016 03:15:49 am

Hi dear Kimmie,
Thanks so much for coming by. I love reading your posts on your site too! It's a lot of fun visiting and learning from each other.Thank you for your kind words.
Hugs, Vicki

Reply
Maria link
10/13/2016 06:09:42 am

Dear Kimmie and Vicki,

Thank for your visit and kind words, Kimmie.

Like Vicki, I also enjoy reading posts on your website.

Wishing you both a peaceful day. Love, mar

Reply
paula link
10/13/2016 09:10:36 pm

Two lovely ladies in one spot! I like that. Really great interview. Oh Vicki, I so remember the ruler to the knuckles! (not personally. it was usually a boy being stupid in class) Funny girls, don't you think, how some things never change??! LOL
I admire writers who go all the way & write their own book. With winter on it's way, Vicki, unless you tend to an indoor garden, you'll have a lot of time to work on finishing that next novel!
Have a special week-end girls. Love & hugs, Paula
Memories are the best. They make us laugh and cry or sometimes just sit quietly "remembering."

Reply
Maria link
10/15/2016 08:48:43 pm

Your comments can light up a room...just like you, dear Paula.

Thanks for your insights and your heart...looks like you inspired Vicki by reading her latest post.

Love you and peace, Maria

Reply
Vicki link
10/17/2016 09:38:40 am

thank you Paula! You're a riot in your own right! Those poor boys were indeed the main ruler recipients! Thank goodness things have changed. I'm always grateful for memories. Just wish the short-term ones would stick around a bit more.
Big hugs

Reply
Angelia Phillips link
10/14/2016 08:59:24 am

Vicki & Mahreer,

Love this interview and also love the excellent comments the mDesk readers left.

Ditto what Martie said about this being encouraging news for both writers and folks dealing with loss.

I'm glad Vicki's new work station is still in use and hoping we'll see a post with pics about it at some point in WarnerWords. ☺

Reply
Maria link
10/15/2016 08:51:53 pm

I agree, dear Ange, that my readers leave the best comments - yourself included.

Thanks for your support and friendship - sending you healing energy and prayers to feel better soon. Love, mar

Reply
Vicki link
10/17/2016 09:52:08 am

Ange and Mareer,
You're always such a huge support, and I'm always so grateful to have you both in my life.
Absolutely awesome comments here - so encouraging!
I'll give that some thought, Ange. It has been a huge help after my surgery.

Sunshine
10/14/2016 10:13:11 am

There is so much love and caring thoughts in this interview. I just want to hang out here all day to avoid all the anger in the real world. Is the election over yet? Ha!
You ladies are the bestest!

Reply
Maria link
10/15/2016 08:55:02 pm

You are free to hang out in my Weebly hood as long as you desire, dear Sunshine.

Less than a month to go... heaven help us.

Reply
Vicki link
10/17/2016 09:59:40 am

Hi Sunshine,
Thanks for your sweet presence here, together with our sweet Maria!
There is a lot of daily hate everywhere it seems. All our hearts are with you 'down there' as your election looms. This affects everyone in the world, and, my goodness, what a spectacle. Yikes.
Glad you feel you can find positive refuge here, dear Sunshine.

Gail Sobotkin
10/16/2016 09:40:23 pm

Dear Maria,
As you know, I'm already a big fan of Vicki's writing but this interview gave me an even greater understanding about what inspires her writing and the wonderful work habits, support, and goals she's created for herself.
The cover image for "Healing Steps" is stunning and Vicki's personal experience of loss combined with her gift for writing makes this book a must have for anyone whose life has been touched by grief.
Blessings and Love,
Gail

Reply
Vicki link
10/17/2016 10:12:09 am

Dear Gail and Maria,
Many thanks for your kind comment here. Lately I've also been blessed to have this booklet included in every funeral package offered by a funeral home. It's pretty amazing what can happen when you take the step of writing small things about your knowledge in life, and keep working on your indie biz and your website.
I'm a fan of yours too, Gail. And we'd love to have you join us in the weeblyhood! The more, the merrier!

Reply
Maria link
10/17/2016 10:17:54 am

Well said, dear Gail. It's rewarding to introduce Vicki to those who do not yet know her, while we can get to know her even better through her sharing / answering these questions.

And thanks also to you for sharing this interview on FB.

Love you and hugs, Maria

Reply
Sannel link
10/17/2016 07:45:55 am

Dear Maria and Vicki!
Sorry for leaving such a late comment to this wonderful and inspirational interview about a much gifted and lovely friend.
Vicki was very thoughtful and sweet and gifted me "Healing Steps" at a time when I had lost my darling and very best friend, Max. Reading about Vicki's own loss and the helpful steps dealing with loss helped me tremendously much, and I would recommend it to anyone whose life has been touched by grief.
Thank you, Maria for a wonderful post getting us to know our darling friend,Vicki a little bit more.
Take good care!
Love and hugs to both of you!
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
10/17/2016 10:23:20 am

You are never late, dear Sannel.

I appreciate you sharing your personal experience with using Vicki's work book - a most authentic endorsement indeed.

Thanks to you for sharing this post. You are faithful and supportive in your ongoing shares and you are most appreciated.

Love you and hugs to Freddie, Maria

Reply
Vicki link
10/17/2016 10:19:36 am

Dear Sannel and Maria,
Lovely to have this place where friends can meet in such a special way. The very best thing about this little workbook and calendar is knowing it has helped when needed.
You are both very dear friends. Thank you, dear Sannel.
Big hugs and love to both of you.

Reply
Shauna
10/26/2016 11:46:31 am

Wonderful interview, Mar and Vicki! I find it amazing that Vicki remembers the exact moment she discovered her love of writing. It must have been heartwarming to see the power of her words bring tears to her teacher's eyes, especially at such a young age!

Reply
Maria link
10/26/2016 08:32:02 pm

Glad you enjoyed this interview with Vicki as much as I did, dear Sha.

Thanks for visiting and hope your week is going well. Love, mar

Reply
Peg Cole link
10/12/2017 12:32:10 pm

Don't know how I could have overlooked this enchanting interview filled with so much strength and hope. I like that you're recovering your interest in a long neglected novel in progress and know that you will get it finished and published in due time.
Thanks for sharing this insight into the life of a mutual friend, Maria. The two of you are inspiring others. Hugs and much love.

Reply
Maria link
10/13/2017 09:31:48 am

Thanks for your visit, dear Peg and for reminding me how wonderful this interview with Vicki is.

You are welcome any time and you are loved always, Maria

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
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    • marcoujor on Hubpages
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