Storyteller's Journey

The Path to an Enriched Existence

Nature has long been my main muse when it comes to writing. Since I write stories for children, it's probably no surprise. Memories of hiking, bicycling, and swimming at a local lake are never far from my mind when I'm enjoying Mother Nature.

The photo above, is of a pond in our Common Area that I enjoy visiting. Now that it's spring, spending time there certainly reminds me of sunny days as a child in the out of doors. It also inspires new ideas for my children's book series, since my protagonist, Livvi Biddle, spends loads of time in the natural world. With our society so enthralled with cell phones, streaming sites, and artificial intelligence, it behooves all of us to encourage children to spend more time with Mother Nature.

Science has proven that spending even a little bit of daily time in nature improves not only our physical health, but also our mental health. It reduces stress and enhances happiness. Mother Nature also provides us with a sense of satisfaction and gratitude for our lives.

With everyone seeking the secret to an abundant life, spending time in the natural world is really the path to an enriched existence. Spending time in the out of doors with the children in your life is one of the best gifts you can give to them. (In addition to reading to them, of course!)

"It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement: the greatest source of visual beauty, the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living." Sir David Attenborough He turns 100 today!

Storyteller's Journey

Society's Secret Weapon

Much of April I was in bed battling pneumonia. In addition to reading and resting, I reflected a lot about why I write stories for children, and not adults. I love reading all sorts of books, including adult novels and memoirs. That being said, as a little girl, reading children's books had an immense impact on me; ultimately, it helped me set my own personal philosophy of life.

I believe children's books are society's secret weapon. 

When a child learns ideas about life at an early age, she begins to critically think for herself. She begins to have her own opinions. She begins to understand that the world is a place with different kinds of people - with different customs - all deserving love and kindness. 

I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say online, or even in person, "Oh, she (or he) just writes children's books." The implication being that children's literature is of lesser value than adult literature.

Here are a few quotes from award-winning authors:

"As great scientists have said and as all children know, it is above all by the imagination that we achieve perception, compassion, and hope." Ursula Le Guin

"A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest.

C. S. Lewis

"Anyone who writes down to children is simply wasting his time. You have to write up, not down."

E. B. White

"Fairytales do not tell children that dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairytales tell children that dragons can be killed." G. K. Chesterton

"I don't want to write for adults. I want to write for readers who can perform miracles. Only children perform miracles when they read."

Astrid Lindgren

Encouraging children to read - whatever they choose - is the best way for a society to create a more compassionate, curious, and responsible generation for tomorrow. It will also create the kind of leaders our country so desperately needs.

Storyteller's Journey

My Book Trailer!

While my very first book trailer was created by a professional videographer, for my last several novels I've created my own with iMovie.

Check out my book trailer for A Vigil in Venice

BOOK Three in The Time Travel Tales of LIVVI BIDDLE!

Subscribe to my quarterly newsletter on the CONTACT PAGE at

www.victorialindstrom.com 

Storyteller's Journey

An Early Earth Day!

This photo of Earth, taken by the crew of Artemis II, is just exquisite. It's such a beautiful photo of our planet.

When NASA launched the first crewed flight of the Artemis program for a lunar flyby on April 1st, a new era had dawned for the space program of the U.S.A. Watching their launch from Kennedy Space Center had me in tears - and again at splashdown, near San Diego, California.

While the mission made history on so many levels, what caught my attention was the eloquent way each of the four astronauts spoke about their experience while still in space:

"You can see the entire globe from pole to pole...it was the most spectacular moment, and it paused all four of us in our tracks." Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman, 4/2/26

"You guys are talking to us because we're in a spaceship really far from Earth, but you're on a spaceship called Earth that was created to give us a place in the universe." Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover, 4/5/26

"No matter where you're from or what you look like - we're all one people." Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen - first Canadian astronaut to travel to the vicinity of the Moon.

"When we burned the burn towards the moon, I said that we do not leave Earth, but we choose it. And that is true...But ultimately, we will always choose Earth. We will always choose each other." Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

"Preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known." Carl Sagan

Photo Credit: NASA

Storyteller's Journey

COVER REVEAL!

Over Spring Break I spent time doing a variety of things, the most important amongst them was to finalize the cover for my next middle grade novel, A Vigil in Venice, the third book in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle. (It will be the seventh book I've had published.) Many thanks to my artist husband, Michael Lindstrom, for the beautiful cover art! He's been the artist for all my books. Thanks, Lindy!
 

I also owe a BIG thank you to my dear friend, fellow author, and book formatter, Kriston Clark. She, too, has had a hand in all my books. It's been quite a journey, girlfriend!

The book trailer reveal is coming soon!

Storyteller's Journey

It's Time for Spring Break!

