Storyteller's Journey

 

The Scandinavian Santa
by Victoria Lindstrom

These are a few of the illustrations from the "dummy book" of my picture book/storybook. My husband - Michael Lindstrom - created the paintings. I thought that this was a great time to give you an update.

Since the word count is too high for today's publishing market, I know that this story is more of a personal project. However, I have received encouragement from both a literary agent and a publishing editor.

Currently, I am hoping to hear from another editor who was willing to receive unsolicited manuscripts from attendees of his workshop at the SCBWI Conference in Los Angeles, California, last summer.

The word count for this Christmas story is approximately 3,000 words. (Similar to The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams.) Many writer friends have encouraged me to shorten this story. However, the current version has particular significance for me; this tale was inspired by my great-grandfather who immigrated to the U.S. from Norway. The paintings illustrate the story in its present format. Knowing the recommended word count for picture books, I really consider this work to be a storybook. Today, unfortunately, they are rarely published. (At least not by debut authors!) My husband and I created this book in the sixteen page PB format hoping that maybe we could find our project a home. However, unless we receive a request for the full manuscript from the editor I mentioned, we are planning to self-publish this book in time for the holidays next year. Here is the  synopsis (in flap copy-style) of our storybook:

                                The Scandinavian Santa
   Written by Victoria Lindstrom ~ Paintings by Michael Lindstrom

          Journey to the enchanted land of Scandinavia, where nestled in the Nordic Forest lives Santa Swanson. Each winter, this nephew of St. Nicholas has his own Christmas Eve delivery to make, but what that is and to whom has long been hidden. With the help of two mischievous flying polar bears, Olaf and Sven; a rescued golden eagle, Lars; and a host of other whimsical creatures; Santa Swanson prepares for his annual sleigh ride down Viking Valley! Delight in this yuletide adventure complete with a fanciful ice skating party, a rustic holiday feast, and an unexpected reunion with Santa Swanson's famous uncle. In the midst of all this wonder, the forest friends learn a heartwarming secret from a Christmas angel revealing the magic of generosity.
Copyright - 2012 by Victoria Lindstrom ~ Copyright - 2012 by Michael Lindstrom

Wish me luck with publication of this project - whether it's traditionally published, or self-published!

I will be taking a bit of a blog break to catch up on my writing - and to enjoy the Christmas holiday with my family while our sons are in town.

I hope you and your family have a blessed and happy holiday season!