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!

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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?