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!  

  💐