Storyteller's Journey

My Summer Reading List

Each summer I attempt to catch up on my TBR (to-be-read) list; pictured on the left, are the books on my list this summer. Two books of poetry, two middle grade novels, one YA novel, and one biography/research book. I've always enjoyed a wide variety of genres when it comes to my taste in books...this is a great example of that. Since we'll be taking a super-long road trip later this summer, I have plenty to keep me busy.

Enjoy a great book this summer. Happy reading, everyone!

Storyteller's Journey

Inspired by a Legend!

Last month, my husband Michael and I were lucky enough to attend the Outlaw Tour in nearby Ridgefield, WA. Michael has long been a fan of Bob Dylan; he enjoys painting in his studio to his music. Through the years, I too, have enjoyed Mr. Dylan's music, particularly how he has a way with words. It's no wonder that he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016!

It just happened to be Mr. Dylan's 84th birthday on the day of the concert. Like the true artist that he is, his performance included reinventions of his own music. It was spectacular! Watching him perform gave me not only a sense of nostalgia, but a huge amount of inspiration. As Dylan wrote, I hope to "stay forever young!"

"Inspiration is hard to come by. You have to take it where you find it." Bob Dylan

Storyteller's Journey

My Alter Ego

Like many creative types, I've dabbled in other forms of art than my main passion of writing children's books. Over the years, photography has been the one that I most enjoy.

The above photo was made several years ago and is entitled Astoria Dock. This one on the left, was created in my old neighborhood and is called simply, Railroad Tracks. Its location is along a rural highway next to the Columbia River; the tracks are featured in my fantasy series: The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle.

While I'm an amateur photographer at best, I enjoy composing iconic images using black and white photography.

The Oregon Coast is one of our favorite places to visit. This image was created several years ago near Astoria, Oregon and is entitled Jetty - Pacific Ocean.

This image is called Covered Bridge and was made more recently in the Common Area of the private neighborhood where we now live in Venersborg, WA. This subject is not only one of my favorites, but my husband, Michael's as well. An oil painting of the bridge hangs in our kitchen area.

The old horse bridge serves as a gathering place for the neighbors each summer.

Sometimes when you're creating art, in whatever genre, you get lucky. That's what happened when I saw my husband Michael sitting on the terrace next to me last month at the Maryhill Museum of Art. The only thing I did was move his glass of wine, framed and focused the image, and created this photograph. I call it simply, Lindy, my husband's nickname.

I hope you have a passion for an art form that you enjoy!

Storyteller's Journey

Tying Up Loose Ends

As I proceed on my path to publication this autumn, there are a plethora of tasks to tackle as an independent author. Here are the items that I've completed so far:

1- Complete, revise, & edit my manuscript. 

2- Acquire a cover artist & designer, as well as a book formatter.

3- Have a cover reveal, several times.

4- Listen to my manuscript via the "Speak" feature on Word.

5- Clean up my manuscript for unwanted spaces; helps book formatter!

6- Create a book trailer. (See last week's post.)

7- Update my author and publisher websites.

    victorialindstrom.com    thistleberrybooks.com

Here's a list of necessary items I've not yet completed:

1- Work with my book formatter to create the actual layout of the book.

2- Acquire new bookstores to carry my book.

3- Schedule at least one book launch event.

4- Create a plan to feature my book on social networking sites.

5- PUBLISH!

Wish me luck; I'll also start writing book three next month!

Storyteller's Journey

A New Book Trailer!

This past week, I finalized the book trailer for my new middle grade novel, Nimbus Over Normandy, the second fantasy book in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle.

(View the short video below!)

While the trailer is not that elaborate, it does give young readers a sense of the style of my story, and an insight to my protagonist's precocious personality.

The trailer is just one of many steps on my path to publication.

To receive updates on the release of my book, subscribe to my quarterly newsletter at victorialindstrom.com on the CONTACT page.

Storyteller's Journey

Relax, Regroup, & Rejuvenate!

As I mentioned last week, I'm in a transition period between writing and publishing/marketing. I'm also taking some well-deserved time to simply relax, regroup, and rejuvenate.

As I've mentioned before, nature is my main muse, and enjoying the arts is my passion. When they come together it's magic! Here's a recent photo with my husband Michael before visiting the Maryhill Museum of Art in the Columbia River Gorge. Michael was a participant in the Pacific Northwest Plein Air art show, where he won an Honorable Mention Award.