I'll be taking a hiatus from blogging to catch up on a number of things; those include spending time with my granddaughter, catching up on my TBR list, and working on my next book release. With the weather already warming up, I also plan to spend more time in Nature. (We do have a vacation planned later in the season.) I'll be back on Writ of Whimsy sometime in April.

Click here to read my recent quarterly newsletter!

Wishing you a sensational spring season!

Storyteller's Journey

My To-Be-Read List

I love to read poetry, and when it includes some of the poet's own artwork, it's even better. I recently purchased this copy of CHRISTINA ROSSETTI Poetry In Art; I can't wait to enjoy this beautiful book!

I love to read a variety of genres, but since I write middle grade stories, I read a lot of children's books. However, I also enjoy Young Adult Fantasy among other types of books. THE WINTER GARDEN by Alexandra Bell looks to be just the ticket for my next serious read!

The SEASONAL QUARTET by author-printmaker Angela Harding is a beautiful collection of books celebrating the beauty of nature and wildlife. When I discovered these books online, I just had to purchase them, even though they shipped from England. (I must be channeling the British branch of my ancestry since all these books are by English authors!)

What's on your to-be-read list?

Storyteller's Journey

 A Walk in the Woods

Earlier this week, I ventured out into our Common Area that I affectionately call, the Thirty-acre Wood. It was a dry, clear, comfortable day for a walk. It was one of those late-winter days that teases you with a hint of spring. As I've mentioned many times here on Writ of Whimsy, nature is my main muse. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our time out in the local countryside.

This pond is one of two that we enjoy in the Common Area. I've blogged a few times before about this extraordinary slice of nature; but seeing it through the seasons offers a new perspective each time I visit.

This lovely creek runs through the picturesque acreage. The crimson leaves still visible on the distant deciduous trees will soon be replaced with greenery with the arrival of spring.

The creek widens and deepens as it proceeds through the woods. The sun appeared briefly while we continued on our walk. It felt invigorating to be out since it had been weeks since I'd visited this beautiful hinterland.

This historic covered bridge was built in 1898 and is only accessible by residents of our local neighborhood. It allows walkers and horseback riders to enjoy both sides of the creek which makes for a nice long walk or horse ride.

Spending time in Nature always inspires my writing! 

What inspires you to create?

Storyteller's Journey

Livvi Biddle Art!

One of the most enjoyable parts of being an author, as well as a small publisher, is working with my illustrator-husband, fine artist, Michael Lindstrom. Here are a few images for the cover art and upcoming book trailer for my MG fantasy novel: A Vigil in Venice.

In each of the novels of my seven-book middle grade fantasy series, The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle, the protagonist goes back in time and meets an iconic historical figure. In Book 3 - A Vigil in Venice, that figure is Antonio Vivaldi. Since the "Red Priest" was not only a famous composer, but a violin virtuoso, this image will work well in the video book trailer. (All images copyright, Michael Lindstrom Art.)

This image will also work well for the book trailer. The Campanile, or bell tower, in the background beyond a small canal, is an icon in St. Mark's Square. It was completed over 150 years before the birth of Vivaldi. (The top image will be the insert art for my upcoming book. See the previous book covers on right.)

Stay tuned for more updates, including the book trailer!

Storyteller's Journey

Update on Livvi Biddle

As I continue to revise the manuscript for Book 3 of The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle, I also composed a flap copy description. I thought those of you who are interested in my journey as a writer might find it interesting. The time-travel portion of the middle grade novel is set in Venice, Italy. Here's the current description of A Vigil in Venice:

Traveling back in time to 18th Century Venice, Italy, turned out to be a more menacing experience than Livvi Biddle ever expected! While the girls from Chilcott's Academy of Creativity did meet Antonio Vivaldi (the famous composer and violinist) as they'd planned, what they didn't plan was to become permanent residents of the Ospedale della Pietà - an orphanage! Meanwhile, the Legion of Dark Angels were still on the hunt for Livvi Biddle; they caused havoc to the Biddle household by intimidating Sadie and Granny to reveal Livvi's whereabouts...with truly disastrous consequences. Will the girls from Steamboat Landing escape the Venetian orphanage? Can the Dark Angels be successfully dealt with? Trouble seems to follow Livvi and her pals whether they're in the present or the past!

When I traveled to Europe in 2014, Venice, Italy, was one of my favorite cities. Of all the places we visited and researched that summer, it was the spot that seemed to hold its history the most. It was as though I had stepped back in time like my protagonist! From the Venetian Lagoon to St. Mark's Square, to the extraordinary architecture, the beauty is otherworldly.  

Stay tuned for more updates, including the cover art!

Storyteller's Journey

What the World Needs Now...

