Friday, March 15, 2024

Storyteller's Journey

Spring Break!

I'll be taking a break to hopefully enjoy the spring sunshine. Gardening, hiking, and reconnecting with my friends are at the top of my list. (We also still need to work on finishing the landscaping around our house.)

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter.

Wishing each of you a sensational spring season!


Friday, March 8, 2024

Storyteller's Journey

Hurry up, Spring!

While the calendar indicates that spring is just around the corner, the weather in the Pacific Northwest hasn't received the memo! (It snowed here several days the first week of this month.)

While I love the season of winter, I'm definitely ready for a change in the climate. Getting out in nature is one of the primary ways I receive inspiration. However, I admit that I'm a fair-weather hiker, so heavy rain will always keep me inside. Until we see drier weather, I guess it's more writing & reading...and Pilates, for me! (Photo from our common area.)

Friday, March 1, 2024

Storyteller's Journey

Missing My Friends

During my battle with cancer, one of the things I missed the most was seeing my friends. It wasn't that I couldn't see them, but my symptoms of weakness, fatigue, nausea, etc. made it difficult to spend quality time with my friends.

During the last year, I've always felt their love and support, even though I wasn't able to physically be with them. However, every day I grow stronger, and feel better. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with my friends very soon. Many of my friends are also writers - or at least lovers of literature. I've missed conversations about the writing and reading journey we're each travelling. Friends are what life is all about! 

Friday, February 23, 2024

Storyteller's Journey

In my little library.
     Persevering

It's been a year since I first experienced symptoms of cancer; it's been a long, difficult process. Through all the chemotherapy, CAT scans and other tests, writing seemed to get pushed to the back of my mind.

However, since the holidays, I've managed to work on two projects:

1- The second book in my Livvi Biddle Time Travel Tales is outlined, and the first three chapters have been penned. I had hoped to complete more of that manuscript, but it is what it is.

2- During the January snowstorm we experienced, another Lindstrom Wintertime Tale dropped into my mind. I'm thrilled that another book in out series of illustrated short stories is in the works.

Getting back to my normal writing routine and daily wordcount is proving to be a work in progress. I'm still weak and tired most days but getting stronger a little bit at a time. Wish me luck persevering!

Friday, February 16, 2024

Storyteller's Journey

Surviving Cancer

Recently, I completed my final chemotherapy infusion, followed by a couple of weeks of chemo pills. Unfortunately, I ended up getting severely dehydrated and was hospitalized due to the severe side effects of the treatment. Thankfully, I'm on the mend, though very weak. I'm so grateful for all the kind messages, cards, and even flowers from so many of my dear friends and family. You have no idea what they meant in the midst of my health storm.


While I'm thankful to have completed my chemotherapy, I won't know for months if every cell of cancer was clobbered. Still, I'm going forward with my life believing that I'm cancer-free.

Next week I'll give you an update on my writing over this challenging time. Believe it or not, I was actually able to work on a project.

Friday, December 15, 2023

Storyteller's Journey

Season's Greetings!

While 2023 has been challenging to say the least, December has brought with it a basketful of blessings. My sons, Kevin (Arizona) and Brian (New Jersey) will both be here in a few days. 

That is the best Christmas gift I could ask for. (My eldest son, David, will be here too, but he lives nearby.) I'm in between cycles of chemotherapy, so I'm feeling great - just in time for my birthday this Sunday. And lastly, there is no snow in the forecast (like last year!) to spoil our holiday plans.

I'll be back on Writ of Whimsy in early 2024. My chemo-therapy is due to be complete in mid-February so I'll be sure to check in!

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter.

Wishing you and yours the love, joy, and peace of the season! 

Friday, December 8, 2023

Storyteller's Journey

Peace on Earth

With all the conflict and chaos in our world right now, the idea of "peace on earth" can seem like an impossibility. Is there anything each of us can do to promote peace?

As a writer of books for middle grade readers, the idea of peace within my stories is always forefront on my mind. However, a story without conflict is not a story worth reading. It takes real creativity to include peace as an option to those conflicts within my novels.

It's not unlike the real world: it sometimes takes real creativity and imagination to find a peaceful path forward in diplomatic negotiations. 

Strangers, friends, and even loved ones, can sometimes present challenges to a peaceful existence in each of our lives. At this time of year, we must all give our best effort to promote peace, even while there is so much lack of peace in the world. We can each make a difference by being kind and understanding this holiday season.