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.