Since the beginning of 2026, there have been a number of significant stories in the news - most of them negative. However, witnessing Americans defend Bad Bunny, support Savannah Guthrie's search for her missing mom, and donate to World Central Kitchen to help Gaza, have all, at least the for the moment, reminded me of the power of love.

Enjoy this timeless song from Jackie DeShannon in 1965:

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Storyteller's Journey

My 15th Blogiversary!

Fifteen years ago this week, I began Writ of Whimsy. This is the photo I featured with my first blog post back in February 2011. In the ensuing years I've had six children's books published, moved to another town, become a grandmother, traveled to numerous countries, survived cancer, and lost loved ones. So much has happened in those fifteen years.
 

That being said, so much has remained the same. Spending time in nature is still the main inspiration for my writing. Moving to our rural property - Fern Hill - nearly five years ago, was a dream come true. During these challenging times I find refuge amongst the tall evergreen trees that surround our home.

I've learned so much about life from the beautiful black-tailed deer that live on our property. Their simple and peaceful lives remind me that contentment is found with family, friends, and Mother Nature.

To mark this anniversary milestone for my blog, I've donated to Kids for Peace. Given the dark days we're all living through right now, I felt I wanted to focus on a global organization whose mission is peace.

Storyteller's Journey

This is Not a Dystopian Novel

Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley; 1984, by George Orwell; and It Can't Happen Here, by Sinclair Lewis, are three of the most well-known dystopian novels of the 20th Century.

Lest we forget, here is the definition of Dystopian:

An imagined, often futuristic society characterized by dehumanization, oppression, fear, and misery, where life is as bad as possible.

That being made clear, what we all are living through, particularly in Minneapolis, is not a dystopian novel. The abhorrent killing, violence, lawlessness, disrespect, and chaos is really occurring, though it feels like a nightmare from which we're unable to awaken. 

For my younger followers, here are two young adult dystopian novels:

"Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth." William Faulkner 

Storyteller's Journey

An illustration by Michael Lindstrom from The Scandinavian Santa

When Fantasy Meets Reality

Last fall, my husband and I booked a trip to Scandinavia. We had hoped to take it in 2023 to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, but cancer intervened.

So, we'll be visiting Denmark, Sweden, and Norway for fifteen days in late spring. We also want to research our ancestral roots - mine in Norway and Michael's in Sweden. A final reason for the trip is that the fourth book in my middle grade fantasy series takes place, at least in part, in Sweden. I look forward to researching Varnhem Abbey.

What began as an exciting adventure to anticipate, has now turned into a situation that we must monitor. The current state of affairs with Denmark, Greenland, and our other NATO Allies, has us cautious about visiting that extraordinary corner of the world. So far, I've been able to conduct research in the featured country for each of my books in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle. Seeing a sign on the news, "Yankee Go Home!" is quite disconcerting...but totally understandable.
 

Storyteller's Journey

A Bookworm from Way Back!

Over the winter holiday, I took a trip down memory lane. I finally went through all the photographs I obtained from my mother's estate after her death a year ago. This one pictures me at my maternal grandmother's home when I was five years old. It's the only childhood photo taken of me reading. (At least as far as I know.) Since my grandmother was the one who taught me to read at the age of four, this photo is precious to me.

Over the holiday I also caught up on my TBR list. This middle grade novel, The Winter Room by Gary Paulsen, is well worth your time. It was a Newbery Honor Book in 2014 and was written with a beautiful lyrical language that made it feel like listening to an older person telling a story fireside. A lovely, heartfelt tale.

I highly recommend The Winter Room to readers aged eight to eighty!

I also read The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, like so many other adults this winter! Many times, I'm disappointed when I read a popular novel, not this time. This fantastic book is written in epistolary style, which makes it even more intriguing to read. Learning about the characters, their history, and ultimately the plot of the novel through letters - by Sybil Van Antwerp - is a wonderful way to take in the story. It felt a bit like finding a bunch of my mother's old letters in her attic and piecing together her history. I highly recommend The Correspondent to readers 18 & up!

Wishing you a Happy New Year... of reading!

Storyteller's Journey

Honoring Renee Nicole Good

After the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good on Tuesday, it didn't take long for the narrative to become political. In the process, the life of Ms. Good was lost in the rhetoric. When I looked into who this woman was, I learned that she was a mother, a writer, and a graduate of Old Dominion University. After discovering that, I penned a simple poem in her honor. 
Photo: Renee Nicole Good/Public

Ode to Renee

She was a writer, a poet, a mother of three,

in that regard she was a lot like me.

But when Renee drove out on the street that day

she was shot in her car trying to drive away.

An American citizen who tried to do right, 

has now too soon entered the kingdom of light.

Godspeed to you, dear brave Renee, 

may Eternity allow us to meet one day.

V.L.

Rest in peace, Renee Nicole Good