While it might seem like taking this much time off unwise, I've always found that I need a "full tank" emotionally and creatively to effectively write. So, while I'm taking it easy right now, I'm still checking out some important information for my path to publication ahead. 

Emily Dickinson once said, "Write me of hope and love, and hearts that endured." To do that, we need to have tasted of those things in our own lives.

Wishing all mothers and nurturers a very Happy Mother's Day!

Storyteller's Journey

Crossing the Finish Line

This past week I finally finished my current work in progress - revisions, edits, everything! That's not to say my work is over, it's not. The formatting, publishing, and marketing all lie ahead. (Photo: Public Domain)

This transition from writer to publisher is always a bit tricky. (I'm better suited for the former!) In any event, May will be a time to regroup and relax before my path to publication is realized at the end of summer.

Stay tuned for the specific release date sometime this autumn!

Book Two

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!

Storyteller's Journey

Digging up the Past

When I began plotting my middle grade light fantasy/historical fiction series over a decade ago, I knew it would require research, and lots of it. 

When you set a story in a famous place (or any place unfamiliar to you) you need to visit that location, in addition to your reading, etc. So I thought I'd share with you a bit of my travels from 2014 when I was first researching the locations featured in my series. Below are just a few:

Here I'm pictured in Venice, standing on the Pont della Paglia (bridge) not far from our hotel and Piazzo San Marco. It's also super close to the Santa Maria della Pieta (church) and former site of Ospedale della Pieta (orphanage and school) where Antonio Vivaldi taught orphan girls, while he was also busy composing hundreds of concertos!

After we left our week-long visit in Italy (including our initial destination in Rome), we took the train to France. We spent time in Provence and Paris, but our ultimate goal was Normandy. We visited Rouen, Omaha Beach, and finally Giverny - home of Claude Monet. The second book in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle includes France as one of the settings. Nimbus Over Normandy will release later this year.

Here I'm pictured at Stonehenge in England. This is the first setting that launched my fantasy series. Sometimes you get lucky when you're researching: I had chosen to feature Winston Churchill in my novel long ago; while researching, I discovered that the former Prime Minister of the U.K. (1940-1945, 1951-1955) loved to visit Stonehenge! Obviously, I used that tidbit in the plot for the first book in my series: The Sibylline Scroll.

Finally, this photo was taken in the Scottish Highlands; the fifth book in my seven-book series will be set in Scotland. For some reason, it reminded me of the Pacific Northwest, just a bit. Absolutely stunning. (I'm also a big fan of the Outlander series, by Diana Gabaldon!)

These photos focus on just four of the countries that will be featured in my seven-book series. I previously visited Israel years ago but have very few photos remaining from that trip. There's also at least one more country I need to visit very soon, but I won't tell you which one!

Since each of my novels features an historic figure, there's been tons of reading over the years on Winston Church, Claude Monet, Antonio Vivaldi, and others. There will be female icons featured too, I promise! 

Storyteller's Journey

A Message of Love

With so much turmoil and trouble in our world, what better day, than today to be reminded of the importance of love? While St. Valentine's Day is usually thought of as a romantic day, I'm choosing to reflect on the need we all have for love, in whatever form it's delivered.

In the last few months, I can't recall the number of times my husband and I have said, "Thank God for Adeline!" 2024 was a challenging year, and it seems that 2025 has gotten off to a troublesome start as well. But when our first grandchild, Adeline Joy arrived last October, she was like a shining star that burst into our world, and she continues to brighten our lives. Choosing to focus on our blessings, rather than our challenges is always the best path to trod. However, that's easier said than done.

In a world full of chaos and complexities, this quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald is worth remembering. While I have definite views on the current events of our day, how I handle them might be different than many of my dear friends. As a person of faith, I see the world from the 30,000-foot view. Some of the answers to our immediate challenges may not be quickly resolved, unfortunately. Whatever the beliefs we each hold dear, I believe that we can all agree:

Love is the best way, even if sometimes tough love is required.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Storyteller's Journey

Pursuing my own Path

When I first began writing in earnest, nearly twenty years ago, I had no idea where that path would take me. But like so many things in my life, it was to be unconventional.

