Storyteller's Journey

Being a Creative Recluse

For me to be a productive writer, I must have solitude. I'm not unique; many creatives are wired the same way. When you're a professional, a wife, and a mother, that can sometimes be a challenge. Since my three sons are all grown and out of the house, I now have more "alone time" than I once did.

Over the years my husband, who is an artist, and I have developed a system for our own time management with regards to our creativity. In the past I would take at least one week each year to attend a writer's retreat and/or a writing conference. These events were pivotal to my productivity. Likewise, my husband participated in a few art events each year that gave him time to focus on his creativity.

In the last few years, due to the pandemic, change of location, and a health challenge, some of these outside events have diminished - especially for me. However, since moving to a rural setting four years ago, I've become even more productive. It turns out that my main muse really is nature. I've become a "creative recluse" in my own home. Looking out at a dense forest as I write really fuels my imagination!

This past week, my husband Michael participated in an oil painting event. Having a week alone, felt like my own little retreat. It helps that we live on property that would rival many retreat settings.

That's not to say, I don't covet my time with my friends & family, I do. We're looking forward to a full weekend with our art pals, as well as seeing our son, daughter-in-law, and our granddaughter. 💙

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Storyteller's Journey

Creativity and Spirituality

While you don't necessarily need to be a spiritual person to be creative, I've found that for me the two are intrinsically linked. The subject of artwork versus mere craftmanship I believe is also tied to this topic. While a person who creates a set of unique bookends and other wood products may well be considered an artist, a person that creates the exact same set of bookends over and over to me is a craftsman. Both should be highly respected! 

However, the latter is a skilled woodworker, I believe the former may be both a skilled woodworker as well as an artist. You may ask, "Why?"

It stems from the artist engaging their imagination, and possibly an expression of their soul, or even their spirituality, that for me makes the difference. You may disagree, and I would totally understand. We can agree to disagree! The fact is, both a craftsman and an artist are gifted.

Our world is currently grappling with how artificial intelligence (AI) will fit into all aspects of our lives. When it comes to the arts, this is another area where I feel that an AI generated project may well be of value, but not necessarily true art - no matter how impressive it is.

When the artist's soul is infused into a project, there is a long-lasting heartfelt message left behind within the artwork. Whether you call it spirituality, imagination, or emotion, I believe that that unique element is essential to be called art.

"A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art." Paul Cezanne

Much like a person must have developed a deep sense of love, kindness, and generosity to be considered a spiritual person, not merely a person who belongs to any number of faiths or religions.

At this time each year we celebrate new life, in so many ways. Right now, our world is in great need of love, kindness, and wisdom. These entities are readily available to each of us, but we each must do the difficult work to cultivate them within our souls. May we each do our part to make our world a better place. Not only by creating great books, art, and music, but by creating something beautiful inside our own souls.

Happy Easter! Happy Passover!

Storyteller's Journey

Painting by Michael Lindstrom

As I work to put the final touches on my current work in progress: The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle - Book 2 -Nimbus Over Normandy, I'm also working to create a book trailer for it.

I've said many times before how lucky I know I am to have a fine artist for a husband! Here, Michael is pictured painting the above illustration of Claude Monet's home in Giverny, France.

I'll be sure to share the book trailer for Nimbus Over Normandy when it's complete. 

In the midst of working on multiple projects all at once, it was wonderful to get out and enjoy the sunshine last week. 

Be sure you to get outside and enjoy the spring season!  

  💐

Storyteller's Journey

Spring has Arrived!

As I've mentioned here on Writ of Whimsy before, the arrival of spring in the Pacific Northwest is no small thing; after a long dark winter, longer days and warmer temperatures bring on severe spring fever! Therefore, I'll be taking my normal Spring Break for a few weeks to garden and to just generally enjoy the out of doors.

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter.

Wishing you each a sensational spring season!
 

Storyteller's Journey

Quick Study of VL by Michael Lindstrom

   Seeking Inspiration

A few weeks ago, my artist husband Michael Lindstrom, painted this quick study of me in his studio. Since we moved into our "new" home a few years ago, it seems we've gotten into the habit of me sitting as a model for him more. I must say, it's not an easy thing to do! Thankfully, Michael doesn't require that I sit perfectly still; his expressive style is obviously way more abstract than that of a portrait painter.

While he paints, we listen to Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, or John Prine; these are some of the musicians that inspire him as he creates his art. What's interesting to me, is that since I've been sitting for Michael, I've found that I'm more inspired in my own art of creative writing.

Art on the Boulevard, a local gallery that represents both of us, has always been a big source of inspiration. Sadly, after nineteen years as a beacon of art, it will close its doors next week. (Here, we're pictured at the farewell event earlier this month.)

In the last few months, there's been a new source of prominent inspiration for me: my granddaughter Adeline! I'm newly motivated to finish my seven-book middle grade series as soon as possible. (Here she's pictured in our television room watching a little bit of the 2025 Academy Awards; she loves the Wicked soundtrack!)

Now, more than ever, it's important to focus on things that inspire our creativity. Being intentional to embrace and savor the beauty and wonder in our world not only enhances our art, but it can also, frankly, keep us healthy and sane during these dark and difficult days.

Storyteller's Journey

Why Nancy Drew Books Matter

When my journey as a bibliophile first launched it began with Heidi, Pippi Longstocking, and Little Women. But soon thereafter, I discovered The Nancy Drew Mystery Stories. I would say that the effect Carolyn Keene (with all the authors that wrote under that pen name) had on me was incalculable. While the first book in the Nancy Drew Series was written even before my mother was born, the timeless friendship that Nancy and her girlfriends, Bess and George, had made a big impact on me.

During my youth, I read every book in the original 56-book collection of Nancy Drew Books. The mystery stories were fun to read, but looking back it was the friendship between the three females that meant so much to me. Today it seems that authors of middle grade novels attempt to reach every adolescent, both male and female. While that is fine for some, my desire is to create something in line with what I experienced with the friendship of Nancy Drew and her girlfriends. Our young girls today need to be reminded of the importance of supporting their "sisters." It's curious how my reading habits as an adolescent are still having an immense impact on me today as an author.

Storyteller's Journey

Next Stop: Venice!
 
As I mentioned last week, my husband and I visited Vencie in 2014. After over a decade, that research is finally going to pay off; the third novel in my middle grade series will be set there.

Pictured here is Santa Maria della Pieta; the church where Vivaldi's female orchestra and choir performed. Next door to it was the Ospedale della Pieta: the school and orphanage where the girls lived.

We spent several hours in the church. Gathering specifics about a location is only part of the benefit from visiting an historic site. The ambience is also so important to record. After all these years I'm so grateful that I took copious amounts of notes. 

It feels a bit strange to be working on the third book when the second one hasn't been published yet, but I must maintain my momentum! The working title for book III in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle is A Vigil in Venice. 

Stay tuned for more updates on my MG time-travel series!