Storyteller's Journey

Light and Love of the Season

Each year, Michael, my husband, places white holiday lights upon our house and some of the nearby trees. I always tell him I consider that task he does so lovingly for me, a Christmas gift.

While he's busy decorating outside, I bustle about decorating the inside of our home. We have one family/memory tree upstairs near our guest bedrooms, and another, more formal tree, in our living room. Over the years, I've accumulated so many Christmas items, that we've had friends tell us our home looks like Santa's cottage and workshop!

One of my favorite childhood Christmastime memories is my parents loading me and my siblings into the family car and touring our town in search of homes lit lovingly with colorful holiday lights. 

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza, or the Winter Solstice, the world seems to come alive with joy and laughter this time of year. Divine celebrations, feasts with family and friends, as well as songs and stories, all fill the air; they enrich our lives with the magic of the season: Light and Love. So, in the midst of buying your loved ones something special, take a deep breath and remember that this season should be about the heart. Savor your time with those you hold dear, thank the angels above for your blessings, and strive to show kindness and generosity this season. I know that's what I hope to do.

Storyteller's Journey

Winter Magic

While the calendar says it's still autumn, when December arrives, I always feel like winter is already here. (I took this photo out my kitchen window four years ago this month.)
 

As a writer, I'm inspired by Nature at all times of the year, but snowy days are the absolute best! That's the reason that I've written a collection of books with my artist husband, Michael Lindstrom, called The Lindstrom Wintertime Tales.

Since moving to a rural area over four years ago, my husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed receiving more snow than we did when we lived in the city. However, so far there's no sign of any snowflakes.

Here's hoping for a lot of snow this winter - it's so magical!

Winter's Blanket 12 X 16 oil on panel - Michael Lindstrom

Storyteller's Journey

Thanksgiving Weekend

It's always fulfilling to take some time to blog about what I'm grateful for; Thanksgiving Weekend is always a good time to reflect on my blessings.

In the past few years, I've mentioned the big blessings of recovering from cancer, as well as the arrival of our first grandchild, Adeline Joy. Those events continue to bring me deep gratitude. Family and friends are always the biggest source of gratitude for me.

However, since our lives have settled into a new normal, I've had time to reflect on other things I'm grateful for...little things. Many years ago, I learned about the concept of hygge. A speaker at a writers' conference shared how it had impacted her life. I was intrigued. Then, a few years ago, my son Kevin gave me a little book about the Danish concept. If you're not familiar with the word, here is the definition:

Hygge: a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.

Since we moved out to our rural home four years ago, I've found that our lives have slowed down. It's been wonderful. We now watch less television, enjoy nature more, and have additional time to create our art. Then too, little things like enjoying a warm fire, wearing cozy socks, watching a candle burning, sipping a special coffee drink, or reading a good book, are activities that I appreciate much more than I once did. These are all things that for me bring a sense of hygge to my life. 

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

Enjoy your blessings, both big and small.

Storyteller's Journey

Author Spotlight...on me!

Last week I mentioned that our local newspaper, The Columbian, was featuring me and my husband in articles entitled Local Author and Local Artist. Here is the article focusing on me. I so appreciate my friend, Kevin Weaver, for connecting me with this opportunity!

Click here to read a digital copy of the article in the insert the Clark County Compass of The Columbian. (I'm on page #24.)

Storyteller's Journey

My Author Marketing

To be honest, marketing my books is my least favorite thing about being an author. I've said multiple times, "I'd rather write my stories than push them!" Consequently, the scope of reaching my intended reader audience has been quite limited.

So, when our local newspaper, The Columbian, contacted me I was elated! They were interested in writing an article about me, and another one about my artist husband, Michael Lindstrom. They also mentioned that including an advertisement near the article might help readers find my books. Since I've done so little marketing in the last few years, I agreed. The above ad. is one that the newspaper created for me. It will be included in The Columbian this weekend, as well as the article. 

My plan is to include the article here on Writ of Whimsy next week!

Storyteller's Journey

NaNoWriMo Memories

The National Novel Writing Month is not for the faint of heart. Each November writers attempt to pen 50,000 words in thirty days. My first attempt was in 2011, thankfully I was successful!

After 2011, I didn't participate in NaNowriMo again until 2019.  Again, I was successful; having an actual outline for a novel was key for me. It took all of my focus once again; I skipped most of my normal activities until Thanksgiving that year.

By 2020, I had a system that worked well for me. I not only worked off of an outline, but each day I wrote 2,000 words - which worked out to about 25 days to reach my goal. That year I'd written 50,000 words by Thanksgiving and could really enjoy the holiday.

I've not participated in NaNoWriMo since 2020. I haven't needed to; the writing muscles it took to complete the challenge have now become part of me. I've continued a similar system of writing each day, with the exception that I take weekends off.

I'll always be grateful for the lessons I learned during those challenging days. For anyone participating in NaNoWriMo this year, hats off to you! Keep going, even if you miss a day or don't reach your intended word count. You're building your writer's muscle. Like forming any habit, it takes discipline and perseverance. In the last fourteen years I've had six children's books published. I know I couldn't have accomplished that without the discipline I developed during NaNoWriMo!

