Book Release

It's Book Release Day!

When I first envisioned my time-travel middle grade series about a young protagonist named Livvi Biddle, it was back in 2012! Now, the third book in the series is finally being released! It's taken two extensive trips to Europe, a ton of online research, the reading of numerous books, and the collaboration of a number of talented and creative partners. 
(Not the least of which was my fine artist husband, Michael Lindstrom.)

Click here, if you're interested in purchasing my latest novel.

As always, thanks for your continued support!

Storyteller's Journey

It's Summertime!

After a busy spring, it feels like summer crept up on me. That being said, after Independence Day, I'll begin drafting book four in The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle. Consequently, I'll be taking my usual summer break from blogging; I'll be back in September just in time to announce the release of A Vigil in Venice - Book 3.

Stay tuned for news on the release of A Vigil in Venice!

I recently returned from my Scandinavian Adventure, where among other things, I did a bit of research for my next book. I've included a few photos in my recent newsletter. 

Click here to read the quarterly newsletter to learn about the trip and other author news.

Wishing each of you a fantastic summer season!

For all the fathers and father figures out there: Happy Father's Day!

Storyteller's Journey

Public Domain Photo

Most of my blog posts for Storyteller's Journey include the daily routine of my life as a writer. But nearly every year, I go on an actual trip. I'll be stepping away from my blog while my husband and I visit Scandinavia.

After a brief stay in Denmark, we'll travel to Sweden. We'll visit friends in Eslov, I'll do some research at Varnhem Abbey in Skara, we'll travel to Stockholm, and later, we'll visit the Lindstrom Family ancestral home near Mora. This is also where the Anders Zorn Museum is located, which we're anxious to visit.

After leaving Sweden, we'll travel to Oslo, Norway, and take the Norway in a Nutshell Tour to Bergen. One set of my maternal great-grandparents emigrated from that area. (I also had a set of French great-grandparents, and two sets of British great-grandparents.)

I'll be sure to post about the trip and how it ties in to Book Four of 
The Time Travel Tales of LIVVI BIDDLE!

By the way, I'm all set with some reading material for our trip!

Storyteller's Journey

If you follow this blog, even occasionally, you're aware that I'm working on a seven-book fantasy series for middle grade readers. It's called The Time Travel Tales of Livvi Biddle.

The third novel in the series is entitled, A Vigil in Venice. It will be released this autumn.

If you'd like to learn about the inspiration for the series or view the book covers and trailers for each book, check out my blog page: LIVVI BIDDLE.

If you'd like to visit my website, click here: www.victorialindstrom.com 

You can also subscribe for my quarterly newsletter on my website!

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