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