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!