Storyteller's Journey

Happy Halloween!

While Halloween can conjure images of scary movies, creepy costumes, and trick or treating, for me, it's all about the magic of the season.

When I say magic, I mean mysterious forests, mystical creatures, and unexplained paranormal phenomena. Just the sort of things that an author of fantasy stories finds so rewarding, and enjoyable, to write!

So, whatever Halloween means to you, make it spooktacular! 👻

Storyteller's Journey

Update on Livvi Biddle!

Since returning from a September road trip, I've made great progress on The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle, specifically, Book 3: A Vigil in Venice. My goal is to complete the first draft of my manuscript before Thanksgiving. 

If all goes well, I'll read the manuscript over the holidays and spend January and February revising and editing. 

I'm also currently brainstorming with my artist husband, Michael Lindstrom, as to the subject manner for the cover image. Stay tuned for more information and an early sneak peek of the cover artwork!

Storyteller's Journey

Autumn is in the Air!

Earlier this week, we were lucky enough to have incredibly sunny weather. Since rain was in the forecast for the foreseeable future, I made the time to get out and enjoy it. As I've mentioned many times before, spending time out in Nature is one of the main ways I receive inspiration for my writing. It was wonderful to savor the lovely autumn weather!

The Common Area we share with our neighbors is just a short walk away from our property. The thirty-acre wood (as I call it), boasts two ponds. This one is my favorite of the two.

A short distance past the pond, is a tributary of Salmon Creek. I was expecting the water level to be higher; it's a reflection of how little rain we've received this year.

This is one of our neighbor's horses. Technically, our community is an equine neighborhood. When we moved in, a few folks asked us if we own horses. My husband said, "no, but I paint them." 😅

Spending time in Nature was the perfect way to get my juices going. When I returned home, I had a highly productive afternoon of writing. If you get the chance, take a walk outside this autumn!

Storyteller's Journey

Banned Books Week  
It seems to me that a government that claims banning books is an attempt to protect our children would also want to ban guns, or at the very least, regulate them. However, we all know the real reason for banning books is an attempt to regulate free speech. With so many of our rights seemingly on the chopping block in the Oval Office, it would be easy to underestimate the danger in banning books. The truth is, when a free flow of information is cut off, a free society ceases to exist. With our Democracy already on shaky ground, I just had to speak the truth, however small my voice may be.

"Something will be offensive in every book, so you've got to fight it." Judy Blume

"What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist." Salman Rushdie

 *        *        *        *

Bibliophile's Corner

I am Jane Goodall
by Brad Meltzer

Synopsis:

After receiving a stuffed animal chimpanzee for her first birthday, Jane Goodall's love of animals only grew. She saw what humans and animals had in common, not what makes us different, and used that to advocate for animal rights everywhere, becoming famous for her work with chimpanzees.

My Thoughts:

With the passing of Jane Goodall earlier this week, I felt I could honor her in one small way by featuring this book review. I love how one little incident - Jane receiving a stuffed animal chimpanzee on her first birthday - reverberated through her entire life. The book includes Dr. Goodall's thirst for knowledge, her passion for curiosity, and her love of our planet and its creatures. My own granddaughter celebrated her first birthday yesterday; this book will definitely be read to her very soon! This title is the tenth book in the series: Ordinary People Change the World by Brad Meltzer & illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. I highly recommend I am Jane Goodall to children up to seven years of age.

Storyteller's Journey

Livvi Biddle's Road Trip!

Since my husband and I had a road trip planned for the end of summer, I decided to take Livvi Biddle with us too! Below are the places that she visited, as well as a few added tidbits. Along the way, we met some really interesting and wonderful people!

Our first stop was Boise, Idaho. I'd not been to Boise since I was a little girl. We only stopped there as the place that would set us up to head south to our intended destinations. However, the hotel gave us a room with a view, so we had a delightful time on the deck overlooking the city! 

Leaving Boise on our way south, we stopped at Salt Lake City, Utah. I'd never been to that city, but unfortunately, we didn't have much time to spend on our tight schedule. When we left on September 9th, we drove through Orem and Provo on our way to Zion National Park. It wasn't until two days later that we realized we'd been in the general area of the abhorrent assassination of Charlie Kirk. The words of Governor Cox were good to hear.

As I mentioned two weeks ago, one of our best stays was at the Novel House Inn in Springdale, Utah next to the Zion National Park. Being in a literary setting was such a treat! The park itself was breathtaking; in some ways it felt magical. Livvi loved it! 😀

Our next stop was the Grand Canyon in Arizona. We'd been there twice before, but since we were headed to Flagstaff, we decided to visit it again. It's one of those special sites that you have a hard time wrapping your head around. Pictures just can't do it justice. If you've never been there, you really should plan a visit. Be sure to stay at El Tovar and visit the Hopi House. Spectacular!