I took college courses, attended writers' conferences, joined critique groups and book clubs. I queried numerous literary agents; I received numerous rejections. All in all, I learned a lot.

However, it wasn't until I launched out on my own that I really became a writer. A scribe that wrote from my own heart, about things that interested me; I was no longer concerned about what the market wanted. That's not to say that I didn't follow numerous rules about all sorts of things necessary to be a professional author. But it does mean that I chose the subject matter, the book covers, etc. I even formed my own boutique publishing company: Thistleberry Books. I worked with a printing house that does work for the "Big Five" publishing houses. Again, I learned a lot. 

In 2014, my artist husband, Michael, and I traveled to Europe, visiting four countries. While we were in Italy, France, England, and Scotland, I did research for my book series, while Michael did plein air paintings. That trip was not only memorable, but it has also provided me with material as I continue to create The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle.

Over the years, I've met dozens of writers hoping to get published; most never do. It's not easy obtaining an agent to represent your work, let alone be a champion for your stories. However, what I've realized is that for me it wasn't just about getting published; it really has been about creating stories. I live in the settings I create every day. It's what I do with my life: craft books for children. So, while some days I lament the fact that I never obtained an agent, I wouldn't change a thing. The freedom I have to create what I want, when I want, is something I truly cherish. I've learned I can do way more than I ever thought I could.

Storyteller's Journey

Work in Progress Update

After a busy and emotional holiday season, it feels good to get back to my routine. Thankfully, the revision of book II in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle is finally complete. My first draft of Nimbus over Normandy was written closer to a polished draft than I'd remembered.
I'll be sending my editor (my son) my manuscript today. Since he's busy with his own manuscript, and developing video games, I need to give him plenty of time to complete my edits. 

Presently, I'm doing a bit of additional research reading for book III in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle Series. After that, I'll craft a detailed outline for that novel. I'll be posting more on that very soon. 

If you're interested in following all of my book news, subscribe to my quarterly newsletter on my contact page at www.victorialindstrom.com 

Storyteller's Journey

The Healing Power of Nature

"There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature."

Rachel Carson
 

Recently, I had the time to wander through the "Common Area" in our neighborhood. It always seems so quiet, especially in winter. The magic and majesty of nature always soothes my soul.

On this visit, I walked down a path I rarely tread. This red barn seemed to say, "Stop and look at me!" So, I did. Its bright color seemed to pop against the neutral colors of winter.

Though we had horses and ponies when I was a child, I'm by no stretch of the imagination an equestrian. Still, seeing these beautiful creatures brought back memories of my childhood.

In nearly every challenging time of my life, I have found my way back by spending time in nature. I'm incredibly grateful that in this chapter of my life, I live in such a beautiful natural setting.

"When Nature's finery is wiped away by Winter its raw beauty is revealed." Victoria Lindstrom

Storyteller's Journey

Objects in our Lives, 
Objects in our Stories

As I continue to mourn the passing of my mother, I've found that I find comfort in looking at some of the objects she passed on to me. This old copy of the children's book, Heidi, is the actual book I first read as a child. My mom said, "this is the first big girl book you're going to read - take care of it." (It doesn't look like I heeded her instructions!)

Consequently, this book is one of my most prized possessions. It was given to my mom by her first-grade teacher, when my mom was in fifth grade, in 1945. Little did Emily Elfstrom realize at the time, that eighty years later Sheila's daughter would hold the book so close to her heart.

That's the thing about keepsake possessions; their true value is always given to them by the humans that own them. We cherish them for the memories they conjure up and the people they bring to mind, not for their monetary value. It's almost like they hold a bit of our loved ones within their substance. In a strange way, they're like J.K. Rowling's horcruxes, only in a super positive light.

When I first began to write my series, The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle, I realized that I wanted to include special objects in my story for a similar reason. An antique locket, an old tome, and a sibylline scroll. Objects give an authenticity to our tales, especially if they're close to our protagonist. (If they're magical, all the better!)

This Japanese jewelry box is another object my mother gave to me. My father brought it back to Coronado, CA (where I was later born) from Okinawa when he was in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. My mother loved it.

Keepsake objects have a way of holding our loved ones near to us. 

What objects do you cherish?