We finally reached Flagstaff, AZ, one of our planned destinations since our nephew was getting married there. Prior to the trip, I'd booked this cabin because it was super-close to the wedding venue. Since we once owned a cabin, I thought it would be fun. Unfortunately, when we pulled up to the place, a dude sat in a rocker at a nearby cabin playing loud banjo music on a radio! No joke! Livvi didn't enjoy that very much. 😄

One of my favorite towns is Sedona, AZ. This time we stayed at an extraordinary place: El Portal. The hotel is filled with art, books, and antiques. It's also across the street from the world-famous Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. Needless to say, this was the best lodging spot on our trip! https://elportalsedona.com/

By the time we got to Phoenix, AZ, the temperature was over 100 degrees! I'm really not a fan of temperatures over 85 degrees; thankfully, my brother has a pool - so Livvi and I went swimming! 🏊The reason for this stop, was not only to see my brother, but to retrieve items I'd inherited last year. We had a lovely time catching up with my brother Don; he could be a stand-up comedian! When we left, we were towing my things in a U-Haul trailer behind us.

Visiting Yosemite National Park in Central California has been on my bucket list for a long time. Since we were heading north after leaving Phoenix, we made a point to include that special spot. Like the Grand Canyon, pictures just don't do Yosemite justice. If you ever visit, be sure to take in Yosemite Valley, that's where you can get a great overview of the park. That's what we did, since we only had a day and a half to spend there. It was epic!

When we arrived in Medford, Oregon, it was beginning to feel like home. While the trees were mostly pine, a few Douglas fir and cedar were beginning to appear. What we realized was how much we'd missed; we needed to take another trip to visit the Redwoods, Sequoia, and Crater Lake National Parks! Livvi agreed. 😀

By the time we reached our home in Washington State, we'd traveled over 3100 miles through five states! What we learned, once again, is that people are the same wherever you go. By in large, the folks we met were incredible, even fascinating. Travel has a way of reminding you of that fact. Maybe that's why I chose to feature a different country in each novel of The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle. 

 

Storyteller's Journey

The Arrival of Autumn!

As I write this post, I'm sitting in 100-degree weather in Phoenix! However, the calendar still says it's nearly autumn like it is back home in the Pacific Northwest. We'll be home by 9/20/25. Our road trip began nearly two weeks ago; its purpose to attend a wedding and to retrieve the items I inherited last winter after my mother's passing in Arizona. I also used the trip as a tour with my new middle grade book: Nimbus Over Normandy.

Check my post next week for a detailed account of my trip!

In the meantime, check out my recent quarterly newsletter here.

Wishing you each an awesome autumn season!

Storyteller's Journey

The Novel House Inn

Earlier this week we had the pleasure of staying at the Novel House Inn at Zion! What an amazing experience to see Zion National Park and to stay at an inn dedicated to novelists!

We stayed in the Rudyard Kipling room - so cool! It was complete with a four-poster bed that included a mosquito net, antique furniture, and jungle paintings; everything you'd expect to encounter in India of a bygone era.  Learn more about the Novel House Inn here.  

(Livvi Biddle was thrilled to visit this extraordinary location in Utah. In two weeks, I'll include some of the other spots she experienced along the way on our road trip!)

All in all, the majesty of Zion National Park was something that astounded me. It's not just the immensity of it, but the fact it goes on and on. We wished we had more time to spend in Zion - it brought me to tears.

Storyteller's Journey

My New Novel Just Released!

Last Tuesday, Sept. 2nd, my new middle grade novel NIMBUS OVER NORMANDY released! It's the second book in my fantasy series: The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle.

Here is a brief synopsis in flap-copy style:

Livvi, Caden, and Mia have barely returned to Chilcott's Academy of Creativity for a new year before the magical and mysterious again confront them. Lord Abaddon has assigned the demise of Livvi Biddle to a new antagonist: the shrewd and sinister female agent, Lilith. In addition to the threat from that dark angel, the girls encounter an enigmatic neighbor in the form of Mrs. Dinwiddie, who bestows a peculiar prophecy upon Livvi. However, it is the girls' unexpected trip back in time where they meet an iconic artist in his country home that poses a truly colossal problem to their existence. Livvi and her pals desperately search for a path back to the present, while dealing with the customs of the past, all while Lilith schemes against them!

If you think you or a young person you know may be interested in reading my book, click the link here to connect you to my Amazon Page.  It's available in hardback, paperback, and e-book.

Thanks for all your support!

Below are a few more images of the book, as well as the first book in the series: THE SIBYLLINE SCROLL.

Thanks for all your interest and support over the years!

Storyteller's Journey

Time for Summer Vacation!

Each summer I take a break from blogging; this will be my last post until September. My son, Kevin, will arrive soon from Colombia, while my youngest son, Brian, will arrive from the East Coast next month. We're looking forward to having the entire family together which happens so rarely! In addition to those visits, my husband and I will take a six-state road trip, including a wedding in Flagstaff, Arizona, later this summer.

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter.

Stay tuned for the release of Nimbus Over Normandy!

Wishing each of you a sensational summer season!

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!